TRAINING SESSION PREPARATION (Real Madrid Foundation) (Patreon)

Preparation

Proper preparation is key to a successful training session. Coaches should allocate enough time to set up the session efficiently.

One of the most critical aspects of training is the availability and proper arrangement of equipment, ensuring that all necessary materials are in place for an effective session. Additionally, before starting the session, the coach should check the condition of the training facility to prevent potential accidents.

Each session should begin with a brief explanation of what will be covered. Furthermore, continuous evaluation is essential. If players do not perform tasks correctly, the coach should assess:

• The amount of practice time.

• The clarity of instructions.

• The effectiveness of demonstrations.

• The progressive development of the players.

• The motivation level of the group.

Warm-Up

The coach should be creative in designing warm-up activities, incorporating the ball as much as possible, particularly for Initiation and Development categories. However, this does not mean neglecting classic warm-ups, which are essential for advanced categories and competitive matches. To ensure familiarity with classic warm-ups, coaches may dedicate one training session per week or integrate traditional warm-up exercises into various drills.

For younger players (up to around 12 years old), extensive structured warm-ups may not be necessary due to their biological and cardiovascular development. Instead, playful, engaging warm-up activities are recommended.

Coaches should prioritize joint mobility exercises before warm-ups. Dynamic stretching should only be performed after the muscles are adequately warmed up, as stretching cold muscles is ineffective. While dynamic stretching should be introduced for educational purposes, it is not a physiological necessity for younger players. For example, players in the Benjamim category (ages 10-11) should be familiar with the major muscle groups of the lower limbs and understand effective stretching techniques.

Each coach should develop warm-up strategies that suit their specific context while adhering to fundamental principles.

General Warm-Up

Warm-ups should alternate between classic and playful methods, depending on the players' age groups. General warm-ups should consist of a series of ordered and progressive physical exercises. To structure the warm-up efficiently, it should be divided into phases with specific objectives:

• Activation

• Joint mobility

• Dynamic stretching

• Specific exercises

Specific Warm-Up

For Initiation and Development categories, playful and motor-based activities should form the core of the specific warm-up. These activities aim to engage young players, stimulate circulation, and prepare them both physically and mentally. These game-based warm-ups integrate strategy and global practice, creating an effective "warm-up through play."

In the Real Game category, warm-ups should incorporate exercises directly related to the primary training session objectives.

Main Session

The main part of the session should align with predefined objectives and content blocks. It must be structured according to the following principles:

• Adapt to each player's developmental stage and physical progress.

• Adjust exercises to match the players' prior experience.

• Integrate all content blocks within the session.

• Develop exercises progressively.

• Clearly define session objectives.

Key factors to consider include:

• Variety: Avoid repetition of the same exercises.

• Activation: Minimize idle time.

• Motivation: Encourage moderate competition through games.

• Ball Integration: The ball should play a central role in the session.

Preference should be given to global exercises that target multiple objectives simultaneously. However, analytical exercises should not be entirely disregarded, as they can be beneficial for focusing on specific learning aspects when needed, depending on the category.

Cool-Down

The cool-down phase should facilitate a gradual physiological deceleration, allowing players to recover slowly and steadily while lowering their excitement levels from the main session.

Cool-down activities should include:

• Flexibility exercises

• Cool-down games

• Relaxation techniques

• Breathing exercises

Additionally, coaches should encourage players to reflect on what they have learned during the session. This practice helps reinforce key takeaways and enhances the overall learning process.