About our sessions

Ever wondered what we do during coaching?

Although there is no strict formula for how our coaching sessions are plan & run, we follow a general structure.

Typical session format

Warm-up/ technical warm-up

We need to get the players warmed-up and ready to go for the session so we’d do some basic physical warm-ups and stretches and it would typically involve moving or running (with or without the ball) without opposition and at the player’s own speed.

Technical warm-up drill

We move from a basic warm-up into an activity which demonstrates the theme of the session. For example, if we were working on passing, we would have a warm-up that is focussed solely on passing. These drills are really important because they provide time for the player to repeat and practice the technique many times. Sometimes, we add a little pressure such as a time limit, a defender or having to perform a specific type of technique. These types of warm-up require concentration and will challenge the player to improve.

A small-sided game (SSG)

A small-sided game is where the number of players and the playing space are reduced to increase intensity of play and participation (because players will have involvement with the ball).

These games are based around the session themes and we try to create games where the player’s directly have to use and improve the techniques and principles being covered (expanding on those covered in the technical warm-up).

The exact rules and structure of the game vary depending on theme, but for example, if we were working on passing and possession, a small sided game could be to create a small pitch area and have 4 players passing to each other whilst under pressure from a defender. The aim of the team in possession would be to complete a number of passes.

Final game

We finish with what the player’s enjoy the most... a match! Sometimes this is rule-based, for example, if we were working on possession or passing as the key topic for the session, then we would set a rule that the attacking team has to make 5 passes before being allowed to shoot.

We always start sessions with clearly communicating the session objectives and finish with wrapping up on what we learned from the session with positive feedback.