With the fall season fast approaching, it is important to begin planning your upcoming soccer practices.  The following pointers are by no means comprehensive but should help you in the season ahead.  More training games, videos, drills and ideas cal also be researched out.

Be safe

The safety of you and your players is always the number one factor in your preparation.  Plan ahead by knowing the weather, and be sure to have all your players contact details (and a way to call for help) in case of emergency.  Once on site, make sure that the area is safe (free of glass, metal, holes, etc) and that any goals are anchored securely.  In the even of bad weather (thunder/lightening), always err on the side of caution and take the children to safety.

Be prepared/organized

As mentioned above, be sure to have accurate paperwork for all of your players.  Once on field have a lesson plan that is age appropriate, and makes good developmental sense.  In addition, have appropriate equipment for the practice (balls, cones, pinnies, etc) and check that it is in safe working order.  Being prepared will mean you are less likely to get flustered during practice.

The following clip is a drill we use at Complete Soccer Coach to teach players to head the ball while having some fun!

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