| In the area of soccer coaching and particularly soccer | | | | or routine must be clearly demonstrated to the |
| drills; constant, repetitive practice is a prerequisite for | | | | players. It is also important that each player fully |
| improved individual and group performance. But we | | | | understands what the benefits of a drill is both to |
| also know that all players -- young and experienced -- | | | | himself and to the team. The plan should ensure that |
| eventually become pretty bored and demotivated | | | | there are no long gaps between drills while apparatus |
| with the same old routines and exercises. It is | | | | and other resources are set up. The written plan |
| important, therefore, that coaches vary and | | | | must therefore include the use of assistants where |
| "spice-up" their existing routines from time to time, | | | | possible and the timely and effective layout of |
| but, crucially, introduce new innovative and enjoyable | | | | resources. It is also very important that drills ensure |
| ones over the period also. | | | | that all players are involved as much as possible and |
| This is essential for retaining motivation, and, as a | | | | not left standing around waiting "their turn". Players, |
| consequence essential for an effective coaching plan. | | | | particularly young players, can easily get distracted |
| Players of all ages, and abilities, respond much better | | | | and lose focus when not involved. It can be quite |
| to new, relevant, but always enjoyable, routines and | | | | difficult to then get them back again. So one drill |
| exercises. | | | | should run smoothly and effortlessly into the next. |
| Soccer coaching needs to be planned. A good coach | | | | Remember that, whatever the drill, it should be fun. |
| should always have a written practice plan prepared | | | | This cannot be stressed enough; particularly with |
| ahead of each practice session. The plan's objective | | | | young players who nowadays have many other |
| should always be to improve individual and team | | | | things they enjoy doing. If your practice sessions are |
| performance. A good plan should take into | | | | not enjoyable, it becomes a real chore and a turn-off |
| consideration previous games / practices, the skill | | | | for them. They end up learning nothing and stop |
| levels of the players, individual and collective (team) | | | | improving. They may even stop coming to your |
| deficiencies, and could even include particular drills in | | | | sessions. |
| preparation for an upcoming match. | | | | Good luck with your soccer coaching plans and drills, |
| Soccer drills must be doable but challenging. Each drill | | | | and, success on the field. |