What If I Can’t Do A Session?

Course: Use The 360TFT Game Model Section: Getting Started

TLDR

We’ve all been there. You arrive at training to discover different numbers, missing equipment, terrible weather, or players arriving at different times. Rather than panic, you adapt whilst maintaining your learning objectives.

Good coaches don’t panic when plans change. They understand that the learning focus matters more than the exact format. Your job is to preserve the core skill or concept whilst adapting the delivery method to fit your reality.

When equipment is missing, I use existing pitch markings as boundaries, create goals with cones or bags, and focus on exercises that need minimal equipment. With limited space, I focus on close control and quick decision making, emphasising technical skills over running exercises.

For group size challenges, too many players means splitting into multiple groups or running parallel sessions. Too few players means reducing playing areas proportionally and focusing on technical repetition over tactical complexity.

In adverse weather, I move ball mastery work under covered areas and focus on close control exercises. Indoor adaptations prioritise ball mastery and passing combinations using wall passes for technical repetition.

For attendance variables, late arrivals join individual ball mastery activities immediately, whilst inconsistent attendance means reviewing previous focus in warm ups and allowing regular attenders to help others.

Session Adaptation & Alternative Options

We’ve all been there. You arrive at training to discover different numbers, missing equipment, terrible weather, or players arriving at different times. Rather than panic, you adapt whilst maintaining your learning objectives.

The Art of Session Adaptation

Good coaches don’t panic when plans change. They understand that the learning focus matters more than the exact format. Your job is to preserve the core skill or concept whilst adapting the delivery method to fit your reality.

Equipment & Space Adaptations

Missing Equipment:

• Use existing pitch markings as boundaries
• Create goals with cones, bags, or natural markers
• Replace specialist equipment with basic alternatives
• Focus on exercises that need minimal equipment

Limited Space:

• Focus on close control and quick decision-making
• Emphasise technical skills over running exercises
• Use vertical rather than horizontal activities
• Create multiple small areas rather than one large space

Group Size Challenges

Too Many Players (18+ when planned for 12):

• Split into multiple groups doing the same activity
• Run parallel sessions with rotation between stations
• Create additional roles (servers, feeders, observers)
• Use larger spaces divided into zones

Too Few Players (8 when planned for 16):

• Reduce playing areas proportionally
• Focus on technical repetition over tactical complexity
• Use more 1v1 and 2v2 scenarios
• Increase rest periods for higher intensity work

Weather & Indoor Contingencies

Adverse Weather:

• Move ball mastery work under covered areas
• Focus on close control exercises that require minimal space
• Use gym halls for technical skills and small games
• Emphasise core skills that transfer to any environment

Indoor Adaptations:

• Prioritise ball mastery and passing combinations
• Use wall passes for technical repetition
• Focus on quick feet and tight control
• Adapt finishing to smaller goals/targets

Attendance Variables

Late Arrivals:

• Start with individual ball mastery that late players can join immediately
• Use your warm-up phase as a rolling activity
• Pair late arrivals with punctual players for quick integration
• Keep core learning in the middle phases when everyone’s present

Inconsistent Attendance:

• Review previous week’s focus in your warm-up
• Use your reflection questions to check understanding
• Allow regular attenders to help inconsistent ones
• Focus on transferable skills that work regardless of group composition

Resources

• Session Swap Hacks (PDF available in the Football Coaching Academy classroom)

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model