Ask Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante how young players can learn from him and play like him and he will tell you: “They need to love the game. I loved it so much I played all the time. I played before school, at school, after school, then I’d go to my club and train or play a match, and after that I’d have another kick about with my friends until it got too dark!”
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in action with Southampton’s Shane Long
Keeping it simple: Kante breaks up the play and passes calmly. He does all the dirty work in midfield, breaking up play in front of Chelsea’s defence, but is also more than capable on the ball and is an efficient, clever passer. His energy and tireless, all-action displays have been key to Chelsea getting to the final of the FA Cup this season.
If you want your players to love the game try a couple of my favourite fun sessions and if you want smart midfielders at the same time you can use the four sessions that I use to create Kante’s of my own.
My favourite fun sessions – I use these games to cover the important decision making that young players find hard to come to terms with. Also counter attacking is an important to work on with your players. Start them young with these games:
Pits the wits of defenders and attackers against each other in 1v1s within the main game. Plus use sweepers to give midfielders a ‘get out’ clause when their way ahead is blocked MORE
This session encourages players to be aware at all times of where they are on the pitch and concentrate on getting the ball through to the shaded areas where they can shoot at goal . MORE
One thing that will help you control the pace of games and give you a winning edge is to have an effective midfield. This useful session will help your players learn how to pass the ball through midfield on the move MORE
When you play training games with your team if you have an odd number of players it is always a good idea to play a 'magic man'. This is a position of great responsibility because this player can catch the opposition out during transition or can be the player who creates goal scoring chances because he/she is less likely to be marked when the ball is transferred. MORE
How often are you winning at half-time only to throw the game away because your players are not sure what to do? Should they go for another goal or shore up the defence? MORE
It may sound like I am being negative suggesting ways to stop teams passing but study any of the successful teams around the world and you will see the hard work that goes into stopping teams passing through or around midfields and defences. MORE
It is that time of year when coaches of all nationalities are drawn to the United States to gather together at the largest soccer convention in the world. Over five days there will be more than 250 educational opportunities for coaches MORE
Getting back into the swing of training every week can be hard work. Certainly for me when faced with a dozen U9 players training last night was very stop/start as players got their legs working again and tried to pass and receive.
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The best teams communicate on the pitch. Players encourage one another, call for the ball, organise the defence and look around them to see who is open to the pass. Communication is the key to making your team more successful. MORE
“I took a free trial and I was blown away by the drills; it made my training sessions so much easier. ”
