We are reviewing the inside and outside touch (Snake) along with introducing the new dribbling skills Inside-Outside Cut and Lunge. We will also use these moves to set up a side shot. Since we have the walls in our indoor training environment, we will take the opportunity to combine the dribbling skills with an introduction to proper shooting technique. The walls will provide for repetitive demonstrations and practices.
Let me quickly add that there is not a lot of creativity in
the practice sessions over the next three weeks. Most of the games and
activities may be quite familiar to you already. This is not to say we
will not provide the players with a variety of activities. In addition,
familiarity with the activities over the next few weeks should not imply
contempt. The activities are well know and they are successful. After all,
if it isn't broken, why fix it? These are all proven
activities.
Each of the above moves can be used to set up the shot, that, in turn, can be used as preparation for shooting the ball against the wall or set of targets. Allow the players to practice their moves in free space near a wall. They should use the wall as a shooting surface where they will receive their shot off the ball and quickly touch to another position along one of the other walls to repeat the practice move and shot.
Watch your players at this age. Some groups may be able to handle the technical sessions a little better than others. Once you feel they have had their fill, introduce them to Slam.
Slam is a game that is usually played with a backboard or shooting board. We will use the walls of the indoor environment as our backboards. Slam may be played with two or more players. We will use this as a two person game at first and then extend it to a group activity if time permits.
Set up goals along portions of the wall that are about one or two yards apart. Each player takes a turn shooting the ball against the wall at the goal. As the ball rebounds off the ball, the next player shoots and attempts to get a goal. You may, at first allow the players to have two touches to set up and shoot the ball. As they get better, you may reduce this to one touch only. Another restriction on the one touch rule is that the ball must be shot before is stops moving.
If at any time, a player is not able to shoot the ball within the required maximum number of touches or if they miss the goal, they are eliminated. A new game is then started.
In order to introduce them to the group version of Slam,
don't be afraid to participate with the players as a third person.
Clear the House Group Activity
Organize two teams within the a field divided into thirds. Place one team in one end and the other team in the other end. The middle third is a neutral zone where anybody is allowed to play. Each player has a ball.
Upon the coach's signal, the teams attempt to clear all the balls from their end of the field and into the opponents end. The first team to do so is the winner. Since we are playing in the enclosed indoor area, this game is much faster and easier than the outdoor version.
The neutral zone for older players is used as an off limits area to keep players from getting to close to a potential shooter and getting hit in an inappropriate area when they are not looking. With the younger players, this is not as much of a danger and some players like to use the neutral area to block shots back into the opponent's end. We will allow players from both teams to go into the neutral area. However, you must observe your players and determine whether this is appropriate.
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Here we want the players to attempt to get their heads up
while dribbling and look for the goal which is most easiest to score. With
the older players, they will usually spread themselves out and pass across the
field in order to change the point of attack. However, with U8 players
this typically will not happen. Since passing is not usually their first
decision, the usually will first choose to dribble to the open goal and this is
exactly what we want them to do with their newly acquired skills.
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Warn Down: Homework Dribbling
Review the Inside-Outside cut and the Lung with the ball
and encourage them to practice this at home.