The soccer sessions that we create at Cupello are comprehensive, inclusive, and age-appropriate. Within the sessions winning becomes a key element - it's okay to want to win but you also learn a lot by losing. Our soccer sessions also embrace fun so that the players go home wanting to come back to training and can't wait for the next match.
Player development is key with sessions based on position and possession style of play. When you have the ball, the goal is not to move the ball but to move the opponent by quick switches of position to find somewhere to pass the ball in order to give your side an advantage. The sessions also increase individual skill levels for a fast passing team - and the players love them.
When designing soccer sessions it is important that they develop individual skills and team tactics. Understanding is key both for the coach and the players they are coaching. Soccer session design should be specific to what happens in the game, are age/ability appropriate with individual and group challenges and are fun and engaging for the players.
When you look to plan a coaching session and create the structure think about the ability of the players, players needs and requirements, space available, and player numbers.
it is important that the session reflects the game, challenges the players, and is fun to take part in – remember whatever age group and formation you play it all reflects back to the 11v11 game which is the holy grail you are trying to build up to.
SESSION PLANNING by Andy Maciel Go4Goal
This section is inspired by the coaching and session planning of Andy Maciel who has studied the works of many of the world's best coaches and how sessions are created.
Why:
- Why am I delivering this particular topic to the players, is it a new concept, the pattern of play- strategy, or idea?
- Is it part of a development plan or programme or is it to address issues from a recent match analysis?
What:
- What am I looking to improve, affect in the session?
- Am I focusing on individuals, units of players, or the team as a whole?
- How will I gauge success on the training ground & on the pitch, are the players able to comprehend the learning outcomes?
- What situations will I need to recreate for the players?
- What practice will I employ to get the picture across to the group?
- What are the technical & personal attributes of the key players I need in the session?
- What are the verbal, non – verbal triggers for the players to recognise the situation to use this new knowledge?
- What collectives or pictures do individuals need to see?
- What references am I building in the players’ brains?
How:
- How will I deliver this topic?
- Practical & theory content, what format will iI use [pop, full pitch, small-sided game or skill practice]?
- How will i develop the players understanding, how will i utilise the principles of play?
- How do I link this new concept-knowledge-technical information with previous or future learning?
- How many players should be used in the session to ensure realism?
- How will I vary the practice?
When:
- When will the players use this new knowledge?
- When do I move on to the next part of the session?
Who:
- Who will be involved in the session?
- Key individuals in key positions. Who is the key focus of the session?
PLAN FOR SUCCESS & RECOGNISE IT WHEN IT HAPPENS!
- Session & games key coaching points
- Possession - Position - Pressing
- Quality Weight Accuracy (QWA) of pass
- Quality 1st touch to keep the ball moving
- Minimal touches
- Triangles
- Scanning
- Body Position
- Numerical Superiority
- Positioning
Tips:
- Incorporate offside line/zones in all SSGs
- Film sessions & games as regularly as possible to support reflection (mobile phone on tripod / veo etc)
- Coach & players’ Reflection on sessions & games …KEY!
- Regular meetings (e.g. zoom) with players once a month if poss. Collective reflection. (off-field coaching!!!)
- Relay (via players) to parents what tactical principles (intentions) & challenges are on the game, so communication is clear & they understand the What…the How is then down to the players!