Detailed instructions about F-hockey

BENJAMIN HOCKEY

U7 & U8

IN THE NETHERLANDS

What we discuss

Pitch sizes and rules;

How to umpire this age group;

What to do to motivate them;

Coaching do’s and don’t’s ;

Training methods.

Rules

Team has 7-8 players, divided at 2 matches at same time;

Pitch size is 1/8 of a normal pitch;

Club can play 8 matches at one pitch at same time;

Game is 3 : 3 with 4 goals officially;

No high stick or high balls

Teeth protection obligated;

Be flexible with foot/wrong side stick;

No goal through the inside cone.

Basic pitch for U7/U8 during each training and during the league.

Rules II

After 3-0 at first half the best party get extra rules to score (handicap);

3x combinations before scoring or;

Goals other party reduced or;

Stricter umpiring best party like foot or wrong stick;

2 x 15 minutes;

EXPLAIN both teams.

We don’t speak about tactics but agreements;

When we have the ball others needs to run in free zone, we cooperate to score;

Ball possession according to the position on the pitch;

Every player has his own assignment: his place on the pitch.

Agreements no tactics

3: 3 we play 1 forward and 2 defenders;

Defenders don’t stand in front the goal;

In case of 4 : 4 (agreed with the other team) 2 forwards and 2 defenders;

No goal keepers;

Free hits/ ball out moments for compliments and to give the agreements again;

Free ball not by forward unless 5 meter area;

Left side by left defender, right side by right defender;

Distance free hit 4 meters;

Let them change at positions, no fixed position.

Cones or alternatives?

Tasks for the coach

Home match? Preparing the pitch;

Welcome to opponents and agreements about the match, ask for special rules;

Making teams, who is playing which position?

ALWAYS positive coaching and decent behaviour, label mistakes like: if you do that next time the opponent can’t do this anymore.

Do coaching like this.

Coaching from outside the pitch but no problem to step into the pitch once in a while;

Avoid all kids at one place like a clot say: don’t attack your own party;

Simple instructions, look around you or see who is free;

Fruit parts during the break;

SHORT evaluation of the first half, positive encouragements and mention second half teams;

Shaking hands after the match;

Team together and give compliments;

Cleaning the pitch, offer drink to other coach(es), all kids get drink.

Training U7 - U10 in circuit

Training Hockey is a very technical sport every age group has his own

technical schedule what to train and what not to train;

Make a year plan what to train at this age group;

U7 and U8 must have many games/child games to keep the attention, at least 50% of the time;

For trainers to remember

Keep the instructions simple, never become angry and always smile;

Kids are here to enjoy and play with their friends;

Short exercises and 1-2 technics maximum and small distance;

Divide the kids energy over the whole training hour;

Make sure they move the whole time and not too many breaks (1-2 drink break is better).

Training systems online popular Dutch websites

Hockeyacademie.nl The hockey factory

Key issues for clubs and trainers

Have a good training plan for all youth target groups available;

Don’t let every trainer just do his own training;

Give structure by fixed training plan and year plan;

Periodize during the season, what are the accents?

Make sure trainers get regular courses to expand their knowlegde.

Good luck & Bon Voyage