integrating various learning strategies in youth practices is as easy as ABC. . .

Last week we looked at several strategies that youth coaches can incorporate into their practices to make practices engaging and to help athletes develop to their potential.

This is an easy-to-follow framework that I picked up from Coach Michael MacKay of Canada Basketball. ⤵️

Phase A

This is the on-air phase, meaning that there is no defense. You should reserve this for warm-ups or the introduction of a new technique. It should be the least used strategy within your practices.

Useful Strategies: DL, Variable, or Constant Practice.

Phase B

Introduce a guided defender in this phase to simulate context. You can also decide if there is an advantage to start and what reads to work on.

Useful Strategies: DL, CLA

Phase C

Allow your players to play in a small-sided game in this phase. You are assessing and facilitating your players’ development here.

Useful Strategies: TGfU, SSG, CLA, PBL

Phase D

Playing happens in this phase. You are actively evaluating whether your players can transfer the skills that you’ve worked on into live play.

Useful Strategies: CLA, PBL, DL