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Hi, I am a long time player, first time coach. I am going to be coaching 13-15YO girls who are very enthusiastic and most of the team have good skills already. We are about to start our 2 months of pre-season training and we are still looking for more players to join the team. There will be a small number of beginners in the group. During the open training session we held, I found they got bored very easily. How can I structure our first few sessions to ensure;1. They want to come back 2. They have fun and get to know each other 3. They feel like I am going to be a good coach that will help them develop their skills. I want to make sure they believe in me as a coach while I get the hang of actually coaching. Very overwhelmed at the moment.
Jaimee WegnerCoach, Australia
ANSWERS
Annabel DunnillCoach, England
Hi Jaimee,
Congratulations on taking on the role of a football coach! It's great that you're enthusiastic about creating a positive and engaging experience for your players. Here are some tips to structure your first few sessions:
Session 1: Building Enthusiasm and Connection
Welcome and Icebreakers (20 mins):
- Start with a warm welcome, introduce yourself, and create a positive atmosphere.
- Icebreaker games to help players get to know each other. This can be non-football related to ease everyone into the session.
Fun Drills and Games (30 mins):
- Engage them with fun and dynamic drills that involve basic football skills but are not too challenging for beginners.
- Small-sided games with mixed skill levels to encourage teamwork and communication.
Team-Building Activities (15 mins):
- Incorporate team-building exercises. This can be a simple teamwork challenge or a fun relay race.
Feedback and Encouragement
- End the session with positive feedback. Acknowledge effort and improvement rather than focusing solely on mistakes.
Annabel DunnillCoach, England
Session 2: Skill Introduction and Development
Skill Stations (5-10 mins on each station):
- Set up different skill stations focusing on fundamental skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting.
- Rotate players through each station, providing guidance and encouragement.
Small-Sided Games (20 mins):
- Divide the group into smaller teams for short games. Emphasize teamwork and celebrate successes.
Individual Attention (20 mins):
- Spend some time working individually with players, especially beginners, to understand their needs and provide targeted guidance.
Annabel DunnillCoach, England
Session 3: Fun Challenges and Scrimmages
Skill Challenges (20 mins):
- Introduce fun challenges related to football skills. For example, accuracy contests for passing or dribbling through cones.
Scrimmages (30 mins):
- Organize small-sided scrimmages. Mix experienced players with beginners to create a supportive learning environment.
Coach Involvement (20 mins):
- Actively participate in drills and games, showcasing your own enthusiasm for the sport. This helps in building rapport with the players.
Annabel DunnillCoach, England
General Tips:
Positive Reinforcement:
- Encourage effort and improvement, and celebrate successes no matter how small. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence.
Communication:
- Keep communication open. Ask for feedback from the players and be approachable. This helps in building trust.
Adaptability:
- Be flexible and willing to adjust sessions based on the energy and interest of the players.
Set Goals Together:
- Involve the team in setting short-term and achievable goals. This creates a sense of ownership and purpose.
Remember, the key is to create a positive and enjoyable environment where players feel supported and motivated to learn. Good luck with your coaching journey!
