Practices (Basic Format)

Here is a basic practice plan:

0-10 min: Basic Warm up with stretching and exercises.

11-20 min: As players arrive - in a confied small space get the players to dribble the ball on thier own. (All players must bring a ball ! ) This is very important to ensure that players feel comfortable with the ball.

21-30 min: In pairs, players work together by passing the ball between each other. Players can focus by passing with one foot only, or passing thru cones. Player can move around get used to distance and space when passing. The coach should watch carefully how passes are completed between players.

31-40 min: Use one of those short-sided drill games found on the web here. Only use 1 or 2 of them in this area of time for your practice. The groups of players should be no more than 3-4 per group. Such as a 2 v 2 drill with defending and attacking the ball.

41-60 min: The last 20 minutes of your practice is a scrimage game. The scrimmage game should not be more than 4 v 4. If you have more than 8 players at practice, you can have them practice on the side and rotate them. Again, I am encouraging the players to get as many touches during the whole hour of practicing.

During the scrimage game, coaches can "freeze" the game and show and demonstrate coaching points such as positioning, rules of the game, or even develop awareness of a situation. The "coaching point" should be brief. Don't freeze the game too often but stick with a theme. Let the kids play.