Steve Rutter: the importance of ‘thinking in ink’ when designing practice sessions

Practice | Steve Rutter | 1.09.2022

‘Thinking in ink’ when designing session plans can help coaches visualise an activity before it is delivered on the training pitch, says former English FA Coach Education manager, Steve Rutter. Image: Dick Bate coaching anthology

Learning:

-   The creative process involved in designing effective coaching sessions

-          The benefits of ‘doodling’ session plan ideas

-          Reflecting on and refining coaching practices for the future

‘Thinking in ink’ when designing session plans can help coaches visualise an activity before it is delivered on the training pitch, says former English FA Coach Education manager, Steve Rutter.

“A lot of people now use computers for their session plans and by doing it that way a lot of the plan is already predetermined,” explains Rutter, who has over 30 years’ experience in coaching and coach education including spells coaching England men’s youth teams as well as assisting the England women’s senior team.

“I know this may sound a bit old fashioned, but I think there's nothing quite like drawing things out when you’re planning your session.”