By Michael Gerard Doherty

THIS week will see the majority of primary school children return to the familiar surroundings of their classrooms and the even more familiar sense of routine that I’m sure many exhausted parents are craving.

Be sure to engage with players and their parents about the ‘return to school’. Holidays and caravan stays will have seen numbers vary greatly from session to session over the summer months. It is therefore crucial that we stress the importance of consistency at practice sessions and ensure that Gaelic games form a part of families’ weekly routines. Lastly, encourage players to talk to their teachers and classmates about their club and what they enjoy most. They may even succeed in convincing one or two others to come along to the next practice session.

Fun Practice Stations & Games: August Part 2

Fundamental Movement Skills: Agility, Balance, Co-ordination & Running

Technical Skills: Handling, Travelling (bouncesoloevasiondribbling) Hand Passing, Kicking, Striking

Equipment Required: A minimum of 6 x bibs, 6 x beanbags, 15 x cones, 12 x camán, 12 x ‘First Touch’ (or lighter) footballs & sliotars, 2 x Megaballs, 3 x hoops

Zone 1 Sharks and Fishes

ParentCoach is the shark and try to catch the fishes (players with bibs tucked down their back). Players must get from one zone to the other without the shark taking their bibs. If bib is taken, fishes then become sharks until only one fish is remaining.

Same game as above only this time there are no safe zones at either end and fishes must stay inside the water (coned outline for station) at all times.

Fishes must keep control of the ballsliotar, bouncing or soloing after every four stepsdribbling whilst avoiding being caught by the sharks.

Progression through age groups:

1. Playing zone gradually gets smaller.
2. Reduce time in safe zone.
3. Greater attention paid to soloing.

Zone 2 Go for Goals – Primed for Points

Parentcoach stands in goal. Players try to score as many goals as possible from behind a suitably distanced line. Ground kick, bounce kick used until ready to try kick from hands. Ground strike used with sliotar, progressing to bounce strike for height.

Same game as above only this time the number of goalkeepers are increased, as is the distance of the kickpuck and players are encouraged to strike on both sides

Players begin with two ballssliotars. Solo bounce then strike for point with right foot. Solobounce then strike for goal with left foot. Ground strike first sliotar then pick up second and bounce strike using opposite side. Alternate sides used for pointsgoals. One Parentcoach in goals, others getting ballssliotars out to players as quickly as possible.

Progression through age groups:

1. Adding targets for players to aim for key areas of the goals.
2. Encouraging and seeking more points.
3. Ask players to set themselves challenges for number of scores.

Zone 3 Bouncing & Solo Games

Players have a ball each and must bounce their ball with both hands. Once comfortable, bounce on the move (try to encourage counting four steps) Have hoops spread a short distance apart, players move around grid bouncing in each hoop. Solo bean bag from hoop to hoop progressing to sliotar when ready.

Players have a ballsliotar each and must bounce solo (encourage use of both sides) without being hit by Mega Ball (oversized soft ball) being rolledthrown by coachparent.

Same game as above only each player will be in possession of two balls as they solo and bounce. Players solo and dribble sliotar. Add second Mega Balldecrease zone size to make more challenging.

Progression through age groups:

1. Size of playing area reduced to make evasion more challenging.
2. Encouraging use of all limbs with greater control.
3. Emphasis on scanning for opposition (Megaball) whilst executing skills.

In my next article, I will describe the first three stations for October’s session plan: Hoop Target Practice, What Time is it MrMrs Wolf? and Flag Tag

For more discussions, suggestions and resources please visit my Twitter page: @livelearnlovegg.

If you would like further information about any of the games outlined above or wish to discuss possible games for a certain learning area please email me at: livelearnlovegaelicgames@outlook.com.

If you are seeking more information or wish to place an order for our Nurseryu-7 booklets please visit: www.livelearnlovegaelicgames.com or send us an email to the addres s above.

BOUNCING… One training game involves bouncing a ball