Session plan
Elimination
Getting started
Setup
Groups & equipment
Choose the number of players to see groups and the equipment you'll need.
Groups
Equipment
Warm-up
- One lap plus dynamic stretches, keep it quick and focused.
- Don't worry about a hit-up, just dive straight into the session.
- Sort players into groups by skill level during the warm-up.
Kick-off
- Briefly explain the session and skill focus.
- Split into groups.
- Coaches start with their groups.
Developing awareness
Tennis ball touchdown
Focus
- Looking off the ball, finding space and connecting with teammates.
Time
- 5 mins
Rules
- No sticks. Start with a jump ball.
- Catch and stop, no running with the ball.
- No contact, intercept or block only.
- Dropped or blocked ball = turnover.
- Complete 3 passes before entering the end zone. Defenders stay out.
Small game
One touch
Focus
- Build the habit of looking off the ball.
Time
- 10 mins, rotate 2 players every 3 mins.
Rules
- 4 v 2 players.
- 4 players can only take one touch (trap > pass), they just retain possession.
- 2 players can run with the ball, and score in the goal (push only from close range).
Elimination drag (right to left)
The skill
How to do this skill
- Drift to defender’s backstick.
- Dribble with head-up, looking to pass.
- Fake a pass right off the wrong-foot. Use an open stick/body feint to fake.
- Push off right leg, drag on a forward angle.
- Return to 1 o’clock (quickly).
When to use
- Approaching a defender, teammate to your right to fake the pass, space in behind.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Start static
Practise faking off the wrong foot. Drag left while pushing off right foot.
2Make the pass
Drift towards defender’s backstick. Make the pass off the wrong foot.
3Do it at speed
Execute the full skill, start by walking. Gradually build up to full speed.
Small game
Focus
- Eliminating defenders with a right to left drag.
Time
- 10 mins, break and swap ends after 5.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the game.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions after the game.
Elimination drag (left to right)
The skill
How to do this skill
- Drift to defender’s forestick.
- Dribble with head-up, looking to pass.
- Fake a pass to the left. Drag left, or roll stick past the ball to fake.
- Push off left leg, drag on a forward angle.
When to use
- Approaching a defender, teammate to your left to fake the pass, space in behind.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Start static
Practise faking a pass to the left by either dragging to left or rolling stick across ball. Drag right while pushing off left foot.
2Make the pass
Drift towards defender’s forestick. Make the pass to your left.
3Do it at speed
Execute the full skill, start by walking. Gradually build up to full speed.
Small game
Focus
- Eliminating defenders with a left to right drag.
Time
- 10 mins, break and swap ends after 5.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the game.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions after the game.