Football Training and Coaching the Right Way

In this blog article we shall cover improving football knowledge, skills, and personal attributes that enable them to effectively develop players and teams including technical football skills, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and teamwork. And a list of football training drills to ensure you get the best out of your football training sessions and one to one and team practice.

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF A FOOTBALLER

​A good football trainer possesses a combination of knowledge, skills, and personal attributes that enable them to effectively develop players and teams. Here are some key qualities a good football coach needs:

1. Expertise in the Game: A good trainer has a deep understanding of football tactics, techniques, and strategies. They should stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the sport.
2. Communication Skills: Clear communication is essential for conveying instructions, providing feedback, and fostering teamwork. A good trainer can effectively communicate with players, coaching staff, and management.
3. Teaching Ability: The ability to break down complex concepts into digestible parts and teach them in a way that players can understand is crucial. Good trainers can adapt their teaching methods to suit different learning styles and skill levels.
4. Motivational Skills: Inspiring and motivating players to give their best effort is key to success. A good trainer knows how to boost morale, instill confidence, and create a positive team culture.
5. Leadership: Strong leadership qualities are necessary for guiding and directing players both on and off the field. A good trainer leads by example, sets high standards, and fosters a culture of accountability.
6. Adaptability: Football is a dynamic sport, and situations can change rapidly during games. A good trainer can adapt their strategies and tactics based on the circumstances, opponents, and players' strengths and weaknesses.
7. Attention to Detail: Paying attention to the finer details of player performance, opponent analysis, and training routines can make a significant difference. Good trainers are meticulous in their preparation and planning.
8. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the individual needs and emotions of players is important for building rapport and trust. A good trainer knows when to offer support, provide constructive criticism, or give encouragement.
9. Fitness and Conditioning Knowledge: Football requires a high level of physical fitness and conditioning. A good trainer designs effective training programs to improve strength, speed, agility, and endurance while minimizing the risk of injury.
10. Continuous Learning: The world of football is constantly evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and strategies emerging. A good trainer is committed to continuous learning and professional development to stay ahead of the curve.

Overall, a good football trainer combines technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and a passion for the game to bring out the best in their players and teams.

Applying the best training techniques and drills

Coaches use football training drills to focus and enhance various aspects of the game, including technical football skills, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and teamwork. Here are some oversights into the many training drills we use for  football practice and training sessions to get the best out of players and the team:

1. Passing and Receiving Drills:
   • Triangle Passing: Players form triangles and pass the ball quickly and accurately among themselves, focusing on one-touch passing and movement off the ball.
   • Individual Wall Passing: Players pass the ball against a wall and receive it back, working on passing accuracy, control, and first touch.
   • Rondo Game: Players in a circle try to keep possession of the ball while one two or three defenders try to intercept the ball. This mini-game / training drill improves passing, receiving, and decision-making under pressure and at a high tempo.
2. Dribbling Drills:
   • Cone Dribbling: Players dribble through a series of cones or markers, practicing close ball control, changes of direction, and acceleration. (advanced, players are encouraged to look up whilst performing this drill to simulate looking for a pass in a game scenario)
   • One v One Attacking: Players compete in 1 on 1 situations, focusing on dribbling past defenders, shielding the ball, and creating scoring opportunities this can also be done in pairs to encourage movement and looking for space and wrong footing the opposing defender. Goal Keeper can be added to scenario to make it more realistic.
3. Shooting and Finishing Drills:
   • Shooting Drill: Players practice shooting from various positions on the field, working on technique, accuracy, and power.
   • Finishing Under Pressure: Players practice finishing in game-like scenarios with defenders, emphasizing composure, quick decision-making, and accuracy. This can also include free kick and corner scenarios. See set piece drills below.
4. Defensive Drills:
   • Defensive Shape: Whther its zonal or man on man defending players work on maintaining a defensive shape, position and organisation, moving as a unit to pressure the ball, opposition and cover spaces and areas effectively.
   • One on One Defending: Players practice defending against an attacker in 1-on-1 situations, focusing on timing tackles, jockeying, and forcing the attacker wide on on to their weaker foot. Again this can be done in pairs or more to encourage other ascpects of the game.
5. Tactical Drills:
   • Possession Games: Similar to the Rondo Game. players engage in small-sided games focusing on maintaining possession, circulating the ball, and creating passing angles (triangles).
   • Transition Drills: Players practice quickly transitioning from defense to attack or vice versa, emphasising speed, awareness, movement, control and decision-making.
6. Fitness and Conditioning Drills:
   • Interval Training: Players engage in interval training sessions combining periods of high-intensity (HITT) sprints, agility drills, and recovery periods to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
   • Strength and Power Exercises: Players incorporate strength training exercises targeting the lower body, core, and upper body to improve strength, power, and explosive elements required for sprinting, jumping, and physical one on one duels on the pitch.
7. Set Piece Drills:
   • Free Kick and Corner Kick Practice: Players practice set piece routines for free kicks and corner kicks, focusing on delivery, timing of runs, and finishing opportunities.
   • Defensive Set Pieces: Players work on defensive organisation and 1 on 1 or zonal marking for defending free kicks, corner kicks, and throw-ins. This can be combined with the above.
8. Match Simulation and Scrimmages:
   • Small-Sided Games: Players participate in small-sided scrimmages (e.g., 5v5, 7v7) to simulate game-like situations, encourage decision-making, apply close ball control skills and  tactical principles learned in other skill sessions.
   • Full-Sided Scrimmages: Players compete in full-sided matches to integrate technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning in a realistic game environment.

Football training drills and coaching sessions should be structured, progressive, and tailored to the specific team needs, player skill levels, and team playing styles. Our coaches will emphasise repetition, intensity, and attention to detail to maximise player development and team performance on the field.

Learn more about our football coaches