Training standards

Some players are stars on the pitch – but when it comes to training, they might not meet all the right standards.

It is important that we recognise this because it impacts other players, too, especially younger members of the squad.

Before we look at the individual, we need to consider that our environment has a clear message: that there is an expectation around the work you must do.

This expectation is then driven by the leaders within the playing group. The coaching group will continually expect that level as a consequence. Someone doesn’t have to be a great trainer, but they still have to train.

However, this expectation should come from within the squad. A conversation with the coach is the last resort. 

Therefore, the playing squad and the leadership group should be clear that the wrong attitude in training is not acceptable.

Energising the session

It would be great if every session flowed with purpose from the get-go.

To achieve this often, you have to recognise a few factors. Firstly, where are you in the season and where are you in terms of recovering from the last match?

Secondly, with that in mind, you need to check in with the group before the session.

We have lots of medical and conditioning support who can give us a heads-up on the vibe, as well as talking to the leadership group.

Thirdly, we need to consider what we want to get out of the session. Will what we’ve set out be enough? 

It’s easy to go through the motions, ticking boxes. Sometimes, you might just pull the session up, refresh them and say: "We are going to do 10 minutes focused on this, and then that’s us for today".

Serious fun

Our training sessions tend to last around 60-90 minutes.

The warm-up is always fun. It gives energy. and the players treat it as “Bang, we’re on.” This is inevitably driven by the leaders in the group, who will remind the players when to switch attention. 

It might be that it will be a little more slow-paced when we are learning. When it’s time for execution, the speed ramps up, and the pressure is on.

It helps that the players know what’s coming in the training plan. That means when we move into a different phase of the training session, they will change their energy levels accordingly.

The plan

The plan will outline who is working with whom and where.

The warm-up is often done by the whole group, and then there will be a plan for the units to split, perhaps come back together for a drill, and finish with, say, team-on-team.

During a drill, the players will be aware of key points and which coach is hosting it. If there are other coaches involved, we make sure we use consistent language and that everyone knows what they are looking for.

Typically, one of these drills lasts four to eight minutes, with the hosting coach leading, stopping, and starting the action. The co-coaches would give feedback on an individual basis when players are recovering their positions.

That feedback won’t be new information during the season; it will be reiterating key details. In pre-season, it will be about building habits.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Everyone needs to know when to switch to “work.”
• The leadership group self-polices attitudes and effort
• The plan helps players know what energy levels are required for each activity
• Consistent language allows co-coaching to flourish without interrupting the flow
• Sometimes, you need to stop the session early

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