Organization of the practice session is one of the most important responsibilities of the coach. It covers many aspects, from securing a field, to preparing a written plan for the practice. You should plan ahead of time and
always prepare for the unexpected. Never arrive at a practice or a game without considering all the elements of organization. Players will recognize immediately when a coach is unprepared. Good planning and thorough organization translates into confidence. If you have a well thought out plan and you
are certain about how your objectives are to be achieved your players will respond appropriately.
The following are important aspects to consider when organizing your practice sessions. |
| |
| Facilties |
| |
The field or practice area:
Check in advance and confirm what facilities you have for practice and make best use of those facilities. Do you
have access to a full field or are you sharing a field? Search for the best playing surface if you are doing drill work
or training goalkeepers.
Did it rain that week? If so, do you need grids lined or the field marked? Is there shelter in case of a thunder storm? If you are using full size goals use nets. Players love seeing the ball hit the net when
they score and it reduces time retrieving the ball. Portable goals are very useful for training as they can be moved around the field to suit your needs.
The area of the field:
Practice in the appropriate area of the field. For example, If you’re teaching players how to pass the ball
from defense, then do it in the defensive third of the field. |
| |
| Equipment |
| |
Balls:
Each player should own a ball and bring it to practice. Have players write their name with indelible ink on the ball. Bring extra balls incase someone forgets to bring one. You will need a ball bag and an inflator to keep the balls pumped up. If your teaching heading to young players you may want to deflate the balls slightly to make them softer to head. It is also good planning to position balls on the field to reduce time wasting. For example, when playing small-sided games have your players place a sufficient number of balls beside each goal. This allows quick retrieval after a shot is missed and maintains the game tempo.
Training Vests:
Training vests are needed to identify players in drills and small-sided games. Fluorescent colors are more visible.
Remember to wash them after each practice.
Cones or Discs:
Cones or discs are important to identify boundaries in drills and small sided-games. Without boundaries players
will navigate all over the field. The more the better, but you should at least have a minimum of twelve. |
| |
| The Number of players involved |
| |
 |
Consider how many players you will have for practice. How many players do you need in each drill? Are you working in pairs or small groups? Do you have an odd or even number? If you have a player without a partner, improvise the practice to involve him or have an assistant or parent work with the player. As the coach, try avoiding having to team up with the odd player. You should be observing and coaching at all times. The number of players must be appropriate to the area. It is a mistake to provide too much space as it is too little. Players with poor skills need greater space. |
|
| |
| Practice should be realistic |
| |
 |
Practices should reflect the game. If it doesn’t happen in the game, then don’t do it in your practice. Ensure that players are positioned realistically in training. For example, your goalkeeper may cheat a little in their positioning in a shooting drill because they can easily anticipate the repeated shot. Make sure they are always starting from the goal line and not creeping out too early. Players must also perform realistically. Forwards will try harder to score goals if the defenders are working as hard to prevent them. Practice should also develop rapidly to reach a tempo that resembles game speed. If you practice slowly, you will have a slow team. If you practice explosively, you have an exciting and explosive team. Always use full size goals (size appropriate for age group) whenever possible in practice. |
|
| |
| Policy for injured players |
| |
 |
Try to keep your injured players involved in the team as much possible. If they are capable of attending practice they should do so. Make sure you have seating for them, as it can be uncomfortable to stand for long periods. Can they be utilized as a temporary assistant? Have them help throw balls during drills to keep their interest up. Injured players should also sit on the team bench during games and not in the crowd to maintain a feeling of being involved. |
|
