Shouting From The Sidelines

Are you still making kids run laps and do bleep tests to “get fit” for football?There's a better (and more enjoyable way).In this video, we break down:​What football fitness actually means for kids​Why long runs and isolated drills don’t work​The science behind children's recovery, VO2 max, and strength development​What coaches and parents should do instead​How to build football-specific fitness through play, games, and decision-makingWhether you're a grassroots football coach or a football parent, this episode will hopefully help you think differently about football for fitness for kids.No more outdated methods.Let's create enjoyable, effective football training that actually helps kids develop.Research papers/further reading:Manna, I. (2014)Growth, Development and Maturity in Children and Adolescent: Relation to Sports and Physical Activity. Marta, C. et al. (2013)Determinants of Physical Fitness in Prepubescent Children and Its Training Effects.Armstrong, N., & Welsman, J. (2020)The Development of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness with Reference to Youth Athletes.Bailey, R. et al. (2012)Participant Development in Sport and Physical Activity: The Impact of Biological Maturation.Baxter-Jones, A.D.G. et al. (2005)Controlling for Maturation in Pediatric Exercise Science.Sannicandro, I. et al. (2024)Developing Physical Performance in Youth Soccer: Dynamic–Ecological vs. Traditional Training.Viru, A. et al. (1999)Critical Periods in the Development of Performance Capacity in Childhood.Prasad, N. (1996)The Relationship Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Capacities in Prepubertal Children.Granacher, U. et al. (2016)Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Fitness and Athletic Performance in Youth.Seifert, L. & Davids, K. (2016)Ecological Dynamics: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Sport Performance.

“Keep your knee over the ball!”“Bend your leg!”“Lock your ankle”If you’ve ever shouted these phrases from the sideline (or heard a coach do it), this episode will change how you give instructions when coaching football or playing with your child in the garden.We break down the powerful difference between internal vs external focus — and why telling kids how to move could actually hurt their performance.You’ll learn:Why telling kids what to do with their body parts is often the wrong during youth footballA quick fix to help kids learn football skills fasterPractical examples of external focus cues that boost performanceMetaphors, missions & mindset shifts for playful, purposeful coachingWhether you're a parent, grassroots coach, or just trying to help your child fall in love with the game, the tips in the episode can really help.Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe for more content on child development through football.Studies:Influence of attentional focus distance on motor learning of skilled children - Francisco Milton GonçalvesPereira Júnior, Giordano Marcio Gatinho BonuzziEffects of Internal, External and Preference of Attentional Focus Feedback Instructions on Learning Soccer“Head Kick” Bülent Okan Miçooğulları and Sadettin Kirazcı, Ömür Serdal Altunsöz The Effect of External Focus Distance on Learning Shooting for Beginners Male Soccer Players - Aiman SarhanA systematic review of motivational and attentional variables on children’s 2 fundamental movement skill development: The OPTIMAL theory. 3 Thomas Simpson, P. Ellison, E. Carnegie and D. MarchantFrequent External-Focus Feedback Enhances Motor Learning - Gabriel Wulf

Should young footballers be placed into A & B teams?Is it helping their development or holding them back?In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of ability-based team selection in grassroots football, how it affects player confidence, development, and motivation, and what parents and coaches need to know.Key Topics Discussed:- Why do clubs use A & B teams in youth football- Do B-team players get left behind?- The impact on confidence, self-esteem, and development- Late bloomers vs. early developers - Does early selection matter?- Solutions: How can clubs do better?- Advice for parents & coaches on supporting young playersIf your child has ever been placed in a B team or you're a coach navigating team selection, this episode is for you! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive, but is there such a thing as too much football training? In this episode, we dive into the delicate balance between helping your child develop their skills and ensuring they don’t lose their love for the game. We’ll discuss the signs of overtraining, why rest and recovery are just as important as practice, and how to recognize if your child’s schedule is too demanding. You’ll also hear insights into the value of unstructured play, trying multiple sports, and how to create a training routine that supports both their physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a parent or a coach, this episode will give you the tools to make sure young players stay passionate, happy, and injury-free as they grow. Tune in to learn how to foster a healthy football journey for your child!

A few years ago we completely changed the way we coach at our football sessions. We'd previously had a big part of our sessions made up of individual ball-mastery and 'skills' work. In this episode we discuss: What is a games-based approach to football coaching What are 'constraints' and how we use them to make sure our players learn and improve for football Why we stopped SAQ at our sessions How to really coach decision-making Why aren't all coaches using this method? The difference between learning and performing ...and loads more. Let us know what you think and any questions you have.

Spend 10 mins at any junior football match and we all but guarantee you'll hear one of old cliché football phrases shouted from the sidelines. But a lot of what is being said is of little use and, if anything, does more harm than good when it comes to the football development of children. What are the things we should avoid? And what should you be shouting, if shouting anything at all? Listen now to find out.

The demand for one to one football coaching is increasing - but is it worth it? 121 football training has been part of our business for almost 10 years. We’ve coached all ages & abilities and have done upwards of 1000+ sessions between our coaching team. We’ve tried and tested all sorts of different ideas, football drills and equipment. Are they right for everyone? What are the benefits (if any)? We go through everything in this video and give our honest thoughts and opinion based on past experience and knowledge. Feel free to comment with any questions or thoughts.