How to set up a football training session when you’re coaching alone

A good session can get messy before it starts. You’re carrying the balls, putting out markers, finding the bibs and adjusting the plan because fewer players turned up than expected.

A little preparation helps. Here’s a way to set up a football session without rebuilding the whole field between activities.

Pick one thing to work on

Decide what the session is about before choosing drills. It might be passing and receiving, defending one-on-one or moving with the ball.

Write that goal at the top of your notes. It gives you a way to decide which activities belong in the session and which ones can wait.

Check your space and numbers

Before putting equipment down, look at the field you actually have. Another team may be using part of it. Player numbers may also change at the last minute.

Choose a layout that can grow or shrink without starting again. If your numbers change, adjust the teams or the size of the playing area.

Set up for the first activity

Have something ready for players as they arrive. Set out the starting area, place the balls where you need them and put bibs within reach.

For example, if the session is about passing, players could begin passing in pairs inside a marked area. You could use that same area for a group activity, then widen it for a small-sided game. You’re changing the activity without moving every marker.

Pack for the whole session

Before you leave, check the gear against your plan:

  • Footballs and pump

  • Bibs

  • Training markers

  • Goals or targets, if needed

  • Whistle, timer and notes

  • Water and any equipment required by your club

Bring what you’ll use. Extra gear is only helpful if you can carry, find and pack it away.

Plan the change between activities

Look at each part of the session and ask: what actually needs to move?

Sometimes you only need to add two goals, shift a boundary or change the teams. Work that out before players are standing around waiting for the next drill.

Remember the pack-down

At the end, count your balls and bibs, collect the markers and check the field for anything left behind. It’s a small part of the plan, but it’s still work, especially if you coach another group straight afterwards.

Marcr is developing a training cone collector and placement tool for coaches who set up and clear the field themselves. The prototype shows cones being placed and picked up from a standing position. The hardware is still moving toward production.

If you’d use Marcr in your sessions, [register for preorder updates] or follow Marcr on Facebook to follow the build.