Define a coaching plan template and standard play book

Inexperienced coaches might be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of the role. A training plan template helps create a structure, and a drill book with the standard exercises and plays helps to have the whole team on the same page. Having standardised resources like a training plan  template and a set of exercises for increasing difficulties lowers the bar for having leaders step up and create an atmosphere for training the coaches, from assistant to head coach. Similarly, as in the special training for recruiters that need to know how to manage a school class and  deliver a good demo training or series of training, your association needs a clear structure for practical training to reach specific seasonal goals.  

Ask your national federation about their "Train the Trainer" courses. Some National federations have the material online available for you.  

A standard structure for training and a drill book gives the whole team a framework that eases the trainer's job. This book can help you to  delegate certain parts of the training, like warming up, running well-known drills, etc., to other players and empower them in a coaching-assistant  role. Meanwhile, the coach can then supervise the execution of the drill and give better individual feedback to the players.  

Rotating the people running the drills is advisable to enlarge the base of potential future coaches and team leaders. Especially in mixed practices,  it is essential to delegate tasks equally. 

Things you can include in such a basic drill book for your Team/Club: 

  • Let players show the drill (explain the drill to the selected players beforehand) 
  • Don't turn your back to the crowd while explaining 
  • Have different methods of explaining (visual, auditive and let them try it) 
  • If you want to create something for a selected group and are unsure if it suits them, simply ask.  
  • Include the participants in your process to let them know what is going on and have a better understanding of the situation, and what is needed to run the drills (cones, stop clock, field area, whistle, …) 
  • Describe the different goals for each exercise and explain to your team why they are doing that drill 
  • Be aware of safety. Design your sessions in a way that is safe for all the participants 
  • Inform yourself and others about the responsibilities and duties of a coach, especially when working with minors  
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