One of the key things to a successful practice is planning.  Consider the following structure as you plan your practice:

• Technical warm-up
• Small-sided game that reinforces the skill being taught
• Scrimmage / game 

The following links provide a wealth of information and ideas for structuring practices.  In addition, the Mass Youth Soccer Association has an entire season of practice plans you can follow that are age group specific. 

• 1st and 2nd grade teams -  go here or here

• 3rd and 4th grade teams -  go here or here

• 5th and 6th grade teams - go here or here

• 7th grade and up - go here or here

• Goalkeeper training - go here

• US Soccer Coaching Curriculum -- go here
• Massachusetts Statewide Curriculum (currently being worked on): - go here

• US Youth Soccer coaches manual - go here

• Various other training ideas - go here

• US Soccer Coaching Curriculum -- go here
• Massachusetts Statewide Curriculum (currently being worked on): - go here

• US Youth Soccer coaches manual - go here

• US Soccer Coaching Curriculum -- go here
• Massachusetts Statewide Curriculum (currently being worked on): - go here

• US Youth Soccer coaches manual - go here

• US Soccer Coaching Curriculum -- go here
• Massachusetts Statewide Curriculum (currently being worked on): - go here

• US Youth Soccer coaches manual - go here

Coaches can sign up for the CATZCoach online training and team management program.  This program will give you a complete season worth of practice plans, by age group, that you can see being coached on video and then replicate on the field.  To see a demonstration of the program, please go to www.catzcoach.com.  Click on the Login box and use the username “demo2” and the password “password”.   To sign up for the program, click on the Sign Up box. Make sure to get a coupon code from your age group coordinator so there will be no charge for you.

 If you have any questions, please send me an e-mail at msapers@catzsports.com or call me at (781) 449-2289.