In this first blog in a series of four, Pete Sturgess, our early years specialist discusses how players can develop skill and what coaches can do to help. 

The foundation phase is the perfect time for players to prioritise the development of skill. During this time, the body and the brain can adapt and change quickly. So, it is a great time to be playing football and for coaches to encourage players to have the ball at their feet. 
 
In this series of four blogs, I want to look at what being skilful might entail and how coaches can improve their understanding and ability to diagnose key moments. Improving our observational skills means we can offer bespoke support and help to our young players. However, we all see different things so having some general things to focus on will help us all. 
 
Watch the video clip below:  

I have watched this many times and each time I see something slightly different so don’t be afraid to watch it repeatedly. You might miss this if you blink because it happens very quickly and, right at the start of the clip, but the receiving player has a very quick look before the ball is played to him.  

Planning and preparing before receiving the ball are VITAL in gaining information from your surroundings.  

There is no one length of time within which a scan becomes effective or not, so be careful if you comment to a player that they haven’t had a look – they might have done. 
Interestingly, in this instance the glance is towards his own goal. Is this to identify a suitable space to receive and move into? Young players don’t always see the logic of going towards their own goal to attack. It could be a good option if you want to draw opponents towards you to pass through them or create other space pockets. 
 
The player’s first thought could have been to play the easy pass back, but he ignored this as he searched for other solutions. This is exactly why encouraging players to stay on the ball is important. You get the chance to search for other things to try (hopefully more attacking and threatening ones). Skilful players will see more possibilities and this ability must be developed alongside a player’s movement and technical skills. In fact, players who possess a greater array of technical skills will have more possibilities available to them because of this. 
 
Once on the move the player turns smoothly and efficiently with the ball. This in action part of being skilful is probably the one that catches the eye the most. Using a heavier futsal ball may help some players but this kind of confidence and control in possession only comes from lots of ball contacts and repeatedly being put in tight situations – make sure this is prioritised in your sessions and games. 
 
For the pass to his teammate the look is less obvious. He must be taking in information from around him so will be using his peripheral vision to help notice other players in proximity. Until players are comfortable with the ball at their feet, they may be reluctant, or unable, to look around because all their attention is on the ball. It is difficult to look up if you are not entirely sure where the ball is.  
 
Once your players gain confidence in their individual ability, a thing to consider is to say less and observe more. This means that players are challenged to pay more attention to what is around them because you are not constantly telling them, so bear this in mind as your players train and play. 
 
There is a successful outcome at the end of the players individual time on the ball. This decision-making element is a vital component of being skilful. Asking players to stay on the ball for a little longer brings two real benefits: 
 
Firstly, the player is given the chance to build a great relationship with the ball so that over time they become incredibly comfortable and confident with the ball at their feet 
Secondly, every time the coach encourages the above, the player can practice and refine their decision-making skills. Young foundation phase players will find this decision making difficult at first so be patient, but the two things go hand in hand. As coaches we should encourage individual time on the ball and then help the players with their decision making. 
 
As coaches we should all be striving to develop more skilful players. To begin with we must create a vibrant, caring environment that prioritises exploration and creativity. Once this is established the players can begin to discover what they can do with the ball, their body and their decisions to skilfully overcome the many problems the game will present. 
 
What do you think of Pete’s blog? How do you develop skilful players? Let us know in the comments below!