The baseline: what's not safe

Stop training if:

  • The pitch is waterlogged (standing water, not just wet grass)
  • There's ice or frost visible on the grass
  • Lightning is visible or thunder is heard (wait 30 minutes after last sound)
  • Temperature is below 0°C and the pitch is wet (ice risk)

Everything else: you can train. It's uncomfortable, but it's safe.

Wet pitch adjustments

On a wet pitch, the ball travels slower and further. Passes need more weight. Players slip more easily.

Drill adjustments:

  • Reduce distances (20-yard passes instead of 30-yard)
  • Increase pass weight (heavier, flatter passes; fewer lofted balls)
  • Reduce turning (cutting on wet grass is dangerous; encourage longer passing instead)
  • Reduce sprinting intensity (save the legs; focus on technique and possession)

A wet-weather session is a possession-focused session, not a speed session.

Cold weather adjustments

Cold muscles are tight. Warm-up needs to be longer and more thorough. Reduce high-intensity work (sprints, explosive movements) because the risk of soft-tissue injury climbs.

Session structure:

Warm-up (10 min, not 5): dynamic movement, jogging, gradual intensity increase.

Main activity (20 min): technical work or possession (not high-intensity intervals).

Cool-down (5 min): walk it out, don't stop suddenly (blood pressure management in cold).

Clothing and player safety

Remind players: layers are your friend. Base layer + mid layer + outer windproof jacket. Gloves are fine. Hats are debatable (some prefer them, some say they overheat; let players decide).

Remind parents: bring a warm jumper for afterward. Cold muscles in the car are accident risks.

When to reschedule

Reschedule if:

  • The facility has cancelled (pitch is waterlogged or iced)
  • Your players can't get to the session safely (extreme weather, travel hazard)
  • You don't have enough players showing up (weather deterrent)

Otherwise: run the session. Winter training separates committed squads from casual ones. The teams that train through winter come out of winter stronger.

The framing

"Winter is when we get better. Everyone can train in summer when it's perfect. Champions train in winter."

This builds culture. Your players will remember training sessions in February when it was wet and cold far more than pleasant June sessions.