Dribbling

By John Cartwright

What does Dribbling represent to you?  Is it the use of nimble footwork — is it the ‘bogus’ use of feints with various parts of the body – or is it running with the ball followed by changes of direction…….. or is it something else? All of the aforementioned can be described as dribbling but what must be emphasized when discussing this important skill is……..which of those dribbling methods causes most problems to a defender and his supporting players? In my opinion it is the skill of running with the ball with changes of direction.

THE FORWARD PASS

By John Cartwright

Moving a football purposely around a football pitch against active opposition is not easy, it requires various skills brought together at the same time to accomplish successfully. Passing is the linkage of the game, whether it is performed with any part of the body (hands included if by goalkeepers). Teams’ who have players able to use their individualism in conjunction with an ability to combine with team-mates when necessary, have ‘gold dust’ at their disposal ….. Barcelona are a great example! As individualism has faded from our game, the importance of passing and receiving the ball has increased. The unpredictable ‘tanner ball player’ of the past has been forsaken for a safer option…. the  ‘negative passer’.

Building your team culture

How to develop a successful team culture within your grassroots team.

By Roger Wilkinson

Often when working with volunteer coaches you hear of the problems and frustrations they encounter when running junior teams, especially in relation to parents and players. Many coaches have experienced situations such as parents questioning selection, judging everything on winning and losing rather than development and shouting negative instructions from the sideline, which undermines the coaches’ work. As well as players not being punctual and positive with other team members and of course not paying proper attention during practice sessions. (I must stress here I am only concentrating on the negatives I’ve heard – there are also loads of positives that coaches give out as well!)

The solution to these problems and frustrations can begin before any coaching takes place – at the beginning of the season. It is vital for every grass roots coach (or professional for that matter) to set a team culture.

FRIGHTENING FAILURE

By John Cartwright

All readers’ of the Premier Skills ‘blog’ over the past few years will have noted my deep interest in the development of young players and for the game itself.  I have been critical of the coaching methodology that has been used over many decades by our national association. I have become extremely concerned with both the results of their long-term control over coaching and the direction they have recently taken with yet another ‘tinkering’ with development methods.

One and Two Touch Passing.

By John Cartwright

I cringe when I see coaches who work with young players using one and two touch passing practices. Passing of this type requires the special skills of awareness and touch that only come after basic football qualities have been mastered. The progression towards high playing standards should follow a carefully planned route with each stage establishing the skills and tactical needs of the game as they become necessary. Young babies are fed milk and soft substances that concur with their age and digestive ability and solids are introduced gradually as the child develops. Our ‘football babies’ however, are fed unsuitable ‘meals’ too soon causing ‘football indigestion’ that remains with them throughout their whole football life.

Creative Keep-Ball

By John Cartwright

There are two important sections that must bind together when working to produce CREATIVE KEEP-BALL as a playing style; the first is CONSTRUCTIVE PREPARATION PLAY: the second is CALCULATED PENETRATION.

In each section it is vitally important to designate realistic ‘achievements’ as targets to attain. These ‘achievements’ must be carefully introduced to players to build a deep understanding of these aspects of the game.

Keep the Ball Archives

Keep the ball has been running for nearly 3 years now. During this period we have provided hundreds of innovative and thought provoking articles. We have now included on the left hand menu bar an ARCHIVE section that allows you to browse through previous articles and posts.  The articles are organised chronologically allowing you easy access to items from as far back as February 2010.

Enjoy your reading!