- Plan all parts of the training and determine exercises where the players are challenged according to the purpose of the training.
- Include a check in, warm-up, small sided games or skills training, a game exercise, a cool down activity and a check out.
- Write down what you have to remember to say to the players when you make a summary of the training's what, why and how. Write down the questions you ask the players so that they have the opportunity to reflect.
1. Check in
Example: Check in with a feeling you have right now.
2. Theme
Example: Understanding the game, specifically create space to receive the ball or create open space for a teammate to dribble.
3. Warm-up
Example: Three dynamic mobility and strength training exercises. Dip the ball 3v3 with short stops to activate the body through dynamic mobility, fast feet and sprints. (15 mins)
4. Small sided games or skills training
Example: Small sided games, played in two stations (15 mins)One station with games 4v4 with goalkeepers in small goals. Play 3 min, rest 1 min, 3 times. Area: half the training area. One station with 3vs1 + goalkeeper. Focus on how players without the ball move and on the cooperation between players in the team.Ask questions to players and teams to guide their learning.
5. Game of football
Example: Playing football in three teams (25 mins)6vs4 + goalkeeper. The team of six always starts with the ball through a throw in by the sixth player in the opposite team (4 + goalkeeper). The resting team plans its advantage. 6 matches of 4 minutes, one team rests. Change of teams quick to maintain intensity. Focus on how players without the ball move and cooperation between players in the team.Ask questions to players and teams to guide their learning.
6. Cool down activity
Example:Relay: throw ball in line (5 min)Six players per team. Take extra note of what happens when someone misses a catch, are there unwanted behaviors to address and talk about prior to check out?
7. Summary
Example: What have we focused on in practice today? What did you learn today? Praise a friend!
8. Check out
Example: Check out: One word that defines a good teammate.
- Now that you've planned your training in more detail, go ahead and add details around the organisation for each exercise:
Make a sketch of the exercise, number of players, balls, goals, how to mark the training area, where coaches position themselves, how you will give feedback and allow space for conversation.
- Now, prepare your instructions for each exercise:
Write down what you want to say, what information the players need to quickly get started with each exercise and how you develop the exercise further when needed to challenge the players' creativity.
Coach Evaluation
Remember to find time as co-coaches to evaluate the training afterwards - and the best way to find this time is to plan for it. The three questions that can help you evaluate your training session are:
- What should we continue to do?
- What should we stop doing?
- Any new thoughts?
- Document lessons learned