Training Sessions / Practices

Updated: 8/31/23

Training Session Plan

Stage 0: Prep, Cone Setup, & Check-in
- Focus on 1-2 skills which are supported by entire Play Practice Play training session. Example skills include keeping possession (dribbling), restarts (throw in’s, goal kicks, kick off’s, corner kicks), heads up passing (spreading out, running into space/openings)
- Plan your activities ahead.
  - In AYSOU's training online (My Training), you can download your coach book that includes set plans/activities for you to use. Look to the Document Library area in AYSOU.
  - This attached guide can help you map out your Play Practice Play (here).
- Setup cones for your activities.
  - Feel free to write on the cones, placing numbers on cones can streamline your warmups and activities.
Stage 1: Small Sided Game(s) (Play)
- First Play session: explain and show your focus on 1-2 skills.
- For older players, it might be good to have them do stretches or FIFA 11 Plus (here) before they jump into join the starting game.
- Get the game setup and running, adding players into the game as they arrive.

Stage 2: Small Activity (Practice)
- First Practice session: reinforce same 1-2 skills from first Play.
- Likely can be done in the same cone setup or grid, you can setup channels for movement of players from one area to another.
- You can feel free to do activities found in the AYSO online training.

Stage 3: Backup/Additional Activity (Practice)
- Second Practice session if necessary: reinforce same 1-2 skills from first Play.
- The PDF (here) includes additional ideas about activities that can work. Some will require additional equipment, so check to see if it will work for you.
Stage 4: Game Like Activity (Play)
- Second Play session: reinforce same 1-2 skills from first Play.
- This would be 10-15min at the end of the practice and is often similar to a scrimmage. The activity should focus on what you covered earlier, focusing players on applying the items taught in a game like situation.

Training Session (Practice) Guidance

The head coach makes the call on the training session location and time. Ideally the head coach works with the majority and the assistant coach to find the best time & place.

Training Session Duration

Each coach should ensure they offer at least one training session per week, again, ideally at a time & location that works for the majority. Remember to setup your sessions in Sports Connect (Picture Guide: here). Below are the max training sessions per week when the team has a Saturday game that week. NOTE: When you do not have a game in the week, you can add one more training session.

7/8th Grade divisions - 2 training sessions per week for 1½ hours.
5/6th Grade divisions - 2 training sessions per week for 1 hour.
3/4th Grade divisions - 2 training sessions per week for 1 hour.
2nd Grade divisions - 1 training session per week for 1 hour.
1st Grade divisions - 1 training session per week for 1 hour.
Kinder divisions - 1 training session per week during the first 30min on game day.

Team's Training Session Equipment

2 Game Balls.
6 Practice Balls.
~30 Disc Cones (multiple colors available).
Soccer Ball Bag.
Primary Color Pennies (or reversible).
Secondary Color Pinnies (if not reversible).

Missing Equipment? (here) All team equipment needs to be returned after the spring season. You can contact the Equipment Manager to schedule a return or drop off the equipment at the sheds on the last game days.

Coach equipment like whistle & hat are provided on request. If you desire a first aid kit, please work with the parents of the team to source it. We try to stock some instant ice packs, but the kits in general have become too expensive to provide to all teams.

Training Session Locations

Coaches OR Managers...

Pick a school or park location that is best for both coaches.
NOTICE: Only grass fields are approved/insured. If turf is needed, contact Luke.
Check with the volunteers to narrow down the training session day(s) and time(s).
Confirm with parents to see if the selected date, time, & location will work for the majority.
Setup your practices in Sports Connect (Picture Guide: here)
See the info below for each location
- Adams / Western View Area:
  - Fill out the form (here).
- Corvallis School locations except Adams / Western View
  - 509j Reservation Online (here) (PDF guide)
    - NOTICE: Some schools do not have spaces available, as the school is under construction. Double check that the space is available and safe before reserving.
- Philomath area is first come, first serve with priority for Philomath School District and Area Baseball program.
- Corvallis Parks are first come, first serve.
  - CTR:Arnold Park
  - STH:Avery Park (has bathroom)
  - STH:Bruce Starker Arts Park
  - CTR:Central Park
  - NTH:Chepenafa Springs Park
  - CTR:Chintimini Park (has bathroom)
  - CTR:Cloverland Park (has bathroom)
  - NTH:Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (has bathroom)
  - CTR:Franklin Square Park
  - CTR:Garfield Park
  - STH:Grand Oaks Park
  - STH:Lilly Park
  - STH:Peanut Park
  - STH:Riverbend Park
  - NTH:Timberhill Park
  - STH:Tunison Park
  - NTH:Village Green Park
  - CTR:Washington Park
  - STH:Willamette Park
  - NTH:Woodland Meadow Park
- Benton County Parks are first come, first serve.
  - NTH:Adair County Park

Most of the time you will have luck of the draw in public spaces. AYSO has insurance for all registered individuals involved in most locations with a grass surface.