GIG Methodology
Whats is GIG Methodology and how do we apply it, and should we embrace it?
Lets start with the first part of this topic "GIG Methodology" and what does it stand for.Game-Intervention-Game Methodology.GIG Methodology is a training practice that allows the players to make more decisions for themselves rather than being told or barked at what to do and how to do it.It also allows the coach to train on the run giving the players more confidence and be more engaged through a training session by playing small sided games constantly allowing them to score more goals. This technique keeps the players more motivated and eager to listen and learn, cause its constant FUN and lets face it, these players play to have FUN and SCORE GOALS.
How can we apply it.I run this with age 7-9 but pending of your team environment and ability, this could be used at any level.Its mixed with a bit of old and a bit of the new. This session was based on First Touch
The Warm Up 5-10min
I choose to Start with a warm up comprising of various elements that will always be used in a game.-I get them to start in a straight line. I do this to trigger their brain in Scanning & Awareness and Creating Space.Using the directional words " can you check both your shoulders so you are not touching anyone and you have plenty of Space between yourselves."
-Having a ball at their feet and start moving the ball dribbling or running with both feet or one at a time, using inside/outside, laces, sole rolls etc. I get them to do this maintaining a straight path and not to collide with each other for about 20m using directional words "Can You keep Space between yourselves and avoid bumping into each other" this is a continuation of Scanning and Creating Space. I try very hard not to use the NO word as it has an impact on them that they can not do it properly and become dishearten. Hence the term "CAN YOU"This is to get their brain and feet communicating with each other. 3 min max. and get them to come to a complete stop.Leaving the ball where it is get them back into a straight line Checking shoulder and Space between themselves.-Leg swings forwards & backwards. with 2-3 steps in between (do not allow them to over reach the swing to start with but see if they can get them higher after about 30sec.) Once again using Checking shoulder and keeping Space between. Using the same 20m length.-Get them back in line again Checking shoulder and Space going back to their ball working on the groin and hips "Open the Gate and Close the Gate).-Get them back in line again Checking shoulder and Space back again with some lunges going back to our 20m starting point.-Get them back in line again Checking shoulder and Space, with this we go for a light 10m jog then ask to be a bit more faster to the next 10 then a sprint for the final 10.Turn them back and a nice light jog back, then get them to turn to 1 side for about 3m then turn to the other side for another 3m then finally get them to jog backwards for another 3m, then tell them to sprint forwards, for about 4m, yell stop on the ground on backs and bark like a dog, turn on your stomach banging your hands and feet into the ground cry like a baby.(they do not expect this and immediately start laughing and giggling. That is their reward.) then say ok guys go get your ball and dribble/ run it to your drink bottle and have a drink. 30 sec max drink. and then say you are going to have a little game. They will be excited!Everything they did in that warm up is what they will do and happen in a game. 30sec
Game 25mx 20m 5-8min
Split them into 2 sides ensuring one side is identified to the other by wearing a bib and allow them to play freely. This gets their spirit flowing. Again using the words from the sideline "Can You keep Space between yourselves and avoid bumping into each other" looking to pass to each other. Do not be concerned if the game looks a mess, just let them play. If they are quite asked them if they know each others names to get them to Communicate with each other and asked them Can they Play faster.
Intervention 5minA quick chat about what is First Touch and using a player to demonstrate this skill.Pair them up and start passing the ball to each other using a good First Touch to pass and also to receive.This is great time where you can work on a child individually or in pairs but do not over take from them and let them get back into it quickly as you can.
Game 25m x 20m 30-45min pending on age and ability
Game on again but this time a player is only allowed to get one Touch on the ball at a time. This will bring Chaos and Laughter as the ball starts to go flying everywhere and the kids start realizing that its one Touch and they have to get out of the way cause they have had their Touch.But as the game continues it makes them react quickly, implementing fast decisions on what they do next. They start to raise their leg to control the ball mid flight, they start to use the bounce pass, they start to look up and Scan, Checking their shoulder Communicating, Laughing, Having Fun. Do this for about 8min.Progress to a Two Touch rule that a player must touch the ball twice including the pass for about another 8min then take to a Three Touch rule max including the pass, this part I would say to them "you have a min one touch and a max three touches to move the ball, if you want to move the ball in 1 or 2 touches that is great." this reinforces the decision making for themselves on what their next reaction is going to be, it is further going to strengthen some core principles of playing football Scanning & Awareness, Creating Space, Checking their shoulder and Communicating.Finally I would let them finish off with an all out game extending the width of the playing space by another 5m each way. By this point you should be able to see a vast difference from where they started the training session to where they are when they have finished. Ensure you are very vocal in encouragement to the players to strengthen their confidence.Remember to give 30sec drink break between each part including 1,2,3 Touch mini games.P.Sif you want to join in on the game at the very end, jump in and start on one side and make sure you finish on the other as the kids find this really exciting and really want to show and prove their new skill to you by receiving, passing and beating you. Under this Methodology it is preferred that you do not join the game with the players as it could take the decisions away from them, however I have found that it builds a great team spirit and culture not only within in the group but also the club.
Now onto the second part, "should we embrace this", well my answer is a definite YES. We should embrace this as it is a great way for the kids to learn how to become a better player, teammate, club supporter. I also still use set drills and some old practices with my coaching but only if and when I need to as each person develops differently to each other and they also respond differently also. As coaches we have to have a wide range of tools to suit the
different capabilities of players and to have this tool at our hands only adds to benefit of the players.
Gusy
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