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MODULE AT1:Basic Rules of Atomic Touch

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingWhat is Atomic Touch• Developed in 2012 by WTA• Not played anywhere else in the world• Similarities to TNZ Turbo Touch• Informal sport emphasis on fun and expression• Skill-based sport using oval-shaped ball• Invasion, non-collision game – multi-directional• Combines elements of Touch, basketball & netball, rugby,basketball & ultimate (frisbee)• Easy to learn & start playing

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingBasics – Field of PlayScorelin30m50m15m3mInterchangeInterchangeFIGURE 1: TouchdownZones beyond the end-linesTouchdown ZoneField of Play30mx15m similar tonetball/ basketballcourtIndoors or Outdoors

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingBasicsGame Duration4 x 6 minute quarters with 1 minute break between quartersCan be varied to suit local conditionsBall: Size 4 rugby ball; size 3 for Juniors (U12)Footwear:Indoors: TrainersOutdoors: Trainers or Moulded sole/ plastic blade boots

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingTeam CompositionFIVE players on the field at any one timeMaximum 10 players per squadUnlimited substitutions via interchange boxTeams of 6/7 players encourages maximumparticipationMixed teams –maximum of 3 males or minimum of 1 on the field at alltimes

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingATTACKING AIMAdvance the ball towards the touchdown zone by running withthe ball & passing to a team-mateBall can be passed, flicked, handed, knocked, thrown in ANYDIRECTION – Forwards, backwards, sidewaysMax 3 successive touches to score touchdown or turnoverpossession−Option to increase to 4 touches for junior/ inexperiencedplayersScore touchdowns by grounding the ball within the touchdownzone. No diving to score – Touchdown worth 1 point

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingDEFENSIVEAIMTouching ball-carrier in order to:•Prevent attacking team advancing towards touchdownzone•Prevent attacking team scoring in touchdownTHE TOUCHSimilar to that in Touch (rugby)Any (legal) contact between ball carrier & defender – 1 or 2handsMinimal Contact to be used – attacker & defender

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingAFTER EACH TOUCH – THE TAP-BALLBall-carrier performs tap-ball AT THE POINT OF TOUCHImmediately tap the ball on the floor, without releasing theballPlayer must be stationary whist performing the tap-ballImmediately after Tap-ball is performed:2x2x2 rule is enforced

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingAFTER THE TAP-BALL – 2x2x2 RULE2: At the tap-ball: all defenders to retreat 2 metres from thetap-ball – cannot encroach until play is deemed ‘LIVE’2: Players have 2 seconds to restart the game by either:•Passing the ball to a team-mate•Running with the ballIf play has not re-started in 2 seconds play is deemed LIVE2: If ball-carrier choses to run with the ball, once they havetaken 2 steps play is deemed ‘LIVE’

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingDuring PlayAttacking teams have maximum of three* touches before achange of possession occursIn any one set of possession, 2 passes must be completedin order for the touchdown zone to be deemed ‘open’This includes interceptionsAttacking teams attempting to score or enter the touchdownzone before it is open will be penalisedDefending teams attempting to enter the touchdown zonebefore it is open will be penalised

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingCommencement/ Re-commencement of PlayEach quarter shall commence/ re-commence play with a tap-ball in the centre of the courtNon-scoring team to re-commence play with a tap-ball in thecentre of the court following a touchdownRest of attacking team may stand anywhere on the courtexcept in either Touchdown ZoneDefending team may stand anywhere on the court except ineither Touchdown Zone and within 2m of centre pass player

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingAll infringements/offences – Play re-starts with Tap-Ball & Tap-count re-startsAfter 3rdTouch – change of possessionWhen ball goes to ground – lost control or knocked downOverstepping – when tap-ball is not performed on the markWhen the ball goes out of play – sideline or dead-ballPassing after being Touched – ‘Touch and Pass’Excessive force in the TouchDelaying the Tap-Ball

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingAll infringements/offences – Play re-starts with Tap-BallDefender encroaches within 2metres of ‘tap-ball’ before playbecomes ‘Live’Defender claiming Touch when not made – ‘Phantom’Where Defender or Attacker enters Touchdown zone beforezone is deemed ‘open’- Tap-ball performed in most advantageous to non-offendingside. ie from point of pass or point of entry to Touchdown zone

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingTouched while scoringIf player is touched before grounding ball in Touchdown zone:No score is awarded & Touch will countAttacker must retreat 2 metres outside touchdown zone – inany directionBall-carrier performs a Tap-ballBall-carrier may not score directly – must pass the ball first

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MODULE AT2:Basic Principles of Play

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingPrinciples of Play –In AttackKeep ball moving around the field – use entire pitch both widthand lengthLots of off-the-ball movement by attacking teamTriangles & ‘Give and Go’ – Draw defenders out of positionComplete possession sets & use as many of the 3 touches aspossibleMaintain intensity and momentum of play & substitutefrequently

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingPrinciples of Play –In AttackSupport players to look to find space away from defenders. Ingeneral play & in particular in or near Touchdown zoneAlways try to give options to ball-carrierPlayers to be encouraged to run with the ball – after Tap-balland in general play

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WTA – Atomic Touch CoachingPrinciples of Play –In DefenceAgree and implement team defensive policy•Zonal defence – responsible for an area of the pitch•Player marking – responsibility for marking specific playerEnsure constant communication between defendersDo not substitute in defenceStay within Touching distance of attacking playersEarly touches are not allowed – penalised & re-start with Tap-Ball

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WTA - Inferno Touch Programme – May 2012Benefits of Atomic TouchImproves Agility & Fitness – Fast Paced & DynamicGood Cross-Training for other sports –Rugby, netball, basketball, football & ultimatePlay indoors or outdoorsMinimal equipment & instruction neededSmall-sided encourages maximum participation

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WTA - Inferno Touch Programme – May 2012Benefits of Atomic Touch - RugbyPlayed with rugby ball – focuses on core skills•Running with a rugby ball•Passing & catchingImproves spatial awarenessEncourages good decision-makingEncourages supporting players to look for spaceRequires good team communication in defence