For a coach of young adolescents, making training interesting and meaningful is essential for their engagement and development. Here are some practical approaches to help them understand the reasons behind each exercise and its connection to the game:
1. Explain the “Why” Behind Each Exercise
- Direct connection to the game: Instead of having them perform exercises as a routine, explain how each one develops a specific skill useful in competition. For example, if you’re doing endurance exercises, relate it to the ability to maintain a steady pace during a match.
- Continuous feedback: After each exercise, emphasize how and where it will be useful during competitions. For instance, “These sprints will help you recover quickly when you need to get back on defense.”
2. Training with Game-Like Situations
- Create realistic scenarios: Recreate situations that occur in a game during practice. If the players see how the skills they are developing will be applied directly in competition, their interest will grow.
- Mini-games or challenges: Occasionally turn exercises into competitions or mini-games, so they can see the connection between the skills practiced and in-game actions.
3. Individual and Team Goals
- Set clear and personal goals: If each player has a specific goal to achieve, they are more likely to commit to the training. Goals can be related to both personal progress and contributions to the team. For example, “Improve your long pass by 10% to help the team transition faster from defense.”
- Track progress: Show them the progress they have made, comparing the before and after, so they can see the tangible effects of their work.
4. Use of Gamification
- Fun and competitive training: Introduce game elements into training, such as point challenges, team competitions, or unlockable levels. This approach makes them more motivated and engaged, as they feel like they are “playing” and improving at the same time.
- Rewards or recognition: Not necessarily material rewards, but symbolic recognition for those who show great effort or successfully transfer skills into game situations.
5. Emotional Involvement
- Share success stories: Tell stories of athletes who worked hard in training and saw extraordinary results in competition. Emotional involvement helps young players understand that daily effort leads to great long-term results.
- Mentorship: Create a team environment where more experienced or advanced players can guide the less experienced ones, explaining firsthand how training has impacted their performance.
6. Variety and Creativity
- Change routines often: Avoid making training repetitive and boring. Regularly introduce new exercises or variations, always explaining why they are relevant.
- Creative training: Use unconventional objects or methodologies (such as outdoor training or in new environments) to stimulate curiosity and creativity.
7. Education for Awareness
- Short theory lessons: Explain in a simple and understandable way the basic principles behind training: physiology, tactics, technique. You don’t need to dive into scientific details, but give a foundation to understand how the body works or why a certain tactic is effective.
- Video analysis: Show videos of their games or professional athletes, highlighting moments where the skills trained are applied. This reinforces the connection between practice and performance.
8. Training a Competitive Mindset
- Mental training: Help the players understand that each exercise also serves to develop their mental resilience and ability to react to difficult situations in a game. For example, simulating pressure during a decisive moment can help link physical and mental preparation.
By adopting these approaches, training will no longer be seen as just an obligation, but as a conscious tool for improvement and winning.
0 Responses to “How to stimulate the awareness about training”