Grids in a Session (This is my suggested timed session)

Time

Number of Grids Available

Warm Up (Enjoyable skills drills whilst waiting for players)

24

Ball Skills (Working on specific skills like passing, dribbling)

75

Match Practice (Developing game strategy through simulated play)

70

Games (A variety of game grids specific to the session)

27

Warm Down (Cooling down and easy finish to the session)

3

These Grids are used in some sessions and add or replace grids

Set Pieces (A collection of set pieces for you to develop and use)

Assessment &  Fitness (Used to add fitness and strength testing)

Fun & Games (Mainly for juniors but fun for most teams)

9

Coaching Tools (Used to set up sessions)

23

use 1 or 2 grids

24

use 2 or 3 grids

75

1 or 2 grids

70

use only 1 grid

27

use 1 grid

3

use 1 grid

9

(Used to set up sessions)

23

In all my coaching sessions (usually two per week) I try to keep all the players moving throughout the session, the players often swap roles but keep moving so at the end of each session they will have worked harder than in a normal soccer game and after two sessions will have a fitness level that is considerably higher for the level being played; the players are usually working under pressure and do not realise how much running they are undertaking, consequently they find the sessions enjoyable (far better than just doing line sprints).

1. Pre Warm Up is where you are waiting for players to assemble on the park. Rather than let the keen ones stand around, I have some fun routines  that get the players started. As the group gets bigger and the session time arrives you should have all the players doing a pre warm up routine. These should be light sessions but some are quite important for the following sessions.

2. The stretching (W019) is important and should be devised specifically for soccer. It should cover sitting and standing stretches of various muscle groups. If it is wet use standing stretches only. Note: In the following you should stretch only after a Warm Up (lap of the oval etc. - never stretch cold muscles).

3. Warm Up is designed to get the core temperature up so that players are ready to start the Skill Developments or Match Practice. When a light sheen appears on a player's forehead you have core temperature. This is sometimes an introductory grid or routine for the session ahead.

In many sessions the Ball Skill Developments used can often be reversed to develop either attacking or defending skills. It will depend on what element of coaching you want to concentrate on  as to how you use the grid. In many instances players change places after each move and change from attacker to become the defender in the pressure or progress of the drill. I have found that this gives players a more encompassing view of the various aspects of each role. 

4. Ball Skill Developments is a fitness/skills component with various soccer ball skills involved. In many instances it will provide a basis for the Match Practice by developing passing,  dribbling,  shooting, skills etc. skills that may follow in the Match Practice. It may however just be a drill that covers another aspect of the game or a fun skill's session.
Note:  If coaching Juniors (under 11) you may only need to use the Skill Developments, remember KISS = Keep it Simple Soccer.

You might add an Assessment Grid here if you want to test players or a Fun session for juniors

5. Match Routine is where we simulate the roles of players in game situations often in match play conditions or where more advanced techniques and skills are developed.   Here is where we develop defending, attacking, set pieces, etc. In senior teams this component is very important especially for premier league standard. You should split defenders, midfield and attackers into specific roles, however the pressure drills often reverse player roles.When I move onto Match Practices I often insist on defenders being separate from midfield players and from  attacking players, so that those particular skills are sharpened in simulated game roles. I also use the Match Practice to develop my strategies for that particular team.  Some of the Match Practice may be an extension of the Skill Developments and it is in these drills that you should concentrate on defenders v's attackers, etc.  There are many grids and drills to choose from and you may find that one routine suits your particular team strategy better than another.  You will need to select and mix grids from the appropriate folders and the 26 week samples show you how I have put together my season.

The Match Practice in most instances is the advanced part of the session and includes pressure and speed for all players.

6. The Game grids may reflect what we have been doing in our session. It is NEVER just a game! It is always conditioned and players should be developing skills in preparation for their normal league or cup fixtures. If you can get another person to supervise the game then this is YOUR opportunity to take out individuals for concentrated coaching. I use quite regularly this section to use the Set Pieces drill S001 Semi-Pro shown below to work on free kicks corners or team attacking or defending roles.

7. The warm down is a very short segment but is very important. (W007 end) Is reduced stretching and a gradual cooling of the muscles using slow jogging and walking.

It is a time to thank players

It should be followed by a shower to relax the muscles completely.

Usually on Thursday night session I hold team talks and team selection based on our formation and opposition. Explain the role you have for each player selected.