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For this week, we have prepared an exercise that can be carried out during the warm-up phase of the training session. Required equipment: cones, balls, two 5-meter goals. The equipment is set up as shown in the image. The first players A will have a ball in their possession. Players A will start the exercise at the same time. Player A passes the ball to player B (1), player B passes the ball to player C (2), and player C plays the ball... Read more

Tactical intelligence does not mean knowing patterns or schemes — it means understanding what is about to happen. Players who “read the game” always seem one step ahead: they choose the right solution, arrive first to the ball, and make simple actions look easy. This ability is built through decision-making, anticipation, and scanning. 1. Reading the game starts before receiving the ball Intelligent players do not react after... Read more

In football, many problems blamed on lack of speed or effort are, in reality, positioning problems. Teams that control the game are not necessarily the fastest ones, but those that maintain correct distances between players and lines. This tactical detail is often ignored — yet it is decisive. 1. Distances create time When players are well positioned, time appears naturally. Passes become simpler, decisions clearer, and the game flows without... Read more

In football, the difference between a good team and a mature one does not appear when the game is under control, but in critical moments: the end of the match, a tight scoreline, pressure from the stands, accumulated fatigue. It is precisely then that transitions become tests of character, intelligence, and self-control. This article analyses how mature teams react in transitions under maximum pressure and what coaches can do to educate decision-making,... Read more

Choosing a playing system is one of the most visible decisions a coach makes — and often one of the most misunderstood. Many start by asking, “What is the best system?” when the real question should be, “What is the right system for my team, right now?” This article helps you choose a playing system logically and realistically, and understand when changing it is necessary — and when it is simply an emotional... Read more

For this week, we have prepared a ball possession game. A playing area of 40 x 60 meters will be set up, and in the four corners of the area, four 1-meter goals will be created using cones. In the middle of the playing area, there will be two 1-meter goals placed back to back. Inside the area, a 7 vs 7 game will be played. When a team completes 10 consecutive passes, it is allowed to score in one of the goals located on the playing area.... Read more

We continue with the “Exercise of the Week” project in 2026 as well. For this week, we propose a ball possession exercise. A pitch of 45 meters in length and 35 meters in width will be set up, and inside this area a 6 vs 6 game will be played. Each team will have two players positioned in the wide zones of the pitch, one on each side. When a player in this zone receives the ball, the player who passed the ball to him takes... Read more

In youth football, mistakes are often seen as obstacles. Something that must be corrected quickly, avoided, or even punished. Jürgen Klopp invites us to see mistakes from a completely different perspective: not as failure, but as the beginning of progress . A child who makes a mistake is not taking a step backward. On the contrary — they are taking their first step forward . Mistakes are proof of involvement A child who rarely... Read more

In youth football development, one of the most common traps is over-explaining . Coaches talk too much, correct every action, and stop the game constantly. The intention is positive: to help players understand the game. But the outcome is often the opposite. Zinedine Zidane captures a fundamental truth of player development: game understanding is built through experience, not through endless explanations . Football is learned by playing, not by listening... Read more

In youth football development, mistakes are often seen as failures. Something to be avoided, corrected immediately, or even punished. Pep Guardiola offers a completely different — and deeply educational — perspective: a mistake is proof of thinking. A child who makes mistakes is not an unprepared player. He is a player who has made a decision. Mistakes only appear when decisions are made A player who executes mechanically, following... Read more

In youth football, one of the biggest barriers to development is not a lack of talent, but the fear of making mistakes. The fear of the coach’s reaction. The fear of parents’ comments. The fear of losing a place in the team. This quote by Johan Cruyff captures a painful truth: a player who never makes mistakes is not a perfect player — but a player who doesn’t dare to try. Mistakes – a sign of courage, not weakness... Read more

For this week, we have prepared a finishing exercise with shooting on goal, with progression variations. Required materials: cones, footballs. Number of players: 8 – 10 players + 1 goalkeeper. Exercise description: Materials placed as in the image, each player A will have a ball in their possession. Player A passes the ball to player B (1), player B passes the ball to player C (2). Player C passes the ball to player D (3) into... Read more

For this week I have prepared for you an exercise for passing the ball, specific to the game of football. Required materials: cones, discs, four footballs. Number of players: 8–12 players. Description of the exercise: The materials are placed as in the image, the players standing at the discs will have a ball in their possession (the players in blue). Players A, B, C and D will be placed at a cone positioned 3–4 meters... Read more

Identifying sporting potential early in school can change a student’s trajectory — not only in sports, but in life. The physical education teacher plays an essential role in this process: from observing physical abilities to cultivating talent and character. What does “sporting potential” mean? Sporting potential does not mean only speed or strength. It is a combination of factors: Physical qualities (speed, endurance,... Read more

Relays are among the most beloved activities during physical education classes. They bring energy, competition, and fun, while at the same time contributing to the development of important motor skills. “The Shoe Relay” is a fun game that combines speed, balance, and team spirit. Game objectives Developing reaction speed and endurance. Improving balance through one-leg hopping. Practicing attention and motor coordination. Strengthening... Read more

Game for developing agility and reaction speed Required materials: 4 cardboard boxes 15 balls in three different colors (alternatively: 15 bottle caps in three colors) Game description Student A has one box in front of him (the color does not matter), and inside that box are all 15 balls , divided as follows: 5 red balls 5 blue balls 5 green balls At a distance of 3–4 meters, student B stands in front of three boxes... Read more

For this week, I have prepared a training game that can be used during the training process in the warm-up phase. Required materials: cones, a marker dome, footballs. Game description: Using cones, a circle will be created. Between these cones the players will be placed (the players between the cones will have a ball). In the middle of the circle, a marker dome will be placed, and a ball will be placed on top of it. Next to the ball... Read more

Choosing the right playing system is not about following trends — it’s a strategic decision that shapes your team’s identity, efficiency, and long-term development. A formation is not just a drawing on a tactics board; it is a structure that defines how your players interact, occupy space, and express their strengths. For many coaches, the real question is not “Which system is the best?” but “Which system fits... Read more

In the context of modern education, the physical education teacher no longer has only the role of supervising games or correcting sports techniques. He is a builder of character, a model of discipline, perseverance, and fair play for younger generations. Physical education – a school of character Unlike other subjects, the PE lesson offers real and immediate contexts in which students can develop character traits such as: Respect for classmates,... Read more

The game “Attention to the teacher” A quick and engaging game for developing dribbling skills, attention, and reaction to visual signals. It fits perfectly in the warm-up or as a technical segment in ball-handling lessons. Game objectives Developing dribbling skills with both hands. Improving attention and reaction speed to visual signals. Strengthening coordination and ball control. Practicing dribbling variations (left/right,... Read more