Running an Effective Practice

Getting Started

• Warm-up, make it simple and make it fun

• Advanced preparation is critical; both for practices and season administration

• Present only a few themes per practice which your players can then execute during a game.

• Follow your plan

• Communicate with players (or parents of young players) expectations and objectives

• Solicit assistance from parents as team manager and/or administrator to manage: schedule, car pools, cancellations, refreshments.  Coaches should be free to teach and coach.

Attitude 

• Keep instructions simple and clear

• Be positive and use positive language. Applaud good play.

• Exude enthusiasm

• Be liberal with praise.  Most atheletes prefer coaches that shout praise and whisper critcism rather than visa versa.

• Be organized

• Keep things in perspective.  The coach is the adult.

• Let the players play

• Show the players how to have good, honest fun.

• Earn the players’ respect.   

Check List for Practices  

• How many players are expected to be at practices?

• How much space will be available?

• How long will practice be today?

• Do we have proper equipment (i.e., balls, practice vests, markers, goals, drinking water)?

• Do we have ice/ice bags for minor injuries?  Is there a telephone nearby for more serious injuries?

• What activity will be used for warm-up (including goalkeeper)?

• Inspect the practice area for hazards.

• Greet and recognize each player before sessions begin.

• Start on time.   

Commanding Attention 

• Keep analysis, corrections, explanations under two minutes to keep players’ attention.

• Do not lecture.

• Use positive images, Winning isn't everything (De-emphasizing winning/losing)

• Don’t be vague

• Keep eye contact

• Be enthusiastic 

Throughout the Season 

• Playing soccer vs. "Kick and Run" (Not applauding bad habits (i.e., constant long kick)).

• Teaching the skills, even though you are likely to lose games to teams that rely on playing physically. The skilled players will be better in the long run.

• Skill is developed through repeated ball touches

• The #1 reason children play is for the enjoyment of the sport. The #1 reason they quit is because they don’t have fun.

• Total development vs. single position improvement (players shouldn't be slotted into just one position).

• Do not allow your demands to interfere with the player’s academic progress.

• Do not make derogatory comments about opponents, other coaches, players or officials.

• Players should help gather equipment.

• Transform parental pressure into parental interest, support and encouragement.

• Always gather the team at the end of practice/game to make sure everyone is clear on organizational details.

• Enlist your parents to assist you with car pooling and making phone calls

• Warm-up, make it simple and make it fun

• Advanced preparation is critical; both for practices and season administration

• Present only a few themes per practice which your players can then execute during a game.

• Follow your plan

• Communicate with players (or parents of young players) expectations and objectives