Running a Good Practice
A good practice is active, organised, inclusive and appropriate for the players in front of you. The aim is not to fill every minute with instructions. The aim is to create a session that moves smoothly, keeps players involved and finishes positively.
Prepare well. Keep players moving. Finish positively.
The Foundations of a Good Practice
Start Ready
Prepare the first activity, equipment and player groups before practice begins.
Players should be moving within the first few minutes.
Keep Activities Short
Most activities should last only as long as players remain active, focused and engaged.
Leave them wanting one more turn.
Move Quickly Between Activities
Reuse equipment, prepare the next setup early and keep explanations brief.
A prepared transition protects practice time.
Keep Everyone Active
Use small groups, pairs, several stations and short queues.
Players should spend most of practice moving, playing or handling a ball.
Use One Clear Theme
Choose one main idea for the session and reinforce it through several activities.
One clear theme is enough.
Finish Positively
End with an enjoyable game or challenge, brief recognition and a clear finish.
Finish with energy and success.
Before Practice Begins
Prepare the First Activity
Set up the opening activity before players arrive so the session can start quickly.
Check the Equipment
Make sure balls, cones, bibs, targets and any other equipment are ready and safe to use.
Plan the Groups
Decide in advance how players will be paired or divided to avoid delays and long queues.
Brief the Coaching Team
Confirm the session theme, coaching focus, roles and any safety or inclusion concerns.
Know the Adjustment
Be ready to make the activity easier or harder depending on how the group responds.
A few minutes of preparation can protect most of the practice.
Keep Players Active
Use Small Groups
Organise players into pairs, groups of three or small teams so everyone gets frequent turns.
Avoid Long Queues
Keep waiting lines to two or three players whenever possible.
Use More Than One Target
Set up several baskets, gates, cones or stations so players can work at the same time.
Give Players a Ball
When the activity benefits from it, give each player or pair their own ball.
Coach While They Play
Give short reminders during the activity instead of stopping everyone repeatedly.
Move On at the Right Time
Change activities when energy, focus or involvement begins to drop.
Children learn most when they move most.
Adjust the Challenge
Increase the Space
Give players more room when an activity feels crowded or difficult.
Reduce the Pressure
Remove a defender, slow the activity down or allow more time to decide.
Move the Target Closer
Shorten the distance for passing, shooting or movement tasks so success remains possible.
Add a Decision
Make an activity harder by asking players to choose between two or more options.
Add Controlled Pressure
Introduce a passive defender, smaller space or time limit only when players are ready.
Adjust Without Singling Players Out
Use different distances, roles or progressions so players can work at the right level without feeling embarrassed.
Success should be possible, but not automatic.
Work as a Coaching Team
Lead Coach
Owns the session, gives the main demonstrations, keeps the group moving and leads the opening and closing huddles.
Timekeeper
Tracks each activity, gives a two-minute warning and protects time for the final game and huddle.
Equipment Manager
Prepares balls, cones, bibs and targets, removes unused equipment and checks everything is returned.
Next-Activity Setup Coach
Reads ahead and prepares the next activity while the current one continues.
Group Coach
Supports a group or station, reinforces the same coaching cue and keeps every player active.
Inclusion and Safety Coach
Watches for players who are left out, unsafe spacing, long queues, frustration or a need to adjust the challenge.
Clear roles help coaches protect practice time and notice every player.
The Two-Minute Coaches’ Huddle
Confirm the Theme
Make sure every coach understands the main idea being developed in the session.
Confirm the Learning Objectives
Agree what players should be able to do, notice or understand by the end of practice.
Confirm the Behaviour to Reinforce
Choose one behaviour to notice and praise, such as effort, communication, resilience or teamwork.
Assign the Roles
Confirm who will lead, keep time, prepare equipment, set up the next activity and support each group.
Identify Safety and Inclusion Needs
Discuss any player who may need extra support, a different challenge, careful grouping or closer supervision.
Two organised minutes before practice can prevent twenty disorganised minutes during it.
Practice Non-Negotiables
Be Safe, Inclusive and Welcoming
Every player should feel secure, noticed and able to take part.
Start with Movement
Begin quickly with an activity that gets players active and focused.
Include Plenty of Ball Touches
Use enough equipment and small enough groups so players handle the ball frequently.
Keep Explanations Short
Demonstrate clearly, give one main instruction and let players begin.
Give Everyone Meaningful Involvement
Avoid activities where a few players dominate while others wait or watch.
Use One Clear Theme
Let the main idea shape the activities, questions and coaching cues.
Include Play and Decisions
Give players opportunities to explore, choose and solve simple game problems.
Finish Positively
End with an enjoyable game, challenge or successful team activity.
End Together and on Time
Bring the group together briefly, recognise effort and finish with a clear close.
Prepare before the session. Keep players moving. Finish positively.