Before Practice
Is the first activity ready?
Set up the opening activity before players arrive so practice can begin quickly.
Is the equipment prepared?
Check that balls, cones, bibs, targets and other equipment are available and safe.
Does every coach know their role?
Confirm who is leading, keeping time, managing equipment, preparing the next activity and supporting groups.
What is today’s theme?
Make sure every coach knows the one main idea being developed during the session.
What behaviour are we reinforcing?
Choose one behaviour to notice and praise, such as effort, teamwork, listening or resilience.
Are there any safety or inclusion concerns?
Identify any player who may need extra support, careful grouping, a different challenge or closer supervision.
A prepared start protects the whole practice.
During Practice
Are players active?
Check that players are moving, handling the ball and making decisions rather than waiting in long queues.
Are explanations short?
Demonstrate clearly, give one main instruction and let players begin.
Is everyone involved?
Notice who is receiving the ball, who is joining groups and who may be standing at the edge of the activity.
Is the challenge appropriate?
Adjust space, pressure, time or difficulty so success is possible but not automatic.
Are we reinforcing behaviour?
Praise effort, teamwork, communication, resilience and good decisions, not only successful outcomes.
Are transitions moving quickly?
Prepare the next activity early, reuse equipment and avoid unnecessary stoppages.
Keep players active. Keep coaching clear. Keep the session moving.
After Practice
Did they have fun?
Consider whether players enjoyed the session and are likely to want to return.
Did they feel they belonged?
Reflect on whether every player felt welcomed, noticed and meaningfully involved.
Did they improve?
Identify where players developed attitude, effort, skill or understanding.
What worked well?
Note which activities, explanations, groupings or coaching cues were most effective.
What should change next time?
Identify one practical adjustment for the next session.
Who needs follow-up?
Consider whether any player needs encouragement, a different challenge, extra support or a conversation with another coach.
Reflect briefly. Learn honestly. Improve the next session.