Realism, Relevance, Repetition: The 3 R’s of Effective Session Planning

Designing an effective training session begins with a deep understanding of your environment and your players’ needs. Only then can you build exercises that are purposeful and aligned with both the players’ development and the club’s philosophy. A well-designed session should be engaging, enjoyable, and challenging. But beyond the basics, are you considering the 3 R’s: Realism, Relevance, and Repetition?

These three elements are essential building blocks for any high-quality session. While not every session must follow them rigidly, using them as guiding principles will sharpen your planning process. They help you ask critical questions: What will actually work? How can I structure progressions? What I need to adjust?

Realism – How much does the drill simulate a real game?

One of our primary goals as coaches is to prepare players for actual match situations. Therefore, quality training must closely reflect the dynamics of the game. Realism in practice means incorporating game-like conditions, such as defined playing areas, clear rules, competitive elements, and real-time decision making. The more a drill mirrors the game environment, the more effective it is in developing the skills players truly need. When players train under conditions that replicate the pace, pressure, and unpredictability of a match, they are better equipped to perform when it matters most.

Repetition – To what extent does the drill allow players to practice key actions?

Repetition is fundamental to skill development. For a player to improve, they need ample opportunities to practice specific actions consistently. A good session design ensures players are constantly involved, minimizing downtime and maximizing meaningful touches. Avoid drills that result in long lines or extended waiting periods, these can disrupt focus and reduce overall engagement. Instead, create activities where all players are active, decision making is frequent, and repetitions are built into the structure. With more repetition comes greater mastery, confidence, and fluidity in execution.

Relevance – How well does the drill match the players’ needs and context?

An effective session is tailored not just to the sport, but to the specific age, ability level, and game format of the players involved. Drills should address the challenges players will actually face in competition. For example, younger players participating in 5v5 or 7v7 formats need activities designed for smaller spaces and fewer teammates, with learning objectives appropriate for their stage of development. Using drills designed for full-field play in these contexts can hinder learning and limit effectiveness. Relevance ensures players connect with the task at hand, leading to deeper understanding and more purposeful improvement.

Conclusion: Putting the 3 R’s Into Practice

Incorporating Realism, Relevance, and Repetition into your session planning ensure your players are developing in a game-centered, engaging, and efficient environment. They help bridge the gap between training and performance, allowing players to grow with confidence, purpose, and clarity. Next time you plan a session, ask yourself: Is it real? Is it relevant? And are they getting enough repetition? If you can answer “yes” to all three, you’re on the right track.

Curious about how the 3 R’s come to life in real coaching environments? These webinars on Football Webinars offer great insights: