• Logical progressions— increase pressure incrementally for technical topics; complicate the environment as the practice progresses
• Coaching position— generally outside
STEP 3 – CREATING A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT What makes up a learning environment?
• Players learn better by doing, not just hearing
• Teach, don’ t talk; coaches should not lecture
• Show what you want vs. telling what you want. Remember: retention is 70 % visual
STEP 4 – SELECT YOUR COACHING METHODOLOGY
• Progressive Technical – building pressure from none to full as quickly as possible
• Progressive Tactical – possession, direction, counter direction, two directions with full pressure from opponents
• Functional Technical or Tactical – in the area where the player( s) are located in a match
• Phase Play – play between two of the thirds of the field
• Shadow Play – adding opposition as play proceeds
STEP 5 – THE PRACTICE Warm-Up:
• @ 15-20 % of allotted time related to topic
• Rehearse: physical and psychological preparation for the practice
• Team is ready to go at full speed when completed
Main Activities:
• @ 50 % of allotted time; usually 3-5 exercises
Concluding Activity – Game:
• @ 30-35 % of allotted time
• Implement topic in match environment
• Games with restrictions as needed
COACH – Observe – Stops Warm-Down:
• @ 5 % – Stretch, low-level activity, reinforce coaching points
Coaching Actions During Practice Exercises:
• Don’ t forget that“ catching the good” is an effective way to reinforce correct play and choices
• Identify problems and teachable moments
• Freeze the action
• Correct the fault with effective demonstration or review a correct picture— if using picture-focused corrections, remember the 30-second rule: the longer a coach talks the less players listen
• Rehearse – coach the player, not the exercise
• Restart with success“ WHEN – ON”
Remember that feedback is the single most important variable in skill learning; it must be valid, precise and specific vs. non-specific and focused on performance.
The following is from Bill Beswick, a sports psychologist in England.
Successful Coaches: Successful coaches take players out of their comfort zone, individually and collectively, to somewhere they have not been before— REACH THE POSSIBLE
A Good Coach:
• Coaches the whole player
• Is organized – sell vs. yell
• Has focused practices
• Has challenging practices
• Has players set individual goals
• Allows freedom to fail
• Facilitates learning
• Balances work, rest, relaxation
• Balances praise / criticism
• Has players take responsibility
• Establishes two-way communication
Good Luck! n
2026 PRE-SEASON SOCCER JOURNAL | 9