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Season & Practice Planning
Stop winging it. Here's exactly how to plan your season, week, and every practice.
Preseason Planning (4 Weeks)
Fitness base, team bonding, basic patterns
Week 1: Fitness & Ball Work
- • Practice 1: Fitness testing, small games for evaluation
- • Practice 2: Ball mastery, 1v1 competitions
- • Practice 3: Passing patterns, possession games
Week 2: Building Team Shape
- • Practice 1: Defensive shape, pressing triggers
- • Practice 2: Attacking patterns, width and depth
- • Practice 3: Transition moments, counter-attack
Week 3: Position Specifics
- • Practice 1: Defenders + GK training, attackers finishing
- • Practice 2: Midfield rotations, wing play
- • Practice 3: Set pieces introduction
Week 4: Game Preparation
- • Practice 1: 11v11 scrimmage, identify starting lineup
- • Practice 2: Tactical review, mental preparation
- • Practice 3: Light training, penalties, team meeting
In-Season Weekly Cycle
| Day | Type | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Recovery | 60 min | Light jogging, stretching, ball work, review weekend game film |
| Tuesday | Technical/Tactical | 90 min | High intensity, focus on weakness from last game, position-specific work |
| Wednesday | Physical | 75 min | Fitness with ball, small-sided games, competitive activities |
| Thursday | Tactical | 90 min | Team shape, set pieces for upcoming opponent, 11v11 situations |
| Friday | Pre-Game | 45 min | Light intensity, finishing, set piece review, team talk |
| Saturday | Game Day | Match | Pre-game routine, match, post-game recovery |
90-Minute Practice Template
warm Up
15 min- • Dynamic stretching with ball
- • Rondo 5v2 in 15x15 space
- • Pass and move patterns
- • 1v1 shoulder-to-shoulder
technical
20 min- • First touch under pressure drill
- • Passing combinations
- • Crossing and finishing
- • Turning and shooting
tactical
25 min- • Pressing in thirds
- • Building from back 6v4
- • Counter-attack 5v3
- • Defensive shape 8v6
game
25 min- • 7v7 with conditions
- • 9v9 directional
- • Tournament 3v3
- • 11v11 match simulation
cool Down
5 min- • Light jog
- • Static stretching
- • Team talk
- • Individual feedback
Free Planning Templates
Download these templates and customize for your team:
Season Planning Calendar
12-week season plan with practice themes, game schedule, rest days
Practice Session Planner
90-minute practice template with progressions and coaching points
Player Evaluation Sheet
Track player development across technical, tactical, physical, mental areas
Game Day Checklist
Pre-game prep, lineup sheet, halftime adjustments template
Parent Communication Templates
Season welcome email, weekly updates, playing time discussions
"A good plan today beats a perfect plan tomorrow. Start with these templates, adjust based on your team's needs. The best coaches plan ahead but adapt in the moment."