Soccer Coaching and Soccer Drills

In the area of soccer coaching and particularly soccer drills; constant, repetitive practice is a prerequisite for improved individual and group performance. But we also know that all players -- young and experienced -- eventually become pretty bored and demotivated with the same old routines and exercises. It is important, therefore, that coaches vary and "spice-up" their existing routines from time to time, but, crucially, introduce new innovative and enjoyable ones over the period also.

This is essential for retaining motivation, and, as a consequence essential for an effective coaching plan. Players of all ages, and abilities, respond much better to new, relevant, but always enjoyable, routines and exercises.

Soccer coaching needs to be planned. A good coach should always have a written practice plan prepared ahead of each practice session. The plan's objective should always be to improve individual and team performance. A good plan should take into consideration previous games / practices, the skill levels of the players, individual and collective (team) deficiencies, and could even include particular drills in preparation for an upcoming match.

Soccer drills must be doable but challenging. Each drill or routine must be clearly demonstrated to the players. It is also important that each player fully understands what the benefits of a drill is both to himself and to the team. The plan should ensure that there are no long gaps between drills while apparatus and other resources are set up. The written plan must therefore include the use of assistants where possible and the timely and effective layout of resources. It is also very important that drills ensure that all players are involved as much as possible and not left standing around waiting "their turn". Players, particularly young players, can easily get distracted and lose focus when not involved. It can be quite difficult to then get them back again. So one drill should run smoothly and effortlessly into the next.

Remember that, whatever the drill, it should be fun. This cannot be stressed enough; particularly with young players who nowadays have many other things they enjoy doing. If your practice sessions are not enjoyable, it becomes a real chore and a turn-off for them. They end up learning nothing and stop improving. They may even stop coming to your sessions.

Good luck with your soccer coaching plans and drills, and, success on the field.

John Salter is the Editor of ClanFootball.com, a new football website giving fans their say through a football fans forum and blog, with football news, results, club data, leagues and the Laws of Football to keep fans fully informed.