What to do if a game or training is called off

We’ve all been there – you have a set of players ready to go, whether to a training session or a match, and yet it’s called off ahead of time.

It might be due to the weather, problems with facilities, coach availability, player numbers or something to do with the opposition.

Although cancelled sessions or games can feel like a disappointment for players, parents and coaches, they needn’t be a missed opportunity.

Here are five ideas for things you can do if the initial plan can’t go ahead…

01 Have a social event

If you’ve got a number of players that have already confirmed their availability, why not take the cancellation as a chance to get together in a social format?

Perhaps you could go bowling, out for food, get together to play games, or even go to watch a local game, if you can get tickets.

There’s not often a lot of time for social events during the season, so grab chances to have them when they come along.

02 Send them the TV match schedule

If you’ve had a match cancelled, send your players a list of what games are on television and suggest they watch one at home.

For those who are particularly engaged, you could set them specific tasks while watching, for example: keep your eye on the player that plays in your position – what do they do well? What could they improve on?

03 Set challenges

You can also give your players fun tasks to try at home.

Perhaps film a video of yourself, or someone else, performing a skill, and ask players to give it a go and post a video, so you can choose a winner.

Alternatively, just give them a practice challenge, like kicking a ball against the wall with two feet, for example.

You could also ask them to identify the player they most look up to and why.