hi CM

first thing i do at training is empty out my bag and scatter all the balls all over the pitch, so once ive greeted everyone on arrival they are free to grab a ball for 5,10 minutes and do whatever they want.

If you watch them they automatically start hitting long passes to one another, start 1v1's and and try the crossbar challenge.

This immediate actions shows they want the ball.

Freedom thats what they have, until game day comes along when some feel they have to constrict themselves to an area the size of a shed.

so in training sessions there are lots of 1v1,s wether thats in lines opposite eacg other or in SSG where zones are created.

this could be playing through the thirds or wider pitches for the amount of players in the pratice.

This could involve for instance a big midfeild zone which is underloaded with opposition to encourage the defence to move forward with the ball or simple 1v1 with if the attacker recieves  the ball.

unless my players are comftable on the ball they will never have the courage to try it in games.

They are also encouraged to move with the ball whenever THEY think the time is right with no repercusions, as long as they can give a reason if asked why they made that decision, good or bad.

Interesting stuff, thanks Lee! All of these sound great.

Do you ever offer your players technical advice (or set up a practice for this) when moving with the ball? Or do you find this is not needed or not relevant at a younger age? 

Interesting stuff, thanks Lee! All of these sound great.

Do you ever offer your players technical advice (or set up a practice for this) when moving with the ball? Or do you find this is not needed or not relevant at a younger age?