This week’s coaching pointers are targeted at the Foundation Coach (FC) – beginner coaches or coaches who deal with our junior players. Hope these pointers are helpful

We understand that most of our FC are helpers, family members or teachers that often come to the game with minimal or no knowledge of the game. First things first, don’t stress! You already have a majority of the skills required and Touch is also a very simple game.

 Here is the 1-2-3-4 to basic FC success:

1.     Sound like a pro in 30 minutes

Purchase (and read) a TOUCH NZ JUNIOR TOUCH LESSON CARDS from the Touch NZ Online shop. This is the Touch for dummies type book that fits in your back pocket. This cute little waterproof book fits in your back pocket and can be pulled out at any time to help you with areas of: base rules, base skills, skill development activities, field sizes, codes of conduct and lots more. Don’t be afraid to refer to pull your book out at any time to help you out.

2.     Get the participants on the field.

As a FC if you manage to get all the players to the game and on the field you have done a majority of your fundamental role. At this level, participating is key to learning for the participants and the coach.

3.     Have a fun time.

Ensure your first outcome as a coach as to have fun no matter what the result of the game is. Further outcomes and goals can be developed as you all learn more about the game

Keep learning at your own pace

The Coach Connect app/website and your module coordinator are your best places to start.

… And that’s your 1-2-3-4 to basic FC success!

While you are in the zone here are a couple notes and tips to consider. As a FC or Junior Touch coach you will need to understand that 4 to 12 year old children are at varying development stages. A few things to keep in mind:

·    They are learning motor co-ordination skills

·    Girls may be up to a year ahead of boys physiologically, but the differences in strength are minor and they can still play together

·    Concentration spans are short so make your instructions concise and clear

·    They enjoy aerobic activity

·    They are sensitive to criticism

·    Group acceptance and success are important to them

·    Coaches should be good role models, organisers and communicators.

A few hints and tips ...

Instructions should be simple and well thought of.  Vary the speed and volume of your voice to fit the situation

When talking to the players, arrange them in a semi-circle so they can all see you and kneel down to be at their eye level

Use demonstrations instead of instructions where practical.

Allow time for children to acquire the skill, working in small groups of two or three if possible.  The more time they spend practising, the faster they learn and the more adept they become at the skill

Finally, keep firm control of practice sessions and adapt it where the situation requires ... and have fun!