What we discuss
Pitch sizes and rules;
How to umpire this age group;
What to do to motivate them;
Coaching do’s and don’t’s ;
Training methods.
Rules
Team has 7-8 players, divided at 2 matches at same time;
Pitch size is 1/8 of a normal pitch;
Club can play 8 matches at one pitch at same time;
Game is 3 : 3 with 4 goals officially;
No high stick or high balls
Teeth protection obligated;
Be flexible with foot/wrong side stick;
No goal through the inside cone.
Rules II
After 3-0 at first half the best party get extra rules to score (handicap);
3x combinations before scoring or;
Goals other party reduced or;
Stricter umpiring best party like foot or wrong stick;
2 x 15 minutes;
EXPLAIN both teams.
We don’t speak about tactics but agreements;
When we have the ball others needs to run in free zone, we cooperate to score;
Ball possession according to the position on the pitch;
Every player has his own assignment: his place on the pitch.
Agreements no tactics
3: 3 we play 1 forward and 2 defenders;
Defenders don’t stand in front the goal;
In case of 4 : 4 (agreed with the other team) 2 forwards and 2 defenders;
No goal keepers;
Free hits/ ball out moments for compliments and to give the agreements again;
Free ball not by forward unless 5 meter area;
Left side by left defender, right side by right defender;
Distance free hit 4 meters;
Let them change at positions, no fixed position.
Tasks for the coach
Home match? Preparing the pitch;
Welcome to opponents and agreements about the match, ask for special rules;
Making teams, who is playing which position?
ALWAYS positive coaching and decent behaviour, label mistakes like: if you do that next time the opponent can’t do this anymore.
Do coaching like this.
Coaching from outside the pitch but no problem to step into the pitch once in a while;
Avoid all kids at one place like a clot say: don’t attack your own party;
Simple instructions, look around you or see who is free;
Fruit parts during the break;
SHORT evaluation of the first half, positive encouragements and mention second half teams;
Shaking hands after the match;
Team together and give compliments;
Cleaning the pitch, offer drink to other coach(es), all kids get drink.
Training Hockey is a very technical sport every age group has his own
technical schedule what to train and what not to train;
Make a year plan what to train at this age group;
U7 and U8 must have many games/child games to keep the attention, at least 50% of the time;
For trainers to remember
Keep the instructions simple, never become angry and always smile;
Kids are here to enjoy and play with their friends;
Short exercises and 1-2 technics maximum and small distance;
Divide the kids energy over the whole training hour;
Make sure they move the whole time and not too many breaks (1-2 drink break is better).
Key issues for clubs and trainers
Have a good training plan for all youth target groups available;
Don’t let every trainer just do his own training;
Give structure by fixed training plan and year plan;
Periodize during the season, what are the accents?
Make sure trainers get regular courses to expand their knowlegde.