throwing games away in last quarter

throwing games away in last quarter

we are often the better team,for three quarters we push the opposition but in the last quarter we concede 2 or more goals.We have a massive national tournament coming up with the best teams in the country,and I am afraid that this might cost us dearly.Does anyone have a drill or structure plan I could use?

Leone LanutiParent, South Africa
ANSWERS
Archie DunnillCoach, England

Hi Leone,

This slump could simply be down to the fitness levels of players. As the game goes by players naturally become fatigued and are unable to sustain the intensity throughout a game.

You can overcome this by finishing training sessions with a fitness drill to get players used to working under fatigue and build endurance. Similarly, regular roll on roll off replacements can help keep players fresher for longer and allow them to recover before returning to the pitch to keep the momentum going.

Hope this helps.

Archie

Andreas KronwaldCoach, United Kingdom

Hi Leone,

Might be a little late, but additionally to the fitness training suggested by Archie you could explain them to take out some of the speed during the first three quarters.

From your description it sounds that you keep pushing three quarters, and of course that is exhausting.

Taking a break now and then might give you the needed power for the end.

For example:

Don't push to hard in the first quarter. Take your time to analyse the opponent. Find their weakspots and then try to push only on the end of the quarter.

Or push only the first 5 Minutes, take a break and then push the last three again.

This way you can time your dominance time slots and regain power in your "breaks".

Good luck for your tournament

Andreas

Login or Join Now for FREE to post your answer

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1000+ hockey drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans

TRANSFORM YOUR TEAM'S SEASON WITH PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED SESSIONS

Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.

JOIN NOW

VIEW MORE QUESTIONS

See the whole archive of questions.

QUESTIONS ARCHIVE

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1000+ hockey drills
  • create professional hockey coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested hockey plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the worlds largest hockey coaching resource for 1000+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT