Football Training

Young children need lots of time with the ball in order to develop their touch and control. Unfortunately, there are still too many kids playing 11-a-side football on pitches that are too big. Games involving four, five or six players on each time have been shown to be much more effective at developing the skills of youngsters. Not only that...

The whole concept of warming down is relatively new in English football. Many in the game believe it was Arsene Wenger who first introduced regular warm-downs to Premier League clubs. From the moment Wenger arrived at Arsenal, he did away with the group baths in favour of group warm-down sessions. Indeed, there are many experts who believe that this move...

It’s finally July again. The barren month of June is often hard for amateur footballers. There’s no football on the telly, and even less in the community. For committed and enthusiastic players, the summer is torture. Anyone who regularly plays the game at a reasonable level will know how exciting the first day of pre-season training is. However, excitement usually...

Most adult Sunday league players — and probably more professional players than you realise — have been forced to take to a football field whilst feeling the effects of alcohol. Right up until the 1980s, the best football players in the land could be seen propping up bars until the early hours on the eve of a big match. How...

An increasing number of grassroots football teams are having their fixtures and training schedules decimated because of inclement weather. The shocking state of municipal pitches in the UK results in postponed matches and training sessions when it rains. But if your team has access to indoor facilities, there are some very effective training drills that will keep everyone sharp until...

If you’re looking to improve your overall game as an outfield footballer, you’ll need to master the four basic skills of the game before doing anything else. You’ll need to first master the necessary techniques, and then practise your heart out to make the most of your natural ability. By continually practising the art of passing, tackling, shooting and heading...

Being an FA accredited referee is a highly rewarding and enjoyable job; in fact many referees claim it’s the next best thing to actually playing the game. The role of the modern referee is vital in many respects. As well as officiating matches, referees play important roles in their local communities, and work with footballers to improve their discipline and...

The constant twists, turns and sudden changes of direction involved in football can put the ankles of a footballer under tremendous strain. Most ankle injuries involve little more than some mild pain and discomfort, but some can be career threatening. Playing through the pain might seem like the heroic thing to do at times, but it could put your long-term...

Another new year lies ahead, and it’s time to get your priorities in place for what lies ahead in your footballing career. Use these seven New Year’s resolutions to improve your game - and your team’s fortunes. 1. I will work on my technique at every opportunity Ask Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham, and they will tell you that constant...

The British football season is a long one, and Christmas is slap bang in the middle of it. As a regular player, you have a responsibility to your club and your teammates to look after yourself over the festive season period - but that’s often easier said than done. While controlling your weight during Christmas is vitally important, so is...