In my first training session what should i start off?

Allie CollyerCoach, Australia

Kate can you give a bit more information. What are the age of the girls? Have you coached before - is this your first ever training session or just the first session with this particular group of girls? Are they already in a team or will there be a larger group that will be trialled to separate into several teams.

If you have a set team of girls, I would start with very basic drills. Spend time doing passing/catching and also drills where they catch on the run (to see if stepping is a problem) and you will soon see the areas where they are skillful and those that need more practice. Also playing some half court or scratch matches gives you a chance to see what they are like in a game situation. You don't need to do this the first session though.

I would also ask the players to give you their preferred 3 positions and also the postions where they feel they play best (often not the same LOL) so you have a bit of an idea of the mix of players you have. For example, the team I was given this year was very talented but I only really had one girl who was a specialised defence - I have had to do a lot of work on a couple of other players to get more defensive strength.

I hope that helps %3A-)

Netball CoachCoach

HI %3A) i start a summer job next week coaching netball.... i can play to a decent standard however when it comes to coaching im not sure where to start. Im not sure of the levels and it will be my first session with this group? I have coached before but they have been a decent standard and have already had pre training. there are also likely to be boys in this session....5-10 and 11-14 maybe even 4-5.they wont be trailing the sessions will be over a period of six weeks and need to be emphasised on fun.

okay thats brilliant thanks.......... as i dont know the level of skills in the first session how do i go about planning for it? do i just presume that they have played before?

Thanks for your advice %3A)

Eddie JanmaatCoach, Australia

Start at the basics; two lines opposite each other, in pairs, all the types of passes and asses them. Then two groups, one ball and run throughs to see if they can run and throw/catch call etc. Then start to correct their basic skills. Add more drills in that you used to do and keep trying and correcting. Always encourage. You may need to have drawings of drills as some kids learn quicker to see it first, then expain and then demonstrate.

The key will be to plan ahead and write it all down so that each session forms part of the overall season plan.

Eddie JanmaatCoach, Australia

PS how do you get a summer coaching job? Is it a paid position....