2012 Youth Coaching Manual - AFL Community

Chapter 7
Conducting Training Sessions
Planning and conducting practice sessions. It is important to continually stress to players that through practice sessions they will
be taught skills and techniques that will lead to individual improvement, and that it is an opportunity for the team to develop
into a cohesive offensive and defensive unit. As part of effective coaching, coaches should follow the ‘Plan – Act – Review’
strategy, which will set them on the correct path. Training activities may be planned to emphasise various components of the
game, including skills and techniques and decision making and tactical thinking.
Principles of effective training
The coach needs to be aware of the general principles which ensure effective training. This makes it possible for coaches to
formulate training programs and sessions which have a positive impact on both the team and individual. Coaches are able to design
their training with appropriate consideration to the standard of the team.
Keep all players active
Give clear concise instructions
Maximise training time by keeping all players active and
involved.
Learning improves when players know what is expected of them.
Demonstrations improve the accuracy of instructions
Record progress
Give positive feedback
Provide variety
Encourage enjoyment
Create progression
Plan maximum use of resources
Allow for individual differences
Plan yet flexible
Certain drills allow measurement by which coaches and players
can assess progress.
Emphasise and reward good performances.
Maintain interest by using various skills.
Training sessions should be fun and enjoyable.
Learning improves if progression occurs from the simple to the
complex.
Ensure that you have the correct equipment (footballs, markers
etc). A ratio of one football to two players is ideal.
Allow for different learning rates among players.
If a planned drill is not working or circumstances have changed
(e.g. weather), be prepared to change immediately.
Keep drills and activities short
Shorter drills are more effective than lengthy ones. Unless practice time is pre-planned, drills may become long and boring
to players and learning may be reduced. It is important to ensure players know the purpose of the drill being undertaken.
Players tend to perform better when they know why they are working on a specific skill. The coach should also begin the
session with a brief explanation of the session’s goals. This will give the session more direction and relevance and players will
be clear on individual and team goals for the session.
Conclude each practice session with an evaluation of the players’ performances and the effectiveness of the session itself.
This should include an honest personal assessment by the coach.
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