1. Coaching the Female Athlete Workshop March 26th, Annyalla, Monaghan
UnaMcKay

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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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)

6. GROUP TASK…… Physical Taught how to warm-up and stretch
LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL PLAYER PATHWAY Train to Train ( )
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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. List the positives

14. (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)

15. 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)

16. 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 delay/deny/dispossess/ drive and
tackling.

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

18. 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

19. 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!

20. GROUP TASK
Devise two game progressions