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In grassroots football, the battle between coaching and poaching often plays out on and off the pitch, affecting both players and the teams that nurture them. These two approaches represent different philosophies and can have a profound impact on the development of young players, the dynamics of clubs, and the wider football community. Understanding why […]
In grassroots football, the development of young players is paramount. Coaches, teams and clubs strive to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and enjoy the game. However, a growing concern has emerged recently, specifically in youth football: the fairness of game time allocation, particularly when it comes to players who are […]
Read More… from BE HONEST, IS 5 MINUTES GAME TIME ENOUGH TIME TO DEVELOP?
Where have all the parents gone who just turn up, watch their kid play and as long as they enjoy it everything is good. These days it’s like the parents want to be sporting directors, they want to coach (but not be the coach), pick the team, the formation, the tactics, and run the club […]
Read More… from A final message before this coach walks away from the game.
Over the coming months, many coaches will brave winter conditions to deliver coaching sessions to young players. Here, FA regional coach development manager, Martin Dighton, provides ten top tips to help fully engage with players when working outdoors. 1) Young children are not mini-versions of adults As much as they will be adults one day, […]
I’m the manager and coach of a parent run club. We started the club from scratch last May and have just finished our first season. We were unhappy as parents with how the previous manager, coach and club was run so we set up ours for our children to stay together and enjoy football! Our […]
Read More… from COACH QUITS AFTER ROW WITH PARENT ABOUT TOP GOAL SCORER AWARD
Dribbling Tech/Skill 1: Players can not go into the triangle and must stay near the outside. One player is the chaser while the other is trying to get away. Swap over each time someone gets tagged. Both players have a ball. 2: One player is in the triangle without a ball while the other is […]
Read More… from Dribbling Technique / Skill (outside of the triangles)
Defending Centrally Four Vs four in the middle with a goalkeeper and three servers. The blue team have to try to score while the red team have to prevent them from scoring and win the ball. If they win it then they must play to the servers to score. Key points: – Centre mids […]
Defending Phase of Play (defence and midfield) Blues have to attack in a 2-4-formation (2 wing backs, 4 midfielders and 2 strikers) and score in the main goal. The reds (in a 4v4 formation) have to defend the main goal and attack the two other goals. Have a starting point, for example, a blue striker […]
Read More… from Defending Phase of Play (defence and midfield)
Coach calls out a colour and the goalkeepers have to dive to that side and touch the ball with both hands. First one wins (against their partner). Reset and then the next one. Progressions: – Call 1 and 2 – Call left and right – Call colour, number and direction – Opposites […]
1 v 2 to the end line. The defender starts with the ball and passes across to the attacker. As soon an the ball is played the game is live. If it goes out then start the game again. Progressions: – Can start with only pressure (no tackling) – 2 V 3 – Add goals […]
