Another informative listen, in my short couple years of coaching,  ive only been involved at YDP age, but after next season will be starting from the beginning. What i have found at the YDP age is how important words are from a coach;  kids are impressionable and if they think the coach wants and likes the off the ball incidents and bullying tactics on the field then thats what they will no doubt aspire to do. And i am still seeing that kind of coaching sadly which means those young players are being restricted. like you said Pete their capabilities cannot be comprised ( at any age). The physical, masculine football player can be introduced at a young age, but in basic footballing skills, I.E sheilding the ball, if your between the ball and the player  then they cant get it. "stay on the ball". But at the youngest age for me the majority of the time they would ALL have a ball, and would be asked to keep that ball all season at training and at home. If im honest its quite a scary thought having to coach at the youngest of ages but sadisticaly im looking forward to it.

good job guys keep them coming 

Lee, thanks for posting your thoughts. I totally agree, it can be quite daunting when faced with coaching the youngest players. That is why it is important to enter their world not drag them into t adult world of football. The players are in a great period of development for acquiring new skills and learning new things so allow them to explore the possibilities rather than restrict their thohts and ideas. Fun and enjoyment will always be important, regardless of age so include lots of games and small number practices where players can begin to understand the component parts of the gamand gain a better idea of how to be successful in 2v1, 2v2 and 2v3 etc situations. This knowledge and ability will be useful whatever format they play and will also help develop their individual maery of the ball, their body and the decisions they make. Good luck, Lee and thanks again Pete

Lee, thanks for posting your thoughts. I totally agree, it can be quite daunting when faced with coaching the youngest players. That is why it is important to enter their world not drag them into t adult world of football. The players are in a great period of development for acquiring new skills and learning new things so allow them to explore the possibilities rather than restrict their thohts and ideas. Fun and enjoyment will always be important, regardless of age so include lots of games and small number practices where players can begin to understand the component parts of the gamand gain a better idea of how to be successful in 2v1, 2v2 and 2v3 etc situations. This knowledge and ability will be useful whatever format they play and will also help develop their individual maery of the ball, their body and the decisions they make. Good luck, Lee and thanks again Pete