Top Tip Tuesday

‘It is statistically proven that players actually have the ball 3 minutes on average.

So, the most important thing is: what do you do during those 87 minutes when you do not have the ball?

‘He knew a thing or two did Johan!

A great question to ask your young footballer is, ‘what are you doing when you DON’T have the ball?’.

Most kids think they can only have an impact when they have the ball but the ones who really stand out are those that help the team with what they do OFF the ball.

Supporting the attack

Recovering to defend

Dragging opponents out of position

Providing a passing option for their teammate

Pressing

Encouraging & organising their team

Just a few things they can do and you can help them by asking them to think about their off-the-ball stuff along with praising them when you see them doing some of the above