Session Planning - Shorter Version
Good coaches should know how important it is that the sessions they deliver are being structured and appropriately planned. There also a number of consistent principles the coach must consider for every session, they are;
- When
- Where
- Who
- What & Why
A well structured and organised session follows the following template:
Warm up
The purpose is to prepare the entire body and mind for the demands they are about to encounter.
The warm up period should be football specific, including movements such as;
- Running (forward and backward)
- Side-stepping
- Jockeying
- Jumping
- Turning
- Stretching
Ideally a ball should also be included at some stage, so the body undertakes passing and dribbling movements.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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!!