7/8YRS SEASON GUIDE
What skills should this age group be learning over the season?
Footwork
- How to catch – stationary without stepping
- Body angels – hips
- How to catch running to the ball, under pressure, under fatigue, at speed, at different heights using the 1/2 movement to catch without stepping
- Pivots – well, under pressure, under fatigue, at speed
- Change of direction – strong push off focus on
Passing
Chest pass – technique, ball speed, quick decision making
Shoulder pass – technique, ball speed, quick decision making
Space on court and attack
- Creating space – run in and clear out
Creating space – channels
- Positioning as the ball comes down court – who should stand where
Defence
Tracking
- Ball pressure
Shooting
- Technique – above head
- Rebounds
- Circle leads – in and out simple movements
Circle defence
- Tracking – staying with the shooter
- Rebounds
COMMUNITCATION WITH 7/8YRS
Training
Starting the session
- Talk about the previous game and what you are proud they did.
- Ask – does anyone think we could do anything a little better?
- OR Relate what you are going to teach that day to something on the previous game or game situations so they can link the skills to the game.
Teaching a skill
- Keep coach points, short and sweet and not complicated.
- Make a connection between the skill and the game.
For example – Coming forward and clearing is the skill you are teaching.
Ask;
- What happens if we all run forward for the ball? Answer is bunching
- Can the passer see a free person to pass to?? Answer is no
- What would happen if you run in to get a pass, count to one and don’t get the ball, then run back out to a free space? Do you think that would make it easy for the passer to see someone who is free to throw to? Answer yes.
These questions create links between skills learnt and match play.
Language for 7/8 years
- Don’t use cutesy names – call skills what they are. When you link made up names for skills this makes it difficult for players and coaches in the further years.
- Be encouraging but firm so there is no mucking around
- Celebrate the small wins
- Show them you are proud and they are doing a great job
TRAINING SESSION ENGAGEMENT
Knowing how to get this age groups attention will be important and it will be even more important to KEEP it for the entire session.
Calling for attention
- You NEED a Whistle – if you blow it, tell everyone they must freeze.
- If you are talking no one else is otherwise the group does 50 star jumps or court laps.
Training skills
Create small group activities to keep everyone moving and getting the maxim movements and ball touches.
For example: If there is a passer, an attack and defence in an activities and you have 9 players at training set up 3 groups of 3.
Create challenges
Creating challenges provides engagement for players.
For example;
- How many passes can you do in 2 min
- How many intercepts can you get in 2 min
Set goals for the players to work towards
Create activities that stretch players and push them out of their comfort zone.
For example;
- Intercepts – stretch the distance they have to move to attempt the intercept.
Final tip – The coach should NEVER pass.
If the coach is passing and has a long line of players waiting to have a turn – their is no engagement and players does not focus on the skill.
FINAL TIPS
Knowing how to get this age groups attention will be important and it will be even more important to KEEP it for the entire session.
Calling for attention
- You NEED a Whistle – if you blow it, tell everyone they must freeze.
- If you are talking no one else is otherwise the group does 50 star jumps or court laps.
Training skills
Create small group activities to keep everyone moving and getting the maxim movements and ball touches.
For example: If there is a passer, an attack and defence in an activities and you have 9 players at training set up 3 groups of 3.
Create challenges
Creating challenges provides engagement for players.
For example;
- How many passes can you do in 2 min
- How many intercepts can you get in 2 min
Set goals for the players to work towards
Create activities that stretch players and push them out of their comfort zone.
For example;
- Intercepts – stretch the distance they have to move to attempt the intercept.
Final tip – The coach should NEVER pass.
If the coach is passing and has a long line of players waiting to have a turn – their is no engagement and players does not focus on the skill.
Article written by Kat Dahl
Elevate CEO
Community netball expert
