Teaching large groups is invariably part of working with a kids program in a club. We often have to organize larger groups than we would prefer and make sure that we can really teach. Here are a few strategies that could help!
Organisation by Division
This is just maths I know but often it is missed. Lets assume you have a large group of 20 players. In whatever playing area you have decide what size groups you can use the run the chosen activity or drill. These should be groups of 2, 3 or 4 and no more. Then just take the space and divide it into the right amount of “mini courts”. So if you have activities that can work with groups of 4 then you need to divide the space into 5 spaces (20/4=5). If 3s are better then you need 7 “mini spaces” (6 x 3 plus 1 x 2)
Other Roles
Ok we know that the preference for every task is to have kids hitting but actually there are lots more things they can do.
- Throwing and Catching will help both projection and reception skills
- Calling the Lines will help players to understand the rules
- Keeping score will help kids learn to score and remember to call out after each point
- Buddy Coaching – giving feedback on the performance of a friend will help players develop a better understanding of the skill
- Working as a team – taking turns with a partner in a competitive situation can also help players to develop a better tactical understanding through discussion with a team mate
Define the Space
Remember that skill is driven by the space that it is performed in so once you have decided the number of spaces and the tasks that you want performed within them you need to define them very clearly. Use throw down lines and make sure that kids understand where to stand to perform each task.
The Best Target in the World
Remember that the best target in the world is a small target inside a big target. The small one will create focus and the big one (usually the court) will create a level of success. Take time to think about targets, creating the correct distance between where the ball should bounce and where the player should stand to receive it, make sure that kids really understand “where from and where to!”
Post it Note Teaching
With any kind of group teaching try to imagine you have a serious of post it notes and as you walk around you mentally attach a post it note with a key teaching point to each player. Each time you look at them you refer to their teaching point and this is what you get them to focus on..
Progression is King
The key to ensuring that everyone is occupied is making sure that they are engaged by finding the right level of challenge for each player. To do this you must think as every drill as being 10 different drills with easier and harder versions. Set a midpoint level of the drill for all the players, demonstrate it clearly and get everyone going. Players that find this too challenging can then be set up with and easier version and those that need more challenge a harder version. Kids who are engaged are unlikely to notice that others are doing a different version and in this way no ones dignity is challenged as you make the drill easier for some and harder for others.
Just a few points but a good start!! More to come in future blogs!!
