Training and Performance Habits
How Do I Plan an Effective Practice Session?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Start with clear goals based on what your players need and their skill level. Then plan in order: warm-up, skill development, team drills and scrimmages. Give each player enough repetitions and feedback. Balance the time for each part, schedule breaks, and add variety and fun so players stay motivated.
The answer
- Assess what your team needs: skill level, age group, and the strengths and weaknesses of each player.
- Set clear goals for the session from that assessment.
- Start with a warm-up: dynamic stretches and light activities such as jogging, agility drills or team-building.
- Build skills next. Move from basics to more complex techniques, and give each player enough repetitions and feedback.
- Finish with team drills and scrimmages that feel like the game and build teamwork, communication and decision-making.
- Balance the time spent on each part to match what the team needs. Schedule breaks and water.
- Add variety and fun with creative drills, challenges, games or friendly competitions.
- If a skill is not improving, find the exact leak and fix that first instead of adding more time.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 28 October 2026.