Structuring a Session, Simplified
Keep it simple, keep it fun
Identify a theme for training, build around it. Keep the structure simple, leave lots of room for creativity.
A simple structure, outlined by U.S. Soccer, is a great starting point:
Play
Practice
Play
Example:
Small sided games or rondos
Train to the them
Finish with a game
A more nuanced approach, more detailed, helps guide a session and allows you to progress:
Play
Technical
Tactical
Play
Example:
Small sided game, no structure
Technical with no pressure
Tactical exercise to create the situations you’re trying to train to
Open up & play
Technical segments can progress nicely into tactical segments. Start with no pressure, have a few progressions, begin adding pressure, transition into a tactical exercise.
Keep your sessions simple. Don’t over prescribe yourself into a corner. If a concept is taking longer for a team to sort out, keep working on it or adjust and keep moving forward.
Great sessions provide the space to allow players the flexibility to think through situations. Too much structure removes the thinking and replaces it with compliance. Strike the right balance and keep it fun.