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
If your team is getting caught out by counter attacks, balls over the top or a team that dominates with through passes, a sweeper can be a godsend MORE
Great strikers can score goals with both of their feet, so try to get your players using their weaker foot close to goal so they’re not twisting their bodies into unusual shapes to try and get their foot in the right position to score.
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Every age group in youth soccer will, at one time or another, use twin strikers as their attacking threat. From 4v4 right up to 11v11 pairs of strikers work very well. Here are my sessions to help you coach two strikers with your team. MORE
To dominate the centre of the park you need players who can drive through midfield with excellent close control and balance, get into advanced positions and link with strikers to create goalscoring opportunities. MORE
If you want your players to work on their close control and pinpoint passing, use this advanced training session to have them playing like midfield dynamos MORE
In grassroots football it can be a real challenge to get tiring players to give a final push at the end of the game Here are four ways to get them set up for their next match to score late goals. MORE
