The 5-Minute Football Coach - Issue #2

Competitive football, attacking practice, Sir Alex Ferguson

Welcome to the second issue of the 5 Minute Coach newsletter!

Here are the top picks of the week:

Topic of the Week

At what age should football become competitive? In England this officially starts at Under-12, when league tables get published. Which to me feels too early, considering how much focus there seems to be on ‘winning’ at even a younger age anyway. So how do they do in other countries, such as over-achieving Belgium?

Well, they only publish league tables from Under-14 onwards, which makes sense: it’s not about winning, it’s about developing players. And they start playing 11v11 at Under-14, so one year later than here!

Allistair McCaw @AllistairMcCaw

Coaches & Parents: keep in mind that 'winning' doesn't always necessarily mean or relate to progress. Progress in the greater scale, is found in the betterment of habits and behaviors- these are what need to be reminded upon and praised in athletes. #7KeystoBeingAgreatCoachBook

Practice of the Week

A nice attacking practice about not just looking for the target player but also supporting him/her. Definitely something we’ll try at training!

Video of the Week

Who wouldn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson to come and talk to their team? The key points: always say ‘Well done’ to your players, and encourage them to practice, practice, practice.

I hope this was useful. Do let me know if you have any links you’d like me to include in a future issue!

Have a great week

Fabrice