newbiecoach

I'm not sure what age your girls are but one of the warm-ups we have done is tunnel tag. A few of the girls will be "it" and when you're tagged you're frozen until a teammate goes through your legs. After the first few practices though, a lot of them started slacking and would pretend to be frozen to avoid running! I've also done relay races where they switch between running forward, back pedalling and low side-stepping. Usually on the last one I let them do whatever they want....the goofier the better One more and then I'll stop.....They line up single-file in a back corner, run to the net and jump with arms up (like blocking), take a few side steps and jump again, side steps & jump. Usually 3 jumps total, then back pedal to the opposite corner. After the last girl gets in the new line they start again. This one really gets them huffin' & puffin'! Hope these help you out....

Thanks for the ideas everyone. When I volunteered to coach I didn't realize how "consuming" it would be! I am really enjoying it, though. We did that "humility" drill yesterday, Juniper, and my girls really liked it, too. We also did it with three down and they each had to get a hit. It went pretty well, thank! Before we did that, we did relay races where each time I blew the whistle, they had to drop to their knees then get up and go again. They liked that one, too. I understand, Naescire, that they need to get more into diving and I agree with you. But it seemed that the girls were actually afraid of hitting the floor so my thinking was to get them past that. After we were done, I pointed out that nobody got hurt and they seemed relieved They were more eager to get after the ball when we got to "humility" and our scrimmage, so I'm happy! Have a great day.....

Thanks for all of the ideas you guys....I really appreciate it! Here are a few things I did at practice yesterday: First, I asked them what they thought the main problem was from our last game and they all agreed that it was the lack of teamwork and bad attitudes toward each other, so at least they are aware of it. I then tied them together around their kneepads, while they were sitting, so then they had to work together just to stand up! I told them that they are responsible for their behavior on the court and how they work together, but as their coach, I'm there to help them along....so I helped to pull them off the floor. It was so funny I had taken my camera because I knew it was going to be memorable! Then I just had them walk around a bit and they really had to focus so they could keep it together. The cord I used was a nice, shiny red to go with our uniforms so each girl got a piece to wear in her hair as a reminder. I know they will remember that for a long time Then we did kind of a "hot potato" and when each girl got the ball they had to say something that they would like to hear on the court when they do something good. The second time through, they had to say something they would like to hear when they really screw up. Of course, they wanted to hear similar, positive things, whether for good or a mess up. Basically, they need to think before they speak (as we all do!) and not be critical of each other. We all had a lot of fun and I'm pretty sure that I got my point across. They were much more positive when we were scrimmaging the other team. Hopefully, we can continue to come together. Sorry to go on so.....thanks again for the input!

Hi, me again. Another problem that I'm having with my girls is getting them to use their knee pads. I cannot figure out what the problem is. I have one girl who is all over the floor, 2 that get down there if they HAVE to, and the rest just let the ball hit the floor. I have to admit that it is getting very frustrating! I would really appreciate any suggestions....thanks

Thanks for the response, Juniper! I feel the same way as far as putting them on the bench for bad attitudes but at our last game I didn't have any extras. Half of my team are also on the same soccer team and they had a game at the same time. Anyway, I have thought of a couple of ideas that I'm going to try at our next practice on Tuesday. I hope it helps because it will be our only practice before our game on Saturday! I don't want to mention them right now in case they are flops but I will post after practice as to how they turned out. Thanks again!

Hi there, I am coaching my daughter's 6th grade team and things aren't going too well. I really need help in getting these girls to work together! Everyone's attitudes are really messing things up. Unfortunately, a number of my girls just don't like each other. And almost all of them tend to be rather critical when someone makes a mistake....one of them was actually brought to tears at our game this morning! They are improving their skills and have the potential to win but with all the negativity, they don't stand a chance. I don't know if there are drills that can help or something I can say, that I haven't said already, or what. Please, please, please help me out here. Thanks so much!