Coach's Guide: How to Achieve Effective, Developmental, and Enjoyable Practices

Our primary intention is to deliver training sessions where athletes develop physically, technically, and tactically while having fun. To achieve this, it is essential to establish clear expectations regarding FOCUS, INTENSITY and NEVER GIVE UP-mentality. This must be communicated and emphasized regularly.

Keywords for Coaches:

Prepared - Positive Engagement - Effective - CLA (Constraint Led Approach)

Responsibilities of the Coach:

  • Be Prepared: Always have a plan for the content of your sessions (an example training plan can be found below).

  • Be Engaged: Your energy and enthusiasm will inspire the athletes.

  • Pedagogical Approach: Demonstrate the exercises rather than just explaining them. Ask the group questions to encourage participation.

  • Effective Communication: Keep explanations brief. Use a maximum of 1 minute to explain an exercise and 30 seconds during the activity for corrections or progressions.

  • Effective Drills: Ensure athletes are in motion as much as possible throughout practice. Minimize waiting time in lines, and arrange for numerous Small Sided Games (SSG) or competitions. Select drills that involve all players.

  • Individual Attention: Use time before and after practice to check in with those who need support or have shown good effort. Small feedback can make a significant difference.

1. Planning the Practice

  • Goal Setting: Set clear objectives for each training session. What do you want the players to learn? Examples include shooting technique, ball control, footwork, defense, and offensive automatics.

  • Progression: The structure should be Technique (individual level) - Competition (a form of competition that uses the technique) - Small Sided Game (where the technique is put into practice).

2. Check-In (2 min) — preferably done before court time starts

  • Mood Check: Assess the mood in the group.

  • Content Overview: Briefly outline what the training will include and ask if there are any activities they would like to do.

  • Mental Goals: Focus, effort, and NEVER GIVE UP. Traveling trophy?

3. Warm-Up (10-15 min) — can be done before court time starts

  • Exercises: Vary the exercises based on age. Remember that using a ball can sometimes hinder children's movement, so incorporate motor skill exercises to stimulate physical development. Implement the ball progressively.

4. Main Exercises (10-30 min)

  • Techniques: Break down training into technical drills (ball control, passing, shooting technique) and tactical games (SSG formats like 1v1, 2v1, 1v2, and 2v2).

  • Skill Level: Adjust drills according to the players' skill levels and provide extra support for beginners.

  • Creativity with Constraints: Be creative in finding constraints that help focus on aspects such as spacing and dribble-drive automatics. The use of limitations and game rules can enhance players understanding and technical skills. 

5. Games and Competition (10-30 min)

  • Small Sided Games: Include age-appropriate games, like 3v3 or 4v4. Implement different rules or restrictions for variation.

  • Positive Feedback: Provide frequent and encouraging feedback, focusing on what the players do well. Corrections while play is paused most be quick and effective. Can many time be done by asking and not telling. 

6. Conclusion (1-3 min)

  • Summary: End with a brief recap where players can share what they have learned and what they enjoyed about the training.

  • Praise: Recognize all players for their effort and progress (maybe consider a traveling trophy?).