Design, Diagram and Make Sense

When making a lesson plan remember the following points:

  • Design your session for no the number of players on the team.
  • Make sure your drills and activities are age specific.
  • Design activities to flow from simple to complex – add elements of the game as you progress.
  • Design session to include:
    1. Warm-up.
    2. Small-sided activity (e.g. 4v2 keep away).
    3. Expanded small-sided activity, with discretion.
    4. 6v6 (5v5 plus keepers) to two large goals.
  • Use progression for teaching techniques or tactics as a guide for planning session.
  • Use the appropriate space on the lesson plan to diagram your activity, describe the organization and list the key coaching points.
  • Include the objectives of the game or exercise and the method of scoring.
  • If using restrictions, make sure they are applicable to your objective and topic.
  • Include the general dimensions for the playing area – you should be prepared to adjust the size during your session if needed.
  • Use the area of the field that is most applicable to your topic if possible to provide a clearer reference for your players.
  • Make sure your activities are realistic to the game.

When diagramming, remember the following points:

  • Keep diagrams simple.
  • Use a straight line for a pass – a dotted line for a run – a scribbled line for a dribble.
  • Indicate size of the area on lesson plan next to diagram.
  • Indicate neutral players with an N.

Make sure your practice makes sense:

  • Does it look like soccer?
  • Will your players understand where the practice fits in the game?
  • Are the objectives you set for the players to achieve realistic?
  • Are your instructions clear and to the point?
  • Does the activity or practice bring out the actual elements of the game?