Using small scale grids for all age groups is a great way to develop players decision making, especially under pressure. Getting players to be able to make the correct decision under pressure will help them be able to do the same thing in a game.
We strongly suggest to implement some sort of hand-balling or kicking grid into almost all your training sessions. Even for young players, you can regress the grids to make them more successful. Additionally, if you have extra helpers and coaches you can use them in the activities to make them work a little better.
Different types.
There are many types of grids with many variations you can use to work on different parts of the game. Lets start with the size of the area. If you want to work on handballing, use grids sizes from 5×5 up to 10×20 meters. Kicking grids can also vary, obviously depending on what you need to work on. Grids can have defenders too. You can make it where there is less defenders than attackers, and visa versa. Make sure you have a clear focus on the desired output of your grid and modify the rules and size to match.
There are many types of grids with many variations you can use to work on different parts of the game. Lets start with the size of the area. If you want to work on handballing, use grids sizes from 5×5 up to 10×20 meters. Kicking grids can also vary, obviously depending on what you need to work on. Grids can have defenders too. You can make it where there is less defenders than attackers, and visa versa. Make sure you have a clear focus on the desired output of your grid and modify the rules and size to match.
What do you learn from grids?
Grids are a way to teach your players the fundamental tactics and movement patterns of the game. You can use groups to reinforce technical skills, but ultimately you are working on the following aspects
Grids are a way to teach your players the fundamental tactics and movement patterns of the game. You can use groups to reinforce technical skills, but ultimately you are working on the following aspects
– Passing on a 45
– Blocking for team mates
– Constant movement
– Creating space
– Quick hands or kicks under pressure
– Leading to the correct areas
– Decision making
– Defending
– Tackling
One of the most important skills to pass on to your players is where to move to within the grid. This will be something to look out for throughout your use of the grids.
Tackers coaches and coaches of young teams please try and incorporate small handball grids into your training as we have seen over the years, players as young as 7 really benefiting from these activities.
Coaches of older teams, remember grids are used by AFL clubs, so make sure you try and incorporate them into your training schedule.
