Repetition is the Key to Success        

Coach Dave Rice with responses from Koach Karl Dewazien

 DR -- Our practice today was very similar to 9/5. 

KD – Loving reading this because we are working on establish ‘the Routine!’

 DR -- Went thru all the steps, again with minimal chaos to the point that I was able to have a cooperative 1+1 session. 

KD – We are finding out that, ‘Repetition is the key to their Learning!’

DR -- My theme was - dribbling and footwork. I simply asked them if they had a fancy move to use and asked them to use it in the one against one games and the short-side and regular scrimmages. 

KD – Excellent! Building on their strengths.

DR -- The got an extra point for beating someone with a fancy move. 

KD – Excellent! Making a rule that enforces their working on the theme.

DR -- Of course, if they didn’t have a fancy move, that was fine. I showed some of the more inexperienced kids something they could do that would be a “fancy move”. They liked it and moved on. 

KD – I like your attitude and approach because this is your job. Observe and help those who need help. I also like the fact that you did not pick on these players and have them perform in front of their peers. Taking them aside and giving them special treatment an awesome approach. Be sure that their ‘homework’ assignment is to practice on this new ‘’fancy move.’ And make sure to have them show you, next practice, their advancement on this ‘new fancy move.’ 

DR -- This time, we had much more time for the 1 v 1 games (also, for these more advanced, I encouraged them to follow the defensive “pattern” if they were going to receive the serve - this too worked pretty well).

KD – Very similar will result in much quicker

DR -- Short-sided games went well, they set up the fields fairly fast. I had them play 2v2 and 3v3 with keepers on short, wide field so the keepers could get a lot of practice before the game. They all seemed to like being able to take a lot of shots.

KD – Yes they do enjoy this.

DR -- The memory not being what it once was, I simply forgot the shadow training (and reviewing the position responsibilities) - once I realized this, I skipped the discussion part and had each team (they were set up in positions and ready to go for a full scrimmage) take a minute and separately follow me around. Not as effective as the prior practice, but not a waste of time either.

KD – If even one learned a little more about positioning because of this approach then you have done your job. 

You can not waste their time unless you are having them Run Laps, Lecturing to them or have them Standing in Line – and those are proven Facts .