Player Development

To be able to pass first time, players will need to try and think one step ahead. They will have to visualise where they are going to pass, before they receive the ball. Other factors that will influence their decisions will be the weight, speed and accuracy of the pass they are receiving and the early support and communication of the receiving players.

In this video, players are encouraged to dribble round and past cones in tight areas, whilst keeping their heads up, the ball close to their feet. They also have to break out and run the ball between gates, which encourages changes of pace and direction.

It is important that young players get comfortable with the ball at their feet and know how to manipulate the ball, with different parts of their feet, whilst keeping control of the ball and their heads up. This is a short video that shows how players can achieve these basic techniques, using their big and little toes and keeping their head up, to be aware of other players and space.

One important football coaching skill is how to create space for yourself on the pitch. In this video, the football coach works with young players to show them some simple moves on how they can create space for themselves and lose their marker.

The Football Association Youth Coaching Award is a groundbreaking new football coaching course designed to help football coaches understand as much about their players as they understand about the game.

Football Association Youth Award is a groundbreaking new coaching course designed to help football coaches understand as much about their players as they understand about the game.

Rob Green talks about his goalkeeping coaches. Goalkeepers need coaches with specific goalkeeping knowledge to help them develop. Take a goalkeeping coaching course with the Football Association.