⚽︎ The Essential Equipment Every 1-to-1 Football (Soccer) Coach Needs to Get Started
So you’re ready to step into the world of 1-to-1 soccer coaching. Exciting, right?
But here’s the thing — when you’re working with players on a personal level, the details matter. You don’t need a truckload of flashy gear, but the right tools will instantly make your sessions sharper, more professional, and way more effective.
Let’s walk through the essentials I’d recommend you have in your kit bag when you’re starting out.
A Reliable Set of Cones
Cones are the backbone of any coaching session. They’re cheap, lightweight, and versatile.
Use them to mark out grids, dribbling channels, turning points, or mini-goals.
I’d suggest investing in flat disc cones as well as taller training cones. Flat ones won’t trip your players, while taller ones give you more visibility for shaping drills.
👉 Pro tip: Always carry more cones than you think you’ll need. Trust me, you’ll use them.
Agility Ladders & Markers
Agility ladders are brilliant for coordination, foot speed, and rhythm. Even if your session is more ball-focused, sprinkling in 5–10 minutes of ladder work adds variety and sharpens a player’s explosiveness.
If you don’t want to lug a ladder everywhere, flat markers (like saucer cones) can replicate most ladder drills.
Quality Training Balls
Sounds obvious, but don’t underestimate this one. Having good quality, properly inflated balls makes a huge difference.
Always bring more than one (3–5 minimum).
If you can, match the size and brand your players already use in games. It makes the transition smoother.
A ball pump in your bag = lifesaver.
Portable Goals
You don’t always need a full-size goal to coach effectively. Portable pop-up goals are perfect for finishing drills, small-sided games, or target practice. They’re lightweight, fold away quickly, and instantly make your sessions feel more game-like.
Resistance Bands & Mini Hurdles
These aren’t must-haves from day one, but they’re brilliant add-ons.
Resistance bands = injury prevention, strength, and warm-ups.
Mini hurdles = explosive power, jumping, and sprint mechanics.
Even just a couple of hurdles and bands can elevate your sessions from “basic drills” to comprehensive athletic training.
Stopwatch or Coaching App
When it’s just you and one player, structure is key. Timing work-to-rest ratios keeps intensity high and ensures you’re not just “winging it.” A simple stopwatch works fine, but coaching apps on your phone can also help track progress, log drills, and give players data they’ll value.
Bibs / Training Vests
You might think, “It’s just me and one player, do I need bibs?”
Yes.
Why? Because they’re not just for team games — bibs can be used to:
Add visual cues in dribbling drills (e.g., dodge the “defender bib”).
Switch up intensity by changing colors as signals.
Help when you bring in extra players later on.
A Professional Coaching Bag
Last but not least — get yourself a solid bag to carry all this gear. It might sound trivial, but showing up organized, pulling out your equipment with ease, and setting up quickly sets the tone for professionalism.
Keep It Simple, Build As You Go
When you’re starting out, you don’t need every gadget under the sun. Focus on the basics — cones, balls, goals — and deliver high-quality, purposeful sessions. Over time, add extra tools (like hurdles, bands, or rebound nets) as your coaching style develops.
Remember, your knowledge, energy, and communication skills are the real coaching tools. The equipment just brings your ideas to life.
If you’re serious about becoming a confident 1-to-1 soccer coach, let’s chat. I offer a free 15-minute call where we can talk about your goals, challenges, and how to kickstart your coaching journey with clarity.