Wed, 04 December

Spatial Awareness

Performing Under Fatuige Drill

Performing Under Fatigue Drill

This drill effectively integrates technical execution with physical and mental demands, closely simulating match conditions.

Objective:

To develop technical skills and decision-making under fatigue, improve spatial awareness, and maintain intensity while performing essential football actions. The drill also focuses on communication, precision, and fitness.

Setup:

  1. Setup:
    • Mark a large square (40m x 40m).
    • Inside it, mark a smaller square (e.g., 10m x 10m) in the centre.
  2. Players: Divide players into two groups:
    • Active Group: Half the players start inside the large square (working group).
    • Support Group: The other half are positioned around the perimeter of the large square with balls.
  3. Equipment:
    • Footballs (enough for the perimeter players).
    • Cones to mark the squares.

How It Works:

  1. Active Group (Inside Players): Players start inside the large square, moving dynamically. Action Flow: Pass Through Small Square: The active player runs through the smaller square in the centre while keeping their head up to avoid collisions with others.
  2. Skill Execution on the Outside:
    • After passing through the small square, the player moves toward a support player on the perimeter.
    • The support player initiates the next skill (e.g., throws a ball for a high catch or rolls it for a pick-up).
    • The active player performs the designated skill, such as:
      • High Catch: The perimeter player throws the ball high for the active player to catch.
      • Pick-Up: The perimeter player rolls the ball for the active player to cleanly pick it up.
      • Blocking: The perimeter player kicks the ball for the active player to block.
      • Other options: Solo, tackling, or a physical exercise like jumping jacks.
  3. Repeat:
    • After completing the skill, the active player passes through the smaller square again and engages a different support player for the next skill.
    • Support Group (Outside Players): Stand around the perimeter with balls. Be ready to provide the next skill opportunity promptly and accurately.
    • Duration: Each group works for 45 seconds before switching roles.

Skill Variations:

Rotate the skills for variety and challenge:

  1. High Catch.
  2. Pick-Up.
  3. Blocking.
  4. Tackling.
  5. Physical Exercises (e.g., squats, 5-jumping jacks, knees-up).
  6. Solo Run: Combine a skill with a solo as players return to the smaller square.

Coaching Points:

  1. Head Up and Awareness:
    • Keep your head up to avoid collisions in the smaller square and identify open support players.
  2. Precision in Skills:
    • Ensure clean execution of skills, even under fatigue (e.g., accurate pick-ups, controlled high catches).
  3. Intensity and Movement:
    • Push players to maintain a high tempo and intensity throughout the 45 seconds.
    • Encourage dynamic movement between the smaller square and the perimeter.
  4. Communication:
    • Active players should clearly call for the ball or skill setup.
    • Perimeter players should be alert and ready to deliver the skill opportunity.
  5. Selling the Skill (where relevant):
    • For blocking, tackling, or other reactive skills, ensure proper body positioning and realism in execution.

Benefits:

  • Enhances fitness and endurance while practicing essential GAA skills.
  • Improves spatial awareness, decision-making, and communication under fatigue.
  • Develops confidence and consistency in performing technical actions in match-like conditions.
  • Encourages teamwork and active engagement from both inside and perimeter players.

Progression Ideas:

  1. Add Defenders: Introduce passive or active defenders in the smaller square to increase difficulty.
  2. Dynamic Perimeter Players: Allow support players to move laterally, forcing active players to adjust their angles of approach.
  3. Time Pressure: Shorten the work periods and increase tempo.
  4. Skill Combinations: Require players to perform two skills consecutively after reaching the perimeter (e.g., pick-up + high catch).