Understanding the TST session model with very young players (U8s and younger)

 PDF file : Here is the Model Session for young TST players (U8 and younger) :LINK:

TST Young players model session

 

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 is does 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. [See link above]
 

In a nut shell: A 'foundation TST session should look like this: The 2v2s are 20 minutes at the end, so the first 5 parts need to be squeezed into the first part.

 

It needs to be all game based - otherwise kids are not interested.

Introduce it : Practice it : Improve it : Race it : Move on

  1. Agility : Can you get players to use their body in a way they may not have used it before?
  2. Ball Moving
  3. Ball moving plus Pass
  4. Ball moving plus pass plus movement to space to receive
  5. 2v1 : Coaching Mantra : Footwork to find the space to hit the pass
  6. 2v2 : Coaching Mantra : Footwork to find the space to hit the pass [last 20 min]

3v3s are not allowed at this level

And in this use the following exercise process :

Introduce it : Practice it : Improve it : Race it : Move on

Spaces

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)

:link to the PDF file:

TST Young players model session

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.
 

 

Checklist

 

TST young player (U8 and younger) session Checklist
 
(This is almost a checklist that you can use to plan and assess your session)
1.10 Camberwell / 5.30 Frankston
 
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. (* in the sense that there is some element of competition)
    • This why it has to be 2v2 at the end..never more.
 
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
    • Right /left / inside / outside / bottom
  • Can players pass with an open foot (and accurately)
  • Can players move to space to open up a passing line
  • Can players defend and win the ball back in a 2v2
I am also thinking about 5 minutes of agility work at the start of each session....thoughts?
 
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.
      • 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
  • 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
      • are about to receive a ball, and
      • involved in a challenge or game.

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PDF file : Here is the Model Session for young TST players (U8 and younger) :LINK:

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.
    • (See the model session pdf).
  • 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.
 
As an experienced should be able to coach with enthusiasm, high energy and passion as well as make sure players are always engaged and busy. THis should be apparent from the very first session.
 
The only challenge should then be making the session look like a TST session.