Adapting Football/Soccer Training for All Skill Sets

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In coaching football/soccer at community level, adhering strictly to the structured phases of player development—particularly the transition from the Skill Building phase to the Game Understanding phase—presents a unique set of challenges. Conventional wisdom dictates that between the ages of 9 and 13, the focus of coaching should be intensely on nurturing the four key football skills: running with the ball, 1v1, striking the ball, and first touch. This period is often referred to as the golden age of development, a time when children are at their peak learning capacity for sports-specific skills, thanks to a combination of slowed physical growth and increased coordination.

From 13 to 17, the recommended shift towards the Game Learning phase emphasizes strategy, tactics, and the ability to independently solve football problems, with a significant focus on transitions and playing without the ball. The underlying assumption here is that by the age of 13, players are sufficiently adept at the four key skills, ready to tackle more complex football challenges.

However, the reality of community football paints a different picture. The diversity of skill levels within a single team can be vast, especially up to the under-16 age group. It’s not uncommon for teams to welcome newcomers to the sport with little to no foundational skills or to have players who participate more out of parental expectation than personal interest, lacking in both skill and enthusiasm.

This diversity creates a conundrum for coaches: how to cater to the developmental needs of both the skilled players, who crave and need advanced tactical challenges, and the less skilled players, who are still grappling with the basics. The solution? A balanced approach to training that incorporates both skill-building sessions and tactical learning.

In my experience coaching an under-15 team, we’ve found a rhythm in dedicating one training session entirely to skill-building, aimed primarily at those still mastering the fundamentals. During these sessions, we encourage our more skilled players to push their limits by executing skills faster, with more precision, or even with a touch of flair, ensuring they remain engaged and challenged.

Our other weekly session then pivots to tactical learning, where when we can, subtly group players of similar abilities. This allows advanced players to challenge each other in a high-intensity environment, while with those less skilled we can slightly alter the exercise to ensure they are still achieving a healthy balance of success and challenge, while not feeling overwhelmed.

This dual approach recognizes the realities of community football, where the developmental journey of players is anything but uniform. It underscores the importance of flexibility in coaching, the necessity of continuously adapting our methods to meet the diverse needs of our players. By embracing this multifaceted approach, we not only acknowledge the varied developmental stages within our teams but also foster an inclusive environment where every player, regardless of skill level, feels valued, challenged, and part of the team and collective journey.

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