1. NA Fianna Juvenile Mentors
Game Day
Planning & Preparation
During the Game
After the Game
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Prepared by Jimmy Ward Na Fianna
October 2014
2. Team Planning & Preparation
• Last training session before game:
• Do warm up that you will do before game
• Brief players on game plan – 1 or 2 items each for
backs; midfielders & forwards
• Appoint free & penalty takers plus backup
• Check on any potential injuries & absentees for game
• Travel/pick-up arrangements for game
• Remind players to have correct boots , laces, togs,
socks, gum shield and gloves – ready night before
• Rest, hydration & food intake reminder
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Prepared by Jimmy Ward Na Fianna
October 2014
3. Mentor Planning &Preparation
• Pick team and alternatives/potential subs
• Finalise game plans and pre game team talk
• Allocate mentor jobs
• Texting if required
• Finalise travel arrangements – who, when, where
• Contact referee – who?
• Jerseys, bibs, footballs, cones, water, medical kit, team list, subs
slips, referees fees
• Team talk – who?
• Warm up – who?
• Umpires & linesmen, who?
• Medical kit – who?
• Look after footballs – who?
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Prepared by Jimmy Ward Na Fianna
October 2014
4. Mentors During Game
• Allocate 1 each to backs & forwards with water
• Manager and other on half way – do own sub slips (have 6
only done out) – take notes & keep score
• Message into backs/forwards – go through their mentor if
possible
• Players see mentors operating as team they will follow, and
one person can’t see and do everything
• Keep calm and focussed, don’t panic, no shouting at team or
referee if you can, gets to players and puts them under
pressure (as players get older less line talk ,more observation and decision)
• Player in trouble – 2/3(max) chances, then switch, then sub –
don’t delay ( group pointed out that this must be done appropriately and depends on the age
group, e.g. mistakes in younger age groups dealt with in a way that ensures the player’s morale is
handled sensitively)
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Prepared by Jimmy Ward Na Fianna
October 2014
5. Mentors During Game
• Focus on the execution of the things that you told them pre
game – keep it simple, don’t complicate it
• Half time – meet first – discuss things going right and wrong –
notes come in here – get 2/3 points for each sector – backs ,
m/field, forwards - don’t overload – keep it positive first and
then mention things that need to be fixed – make game plan
and personnel changes if required ( less general advice more
specific advice to help player)
• How to counteract their strengths; keep our good things going
and eliminate our errors; keep playing as a team, play to
referee
• How to handle last 10 minutes if we are ahead, behind etc..
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Prepared by Jimmy Ward Na Fianna
October 2014
6. Mentors after Game
• Warm down – who?
• Footballs – who?
• Quick team debrief – emphasise the positives – all to be at next training
session – listen to them – you will hear their ideas on what was good/bad?
Listening means learning!
• Quick word with anyone who seems down (after been subbed?) –
encourage, tell him what to work on
• Team aspect – what went well and bad?
• Individual aspect – what he needs to work at – allocate to back/forward
mentor?
• Based on latter 2, tailor next weeks training to improve on weaknesses,
better your strengths.
• Insanity = doing the same thing over and over again and expecting
different results
• Deal with injuries and start rehab and recovery
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Prepared by Jimmy Ward Na Fianna
October 2014
