Before practice, each coach should know what their group is working on, where to set up, and when to move on. Use the worksheet to record those details beside each activity or drill. The 60-minute example shows one way to arrange a teaching session; choose the duration and contact schedule appropriate for your team and league.
A worked 60-minute schedule
| Minutes | Activity / drill | Teaching focus |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Arrival & today's objectiveHead coach | Check attendance, review the plan, and name one teaching objective. |
| 10 | Preparation & movementAssigned staff | Use your team's approved preparation routine. |
| 15 | Position groupsPosition coaches | Split into groups. Give each coach one teaching point and a defined space. |
| 5 | Water & transitionAll staff | Regroup and explain the next activity; allow water throughout practice. |
| 10 | Assignment walkthroughUnit coaches | Review alignment and assignments at a teaching pace, without contact. |
| 10 | Team reviewHead coach | Revisit the day's objective and check players' understanding. |
| 5 | Recap & dismissalAll staff | Summarize the lesson and confirm the next team event. |
Use your league’s requirements and current USA Football youth practice guidance when choosing activities and contact levels. This original planning example is not an endorsement or certified practice plan.
Make the worksheet work for your team
Choose what you want to teach
Write an objective you can check during practice, such as every player lining up correctly in one formation. Add a short teaching point beside each drill so the assigned coach knows what to look for.
Assign a coach and a space to each group
Schedule simultaneous group activities at the same time. Two groups working for ten minutes use ten minutes of the team schedule. Name the coaches and locations so both groups can get started.
Allow time to change activities
Include time for players to move, collect equipment, and regroup. Note what needs to be set up before the next activity and who is responsible for it.
Publish the details families need
Keep staff teaching notes in the practice plan. Give families the time, location, arrival instructions, and equipment list in a team calendar event.
Common questions
Does this tell me how much contact to schedule?
No. Adapt the duration, preparation, activities, and contact level to your team, league rules, and current youth practice guidance. The worksheet records your plan; it does not set contact or conditioning requirements.
Can I use the template without an account?
Yes. The example and blank PDF worksheet are free to download. No email or FootballArc account is required.
Which FootballArc plan includes practice planning?
FootballArc Pro and Team include Practice Planner and printed practice schedules. Use them to schedule activities and drills, assign coaches, and organize simultaneous group work. Practice planning and printing are not included in the seven-day trial. The worksheet on this page is free.
