SUPPLIES
- Soccer balls
- Cones
- Whistle
- Notepad
Overview
If you are a new soccer coach, you may not know how to begin planning the first training session for your team. Preparing in advance will give you the confidence to lead your team. There are several basic aspects that are important to any soccer practice. With just a few simple tools and a lot of imagination, you can coach players of any age. Follow these steps if you are not sure where to start.
Step 1
Purchase extra soccer balls, cones and a whistle. Ask each member of your team to bring their own ball to practice, but expect that some of them will forget.
Step 2
Contact your team members to make sure that they have all the necessary equipment, especially if you are coaching young players. They should each have their own cleats, shin guards and ball.
Step 3
On a notepad, create a rough schedule for your soccer practice. At the minimum, make sure to leave time for warm-ups, stretching, basic skill drills and a cool down.
Step 4
Plan drills or games to work on each of the basic skills. Learning to dribble, pass, shield and shoot the ball are not one-time activities. Every future training session should include activities that help your players develop these skills.
Step 5
If you are coaching young children, find ways to make each of the drills into a game. It is important that the kids are having fun while they are learning to play.
Step 6
At the practice, use the cones to set up drills or mark the field for a scrimmage game. Begin and end each practice with the whistle. Your players should know that the whistle means that they need to stop what they are doing, just like in a real game.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Make sure to incorporate training for your goalie(s) during each practice.
Keep activities age appropriate.
- WARNING : Bring extra water and snacks, especially in the summer. Players can dehydrate easily and need plenty.
