Training Methodology

TRAINING TIMES AT ALLARD PARK – ALL TEAMS

Tuesday and Friday: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

1. Warm-up

This consists of two parts:

1. General warm-up involving running and ‘loosening up’ exercises.

2. Specific warm-up to include dynamic stretching and flexibility exercises.

Skill exercises should also be included – for example handball, marking and short kicking.

There are no time limits to the average length of the warm-up. An adequate Warm-up must ensure the players’ muscles are prepared for action and the players themselves are ‘tuned in’ ready to perform to their optimum.

Generally 10–15 minutes is adequate for this activity.

2. Skills Section

Following the warm-up the coach usually instructs the players on the individual skills or team strategies to be practised during the session.

Skill practice should occupy 40–50 minutes of the session.

It has two general components:

I) revision of previously acquired skills or strategies and;

ii) Introduction of a new skill or strategy.

Drills will be performed involving single players or groups of players working together.

Specific skills eg. kicking, marking, handball, shepherding, tackling may be emphasised.

Training drills that emphasise team plays are also practised. These can include kick off practice, specialised ruck work or forward plays.

Drills must be realistic and complement the game situation.

Functional training is the key to success on match-day. A ‘game-centered’ component in the training session allows the players to practice decision making and aids in the development of strategically thinking players. Conditioning or fitness work may follow the skill activities.

Coach may conclude training with 10-15 minutes of fitness work.

3. Warm-Down

After a strenuous training session, players should be given a cool down period of 5-10 minutes to allow the body to gradually return to it’s resting state.

A slow jog followed by mild stretching exercises can be used.

4. Post-Training Evaluation

The training session should be evaluated immediately after it has concluded. The coach and his assistants should readily assess the effectiveness of the session and the performance of individual players.

The information gained will be valuable in planning future training activities and in the selection of the team for the forthcoming match.