Thread by @Coach_Temisan

After, leading 1000s of hours of coaching sessions.

Co-coaching for 1000s of hours with top coaches.

Receiving 1000s of player feedback from all ages.

Here’s 13 "must know" lessons I’ve learnt 🧵

1. Plan with the end in mind

How does each practice lead into the next?

It’s important to build incrementally for the players to see how the learnings from each session progresses into the successive one.

This will save time when trying to explain the next session.

2. Time Explaining

If it takes you 5 minutes to explain the session - maybe the session is too complex to begin with?

The sooner the players can get to playing the better.

Aim for 30 - 45 seconds.

Do you rehearse how you will communicate the session to the players prior?

3. New sessions

If this is the first time you are delivering a particular session - it will be slow, it won’t “flow” as you saw it in you mind.

Learning is still taking place.

Be comfortable with this stage of the process.

4. Player Ideas

Be prepared to be collaborative in your session with the players.

They are the ones playing in it and will let you know if something isn’t working or there is a better way of doing it.

This is part of their learning process and yours.

5. Stopping Sessions

Don’t stop the session after 30 seconds and “shout” at the players.

Let the session “breathe”.

Trust the players to work it out.

Tell your players you won't stop the session for the first 3 minutes.

They will come to you if something needs changing.

6. Observe First

Give time for these questions to be answered in your observations.

Are the dimensions right?

Are the players gradually understanding?

Are they practicing the desired movements which are game realistic?

What can you see from different coaching positions?

7. Individuals vs Team

For individual players who need support, come alongside them in the session or speak pitch-side whilst play is continuing.

When there are multiple elements which relate to the team, then pause the session to demonstrate, question and challenge.

8. Seek Praise First

Show and praise what “good” looks like first.

The player or team highlighted will want to show that same action again very quickly.

The other players will be encouraged to follow.

It's a win win.

9. Competition enhances quality

The competitive element of football is undeniable.

It’s the same in sessions and when managed well by the coach this helps to enhance the quality of the session.

Use it to drive the intended session outcomes.

10. It’s ok to change timings

Sometimes the players need to move onto a higher challenge quicker.

Sometimes the players need more time before moving on.

The best one.

Sometimes the players love the session and want to keep going with it!

They will let you know.

11. 70:30 Rule

70% Ball playing time

30% Non-ball playing time

This is just a guide.

Sometimes this will be more.

Sometimes less.

You need to appreciate and plan equally for both to support the full learning experience for the players.

12. Co-Coaching

If you work as a coaching pair, learn and get advice from each other as you are delivering.

How do they communicate information to the players?

What is the structure of their demonstrations?

Can I add relevant information to their comments?

13. Using Tech

I’ve used iPads to record as the session is playing and give real time feedback to players that they can see.

This is a powerful tool for the players to be able to analyse their football actions in the moment.