How to organize a hockey training session

A well-run hockey training session starts before anyone picks up a stick. Reserve the field, collect registrations and dietary requirements, then prepare the programme and equipment in a fixed order. On the day, set up registration, mark the field, check safety equipment and have drinks ready before participants arrive. This plan also covers the parts that are often left too late: attendance, warm-up instructions, break refreshments and equipment checks.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve field
2
Send invitations
3
Process registrations
4
Collect dietary requirements
5
Finalize the participant list
6
Print training program
7
Check the shopping list
8
Do the shopping
2 people
9
Check sports equipment
2 people
10
Fill coolers
2 people
11
Set out fruit and snacks
2 people
12
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
13
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
14
Set up competition table
2 people
15
Mark out the training field
3 people
16
Test the music and speaker
17
Set up the registration table

Event

18
Receive participants
2 people
19
Register attendance
20
Explain the training rules
21
Lead the warm-up
2 people
22
Supervise technical exercises
3 people
23
Lead the party formation
3 people
24
Serve break drinks
2 people
25
Refill drinks
26
Restock fruit and snacks
27
Support the evening program
2 people
28
Serve coffee and tea
29
Complete final training
2 people
30
Check out participants

Aftercare

31
Gather sports equipment
3 people
32
Clear field materials
3 people
33
Wash dishes
2 people
34
Collect waste
2 people
35
Clean the cafeteria
2 people
36
Put tables and chairs back
3 people
37
Switch off equipment
38
Return borrowed materials

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Hockey sticksqty 25
Hockey ballsqty 30
Conesqty 40
Marker conesqty 40
Low training hurdlesqty 8
Coordination ladderqty 2
Training bibsqty 25
Goal netsqty 2
Mini goalsqty 4
Whistlesqty 3
Stopwatchqty 2
First aid kit
Ice packsqty 6

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Cleaning clothsqty 10
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Close registrations early enough to print the final participant list and training programme before the session. Use the list at the registration desk so attendance is recorded as players arrive, rather than trying to reconstruct it later.
Mark out the training field before participants arrive. Place cones, marker cones, hurdles and the coordination ladder according to the drills, and check that goal nets, mini goals and training bibs are ready in the right area.
Check every stick, ball, whistle, stopwatch and first aid item before setup is finished. Put ice packs and the first aid kit where the coach can reach them quickly, not inside a vehicle or a closed storage box.
Prepare refreshments before the warm-up begins. Fill the coolers, set out reusable drinking cups, fruit and snacks, and make coffee or tea in advance so the break does not turn into a queue.
Test the Bluetooth speaker, extension cords and power strips during setup, not when the training starts. Keep tables, chairs, waste bins and the registration desk outside the playing area so they do not obstruct drills or movement.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize hockey training?: Reserve the field and send invitations at least 2–3 weeks before the session. Close registrations early enough to confirm numbers, dietary requirements and equipment quantities several days in advance.
How many hockey balls and sticks do I need for training?: Plan for one stick per participant and enough balls for each exercise group, with spare balls available when one leaves the field. Confirm the final quantity after registrations close, rather than estimating from the invitation list.
When should I set up the hockey training field?: Finish field marking and equipment setup at least 30 minutes before participants arrive. This leaves time to check goals, cones, hurdles, bibs and safety equipment without cutting into the warm-up.
How much drinking water should I prepare for hockey training?: Prepare at least 500 ml per participant for a short session, and more in warm weather or for training lasting several hours. Fill the coolers before arrival and plan a drink break so cups and refreshments can be replenished.

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