Kimberly A. Smith has been a freelance writer for two years. She graduated from the University of California at Davis and the California Culinary Academy, then pursued a career baking wedding cakes. During her time at CCA, she received certification in nutrition and food safety. She currently attends the University of Oregon School of Law.
There are as many ideas on how to run a soccer practice as there are coaches. However, the fundamental skills and important concepts are going to be the same for every team. Though many players prefer to spend time on tricky plays or impressive headers, working on the fundamentals every day is far more important to the success of the team. If you are planning a soccer training session, make sure that it has aspects from each of these basic categories.
Conditioning
Beginning each training session with 30 minutes of conditioning and endurance training will help keep your players in top shape. Running stairs or bleachers is a great exercise for soccer players. Not only will it strengthen their cardiovascular systems, but they will build muscle mass in their legs for more powerful kicking. Make sure to include stretching at the beginning and end of every training session to help prevent injuries to the players.
Skill Drills
Dribbling, passing, shielding and shooting are basic skills that every player needs to focus on. Developing creative games and drills to practice will keep training sessions fun. Make sure that drills are appropriate to the age level that you are coaching. Activities for younger players should be organized and presented as games. Playing "keep away" in groups of three is a good way for them to begin learning about passing and defending.
Position Drills
Each position has their own set of skills that need practice. Setting up small group drills so that each position can work on his specialty is a good way to make sure that all the bases are covered. This is also a great time to work on set plays, such as corner kicks and throw-ins. Having a strategy for dealing with set plays is key in creating a successful soccer team. Both the offense and defense can practice what they are supposed to do during these types of plays.
Scrimmages
Ending each training session with a short practice game is a great way to get the whole team involved and let players put their drills into action. Divide the players in half and set a time limit for the scrimmage. For most age groups, a 15-minute scrimmage will give them plenty of time to play.
