Help players build a training habit
1. Choose a focus together
Ask players what they enjoy about soccer and what they want to improve. Connect their ideas to your coaching feedback. Choose one skill and explain where it shows up in a game. Demonstrate it at practice, such as a first touch that sets up the next pass, so players know what to notice on their own.
2. Make the plan easy to repeat
Offer a relevant Techne session and agree on a manageable practice goal. Two short sessions before the next team practice can be a starting point, adapted to age, schedule, and access to safe space. Let players choose a time linked to a routine they already have, and have them set out their ball and equipment beforehand.
3. Reflect, encourage, and build on it
Ask players what they discovered and watch the skill in a team drill. Recognize specific effort or improvement. If someone struggled to get started, help them make the plan smaller or easier to fit into their week. Invite players to choose their next focus. Logged activity can help you start the conversation.
A sample week: first touch
At team practice: Demonstrate a first touch that sets up the next pass. Choose a Techne session that practices receiving the ball.
Between practices: Ask players to choose two days and a familiar routine to practice after, such as getting home from school. Start with 10 minutes against a wall or rebounder. Have them notice how often the first touch lets them make the next pass without chasing the ball.
At the next practice: Ask players what changed and observe the same receiving task. Help them choose what to work on next.
A message to share with parents
This week we are working on first touch. Your player has a short practice to try twice before our next session. Please help them find a safe space and time to start. Ask what they noticed; they do not need to be perfect. Let me know if space, equipment, or access is a problem.
Put the plan into practice
Already using Techne? Choose a session and assign it from the Coaching tab in the app. New to Techne? See how it works for your team or club.
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