Key things to accomplish in week 1
Make sure everyone gets to know each others names and feel comfortable with one another - always good to start by introducing themselves at beginning of practice… also great to have a cool down stretching circle at end of practice.
Establish the dynamic warm-up, stick skills cones and elimination skills shuttles as the official start of every practice
Introduce flat and through passing patterns with players calling the appropriate pass clearly
Identify the players who have understanding/instinct and ability to intercept a crossing pass. This can be accomplished in a simple 2 v 1 (rotate the 1 defender out every four attempts)
Identify players who understand and can demonstrate approaching a ball carrier (closing space)… channeling (proper defensive positioning and footwork)… attempting steal (clearing ball if they get the steal… Recovering behind their partner if they “get beat” a.k.a they do not come up with the steal) This can be accomplished with a simple 3 v 2 (with the two defenders playing up and back AND communicating clearly… calling “ball” when they are taking over management of the ball carrier)
Identify players who may have an interest in trying GK
If you accomplish the above things, you should be able to rank your players from most skilled to least skilled by the end of the week. You should also have a good idea of who are your backs and mids.
You can also hand out an overview of FH rules on Tues or Weds (I have this on file) and FH officials’ hand signals (I have this on file as well) It might be a good idea to touch on 3-5 basic rules per practice (day 1 could be as simple as: ball cannot touch your body or foot… use only flat side of stick… no dangerous sticking… no bodily contact)
I think Thursday is a good day to diagram the field and show our 4-3-3-1 formation. Maybe use the Linda Adams shower curtain field with bottle caps (if you have one)? I think I may have a supporting handout for this as well.
SAMPLE PRACTICE PLAN FOR DAY 1 - Adapt as you see fit, but keep it simple!
BLOCK 1: Talking/handouts
3-3:30
Have everyone introduce themselves
Hand out goggle waivers (Trish will bring these)
Confirm which players are in the EIMS musical (RED cast / BLUE cast / Other)
Go over how shuttle bus and late bus works when practices move to EHS… where/when players change for practice… where and when parents pickup
Go over dressing for weather… wear layers, have gloves, hat, sweatshirt and sweatpants… rain jacket too (we practice outdoors in all weather except torrential rain and lightning)
Go over importance of having a full water bottle at every practice and game
Go over the importance of eating a healthy snack after school — before practice
Remind players of “meet the coaches night” at EIMS this Thursday 3/26… each player should bring at least one parent
Quick review of components of a GK kit
BLOCK 2: Active Practice
3:30-3:45
2 Laps & Dynamic Warmup (coaches lead and explain exercises)
3:45-4:15
Review stick basics… grip, ready position, left elbow out… how to flip stick over ball (and why this skill is so important)
Introduce 10-cone stick skills series (fake it til you make it)
Introduce elimination skills cones (fake it til you make it)
4:15-4:45
Introduce push pass and proper receive techniques
Stationary passing
Passing on the move with shot on goal (emphasize passing to space ahead of teammate… emphasize “getting feet around” when playing on left side)
Add one defender to try and intercept pass (rotate defenders every 4x)
During this 1/2 hour — any player who expresses interest in playing GK can rotate out of above drills to do a quick skills assessment with Chelsea out in hallway
BLOCK 3: Cool Down
4:45-5
Cool down stretch / closing comments / equipment cleanup
Make sure players know where practice will be on Tuesday
Remind them about goggle waivers
Make sure players who need the late bus get out to curb on time (may be good to have a coach with them)
Parents have been told to plan pickup for 5:15-5:30
