Before You Begin: Running the Sessions

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model

TLDR

You know the philosophy, players, and game model. Now it’s time to get on the pitch. This section is your practical reminder for running sessions that help players apply what they’ve learned under pressure, in real situations, and with confidence.

Three key reminders: you’re not running a perfect session but shaping better players; repetition is not the enemy because when decisions change, the experience changes; and how you start sets the tone by building routines, relationships, and expectations in the first few weeks.

Every session follows the four-phase model: Ball Mastery Warm-Up, Contextual Game, SSG, Match Play. That gives rhythm to the session but it’s not fixed. Adapt constraints, change shape, modify for resources and space, simplify if needed, but keep the core idea clear.

Stay anchored in the Game Model through Moment (attacking, defending, transitioning), Slice (what third of the pitch), and Situation (what’s happening around the player). Your role shifts to guide, don’t direct. Keep demos sharp, use questions that unlock decisions, praise right behaviour not just outcome, let players try things, and step back to see what’s happening.

Use the weekly coach checklist covering core focus, setup check, success criteria before training, coaching players not plan during training, and reviewing what worked after training. When sessions don’t go to plan, slow it down if players struggle, speed it up if too easy, manage energy drops with quick challenges.

Session energy management means starting with success, building to challenge when energy is high, resetting with fun when energy dips, and finishing on a high. Show up calm, clear, and confident even when things feel messy.

You know the philosophy. You know the players. You know the game model. Now it’s time to get on the pitch.

This section is your practical reminder: how to run sessions in a way that helps players apply what they’ve learned, under pressure, in real situations, and with confidence.

Three Key Reminders

You’re not running a perfect session, you’re shaping better players. If they leave with a smile, a sweat, and one thing they’ve improved or understood, that’s progress.

Repetition is not the enemy. Just because the setup looks the same doesn’t mean the learning is. When the decisions change, the experience changes.

How you start sets the tone. In the first few weeks, you’re not just coaching technique. You’re building routines, relationships, and expectations.

Follow the Structure and Adapt as Needed

Every session follows the four-phase model:

Ball Mastery Warm-Up → Contextual Game → SSG → Match Play

That gives rhythm to the session. But it’s not fixed. Adapt the constraints, change the shape, modify if resources and space dictate, simplify if needed. Just keep the core idea of the week clear.

Even when time is short, follow the flow. Let it do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the players.

Stay Anchored in the Game Model

Every session connects to the game:

• Moment – Are we attacking, defending, or transitioning?
• Slice – What third of the pitch are we in?
• Situation – What’s happening around the player? 1v1? Overload? Pressure?

You don’t need to explain this to players every time. But let it shape the questions you ask, the detail you focus on, and the feedback you give.

Your Role: Guide, Don’t Direct

At this stage, players don’t just need drills, they need space to decide. That means your role shifts slightly.

• Keep demos sharp and brief
• Use questions that unlock decisions
• Praise the right behaviour, not just the outcome
• Let players try things, not just follow instructions
• Step back long enough to see what’s actually happening

Sometimes your silence teaches more than your feedback.

Coach Checklist (Use Weekly)

Before Training:

• ✓ Do I know the core focus for this session?
• ✓ Have I checked numbers, space, and setup?
• ✓ What does success look like for these players today?

During Training:

• ✓ Am I coaching the plan, or coaching the players?
• ✓ Have I reminded them of the rules, routines, and expectations?
• ✓ Am I letting the game teach?

After Training:

• ✓ What worked? What needs adjusting?
• ✓ Which players need extra support?
• ✓ What’s the focus for next session?

If It Doesn’t Go to Plan

That’s okay.

When players are struggling:

• Slow it down (reduce pressure/space)
• Simplify the constraint
• Add a demonstration
• Partner struggling players with confident ones
• Change the numbers (create overloads)

When it’s too easy:

• Speed it up
• Add pressure
• Reduce space
• Add consequences
• Introduce competition

When energy drops:

• Quick water break with a challenge
• Change teams
• Add a fun constraint
• Return to something they love
• Finish early and strong

Sometimes the breakthrough comes after the breakdown. And often, the best decisions come from the players, not the coach.

Real-World Adaptations

Limited Space:

• Use smaller numbers
• Rotate groups more frequently
• Focus on technical detail
• Use walls as teammates

Mixed Abilities:

• Create challenges within challenges
• Use handicaps thoughtfully
• Partner players strategically
• Celebrate different types of success

Weather Issues:

• Shorter, sharper activities
• More games, less standing
• Focus on competitive elements
• Keep spare balls ready

Missing Equipment:

• Players as goals
• Jumpers for markers
• Natural boundaries
• Creativity over perfection

Session Energy Management

Start with Success Begin with something they can do well. Confidence builds from early wins.

Build to Challenge Introduce the learning when energy is high and focus is sharp.

Reset with Fun When energy dips, return to something they love.

Finish on a High Last activity should leave them wanting more, not worn out.

The Parent Partnership

• Before Session: “Today we’re working on [simple explanation]. Watch for [specific thing].”
• After Session: “Ask them about [specific moment]. They did brilliantly at [specific skill].”
• Managing Expectations: “We’re building habits, not perfection. Progress takes time.”

Cultural Differences Matter

Communication Styles:

• Some respond to direct instruction
• Others need gentle guidance
• Group praise vs individual recognition
• Adapt your style, maintain your standards

Competition Levels:

• Some cultures embrace fierce competition
• Others prefer collaborative challenges
• Find the balance for your group
• Make it safe to fail

Final Thought

You’ve done the thinking. You’ve built the plan. Now trust it.

Show up calm, clear, and confident, even when things feel messy. This is the work. This is where it transfers.

Remember: Every session is data. Every mistake is learning. Every player is developing at their own pace.

Let’s get started.

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