Imagine turning up to your next football training session with everything you need to deliver an impactful, dynamic, and efficient session. The right equipment can make all the difference between a good session and a great one. Whether you're coaching at the grassroots level or aiming for the big leagues, having access to the right equipment is key to ensuring that your players get the most out of every minute on the pitch.
In this blog, we'll walk you through the must-have items that every football coach should have in their arsenal. From the basics to the tools that can give you that extra edge, we'll cover the essentials that will help you deliver top-quality sessions every time. Plus, with links to each product, you can easily equip yourself with everything you need.
The Must-Have Equipment for Football Coaches
1. Cones and Markers
Value: Cones and markers are fundamental tools for any football coach. They are versatile and can be used to set up drills, define boundaries, and organize small-sided games. Cones help in improving players’ agility, dribbling, and positioning, making them an indispensable part of any training session.
Why You Need It:
Drill Setup: Easily create drill areas and practice spaces.
Training Structure: Organize players and maintain session flow.
Try: Why not try the flat markers below, they're less intrusive on your session and provide a great alternative to traditional cones.
Our Choice:
Cones - https://amzn.to/3ACm1zO
Flat Markers - https://amzn.to/4cu884e
2. Agility Ladder
Value: An agility ladder is an excellent tool for enhancing foot speed, coordination, and agility. It’s perfect for warm-ups and conditioning exercises, helping players develop quicker feet and better balance. The agility ladder is a staple in improving overall athleticism, which is crucial for football players but be careful of the level. Pitch time is at a premium and coaches will often find more value in time spent with a ball, especially at younger ages... than wasted on an agility ladder.
Why You Need It:
Footwork Drills: Improve speed and coordination.
Versatility: Use for warm-ups, conditioning, and skill drills.
Portability: Easy to carry and set up anywhere.
Our Choice: https://amzn.to/4ctZJxB
3. Training Bibs/Bands
Value: Training bibs (or vests) are essential for distinguishing between teams during training sessions. They’re especially useful in small-sided games and drills where quick identification is necessary. Bibs come in various colours, allowing you to organize teams quickly and efficiently.
Why You Need It:
Team Organisation: Easily distinguish between teams or groups.
Practicality: Simple to use, lightweight, and durable.
Try: Headbands, fantastic for younger players to encourage them to look up and identify team mates.
Our Choice:
Bands - https://amzn.to/46OoJyc
Bibs (reversible) - https://amzn.to/46Sxh7j
Bibs (standard) - https://amzn.to/3YK83pN
4. Portable Goals
Value: Portable goals are a game-changer for any coach. They allow you to set up mini-games and shooting drills anywhere, from local parks to full-size pitches. Portable goals are lightweight, easy to assemble, and ideal for both training sessions and impromptu games.
Why You Need It:
Flexibility: Set up games or drills anywhere, anytime.
Convenience: Quick assembly and lightweight design.
Versatility: Use for shooting practice, small-sided games, or full training sessions.
Our Choice:
Lightweight - https://amzn.to/3SUWvMv
Metal - https://amzn.to/3AneOUc
5. Tactical Board
Value: A tactical board is an excellent tool for visual learners and is perfect for explaining strategies, formations, and game plans. Whether it's pre-match, at halftime, or during training, a tactical board helps coaches communicate complex ideas in a clear and visual manner.
Why You Need It:
Strategy Visualisation: Clearly illustrate tactics and formations.
Player Engagement: Help players understand their roles and responsibilities.
Portable: Easy to carry and use on the pitch or in the locker room.
Our Choice: https://amzn.to/4dsN0fJ
6. Slalom Poles
Value: Slalom poles are an excellent addition to any coach's toolkit, providing an effective way to work on dribbling, agility, and quick direction changes. They are particularly useful for developing players' close control and coordination, making them ideal for both individual and group training sessions.
Why You Need It:
Dribbling Drills: Improve players' close control and ability to navigate tight spaces.
Agility Work: Enhance quick directional changes and overall agility.
Versatility: Use in various drills, from slalom runs to obstacle courses.
Our Choice: https://amzn.to/3YNjYmy
7. First Aid Kit
Value: Safety first! A well-stocked first aid kit is a non-negotiable item for any football coach. From minor scrapes to more serious injuries, having a first aid kit on hand (and knowing how to use it) ensures that you can quickly and effectively respond to any incidents during training or matches.
Why You Need It:
Safety: Immediate access to first aid supplies in case of injury.
Preparedness: Be ready to handle minor injuries or emergencies.
Compliance: Ensures your team adheres to safety regulations.
Our Choice: https://amzn.to/4fO67Cy
8. Football Pump and Spare Balls
Value: Keeping your footballs in top condition is essential for a productive training session. A football pump ensures that your balls are always properly inflated, while having spare balls on hand allows you to keep the session flowing, even if one ball is lost or damaged. More balls means more engagement. Just remember to count them back in at the end of a session.
Why You Need It:
Session Flow: Prevent disruptions by always having properly inflated balls.
Preparation: Be ready with spare balls for a smooth training experience.
Efficiency: Maintain the quality and consistency of your drills.
Our Choice:
Mitre Impel Balls - https://amzn.to/4fZY4mu
Pump (electric) - https://amzn.to/3X98Z5V
Pump (hand) - https://amzn.to/4cx4XZB
9. Whistle
Value: A whistle is a simple but effective tool that helps you maintain control and manage the pace of your training sessions. It’s perfect for starting and stopping drills, signalling the end of exercises, or getting your players’ attention quickly. Most importantly, you never know when the referee will forget theirs or you'll need to call on a parent or assistant coach to step in and ref the game.
Why You Need It:
Control: Easily manage training sessions and drills or ensure the match can go ahead.
Attention: Quickly get the attention of your players.
Simplicity: A straightforward tool that enhances your coaching efficiency.
Our Choice: https://amzn.to/4dHMiLi
10. Coaching Planner/Journal
Value: A coaching planner or journal is essential for staying organised. It allows you to plan sessions, track player progress, and reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement. Keeping detailed notes helps you continuously improve your coaching methods and better understand your players’ development.
Why You Need It:
Organisation: Plan and structure your training sessions.
Tracking: Monitor player development and team progress.
Reflection: Evaluate what’s working and where there’s room for improvement.
Our Choice:
The Coaches Journal | The Football Hub (the-football-hub.org) (Digital)
The Coaches Journal (physical) - https://amzn.to/3WNVpna
Pocket Notebook - https://amzn.to/3YLji11
Equipping yourself with the right tools can make all the difference in your coaching journey. From cones to coaching planners, having access to these essential pieces ensures that you’re prepared for every training session and match. The right equipment not only enhances the quality of your sessions but also contribute to the development and success of your players.
If you’re serious about taking your coaching to the next level, consider subscribing to The Football Hub's coaching platform, with pricing to suit individual coaches, or better yet... get your club to fund it with our Grassroots and Pro plans. The platform offers valuable resources, expert insights, and a supportive community to help you excel as a coach. Join us today and empower your coaching journey!
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