Training in hot weather can be enjoyable and productive when coaches take the right precautions. Whether you’re coaching young children, teenagers, or adults, keeping players safe should always be the top priority.
💧 Encourage Regular Hydration
Don’t wait until players say they are thirsty.
- Schedule regular water breaks.
- Encourage players to drink before, during, and after training.
- Small amounts of water consumed frequently are better than drinking large amounts all at once.
Proper hydration improves performance, concentration, recovery, and helps prevent heat-related illnesses.
☀️ Protect Players from the Sun
Hot weather means increased exposure to UV rays.
Remember to:
- Apply sunscreen before training.
- Reapply sunscreen during longer sessions.
- Use shaded areas whenever possible during breaks.
- Encourage players to wear caps before and after training if appropriate.
⚽ Adapt Your Training Session
When temperatures rise, your coaching should adapt too.
Good ideas include:
- Start with technical exercises while players are fresh.
- Save the highest intensity activities for cooler parts of the day whenever possible.
- Increase recovery time between drills.
- Reduce unnecessary waiting by organising small groups and multiple stations.
Remember: Quality training is more important than maximum intensity.
👕 Choose Appropriate Clothing
Players should wear:
- Lightweight, breathable training clothing.
- Light-coloured shirts whenever possible.
- Extra clothing layers should be removed unless required.
Comfortable clothing helps regulate body temperature.
❤️ Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Every coach should recognise the early warning signs.
Be alert if a player:
- Becomes unusually tired
- Feels dizzy
- Complains of a headache
- Develops muscle cramps
- Stops sweating despite the heat
- Appears confused or generally unwell
If you suspect overheating:
➡️ Move the player into the shade.
➡️ Encourage them to drink water.
➡️ Cool the body using cold towels, ice packs or cool water.
➡️ Seek medical assistance immediately if symptoms become severe or do not improve quickly.
🌡️ Remember
There is no downside to taking one extra water break.
A successful football session isn’t measured only by goals or skills—it is measured by every player going home healthy, safe, and smiling.
Football should always be fun, regardless of the temperature.
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