A couple of tips have helped me:

1. I took the time to explain to the kids, why we were doing things this way. Sub-conscious training, importance of correct repetition, importance of variable and random practice etc.
2. I have been very strict in forcing players to execute the patterns and the elements within the pattern to perfection - no shortcuts, no poor technique, making them repeat aloud triggers like push, peak and pass.
3. I am creating a template that coaches can use to plan practices using the technique
4. I am hosting coach seminars where coaches come up with pattern variations and skill inclusions - there are literally hundreds of possibilities. Make the coaches do this, and they will start taking ownership and they will buy in and teach others.
5. I have found that the players find the work exhausting (in a positive way), especially the 1vs1. Allow them to keep their H2O bottle behind their "serve" so that they hydrate easily between rounds.
6. Plan your rotations. That is Step. 7 in the "FUNdamental Practice Routine." If you have an even number of players, say 12, then you need six "serves", make one side of one serve the "home" serve, where the occupant player never rotates. All other players consistently rotate in the same direction, skipping over "home serve". This way you get a complete round robin, easily organized.
7. Make players keep score religiously! Record scores, GF, GA, again a template for this helps

If anyone has any other ideas that have worked, please let me know.

FUNdamental Reader give us your ideas and we will share them with Coach Graham.

Koach Karl's response to Coach Graham…

Graham,
It is terrific reading your email and sensing the excitement behind your success - glad to read that this approach allows you to get less fatigues.

Love your ideas of having the other staff making input to the templates so that it becomes their ownership. And I look forward to reading your 'adjustments' that you will make to accommodate the facilities. We have asked the FUNdamental readership to send us their ideas and will publish them in future issues of this magazine.

Hope you don't mind my sharing your experimentation's with the web site readership (please let me know)!. (Note: Coach Graham has given us permission to publish his material.)

As for Step 7. In our FUNdamental Practice Routine

ROTATION - I prefer having one or two players 'out' of the rotation. They are with me (the coach) for bonding, coaching, observing, time calling, etc.

The players need a 'longer' break every once in a while -and the 'being with the coach' break seems to fit in just right.

Besides, many coaches do not take the time to get to know 'each' player as an individual -this ROTATION - forces them to take time out with each child!

FUNdamental Reader we would love to have you take part in Koach Karl's and Coach Graham's progress. Send us your comments and ideas on this and other areas of development.