Setting the focus of your practice (and writing it down)
"What are we working on today?" If the answer is "a bit of everything", it becomes nothing. One clear focus per practice is the difference between being busy and getting better.
Why one focus delivers more than three
Motor learning requires repetition within context. A practice that 'touches on' passing, attacking and serving gives too few reps of everything to change anything. One focus means: every drill hits the same theme, players make the same movement dozens of times under increasing pressure, and you can give targeted feedback instead of a little bit everywhere.
Where does the focus come from?
- From the match: the most honest source. Six passes missed the setter's target? There is your Thursday.
- From the statistics: a structurally low attack percentage or a pile of service errors point the way.
- From the season plan: in pre-season you build up (technique → tactics → game-like drills); during the competition you repair.
Record it and come back to it
In Koach every practice has a focus field. It looks small, but it does two things: it forces you to make a choice while planning, and it builds a history. Scroll through your practices after two months and you see at a glance whether your focus is spread out or stuck on your pet subject.
Phrase the focus as behaviour, not as a theme. Not 'serving', but 'serving at zones 1 and 5 while fatigued'. The more concrete the sentence, the easier it is to pick drills for it — and to evaluate against it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a practice have two focus points?
If they touch each other, yes: 'serve pressure and the pass against it' is really one rally segment seen from two sides. Two separate themes — blocking and attack build-up — are better split across two sessions.
How often do I repeat the same focus?
Two to three practices in a row, with increasing difficulty. First isolated, then under pressure, then in game play. After that, let it return in warm-ups so it stays maintained.
What if something else turns out to be more urgent during practice?
Switch by all means — the gym is always right. Do note in the practice what you found, so next week's plan can respond to it.
Try it yourself in Koach
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