Proper preparation for a match, must begging days before the actual game is played. At whatever level your team may be, simple rules apply for positive results both short term and long term. A Win or a Loss are just by products, tied in most cases to preparation.

Both coaches and players have this responsibility directly in their control. A coach can only do so much on Match Day, if a player does not do the mental and physical work that is required.

1. Proper food, (fuel consumption)

2. Proper rest, at least two days before a Match

3. Fluids ( Gator aids and alike), but primarily Water and lots of it.

4. Short runs and recovery, coupled with stretching, should be done by the player not just at practice

5. Mental perpetration, this does include school work, music, reading and other endeavors, that make us think and gain results. Perhaps this is the most important factor in our equation. For as Einstein,(great scientist and tinker of our time), once stated, his Definition of Insanity was, To repeat the same mistakes over and over, and to expect a different result.

If we are to affect the outcome of our endeavor, we must think, one, that we can and two, draw upon that thought for a common result. Yes, you can and should believe You can make a difference.

6. It can't be overemphasized how important it is that your warm-ups reflect real match conditions as far as possible. It's also important to ensure your players get as many touches with a ball as possible.

Taking a throw-in is a fundamental soccer skill that can be used to launch attacks or set up moves that lead to goal scoring chances. Below, you will find ways that teaches control and accuracy from throw-ins, and gets your team using it as a tactic.

Possession at throw-ins

By Tony Carr

This session is all about keeping possession from throw-ins. Teams should benefit when they get a throw-in and be positive in their distribution of the ball. Learning how to become effective at keeping possession could provide your team with another route to goal.

It is vital you work out tactics for throw-ins so your players have options wherever they are on the pitch. Coaches often neglect this crucial area even though they know their team is going to get a lot of throw-ins during a game.

Simple movement combinations can be the difference, not just between retaining or losing possession, but also in your team's ability to create crossing opportunities and scoring goals.

How to set it up

Mark out a 40 yards by 50 yards playing area and use your whole squad.

How to play it

Split the team into three groups (throwers, receivers and defenders). The receivers work for one minute.
The first 30 seconds are unopposed and the receivers must make runs to receive a throw and then pass back to the thrower.
The next 30 seconds are opposed, with the defenders coming out to pressure the receivers on each throw.
Rotate the three groups so they experience each role.

How to develop it

Split the pitch in two halves. This is important when working on the team's effectiveness at retaining possession as it only allows three players to work in each throw-in area. By splitting the pitch, you can have two throw-ins at the same time.

You need only use one goal which the two halves of the pitch can share - it will also give your goalkeeper a good work out.

One player should be positioned in line with, or deeper than, the server. One should be down the wing and one should be diagonal to the server.

All three players should be 10 yards to 15 yards from the server in order to give themselves space to receive. You can now look at various movements to receive and then combine a 4v3 (the thrower joins in after throwing) to get a cross or shot on goal.

Use it in a game

Remove the central line from the pitch and play a game where the defenders have one player less. The attacking team must stick to the three players and 15 yards rules introduced in the development.

But now they have the added bonus that, due to the team holding its shape, a quick switch of play can find a fourth team mate unmarked and in space to attack. Rotate the sides of the playing area that the throw-ins are taken.

Tony Carr is the Academy Director of West Ham United in the English Premier League, and the editor of the Smart Sessions soccer coaching plans - they come in advanced and core versions.