Why I Don't Use The Word Drill
Controversial? Unsure. Let me explain why.
Coaching is a practice. It’s not a process that feels removed from the coach, or something singular that someone does, like hammering a lone nail.
Tools are used in coaching, but they’re one aspect of it. Knowing what tools to use and when is important.
Like a carpenter or sculptor knows which tool to use and why. For coaches it’s the same, we explore what type of activity works best or what to say to a player to help them.
The language we use matters. The words you use are a part of your coaching practice.
Let me be clear. There is no word heirarchy. This is what I prefer to use within my practice and how it informs and enhances my way of doing. Different coaches may use different words, and it can benefit them within their practice.
I prefer the term ‘skill games’ to drill. To me, the term feels more natural. Using it has also influenced the activities I run and benefitted my coaching.
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For me, using the term ‘skill game’ reminds me to not run an activity that removes fun or too much of the sport.
So when I run a smaller activity, something that might be considered a bit static and involve disinterested players queuing at a cone, I consider how I can apply a more games-based philosophy.
That might be adding an extra player into the activity, adding a points system or adding an element in to make it more game realistic.
For example:
Let’s take a classic 2v1 overlap activity. If you have a number of players at training, that activity either results in people stood waiting to participate or alot of 2v1s going on at the same time (which means your attention will be divided).
So let’s make it a skill game and apply some game rules. Add extra people and turn it into a 3v2. More people active, but still working on the original aims of the 2v1.
You can also add in some points. This could be giving players points based on aspects of the game you want them to work on. Add in some competition by seeing who’s got the most points at the end.
Add in more aspects to make it game realistic or work on more game skills. Have one of the defenders kick the ball to the 3 attackers to start the activity. This gets players receiving a kick to restart and then attacking.
Using the term ‘skill game’ to refer to small sided skill activities helps me to ensure they’re purposeful. It also reminds me of my aims and approaches to coaching.
It might not be for everyone. This is not a call for everyone to ditch terms that work for them and adopt mine. It’s also not a sign to categorise and label everything that you do.
Language is powerful, especially if you use terms in front of players. The words we use can impact how players see the session or the next activity.
Consider what words you use, how they tie into your coaching approach and how they help you to get the best sessions for your players.