A season plan for parkour classes: from trial sessions to shared routes

Start with arrangements that need to work every week

Describe the target group, number of participants, responsible coaches and facilities you actually have access to. Agree on new participant introductions, a stop signal, waiting areas and how equipment faults are handled. Check relevant insurance and club rules with your organisation.

Create a simple checking routine before instruction. A season plan does not approve the safety of a setup; the responsible coach must still assess the day's conditions.

Phase 1: get to know the place and basic tasks

Use the first sessions for shared routines and a few manageable tasks. Participants need to know where to start, how to finish and whom to ask. Introduce different levels as equally valid options rather than a ladder everyone must immediately climb.

Note which instructions raised questions. If several participants misunderstand the same task, the plan or explanation may need changing.

Phase 2: repeat with a new focus

Reuse familiar setups and work on direction, sequence or transitions. Define one observation for each station so helpers know what to look for. Avoid changing both the setup and instructions at every station from week to week.

A station card can have four fields: task, easier option, space and stopping, and responsible coach. Keep it short enough to use during the session.

Phase 3: let participants choose familiar solutions

When the coach considers it appropriate, participants can connect a few movements they have been introduced to. Offer choices within clear boundaries. A shared finish might involve explaining a route choice; it need not be a performance with new tricks.

Evaluate before the next purchase

Collect the coaches' notes: where did queues form? Which tasks lacked an easier variation? Which pieces of equipment were difficult to move or store? Use the answers before buying more blocks or a rail setup.

Also ask participants whether they know what they are practising and whether they can ask for help. A bigger equipment budget does not resolve unclear roles or a lack of teaching skills.

Questions and answers