Coaching the Female Athlete Workshop March 26th, Annyalla, Monaghan UnaMcKay umckay@ulster.gaa.ie

Course Outline Unit 1: Pathways & Facts Unit 2: Factors influencing females in sport Unit 3: Practical session on skill/game development

Player Pathway FUNdamentals Series of Building Blocks Development Active for Life Compete to Win Train to Compete FUNdamentals Train to Train Learn to Train Development FUNdamentals

Pathways The model is a simplification of a complex maturation process Latest research shows that sports specialisation prior to the age of 10 is not recommended as it contributes to burn-out, drop-out and retirement from training and competition. How does GAA fare in this regard, do you encourage other sports participation?

Pathways The Learning to Train and Training to Train phases are the most important phases of athletic preparation It is during these phases that we will make or break a player/athlete. (Windows of opportunity)

GROUP TASK…… Physical Taught how to warm-up and stretch LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYER PATHWAY Train to Train (10 - 14) GROUP TASK…… Physical Taught how to warm-up and stretch Taught to recognise injuries and the importance of rest, treatment and recovery. Lifestyle / Personal Plan meals and rest around training times

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYER PATHWAY Train to Train (10 – 14yrs) Technical Taught defensive skills. Develop confidence with basic skills and positioning. Tactical Taught how positions on field interact as tactical ploys, use attacking / defending 3 on 2 through mini-games Identification of players own strengths and weaknesses Mental Understand that there is a purpose to training and what that purpose is. Set skill based goals/targets e.g.: to make 10 blocks in a half

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYER PATHWAY Train to compete (14yrs-18yrs) Technical Ongoing development of game skills, particularly in pressure situations in drills and matches Close correction of mistakes; technical and rule based with constructive criticism Tactical Use of conditioned games to assist in teaching of tactical moves Try out and evaluate tactical moves with players Mental Taught how to prepare for matches; pre-match, half-time and post match dressing room behaviour Introduction to imagery and relaxation in match preparation

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYER PATHWAY Train to compete (14yrs-18yrs) Physical Explanation of training system; how to train for speed, agility, endurance etc. Periodisation of training to taper for competition Lifestyle / Personal Increased knowledge of nutrition and hydration issues i.e. alcohol, drugs, smoking Planning and integration of training programme with education or work commitments

LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYER PATHWAY Train to Compete (18+) Physical Careful planning and phasing of training Individual responsibility for closed season fitness Lifestyle / Personal Apply good nutritional practice Training schedule is measured between social, educational and work commitments in a healthy balance

Unit 2-Factors- Why do girls play sport? To have FUN To be with friends Learning new skills Making friends Be part of a team For the competitive challenge.

The facts 40% of girls have dropped out of all sports activity by the age of 18. In groups discuss main reasons. There are ways to overcome it.

List the positives

(Active People Survey conducted by Sport England 2006) Competitive V Recreational TASK-Why do girls drop out? Not getting to play Abusive Coach Over emphasis on winning Fear of failure Too much regimentation at training Mismatching of physical size Boys and other commitments Competitive Recreational 22% 9% MEN WOMEN 24% 18% (Active People Survey conducted by Sport England 2006)

Motivation WIN LOSE WOMEN MEN External Cause Luck on the Day Internal Cause Blame themselves Played badly didn’t train hard enough Motivated to avoid failure MEN Played brilliantly Trained hard all year. Motivated to achieve success No luck (Foundations of sports education and psychology, 2006)

Support plays, speed of thought DR. JOHN MORRISON Common Issues Solutions Stand in one position Movement, cuts Support plays, speed of thought Reasoning Goal setting, diet Skills High Catch, identify skills, kick before solo Evasion skills Side step, serve etc… game plan and game pace Defending 4 delay/deny/dispossess/ drive and tackling.

EVERY COACHING SESSION SHOULD BE BASED AROUND CONDITIONED GAMES THE GOLDEN RULE EVERY COACHING SESSION SHOULD BE BASED AROUND CONDITIONED GAMES

Top ten tips DR. JOHN MORRISON Positive reinforcement Set clear GOALS Social aspects Feedback on progress Good Sportsmanship COACHING FEMALES ATHLETES Understand Parents roles 2-way communication FUN Softer approach Core Skills

Conclusions Females respond to training in the same way as males…..Remember condition games No allowances should be made– treat them as athletes and tailor programme to their needs & interests. Motives for involvement more varied & socially orientated – value the process as much as the outcome. Not emotional wrecks. Menstruation no negative impact on performance Less bad habits/practice – lead the way!

GROUP TASK Devise two game progressions