posted 26th March 2024
It's interesting when on social media or, even walking through the local park. There is an increase in 1:1 training sessions, or teams training.
I take the opportunity to observe as much as possible, I make a game of it. So, I have to guess what the focus is from the coach, what the player is developing and how they run contiguously.
Often is the case where I get super frustrated and end up continuing with my day, in all honesty.
This leads me to challenge the realism in sessions and the reality. Let's put this into some context.
So, when a coach puts on a session for players or a group of players, there MUST be a set of desired outcomes, non-negotiable.
What makes me chuckle (internally, wouldn't disrespect a coaches efforts) is when I watch a 1:1 session where a player has to make a series of darting moves and then one touch pass the ball back to the coaches hands. The reality is, it makes no sense! In my opinion. Where in a game do you see a situation where a player has to make 3 darting moves and has to one touch volley a pass?
Also, physiological training, hurdles and poles. Ok, I understand this, however, 90% - 100% of the time coaches do this WRONG.
All the aforementioned aside, team training is often a dilemma. Different abilities and having to battle individual attendance. However, still, there are a lot of coaches who try to put on elaborate sessions that most of the time, do not reflect realism. So, game based scenarios. This aside, the reality is that for the best outcomes for your child;
ASK THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS - How will what your coaching benefit my child?
DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE - Check your coaches credentials
Do not be afraid to challenge or enquire.
So, in most cases, parents put their children into football for varied reasons; to become the next best thing, for exercise, for association, to learn and so on. Whatever the reason, be sure to remember that you wouldn't send your child to just any school, or any tutor. You wouldn't just choose any driving instructor to teach you to drive.... So treat your football institution or instructors as a serious cognitive and physiological investment for your child.