in Email newsletters, Return to play
Now we are back playing matches and training after nearly four months of lockdown I can certainly notice the difference in my players. It isn't like when they come back from summer holidays because that is usually just down to a bit of fitness and rusty match play. So how can you relight their fire? MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
I have done podcasts with a skills coach, a development coach and a director of sport at a school this month and they all say when the kids have been locked up for ages just let them play games when they do get out. MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
At last an end is in sight to the sitting at home and meeting my team on Zoom twice a week. But what can I do with my players? There are no guidelines yet so I am waiting to see how this will all pan out. I know what to expect from my players, they will just want to play a game, score goals, make saves, cheer with each other, shout at each other and just generally get back to a normal world of all things football. MORE
Check local rules about social distancing. The session is about quick and inventive play around the edge of the 18-yard box. It’s about being inventive, firstly in tight areas, then progressing into a large area. MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
"Can we do more than just passing!" – I am sure you've heard this during your training sessions in the current social distancing, non contact play. Which is what a lot of coaches have also been asking me. MORE
Great way to warm up before a match or training session. Similar to a Rondo but with more physical movement for days when it is cold or you have a practice based on fitness. MORE
in Arrival activities, Return to play
There are a number of places where the social distancing rules are not the same as here in England, and I've been asked for sessions that are non contact but not just 5 players so this ssession can be used with any number of players. MORE
If you are social distancing please observe your local rules. This is very easy to set up and can be used for different distances, long and short passing coupled with a one-two skill. It is a simple unopposed activity but it needs good coordination. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Return to play
If you are social distancing please observe your local rules. This session develops a high level of skill and movement. It is good for technique and uses both feet, working on dribbling, turning, changing direction plus advanced movements of the ball. MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
I have found using sessions from my Skills Curriculum is a great way to keep within the latest rules for youth sport and to give my players a good learning experience at the same time MORE
When your players get the ball into an attacking position they need to finish it off. This exercise helps them do that – it needs good communication, accurate passing and a good finish. MORE
This activity gets strikers ready to receive and shoot at goal from balls played in and around the penalty area. That vital first touch is made even more important due to the two-touch finish from a crisp pass. MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
What the return to play rules allows me to do is to concentrate on certain aspects of the game in a different way. Normally with shooting I would play small sided games with plenty of chances to score but always with pressure from defenders. MORE
This simple and fun activity is perfect for using as a warm up, allowing you to warm up your players with ball control, speed and good touch. MORE
Use this session to teach your strikers to attack with strength and presence – to be a strong forward who strikes fear into the heart of defenders. This simple session puts the focus on passing and moving to get into a good position to hit the target. MORE
Great for social distancing rules and numbers at trainingThis is a game that encourages fast combination play and quick reactions that players need when they have won the ball. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Return to play, Soccer drills and skills
Watch the touch and ability to use all parts of the feet in tight spaces on the pitch from creative players like Eden Hazard and get your players to develop their creative side MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
I went back to coaching last week, although it was a strange form of coaching! It does take time to sort out the players, but having created 'safe' areas 2m apart where the players could put drinks, sanitiser and their bags so they could safely have a drink during training it made it an easier practice. MORE
Great session for return to play with 5 players. Getting players used to passing and moving in different parts of the pitch is vital to their match day success MORE
Please check out the latest sport and social distancing guidelines in your area, and follow the recommendations when planning training sessions. This is a simple passing, turning game which will give your players the ability to receive the ball and turn with it to pass in another direction MORE
in Email newsletters, Return to play
Tonight I'm back with my Under 10s to get training back on track with some social distancing sessions. My head is full of car park instructions, drop offs, pick ups, sanitisers and 2 metre distances! But it will be great to see all the players again. My plans will be simple sessions for the small groups I am coaching MORE
Please check out the latest sport and social distancing guidelines in your area, and follow the recommendations when planning training sessions. The aim of this session is to get players working quickly in the areas in front of goal to spot openings and quickly attack them with the end result a shot at goal. MORE
Please check out the latest sport and social distancing guidelines in your area, and follow the recommendations when planning training sessions. Return to play: Great one to get kids going. Focus is on short passing and receiving in this activity MORE
in Goalkeeping, Return to play
Please check out the latest sport and social distancing guidelines in your area, and follow the recommendations when planning training sessions. This session works with your goalkeeper MORE
