10/01/2026
The biggest mistake coaches make early in the season is jumping straight into planned sessions without actually knowing the group. The first two weeks should be about building team connection, observation, and information gathering.
These first two weeks give you information. Instead of guessing or coaching blind, you now know: player skill levels - strengths and gaps - team cohesion
That information should guide how you build the following weeks.
Week 1οΈβ£ : Connection + Skill Checker
1. Team Bonding (First Half of the Session)
Use the first half of Week 1 to help players connect.
Rotate partners, mix groups, and use activities that get players working with different teammates. The goal is familiarity and comfort, not perfection.
2. Skill Checker (Second Half of the Session)
The second half of the session is about observation. Set players up to assess their Core Footwork and Passing skills.
Make sure you observe skills: without pressure - at speed - under defensive pressure
This gives you a true picture of where players are at not just what they can do when things are easy.
Week 2οΈβ£ : Warm-Up + Game Play
1. Teach Your Warm-Up (Early)
Introduce the warm-up youβll use every week and tell the players exactly that: this is our warm-up for the season. Teach it properly now, because once they know it, you save time every session moving forward.
2. Game Play (And You Step Back)
The rest of Week 2 should be game play. If you have another team to play against, great use it.
This is not the week to over-coach. Stand back. Observe. Take notes. Watch decision-making, spacing, communication, and skills. These notes will shape your next few weeks.
No Opponent? No Problem. If you donβt have another team, use half-court scenarios but donβt default to centre passes only.
Mix it up: Centre pass scenarios - Backline throw-ins (GK to attack transverse) - Sideline throw-ins etc. Thereβs huge learning in half-court work if you vary where play starts.
π Coach Conference Tickets - https://elevatenetball.com.au/coach-conference-2026/
π± Join our Coach Membership - https://elevatenetball.com.au/coach-membership/