The best coaching sessions should always be well planned to ensure safe and effective training that is suitable for the facilities, conditions, number, age and ability of the players takes place.

Before a session can be effectively planned the coach needs to gather together some key information:

• Facilities / Pitches / Goals / Size of training area / Surface of training area
• Age / Ability / Fitness level / Number of players / Positions / Goalkeepers / Proximity of the next or previous match.
• Equipment available. B.B.C Ball, bibs, cones. Plus poles for goals.
• Number of coaches / assistants
• Likely weather conditions.
• Time available for the session.
• Knowledge of topics coached in previous training sessions.

For example, you might want to plan a shooting, finishing and crossing topic for the session. But you discover you have 20 players, no goalkeepers, a 40 x 40 indoor area and only 3 footballs!!

The information that is collated will dictate the topic and type of training session you will conduct.

The next step is to actually plan the content of the training session. A coach should take care to ensure the planned content is suitable for the age and ability of the players' and should take into account the size of area available, the number of players, the surface, the weather expected and the time available for the session.

1. Session planner example
2. Session planner template

When planning the topic or theme of the session, take care to ensure it is suitable for the specific needs and requirements of the players. Look to provide a series of linked and progressive practices that reinforce the topic or theme. For an example of how progressive and linked coaching topics are constructed ....(read more)

Once you have effectively planned the coaching session, it is very important that you are able to use your plan to prepare yourself and the venue for the session before the players arrive. You will also need to prepare the players, mentally and physically for the session....(read more)