U14's girls teamwork

anna-marie Coach, England

Hi Hannah,

I found that doing stuff, like human obstacle courses, using blind folds, worked really well to encourage teamwork and communication.

My treat at the end of a session was to build human pyramids, my girls LOVE that as a reward. Good luck

Answered using Sportplan Mobile App

anna-marie Coach, England

Hi Hannah,

I found that doing stuff, like human obstacle courses, using blind folds, worked really well to encourage teamwork and communication.

My treat at the end of a session was to build human pyramids, my girls LOVE that as a reward. Good luck

Answered using Sportplan Mobile App

Answered using Sportplan Mobile App

Dave BealCoach, England

One way is to get the girls to train in small groups doing short, small-sided games (e.g. 3v1 keep ball). Break every couple of minutes to add a progression - but get them to come up with their own progressions such as "Bring in a new rule to make it harder for the passer" or "Come up with a scoring system that rewards good play by both sides". This gets them to start thinking about taking ownership of their training, exercises their creativity, and allows them to come to a group decision (ie work as a team). CBRE All-Schools uses this approach and it`s very effective.

Another way is to do lots of competitive team stuff especially as warm-ups. I like tackle-tube relays myself, it`s slightly different from ball-carry relays and requires more team work:

1. The Log Race. Teams of 4 on as start line. One tube per team lying down 15m ahead of the teams. On GO, teams race to their tube, pick up a handle each and carry the `log` around a given course. Obstacles I use include slalom poles, hurdles, tractor tyres lying flat, tractor tyres held upright - the log and ALL team members must pass through each obstacle. If anyone lets go od the log, the team must stop and wait till they get on again. VARIATION - as above but with the `log` carried on the players` shoulders like a coffin!

2. Tube toss. Teams of 5-8, no need for equal numbers. Players line up one behind the other about 2m apart, rear player on start line holding a tube. On GO, rear player throws tube to next in line, then runs to front of line (leaving a 2m gap). Each player repeats in turn all the way along the pitch - winning team is first to get the tube over the far try-line. NB correct throwing technique here is based around T of P and should result in a nice straight flat throw. Get the girls to think about `tekkers` and to help each other get it right for the team to win.

3. Caterpillar. Teams of 5-8, no need for equal numbers. Players line up one behind the other about 1m apart, rear player on start line holding a tube. On GO, rear player passes tube forward above head to next player, then runs to front. All players repeat in turn until tube reaches finish line. Always have at least 2 people with hands on the tube. Tube should move along the line of hands like a body crowd-surfing at a rock concert! Without proper teamwork and communication this game is quite difficult.

Hope these help. Any issues please get in touch.