Section 2: Managing a Coaching Session

This series, Coaching Fundamentals, is designed to introduce volunteer and youth coaches to the basics of coaching soccer. 

Introduction to Managing a Coaching Session

This segment addresses the coach’s role in the game of soccer. It is important to re-emphasize the differences between coaching soccer and other sports:

• Soccer is a player’s game. While the coach is important, the player is pre-eminent in soccer.
• Soccer is a game involving very difficult skills; therefore, the bulk of practice should be spent with a ball, practicing the skills of the game.
• Players learn in a number of ways, including listening, watching coaching demonstrations and observing advanced players. The No. 1 teaching tool, however, is playing the game itself.

Playing the game and maximizing touches on the ball is the best teacher of the game. The NSCAA recognizes these ideals in this program, which begins with the structure of a practice session and the coach’s responsibility in the development of the players before, during and after the formal training session. Each training session should have a focus, which we refer to as the "theme" of the session. This theme should be based upon the needs of the players. The coach determines the needs of the players by watching them play a match. This is called “match analysis."

Building a Session

When building a session, coaches should consider:

Length – A coaching session should last about as long as a game. Managing the session involves more than simply showing up at a field, throwing out a ball and playing.

Format – The goal is to be effective and help the players improve. The following format provides a general training sequence. Please note that this general outline may not necessarily apply to every age group.

Before the Session Begins

1. Make sure the players know the time and location of the training session, and that they know their homework assignments.

2. Plan practice ahead of time, taking into account:

• Number of players
• Length of practice
• Size and quality of the practice space
• Number and size of goals available
• Equipment needs (cones, balls, pinnies)
• Weather (cool vs. warm)
• Coordination with assistant, division of duties
• Number of activities

3. Arrive at practice site early. Inspect fields for broken glass and animal holes. Make sure goals are secure.

4. Organize cones, flags and balls before the players arrive, giving them a visual cue that the session is planned and organized.

5. Greet the players and give them specific skills to work on or check their homework.

6. Gather the players and provide a brief description of the practice, including an overview of why particular skills or tactics are being practiced.

Components of the Practice Structure

Warm-up – Should include non-explosive activity which has some relationship to the session. Should last for the first quarter of the session and steadily increase in intensity.

Core Exercises – These exercises are designed to emphasize the coaching themes for the practice. They should not be too complicated and should have a common theme.

Practice Game – Takes place at the end of the session. The coach may stop the activity early in the practice game to make points, but at some point the play should be allowed to continue uninterrupted for an extended period. The number of players in the game varies based on the age of the players.

Cool-down and Departure – Players can stretch and listen to the coach, who can provide direction and homework assignments.

Conclusion

The test of the coach is “Did the players improve because of your coaching? Is the player better either technically or tactically because of your coaching?” The good coach helps a player develop a better understanding of the game and the player wants more. The truly great coach inspires players to want more.

The coach should strive to develop well organized, meaningful practice sessions that address the specific needs of the player. That is the true craft of coaching.