Physical Education

Unit - 3

3.2.10.5.Decision-making drills
The above examples are fine for performers of indvidual sports. Similar principles can be used for team sports as well. Whether your sport is rugby, soccer, hockey or other field sports, the principles of the following pressure sessions can be adapted to suit your requirements.

Decision-making drills are very useful to cut the time and space needed to make decisions on the field of play. It is important to remember that as you tire your reaction times become slower and the decision- making process is impaired. The best pressure sessions, therefore, work on both biochemical and neuromuscular or psychological (skill learning) aspects of performance. If performed at full pace, these drills should give sufficient physical conditioning, once again in the most specific manner possible.

One idea is to have two groups of five players spread across a grid, say 20 metres apart, facing each other. The skill to be practised is passing the ball between the group of five players as they advance to the opposite side of the grid. This means that both groups will be moving against each other and will inevitably get in each other's way. Once they reach the end of the grid, they all turn round and run back the opposite way. The passing is thus made more difficult because of the obstruction of the other group and can be further pressurised by performing against the clock.

To make the session a little harder, the length of the grid can be shortened, thus requiring more frequent turns. The session is perfect for making the players concentrate on the timing of the passes (to avoid contact with the other group) as well as their accuracy. Players must rely on all available cues, not just sight. Communication between players and use of eye contact can all be practiced.