Drill-phobia? Why Sam Colmer doesn't use the word 'drill'.
Gloucester Foundation Phase coach, Sam Colmer explains how he develops skills in players. Including how to build understanding on the journey to building skill.
The perception of the word ‘drill’ can depend on the players’ mindset and age, and a coach’s philosophy.
For me, the word ‘drill’ conjures up negative energy. It is a place where you complete a task without room for creativity and imagination; lots of players loosing focus and standing in long lines waiting to take turns.
In the players’ minds, I think drill means: repetition and possible no thought process and possible boredom. Although some players who have been used to this process over their journey may find the space a safe place to get the “reps” in without being challenged.
What I use instead of drills
Some players have never been exposed/experienced to any other way and feel comfortable in that drill space.
Instead of the word drill and the approach that often accompanies it. I use skill zones. In my practice, skill zones are a space to level up the challenge to have more context to the game.
I view skill zones as a more positive word. It’s a chance to step into a zone to get a chance at improving your skills.
In small skill zones, I often use peer to peer learning. I give players opportunities to lead the skill zone and pass on their understanding.
I also use “hot skills zones”, this is a space alongside a small sided game where players drop into it practice a technique. Players can choose to go into the hot skill zone or you can pull a couple of players out at a time.
I use lots of question to gather understand of the players knowledge and experiences. Including: “show me”, “tell me”, “can I make a suggestion”, “if you found yourself in this situation..what would you do”
Building understanding to build the skill
When developing players, I break down the skill into key factors. I aim to build up confidence within each factor and then join the piece’s together.
I like to increase players’ personal knowledge/ understanding by asking questions before and watching their actions in the activity. I strongly believe players should understand the “why” first.
I think it’s so important for players to understand the reason for actions: why do we use a particular skill (push pass, spin pass or a grubber kick)?
It’s important to understand the “why” as it helps players see the triggers to use the skill.
I’ve found a lot of players are told where to run, which line to take in a training game for example by the coach, without much dialogue or any questions.
I believe as a coach it’s very important for the players to understand the reason “why” to help their understanding.
Using a skill zone to develop grubber kicks
If I was coaching the grubber kick for players that hadn’t done the skill before, I would break the action down into parts: pre- action, action and post-action.
It’s important for players to understand the reason “why” first: why should they use a grubber and what is the purpose of this type of kick.
I would ask a player to show me how they would kick the ball to perform the grubber from what they have witnessed from other players. You can also send them some video examples ahead of the session as some prompts.
In these first attempts, it’s important for the player to just have a go. Watching their actions then helps me support them on key points.
Every player has their own way. Skill zones, peer to peer learning and coaching can help guide them to find a way to perform the skill successfully.
A grubber skill zone:
Level 1 - Set some cones out to form a scoring area at the end of the zone. Players can either the front of their boot or the side to hit the scoring area. All kicks are uncontested.
Level 2 - Same set up as level 1. After the kick, players then chase their own kick and try to ground the ball in the scoring zone.
Level 3 - Add in a defender to make a 1v1 evasion game. Ask the ball carrier to try and score in the scoring area using a grubber kick
Boss level - Form a 3v2 game, attackers can now grubber to enable themselves or a teammate to score a try in the scoring area.
Using skill zones to develop players catch/pass
If I was coaching the catch/pass for players, I would break the action down into parts: pre- action, action and post-action.
You can take some time with the player one-on-one (or use level 1 of the activity below). Ask the player to “show” you how they are currently passing the ball. By standing and observing their actions you can then suggest ideas to be more successful .
For example: I really like how you pass the ball, my suggestion is to try and keep your elbow higher to generate more power. Then give them a few chances to put in into action before asking them how it feels.
When observing a specific skill, give youself a few key points to look for. I like to focus on how a skill feels for a player when it goes well.
A catch/pass skill zone:
Level 1 - give 3 players a ball and ask them to pass the ball to each other. (This could be a push or spin pass depending on the focus of your session). This level is a good time to chat to the players about what feels good.
Level 2 - 3v1, players must beat one defender to score.
Level 3 - 3v2, this level starts to add more context. Depending on the level of your players you may choose to escalate through the first levels quickly.
Boss level - 3v3
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Great post, nice examples to use and a great reminder of skills zone and levels (increasing difficulty inline with ability)!