A drill can be defined as a disciplined, repetitious exercise used as a means of teaching and perfecting a skill. You are probably thinking "what is wrong with that?" Nothing, if you are entering a skill contest or teaching first time players. But there's much more that can be done.
A drill can be defined as a disciplined, repetitious exercise used as a means of teaching and perfecting a skill. You are probably thinking "what is wrong with that?" Nothing, if you are entering a skill contest or teaching first time players. Do not take this the wrong way. Technique is taught through repetition, so there must be a segment of practice dedicated to this. The problem is that some coaches warm up the players, run drills and then play a game or scrimmage. There is something missing that is critical to player development.
The players do very well with the drills, but are unable to reproduce the skills addressed in a game situation. This is because there is an absence of game related activities. This entails creating an environment that helps the player recognize the appropriateness of a particular skill application. It is not good enough to teach players how to, you must have them engage in activities that teach where, when and why to apply the skill of choice. Players should transition from repetitious exercise to an activity that brings the skills/technique out of them.
How many times have you heard a frustrated coach say to a player or group of players during a game "we worked on that this week in practice!" This usually means that the kids worked on the skill, but were never put into a game environment that brought the skill out at the right place, at the right time. This is not as easy at it sounds. It takes experience and knowledge to implement. Take the following into consideration.
Drills address only one or two components of the game (technical and physical). Game related activities encompass all four pillars of the game (technique, tactics, psychology and physicality).
Drills do not require decision-making or game intelligence. Game related activities force players to solve problems, make decisions, face several scenarios and accomplish objectives.
Drills do not look like the game of soccer. Game related activities mimic the true game.
Drills are usually managed. Game related activities have to be coached.
It can easily be inferred that the most important phase of the practice is the game related stage. Unfortunately, this is very often overlooked, because coaches do not have a vivid interpretation of the game. This is the only way players learn how to bridge the gap between knowing a skill and applying it to the benefit of the team. It makes for a much more meaningful scrimmage at the end of practice. You can now truly assess if your youth soccer drills have had an impact on your players' soccer behavior.
How Do I Survive Coaching First Time Players As a First Time Soccer Coach?
You have registered your 6 year old son or daughter to play on a recreational team or in an academy. You have been kind enough to volunteer your time as the coach and the first day of practice is upon you. You spent hours planning a session and you feel prepared, but it is not what you thought. What do you do?
Youth Soccer Coaching Tips - Are You Coaching Soccer Tactics Too Early?
Both experienced and inexperienced youth soccer coaches are running players out of the game. The kids aren't having fun, aren't improving, and are getting burned out at an early age. Learn what you should be coaching players, and when.
Soccer Practice Drills - Should You Be Using Neutral Players in Your Drills?
Some coaches frown upon the idea of using neutral players in practice sessions. Personally I believe that this is a ridiculous thought. Neutral players can be a highly effective way to add more punch to your practice sessions. In this article I will show you how.
