Practice Planning and Reflection

One thing is for sure: if a practice doesn't go well, it's the coach's problem.  How do you fix it?

“Wisdom comes from reflection.”
― Deborah Day, BE HAPPY NOW! 

Regardless of how busy I am before training, I always find a way to have something written on paper for that session.  Most times it's a very formal plan, other times it's scribbling and doodles and lines.  But I always have something to refer to.

Can I run a session without a written plan?  Of course.  But that's not very smart.  In the chaos that sometimes develops from the presence of a group of youngsters, you can easily forget your sequence or to include coaching points along the way.  I always have my paper tucked into the waist of my shorts ready, if/when I need it.

My plans are simple.  At minimum:

• Type of session (technical/small sided game/GAG/phase of play/11v11/etc)
• theme
• draw a quick sketch of the organization
• equipment required (balls, cones, pinnies, etc)
• list possible progressions
• list key factors/coaching points
• list possible detours if something is not available (players/equipment/space).  This is called "thinking on your feet", but it's easier if you have ideas already.
• action points from the reflection of previous session

Coaches will have their personal preferences as to how they prepare for training, but something tangible, in writing, is a must.  And it has to be on the coach while they are on the field.  Leaving it in your bag is half a job.

Here are some links to sample practice plan templates:
http://www.norcross-soccer.org/docs/Practice_Plan_Template.doc
http://www.powhatansoccer.org/files/Documents/NEW%20USYSA%20Lesson%20Plan.dot

After training you want to perform some form of personal reflection.  These are some questions to ask yourself:

• How was your mood?
• Did you look and sound like a coach?
• What went wrong?
• What went right?
• Was the session enjoyable for you and the players?  Why?  Why not? 
• Did the players improve?  Did the team improve?
• What could/would you change?
• How will your observations today affect your next session?

For me, I know how I feel after a good session and that's the feeling I want during the drive home.  When I don't feel right,  I look inward to find out why and work to fix it next session.   If I have a good session I work to build on it next time.

Reflection is not an option if you're looking to improve as a coach.   Honest reflection is your biggest tool in running a continuously improving program.  Create action points from your reflections to help plan your next session.