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Inglis

By Matt O'Hanlon ARL Level 3 Coach

In my last article titled 'Coaching the Mini-Mod Team' I finished by presenting an outline of the development of exposure to the demands of the team game.

Continued from Wednesday

Tackling

Obviously this program will be heavily oriented to basic skills, token opposition, and conditioned games but there is still a requirement to develop a knowledge of the game and this can only be
acquired during your training sessions.

So what basic skills are essential for the mini player. I concentrate on the following:

. Tackling
. Passing
. Catching
. Falling

Falling may cause some debate but it is the fear of falling that causes kids to just throw the ball.

While many may be adept at falling without a football, falling with the football under the arm is a skill we cannot assume is inherent.

Therefore when teaching these skills it is necessary that the
children are falling correctly.

Here are some progressions for the mini player that follow the
above outline in the key areas of tackling, passing and catching.

b) Tackling
AIM - To build confidence and develop technique.

Tackling is a skill which requires most work because of the variety of skills of your players.

Some will be effective tacklers whilst others will have no idea at all.

As coach, focus on the key components of each of the tackles you are using - front on, side on and behind and then give the players plenty of practice so that confidence can grow.

This is the basic skill, don't be afraid to use the tackling bag or sand pit to emphasise technique.

In the game situation often your best player will do most of the tackling, and this situation is not a good one.

In training aim for every player to do 15 to 20 good tackles.

Here is a game for mini's that allows for each player to
perform tackles for you to monitor.

Spider Tackle Game

Mark out a grid suitable for the number of players you have and allowing a fair amount of running space.

Nominate two spiders and their job is to tackle everyone else.

When tackled, players move out and form a web on the ground by touching hands, head, feet etc.

Spiders can then move through to choose prey and when all have been
caught, these prey become the new spiders.

If you have enough footballs make prey carry them.

A simple game adapted for mini football but a confidence booster that builds fun into your program.

As coach you can concentrate on kids with lesser ability and coach their technique by giving instruction and demonstration.

By modifying the rules to spider tackle you can use it in either the controlled or competitive opposition more.

Finally when you are satisfied, use a game like ruck play (see last article Sept '98) as a conditioned game, and hopefully you will see results in the game the next time they play.

Remember if you don't tackle properly at training you don't tackle properly on game day.

Continued on Friday

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