Play-Practice-Play (PPP) is the U.S. Soccer model for youth soccer training. Organize with your coaching staff and decide how to divide the time accordingly for each training phase. Medford Soccer travel teams playing in the Middlesex League will typically have two practice sessions each week. All players should be moving and involved at all times during these practices for at least 60 minutes.
PLAY
Have the players enter the field and play (small-sided games, juggling, rondos and/or anytime of a possession game here. You need to activate the player and mention the focus/skill for that entire session! As they get older, I do suggest some fitness (ladder-sprints, shuffles, back-pedaling and/or sprint-cutting) here at the later part of this. Not all players like to run, so add some in before this section is over and right before you start the PRACTICE phase. Some players make mental mistakes when they are tired, and this can assist them in becoming mentally strong with their decision-making on the field. If you have space and time, feel free to start your session earlier (by 30 minutes) and just knock the ball around (extra touches) and get some stamina/endurance running in (laps) before PPP takes place. Then start your 60 minute PPP phases.
PRACTICE
Teach them a skill or a game-like event (1v1 defending, attacking, etc). Maybe even do a player developmental session here for your time by accomplishing a few skills (dribbling, passing, two-touch soccer, etc.) for one of your PRACTICE phases that week. Explain the drill/skill in detail before they go forward with this phase. Always ask guided questions to make sure your players are engaged and grasping what you are teaching.
PLAY
Put it all together now! From your PLAY and PRACTICE phase. Again, check their understanding and always ask guided questions to make sure your players are engaged and grasping what you are teaching. Use 'freeze' moments to assist you with your guided questions. Then continue with the play. When the entire session is over, you and your staff should REFLECT and ask if that was a positive session. Did the players learn? What can we do differently or better as coaches? Was the session organized?
MA Youth Soccer on the Play-Practice-Play method:
https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/play-practice-play/
https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/assets/61/6/what_is_play-practice-play.pdf
U.S. Soccer on the Play-Practice-Play method:
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/02/five-things-to-know-about-playpracticeplay
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