Start of the Season: Middle School Practice Planning
I’ve found when it comes to coaching, the methods and strategies I use at the varsity level aren’t all that different from what I would recommend for coaches at any level, especially at the beginning of the season. Whether you’re coaching middle school, high school, or even working with more advanced teams, the foundation remains the same.
Of course, there are a few adjustments. For instance, at the varsity level, our practices tend to run a little longer, we dive into more advanced skills, and we have a bit more time to prep before our first game. But the overall approach? It’s consistent across the board.
Now, the reason I’m emphasizing this is because sometimes coaches think that techniques and strategies differ drastically between levels of play. They might feel like varsity is doing something wildly different, but in reality, many of the core ideas are the same. The key is understanding how to adapt them to your team’s specific needs and skill levels.
In the video, I focused on answering a question from a middle school coach, so the examples and strategies I shared are tailored to that level. But honestly, with a few tweaks, those same drills and plans can easily apply to your team, no matter the age or level you’re coaching.
If you’re coaching high school or varsity, you might increase the practice time, focus on more complex drills, or add in more conditioning. If you’re working with younger athletes, maybe you shorten the sessions, simplify the skills, and focus more on fundamentals. The point is, the framework remains the same—it’s about finding the right balance for your team’s specific stage of development.
One thing I always recommend is being flexible. Coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. You have to be willing to adjust based on how your team is responding. Maybe a drill isn’t clicking with your players, or you notice that certain skills need more work. That’s totally okay. Good coaching is all about making those adjustments on the fly and understanding what your athletes need to succeed.
Finally, if you’re looking for even more resources to level up your coaching, I encourage you to join the Coaching Lab.
Inside, you’ll find practice plan templates, drills, and a ton of other useful resources designed to help coaches at every level. Plus, you’ll have the chance to set up a 1-on-1 meeting with me, Coach Dennis, where we can dive deeper into your specific needs and challenges.
