The 1.10 session is the foundation for the older player groups so all coaches will benefit from reading it.
Your session might be a good session but the question isdoes the sessions/exercises meet the TST model?
Running a good session is obviously ok, but i also really need it to look like a TST session.
A 'foundation TST session should look like this:
PDF file : Here is the Model Session for young TST players (U8 and younger) :LINK:
[The 2v2s are 20 minutes at the end,so the first 5 parts of the sessions need to be squeezed into the first part.]
Make it 'Game' based [ fun and competitive ].
It needs to be all game (competitive) based - otherwise kids will loose interest.
The Model session : has 6 parts to it:
- Agility : Can you get players to use their body in a way they may not have used it before?
- Ball Moving
- Ball moving plus Pass
- Ball moving plus pass plus movement to space to receive
- 2v1 [Middle 20 min] : Coaching Mantra : Footwork to find the space to hit the pass ; Movement into space so you can see the ball and receive the pass.
- 2v2 [Last 20 min] : Coaching Mantra : Footwork to find the space to hit the pass : Movement into space so you can see the ball and receive the pass.
3v3s are not allowed at this level
And in this, use the following development process when applicable:
Introduce it : Practice it : Improve it : Race it : Move on
Spaces between cones etc
When developing session plans offer big spaces rather than small,
[offer lots of opportunities for success (rather than failure)].
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Model Session for young TST players (U9 and younger)
You might be a good coach and do a good generic session
but if they don't match the TST model then the session wont be good enough.
Sessions have to look like TST.
TST young player (U8 and younger) session Checklist
(This is a checklist that you can use to plan and assess your session)
The most basic TST sessions (with the youngest players) need to be game based and fun based.
- If it isn't fun and isn't a 'game' players at this age will disengage with the session and eventually with TST.
- Game means competition. A chance to win (a point, a race..etc)
- Every exercise is about players building a relationship with the ball and a love for the sport.
- Coach the child - not the sport
- Do not do dry ' practice' type exercises in which the sole purpose is development.
- Older players can do these but not younger.
With this said:
- Players should have a ball at their feet (or if not, be only 1 pass away from getting the ball at their feet) for pretty much the whole sessions.
- All games* must meet this objective.
- This why it has to be 2v2 at the end..never more.
- (*games = some element of competition)
Technique
- Technique must be factored into the games* (not done separately)
- Almost hidden within the games. The technique is necessary to win the game
What is technique in this session?
- Can players control the ball with an open foot (adopt a T-shape foot position)
- Can players control the ball away from pressure and towards space
- 2v1 are much better than 1v1s at this age (in fact avoid pure 1v1s in the traditional sense - let the 1v1s occur in the 2v1s or 2v2s etc)
- Sow the seeds of intelligence and team work even at a young age (a 1v1 mindset is not a healthy thing to develop).
- Can players move the ball around their feet using simple patterns
- inside step Inside / outside step outside / inside step Outside [Right Only and Left Only] / Inside switch Outside / Inside switch Inside / Drag into a T-shape / Turns
- Can players pass with an open foot (and accurately) [ T-shape].
- Can players move to space to open up a passing line
- Can players defend and win the ball back in a 2v2
And can all the above be incorporated into a game?
Add Value
- TST needs to add value over and above what they get elsewhere.
- We have to coach much better than 'the dad coach' that coaches them at their club, and make sure they get far more out of TST than they do at their club.
- This means more:
- Touches
- Involvement
- Tech exposure
- Feedback and attention
- Fun
- If we add no value what is the point coming to TST
What we should never see at TST
- Queues look bad - even if the game is fun
- Queues create boredom. Boredom leads to mucking about and a loss of focus.
- If kids are mucking about how much of it is the kid and how much is it the coaches fault?
- Work out how to play the same game without the queues
- Players not involved for long periods [1 player can be out waiting for their turn but not 2]
- Players waiting too long for a turn in the game
- Players sitting down
- Players can't develop unless they
- have a ball at their feet, or
- have to solve a foot ball problem (finding a good space)
- are about to receive a ball, and
- involved in a challenge or game.
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Here is the Model Session (again) for young TST players (U8 and younger) :Just in case you missed it.
TST Young players model session
Until you know the model session format inside out and have exhausted all ways to tweak it, then run this plan in the 1.10pm session at Camberwell.
Get back to me with any questions and issues.
In regards to new coaches, i need 2 things from you :
- The session needs to look like a TST session.
- You must coach with a enthusiasm, high energy and passion.
I have hired you because i believe you are able to coach to the necessary level. Unfortunately however, i cant afford to be patient. If parents are not happy they will leave and it will take forever to get the numbers back up. In fact the numbers may never get back up.
An experienced coach should be able to coach with enthusiasm, high energy and passion as well as make sure players are always engaged and busy. This will be apparent from the very first session.
The only challenge for a good coach should then be making the session look like a TST session.
TST Session : Coaching Guidelines