What ingredients make a quality training session? The answer is probably numerous things but Planning is the focus of my latest blog and surely this is an essential cog in the wheel.
I am the note pad and pencil type of coach and like to get my initial ideas down on paper then put them into practice. Clearly there is a need to have direction and a clear picture in your mind before you deliver a session (well I need one) to ensure the best possible outcomes and that those you coach get the quality, challenging, fun and purposeful environment in which they will thrive.
An example of how I have planned for my next training session with a client tomorrow can be seen below:
Session Plan 14.3.20
Focusing on:
1. Playing on the gain line
2. Kicking accuracy
1. Playing on the gain line
Rational
I have a client that is an extremely talented all-round footballer. He plays 10 and has great passing distribution, good kicking game, strong running game, and overall awareness. Too often, though, he simply shifts the ball straight away to give those outside him an opportunity to attack. This is very unselfish and quite possibly part of the game plan but at some point, he needs to think about his decision making and using his array of skills to actually benefit his players more.
Target
By fixing opposition, make half breaks, noticing space in behind will allow his outside backs to enjoy real opportunities and get in behind opposition defenses. At 10 he needs to have the confidence to be the leader, take the game by the scruff of its neck, call the shots but ultimately lead by example with playing heads up rugby and playing with instinct.
Drill
So, to get him running forward and playing on the gain line, we are going to look at the gate drill. A diagram of my idea and plan can be seen at the end. The idea is quite simple and based around using what we have, in this case just rugby posts, balls, and cones. He will start with a ball throw it up to himself to simulate receiving a pass (game-related) then run forward using the first post as a teammate to pass to, then receive a pass from me and run on and get in front of next post before passing testing accuracy. This simulating quick 2nd phase ball and again running FORWARD not laterally or just passing the ball on so getting into good habits.
Video of the drill to follow…
2. Kicking Accuracy
Rationale
My client has a booming boot and again has a good awareness of space but sometimes he can become a little flustered when under pressure which again is very common. So, we want to get him identifying the space as quickly as possible to then be in a position to choose the right kick and execute it effectively. Similar to playing on the gain line we have to have the confidence to kick when that is the right option. Not worried about making mistakes and weighing up the risk/reward scenario.
Target
A few key targets when kicking - hit the grass, gain advantage and ultimately win the ball back. To have a higher chance of this, kick selection and space awareness is the key. Playing with your head up and making decisive decisions will enable greater success through kicking and all other options when in possession. By identifying the space, the next key aspect is ensuring a good chase so communication with outside players is crucial.
Drill
Set up a kicking area in which the player has to kick from which represents some sort of pressure and limits time in which they have to kick similar to that in a game. Then have 3 different coned areas:
1. Triangle – Grubber
2. Circle – Punt (torpedo gets double points / we have been working on technique)
3. Square – Up and Under
4. Chip and Chase (got to catch the ball to get a point)
Coach throws in a pass which would be like that from a scrum-half.
Video of the drill to follow...
Do not be overreliant on your plan
I believe planning is key to successful deliveries and good sessions. That being said if the plan is NOT going well for whatever reason you should stick with it. Adapt, be flexible and do best by those who you are coaching to ensure they get the desired outcomes out of the session. Sometimes we focus too much on the plan and can feel uncomfortable if it is not going how you expected.
So although a plan is important and for many a useful tool, do not let it limit or prevent you from going off-script where necessary. Also, sometimes, we can over plan and put down so much detail - try and be specific. Focus on a couple of key principals and then devise a plan according to how you are going to achieve the learning outcomes.
My key principals in my plan are to go forward and kick to space. If we try to achieve too much or give the players too much content it can be detrimental to their focus, ability to absorb the appropriate information and essentially achieve the desired outcomes.
The last key element of the planning process dependent on the age range you coach is to ensure the players have some input. After all, it is important they have input and they are the ones that it is based around. We want to be player-centered and in order to create the best coaching environment - players can add so much to this.
Leadership groups within your team could also have this as part of their role in the team. If they have the confidence and trust in training this will help tenfold on the pitch. Remember we plan to hopefully improve training, intensity and fundamentally get greater success on the rugby field.
So in Summary
-Have a clear + concise plan.
-Have a few targets - always link to the principals of play so it is game related and relevant.
-Adapt the session if need be/ don't carry out the plan if it is not working.
-Allow players to have input and involve them in planning depending on age group etc.
How do you plan as a coach? What ideas do you have? Please let me know, it would be great to chat about the planning stage.
James Kaminski
留言