The heat was down a notch but sauna-like conditions greeted the squad for the early field session today. Arriving just after 8:30am, I caught the end of the first player group and the entire second group. The drills appeared to be identical for both groups.
The Defensive Drill
With the group split into two teams of 8 or nine, attacks were launched from designated points on the field. The defence had to set with particular numbers on either side of the ruck, with an attacking raid testing their decision making. On first glance I considered this to be an attacking drill. Indeed, it is important for the attack to gel for this drill to be effective. My thanks to Craig Sultana, Head Trainer for the Eels, for explaining the focus of this work
The Twenty Metre Re-Start
With a winger fielding the kick, the team rehearsed setting up their plays from the 20 metre tap. Every player has a role that they are expected to know. The pace of the tap restart was certainly an essential component as first the backs then the forwards worked into the plays.
Earning and executing 20 metre re-starts can change the momentum in a match.
Forty/20 Re-Start
Precision was the key here, including the distance that the winger ran in with the ball before passing for the designated player taking the tap. Working through the set for an outcome was declared essential as the players took their instructions from the coaching staff.
An important fact was hammered into the squad. Forty/20 restarts are a rare event in any season. When you earn them, you have to use them. To waste an opportunity might be a telling factor in any game.
Each group finished today with some defensive work in the sand pit.
Telling It Like It Is!
Not everything was executed as it should be. This is where Brad Arthur, the straight shooter, excels. The players are left in no doubt when their work is not up to scratch. As much as praise is delivered when warranted, so too is a blunt reality check. Some players had a reminder today, but this is what earns respect for a coach. If second best is accepted, and no benchmarks or expectations set, a culture of lower standards will permeate the entire football department.
Standout Players
For the most part, the drills today focussed on team work. To my eye it was difficult to single out any player. I regard this as a positive, because reliance on a key player was not in evidence. Everyone has a role.
Pauli Pauli
There’s been plenty written about Pauli in the past week. I can report that Pauli has been training all week, including today. The big bloke looks fit and is working hard.
Author’s Note
The Northern Territory boys were again in attendance, today with Michael Basan. My thanks again to Craig Sultana for the rundown on some of the plays. The Cumberland Throw extends its best wishes to Keiran Moss who should be out of his moon boot soon. Looking forward to seeing him hit the field for our club.
With much regret, I have to announce that no lucrative TPA has materialised for yours truly to continue as a paid fan. It’s back to work after Australia Day, but I hope to continue to provide a weekly update through a network of correspondents.
Sixties
Interesting as always mate. Its good to know that there is something different at training every session mixing it up.
Trials will soon be here season getting closer.
Correct mate. I enjoy seeing different work and smaller groups. With so many players in the squad, it’s good to be able to watch them in smaller groups. Sometimes work happens with smaller groups simultaneously on the two fields, and it’s difficult for me to follow (the players don’t wear numbers, so you have to be able to identify players at ground level by appearance).
Thanks again 60s for your great work. Was there any indication of practice for short kick offs, particularly from halfway or even goal line (bit risky but may be worthwhile if under extreme pressure) ? This was employed by Walker Bros successfully (about 80% success rate apparently) and is something that could/should be adopted by us imo under some situations.
Glenn, I’m glad you mentioned that short kick off because I have seen them use that during match simulations
Just a suggestion, could you interview some of our strength and conditioning coaches on what they are trying to achieve. Even an interview with BA would be great.
Is the training 5 days a week, Mon – Fri?
By open field training in extreme heat their fitness must be much higher than in previous years, are you able to confirm?
Hi Glenn,
I have spoken informally with the trainers and can shed some information. However, a published interview may require NRL media accreditation – something that we are speaking to the club about.
Firstly, the general opinion is that the squad is preparing better than past years. This is something that all clubs would naturally aim for, as even suggesting that a squad is prepared as well as they had in previous years indicates a club not moving forward.
There are changes to the coaching and support staff, including medical and physio. The facilities are a massive leap forward. All of this means better physical preparation.
In addition to total squad fitness, the players have individual programs. Their work and results are all recorded. Even blokes in the rehab group are expected to work hard in other respects. I will be elaborating on that further in tomorrow’s summary post.
I have no concerns about the team’s fitness going into this season.
good stuff 60s love your work
Most interesting boys
Peter and Matthew, thanks for the positive feedback.
Superb again mate…back into the real world next week mate. Thanks again Sixties…go parra.
You had to remind me!
Thanks sixties.
The more we hear about what’s happening at training the better.
Maybe a coterie for you to assist with ongoing updates? 😉
One can dream!