| If sessions are not
planned, they will turn out to be haphazard at best. Consequently, the
players will also be haphazard in their playing habits. Long, detailed,
written plans are not necessary; however, jotting down main ideas, and
taking some time and thought to plan the day will greatly enhance the
experience for everyone.
A well-planned session which moves
quickly from one activity to the other adds to the satisfaction of the
players, commands respect and improves performance. Plus, focused,
enthused players are seldom injured and almost never present
discipline problems.
Planning a successful session takes skill, a skill which is developed with
time. Each time out should be a learning experience, both for the coaches
and players.
Training sessions have three parts:
The Warm-Up;
Should stimulate and prepare the players for the more intensely physical
part of the session. It involves activities of low intensity, high
repetition, fun and generates enthusiasm. Stretching should also be
interspersed throughout the warm-up for older players. In the perfect
world, the warm-up should be related to the main activities of the
session.
Main Activities;
Lays the emphasis on the technical or tactical development of the players
through the use of small-sided games. Some of the basic principles to
follow are: Progress from the simple to the complex, Progress from the
easy to the difficult, Gradually increase the physical and mental demands.
Concluding Activity; At the end of each session, the players should
be given the opportunity to play the game with big goals, with
even-numbered sides. This will enable them to practice the ideas they have
learned during the session. Here the players will gain invaluable
experience using their skills in live, game-like conditions with minimum
interference from the coach. Here, the game is fun and the natural
competitiveness of the environment serves as the motivation.
The game is the best teacher; let them play!
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Free
age specific soccer drills and games
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