TIPS FOR RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL TRAINING SESSION

PREPARE

1. Decide ahead of time what topics you want to cover for the session.

2. Determine the amount of time you want to cover the topic. (see below timeline)

3. Organize a topic-specific practice session for each day.

4. Get it on paper, or print it and bring it with you.

5. After each session, evaluate the plan.

6. Bring extra equipment if you have it. (balls, cones, pinnies, etc.)

7. Be on-time (10-15 minutes early if possible)

MINDSET

1. Always bring a positive attitude…you set the tone and the example.

2. Be patient…mistakes are OK. That is how they learn.

3. Keep it simple; Let them play.

4. Quality time matters, the score does not.

5. Communicate with both kids and parents.

EXECUTE

• Minimize the amount of talking that you do

• Avoid exercises with lines

• Keep the kids moving with the ball. No need to do laps or runs.

• Give each kid as many touches on the ball as possible

• Try to turn topics into challenging/competitive games

• PLAY SOCCER!

PRACTICE SESSION TIMELINE RECOMMENDATIONS

45 Minute Session (Ages U5-U8)

Warm-up 10 minutes (with the ball)

Technical Topic/Games 20 minutes

Play/Scrimmage 10 minutes

Wrap-Up/Talk 5 minutes

1-Hour Session (Ages U10 and up)

Warm-Up (with the ball) - 10 minutes

Technical Topic/Games - 20 minutes

Small Sided Games to Goal - 15 minutes

Play Scrimmage/Bigger Game - 10 minutes

Wrap-Up/Talk - 5 minutes