Pre-Season 2026 | Page 20

of going through the motions. For example, in a simple drill with two players and one ball where one player serves and his / her partner executes a skill by playing the ball back to the server, ask the players to play it to a certain spot— the knees, the waist, etc.
» Teach a new skill by“ chunking it up” and giving it to the players in parts.
» Work on the mental side of the game. The players should have a mental and physical goal for each session. You will have to help with this. A mental goal? Today I will stop all negative thoughts from creeping into my head.
» Emphasize work and effort NOT talent. If you recognize talent only, the work ethic will diminish.
But with talent AND hard work the players can move to the next level.
Some suggestions for practice … Here are some thoughts you should consider as you plan a training session: » Make a plan and write it down. Carry it onto the field with you and use it as a guide. Do not“ wing it”!
» Instead of running to promote fitness, use smallsided games. You will increase fitness, technique and tactics with small-sided games!!
» Use problem-solving( Discovery Method) as much as possible. For example, two teams playing 3v3 – How can you get the ball from one end line to the other with three passes?
» Do not use drills where the players are waiting in lines. There is not enough training time as it is! Use activities! » Make all sessions as game-realistic as possible. » Restrict each activity to a set time period. For example, we will play 3v3 for seven minutes. Then stick to it. You will get more out of your team.
» Tell the players what they will be doing in training and why
Make practice fun for the players and yourself! n
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