Interesting to hear the opinions on not splitting up the players.
Was chatting with the other mentors last night and it looks like we will have up to 28 players. Of these, there are a number who have been playing since they were 5 or 6 - these guys would have a good grasp of the skills etc. We have a number for whom it might be their second or third year and then we have some for whom this is the first year that they have played Gaelic football. With the last grouping, you are effectively starting from the very basics.
My concern with not mixing would be that the stronger ones will become bored and the weaker ones won't receive as much hands-on coaching as they require.
What we were considering doing was..
Split into 3 groups of 8 roughly based on ability in order to allow us target the drills better. This may only be for an initial period until the new players have a grasp on the basic skills of the game (pick-up, bounce, catch, kick etc).
Have 2 small sided games at the end (7v7). The initial thoughts were that it would be better to again split the players by ability (purely down to the large gap in levels) but some of the ideas above (certain player must touch ball twice before scoring) would certainly make for more inclusive games.
Would be interested to hear any other opinions on this..
1142504 Interesting to hear the opinions on not splitting up the players.
Was chatting with the other mentors last night and it looks like we will have up to 28 players. Of these, there are a number who have been playing since they were 5 or 6 - these guys would have a good grasp of the skills etc. We have a number for whom it might be their second or third year and then we have some for whom this is the first year that they have played Gaelic football. With the last grouping, you are effectively starting from the very basics.
My concern with not mixing would be that the stronger ones will become bored and the weaker ones won't receive as much hands-on coaching as they require.
What we were considering doing was..
Split into 3 groups of 8 roughly based on ability in order to allow us target the drills better. This may only be for an initial period until the new players have a grasp on the basic skills of the game (pick-up, bounce, catch, kick etc).
Have 2 small sided games at the end (7v7). The initial thoughts were that it would be better to again split the players by ability (purely down to the large gap in levels) but some of the ideas above (certain player must touch ball twice before scoring) would certainly make for more inclusive games.
Would be interested to hear any other opinions on this..
To give some perspective from someone who has helped coach at that level in another sport, rugby in my case. At no level do we split up players at an age group in terms of skill ability. Training drills will be adapted for the players who are doing better at the drill at the time, like if its a passing drill the stronger players have to pass only using their weak side while the players who arent doing as well will work on their stornger side. The same with tackling. In game scanarios making sure everyone touches the ball works great as everyone is involved more
http://www.arfli.com/index.php?p=downloads The link is to the Aussie rules site in ireland but alot of these transfer to gaelic football and some to hurling. On a more general note keep the drills short, keep the kids moving and have it set up before they arrive.
you should try 4 groups of 7 , give them different coloured jerseysbased on ability maybe red, blue, green and yellow team. that way in drills you can see how they are getting on in their group if some are struggling in their group change jersey to a lower colour or other who improve move up a colour. for new kids its important that they play against other kids with similar ability to keep interest and help confidence, at the end of the day its about enjoyment, at the start maybe have matches with two lower colours against each other. you would need at least 4 coaches to do it ,after a while you will get a good idea of their ability and what to work on. thats what i found best of luck.
I believe you are right, with 28 kids not all are of the same ability, if you can break them out along the lines you outline you'll get the most out of them. Mixed ability drills and games are a disaster in my experience.