How to plan for training sessions
Each player needs the same core skills, like receiving and passing. As coaches, we sometimes rush ahead and neglect these basics, but it’s important to keep teaching them.
So, when planning training sessions, keep things simple. Design straightforward practices that get players to repeat these skills over and over. Avoid complicated explanations or setting up elaborate practices that delay activity. Instead, focus on keeping the ball rolling.
Don’t be afraid to change plans during training. If a practice is going particularly well, let it run longer than planned. If your players seem tired from a busy day, feel free to dial down the technical session you had in mind.
After all, each player has their own needs. To plan effectively, you need to understand your team as individuals. Think about their age, stage, motivations, and backgrounds. Ask yourself who benefits from each practice and who might be missing out. Consider how you can help them develop. And then you can plan sessions with them in mind.
How to plan for matchdays
When planning for matchday, think about what you’ve been working on in training. Does your matchday plan connect to your wider plan for your team? Matchday should give purpose to your weekly training sessions.
But no matter how much you prepare, you can’t control everything that happens on the pitch. Your players need to be ready to handle unexpected challenges, and it’s your job to get them there.
To build confidence and problem-solving skills during matches, use these strategies in training:
- Give them ownership. For instance, let players pick the team or organise the formation in a small-sided game.
- Encourage feedback. Ask questions and seek input from your players.
- Welcome risk. Create a safe space where players can try things without fearing failure.
- Include everyone. Pay attention to players who aren't very involved and find ways to help them join in.
Finally, if a match goes badly, don’t let it derail your plan for the next training session. It might be tempting to work on trying to fix everything that went wrong in one go. But it can be better to acknowledge the issues and stick to your original training focus.
How to approach long-term planning
When thinking about the whole season, there’s no need for a detailed plan. And you don’t need to cover every aspect of football.
Start with some simple questions:
- What’s your big-picture goal?
- Where do you want the team and individual players to be by the end of the season?
- What are you putting in place to make that happen?
These questions will help you create a vision for the season. But stay flexible, because things can change. A good coach knows how to adapt and adjust plans when needed.
How to plan for the season when limited on time
For coaches, time is often in short supply. Here’s the good news: planning doesn’t need to take ages. In fact, it’s better to keep it simple. The less you overthink things, the better.
One good way to start is by breaking the season into blocks of work, so you only look at a few weeks at a time. Having a topic for each block gives your training sessions a clear focus.
If you run out of time to plan a training session, don't worry. Just start with a game. Not only is it a great way to begin a session, letting latecomers join easily, but it also gives you a moment to plan the next activity.
And don’t be afraid to repeat things. If practice is working well, you could ask your players to try improving at it each week. Or switch up the practice by adding some variety and new challenges. The more you work on those core skills, the stronger they'll become.
What to consider when working with different age groups
Players have different needs. An effective plan takes this into account.
For example, if you’re coaching under nines, their motivation might be social. Your priority will likely be making the sessions fun so they want to return each week. You'll need to use age-appropriate language and set realistic expectations.
If you’re coaching under-18s who want to play professionally, enjoyment still matters, but learning takes a greater focus. You’ll need to concentrate more on individual areas of development and prepare them for the professional game.
Regardless of age, the principle is the same: get to know each player and adjust your coaching to give them what they need. Even if that means changing your original plan.
Things to remember to help you plan effectively
