Session Planning
View Shorter Version
Good coaches should know how important it is that the sessions they deliver are being structured and appropriately planned. By pre planning the session the coach ensures an increased level of organisation, as they are not trying to improvise as they proceed and know exactly what to set up and when. Regardless whether the session is part of a longer term plan for performance based teams or a one off for participation orientated players the necessity to plan in advance remains the same. There are also a number of consistent principles the coach must consider for every session, they are;
When – at what time of the day, week or year is the session. This will affect the intensity, volume and type of the session. For example sessions after a match day or ones in the middle of summer will require differing approaches to mid week and mid-winter sessions.
Where – what is the location of the session. As different surfaces such as grass, Astroturf or inside a sports hall will place some restrictions on sessions.
Who – the players that are to be coached are crucial in the planning stage. All variables such as age, sex, ability, purpose for playing and injuries must be planned for to ensure the session is as appropriate as possible.
What & Why – what will the session focus on and why these areas (Part of an overall goal? Enjoyment? Reassessment? Reminder?) Most players respond best when they are involved and understand why they are undertaking an activity, however the coach is unable to effectively explain to the group if they do not know themselves. The session content should be planned so that it can run smoothly and to ensure it incorporates all the relevant practices.
Once all the principles have been considered the coach is then ready to break the session down into its separate components and plan appropriately. A well structured and organised session follows the following template:
Warm up
The purpose is to prepare the entire body for the demands it is about to encounter. The focus should not be totally based on preparing the muscles but also the mind as well. A persons mind set can hinder the amount of information they absorb, and ultimately the amount they learn.
The warm up period should be football specific and cover the range of motions that the players will be required to perform. Movements such as running (forward and backward), side-stepping, jockeying, jumping and turning. Ideally a ball should also be included at some stage, so the body undertakes passing and dribbling movements. Players should also not just move around in straight lines or round in a circle as such movements are unrealistic for the task they will undergo. Encourage them to change direction to exploit any space in the area, as this will ensure they are thinking, attentive and aware.
Stretching should be undertaken. Not just static stretching but dynamic as well. Some of the older players who have been performing static stretching for years may feel that their body is more prepared for sporting activity after performing such stretching, so do not stop them. As this may result in the player not being entirely prepared psychologically for the session, just encourage dynamic stretching as well.
The warm up period can also include a briefing on what the session will include and why that is occurring.
Main Content
The purpose of the main content of the session is to focus upon the topic or area the coach wishes to improve on. When planning this section of the session it is crucial that the coach considers all of the previously outlined factors (what, when, where etc) so that the session is as appropriate as possible to the requirements and desires of the group.
Players learn through the key factors that the coach provides. When an error is made or a situation arises that requires coaching, the coach should stop the session, correct the mistake, rehearse through with the players involved and then start play again with the mistake rectified. When correcting the players a number of techniques should be used. The coach should vary the communication style they use between command, guided discovery and question & answer, all communication should occur in short, sharp bursts so that the players do not become overwhelmed with information. They should also demonstrate what it is they require the players to do (or get someone else to demonstrate), then allow the players to practice it (with minimal opposition) before the play resumes ‘live’ again, as this improves their learning and ability to grasp the information being conveyed (the learning pyramid).
They should then be allowed to participate in a game of some nature. Usually these games are conditioned.
Conditioned Game
A conditioned game is one that the players can put what they have just learnt into a realistic match situation. Games generally should be small sided, unless focus of session now requires a full 11 v 11, so that all players get as many touches and are involved as much as possible. To increase the focus of the game restrictions can occur, for example; if the focus of the session was quick play then only allow players to have a small amount of touches.
Play can still be stopped and coached but try not to keep stopping every minute and ensure that there is some free play for the players, at the beginning and at the end. During the initial free play the coach should assess the organisation and restrictions to ensure it is appropriate, and that it will provide the correct level of difficulty, realism and results.
Warm Down
Undertaken to aid muscle recovery by reducing the build up of harmful fluids, it can also help the development of flexibility and lengthen the muscles.
The same stretches should be carried out again now as were completed during the warm up. The stretches should last a little longer and the whole process should be slower and gentler than the warm up. Coach can also use this period to recap on everything done during the session and ask players questions relating to what they have just learnt.
Feedback
Often the coach overlooks this section of a session; however it is a very good inclusion. It provides the coach with an opportunity to recap in the aim of the session and check whether the players have grasped the concepts covered. Open ended questions are the best form of communication as they force the players to think for themselves and encourage involvement. During this period of discussion the coach should be as attentive to what the players are saying and be as positive as possible when responding to any questions. This provides the players with a feeling of empowerment and that they are actively involved in their own educating, which in turn facilitates better learning and understanding.
The guidelines that a coach should follow to ensure the session is of the best quality possible are:
- Pre-planned
- Begins and ends on time
- Keep players busy, attentive and enjoying (different degrees of enjoyment do not have to be laughing their heads off)
- Promote friendly competition (they are team mates and friends after all – no fighting)
- Variety
- Competition specific and realistic
- Appropriate towards the goals desired
- Allow time to give and RECEIVE feedback. Communication is a TWO-WAY street
ABOVE ALL REMEMBER:
PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE!!
Or
IN FAILING TO PREPARE YOU ARE PREPARING TO FAIL!!