Preparing a Coaching Session for Youth Players

By: SoccerSpecific.com staff

Question – What is the coach’s role? It is important to consider the following when preparing a coaching session:

1. Soccer is a game involving very complex skills; and the bulk of practice should be spent with a ball, practicing these important skills.
2. Soccer is a player’s game - while the role of the coach is important, the practice must revolve around ‘the player’
3. Different players learn in different ways – some by listening, watching coaching demonstrations and observing other players (both live and on TV)
“The best teaching tool is playing the game itself.”

Where to Start:
A coach must consider past games when preparing any future session – “What went well?” and “What needs work?” must be asked prior to designing any future session. This is referred to as match analysis. Each training session should have a "theme" or main focus. This theme should be based upon the needs of the players and team determined from the match analysis. While determining the main theme coaches should remember - playing the game and maximizing touches on the ball is the best teacher of the game.

Session Format:

Duration – A coaching session should last about as long as a game or slightly longer (within reason). More is not better – attention spans of younger players will be exhausted after a relatively short period of time. Also, fatigue (both mental and physical) results in execution of poor technique.

Theme – One theme is best. Again, more is not better especially when giving information to younger players.

Format – The aim is to be effective, efficient and create an environment that will aid in the learning process. The following format provides a general guideline and may vary depending on age and ability of players.

Preparation:

All players must be informed of the exact time and location of training in advance to avoid potential conflicts. Players should be encouraged to notify the coach, in advance, of any potential conflicts.
1. The session must be planned before arriving at the site. Factors to consider:
Equipment needed (cones, balls, bibs etc)
Number of players
Duration of practice
Space available
Surface available – good vs. poor
Are goals available?
Weather (rain, cold vs. hot etc)
Number and progression of activities
2. The coach should arrive early at the site (before players). The playing area should be inspected for items that could cause injury (glass, rocks, holes, standing water etc)Goals should be secured to the ground with stakes or weighted objects such as sandbags.
3. The playing area should be set up prior to players arriving – cones laid, flags organized and balls placed in required areas. An organized playing area will save time and result in a more economical training environment.
4. Players should be welcomed as they arrive. While players are waiting for teammates to arrive different skills should be practiced – juggling etc. Players should be encouraged NOT to simply stand around.
5. Coach should offer a brief overview of why particular skills or tactics are being emphasized at this session.

The Session: The following is a general guideline and has proven efficient in training youth players.

1. Warm-up – Should include activities that have a relationship to the main theme of the session. For example, if the main theme is dribbling to beat an opponent, the warm-up should include various dribbling techniques. Should last for the first quarter of the session and steadily increase in intensity. Various forms of flexibility exercises should be included.
2. Main Theme Activities – These activities should emphasize the coaching theme(s) for the session. The activities should move from simple to more complex. The age and ability of the players must be taken into account when attempting more complex activities.
3. Final Game – Players must eventually be placed in a game-like situation. Numbers can be adjusted depending on ability, age and desired outcome. Restrictions may be placed on the game at the beginning however, all restrictions should be removed for a part of the final game. All relevant coaching points from the “main theme” must be carried into the final game. Minimal stoppages should be made during this activity – Remember, the game is the best teacher!
4. Cool-down and Departure – Players perform static stretches while listening to the coach review the session. Ask players questions on what they learned in the session.