Keep Away: A Fun and Effective Hockey Skill Practice Exercise
The Keep Away game is a classic ice hockey drill designed to improve_players' skills in a fun and engaging manner. This game encourages creativity, fundamental concepts, and competitive spirit while developing players' awareness, decision-making, and teamwork. In this article, we will explore the origins, rules, variations, and how to incorporate Keep Away games into a coach's weekly practice routine.
History and Origin
Keep Away is a children's game that has been played for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. The game has evolved over time, and today it is played worldwide in various other sports, including soccer and basketball. Keep Away is also known by various other names, such as Monkey in the Middle, Piggy in the Middle, Pickle in a Dish, or Pickle in the Middle. Despite its diverse origins, Keep Away remains a beloved pastime for people of all ages.
Rules and Format
The Keep Away game can be played with any number of players, but it is commonly played with two, four, or six players on a large ice rink. The objective of the game is for the players to keep possession of a ball by passing it among themselves while avoiding interception or obstruction by the opposition players who are 'it'. Points are typically awarded for completing a certain number of passes without being tagged by an opponent. The game can be played in a variety of scenarios, such as one-on-one keepaways, two-on-two, three-on-three, or six-on-six, with different numbers of players on each team.
Variations and Adaptations
Keep Away games can be easily adapted to suit different skill levels and age groups. For beginners, the game can be played with more players to increase the complexity and challenges. As players improve, the difficulty can be increased by reducing the size of the playing area or adding more players on each team. Some variations of the game include changing the scoring options, requiring specific touches or patterns, or having different individuals stand in as the 'it' player.
Coaching Points
Incorporating Keep Away games into a coach's practice routine can help improve players' overall skills. Some key coaching points to focus on when practicing Keep Away include eye-foot coordination, communication, and teamwork. Players can be taught techniques such as proper_passing_angles, body positioning, and using the inside and outside of the foot to control the ball. Additionally, the importance of communicating with teammates and making quick decisions must be stressed.
Incorporating Keep Away into Practice
To effectively incorporate Keep Away games into a coach's practice schedule, consider the following options:
• Schedule regular Keep Away sessions throughout the week to build up players' stamina and confidence.
• Combine Keep Away with other drills, such as shooting, defending, or passing, to create a Well-rounded practice session.
• Start the practice with light-hearted games to build rapport and encourage players to Have fun and stay engaged.
• Include different variations of Keep Away to challenge players at various stages of their development.
By doing so, coaches can ensure that players not only improve their keep-away skills but also develop important qualities such as trust, communication, and teamplay. Keep Away games provide an exciting and dynamic way to practice and can help players take their game to the next level.
Keep Away is a versatile and enjoyable hockey drill that can be easily incorporated into any coach's practice routine. Whether used as a standalone exercise or combined with other drills, Keep Away helps players improve their coordination, decision-making, and awareness while enjoying the excitement and challenge of competition. With its rich history and universal appeal, Keep Away is sure to remain a beloved pastime for generations to come.
