Coaching Craft: Practice design

For coaches, effective coaching is about much more than delivering drills and setting out cones. It requires intention, structure and a detailed understanding of how every element of their work, from interventions and praise to the learning environment they create, can support player development.

In this feature, the first in our Coaching Craft series, experienced coach developer Carl Plunkett focuses on practice design. He explores how thoughtful planning can maximise learning time, create flow within sessions and help players transfer their work on the training pitch into the game itself.

Using examples from the Coaches’ Voice library, featuring content from Everton, Arsenal and Brighton’s academies, Plunkett explores four key topics: blending unopposed and opposed practices; using constraints to guide learning and create opportunities for problem-solving; planning for individuals within a team and planning starting points and coaching positions within a practice.

It’s a fascinating look at how practice design can help coaches better support players, improve decision-making and make the most of every minute on the grass.

Sessions referenced in this video

• Josh Hinckson, Arsenal Youth Development Phase: Create to finish the attack

• James Dunn, Everton Under-9, Technical development: Staying on the ball

• Mark Jackson: Attacking in a 3-4-3

• Dan Wright, Brighton Youth Development Phase: Moves in Twos