Coach for a Day: Ten-Minute Mini Practice

In groups of five, each student takes a turn leading a ten-minute mini practice on one team sport skill, planned on a worksheet. Students work on designing a drill, explaining it clearly and giving feedback to classmates.

How to play

1. In the previous class, each student picks a skill (bounce pass, 1-on-1 defense, forearm pass…) and fills in a worksheet with goal, setup, diagram and one key coaching point.
2. Make groups of 5 and give each an area of 15 x 15 m (50 x 50 ft) with cones and equipment (2 min).
3. The coach explains the drill in under a minute, demonstrates it and runs it for 8 minutes.
4. In the last minute, the coach asks the group one question and gets feedback: what was clear and what they would change.
5. Rotate until three group members have coached (3 turns of 9 min); the other two coach next class.
6. Wrap-up: each group shares the coaching tip that worked best (1 min).

Rules

• The opening explanation lasts no more than one minute.
• The coach corrects every teammate at least once.
• Everyone stays active: no lines longer than two people.
• The coach checks the area and clears loose balls before starting.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: coach from a fixed spot and back up the explanation with the worksheet diagram.
• Shyness: co-coach with a partner, splitting explanation and feedback.
• Lower skill level: pick a simple skill and ask a classmate to demonstrate.

Learning goals

• Plan a practice drill with a clear goal and setup.
• Explain and demonstrate clearly and briefly.
• Give useful, respectful feedback to classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 10
• cones: 25
• pinnies: 10
• worksheets: 25

Teacher tip

Check worksheets before class to weed out unsafe drills or ones with lots of waiting. Note one strength for each coach and share it with them privately.

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