1-2-1 Football Coaching – Personal Development
Author: The Coaches Link
One 2 One Coaching – My Experiences
Opportunities and coaching in a 1-2-1 environment is a form of sport development that has, over the last few years, been on the rise. Qualified coaches, coaching companies and grassroots clubs offering coaches and players, of all ages and abilities, the change to work and play in a private lesson has become a very popular tool.
I work as a 1-2-1 coach, as do some of my colleagues, and I enjoy the challenge that the bring me as a football coach, but also am proud of the progress that the players I work with have shown over the years.
Job opportunities in London, especially as a sports coach, are huge. There are lots of players and parents wanting to see their player learn and improve through 1-2-1 lessons. However, social media sites do dictate that 1-2-1 coaching is not always a popular form of development. Like all things, I am sure you are able to find examples of poor practice, and sports coaches that are teaching techniques etc incorrectly. Here however, I wish to argue the case for football coaching and sport coaching in a private session environment, and how it can benefit players of all ages and abilities.
1 – Players are able to gain confidence – Players who maybe struggle when in a football team environment are able to develop, have fun and learn in a more ‘relaxed’ and suitable environment for their needs. Those who play at a high level can refine technique, focus on DETAIL and grow in confidence away from their team.
2 – A focus can be placed on technical details – Body shapes, angle, footwork patterns, touches, body movement can all be worked on at the necessary speed for the player.
3 – Players can learn at their own pace – An academy player can be pushed harder with more focused refinement, challenging combinations and body movements. A grassroots player can take things slower or back to basics.
4 – Players get ALL the touches on the ball – Loads of footballs, plenty of practices, lots of shots, all the touches on the ball belong to the player the coach is working with. It’s all about the player and the ball. Drop hurdles and ladders and get the physical outcomes with a BALL at their feet.
5 – Sessions design – Practices, progressions and details are all fine-tuned for the player. Coaches can work on specific areas of development as required, at a speed that suits the player.
6 – Mistakes can be instantly corrected – Should the coach find a regular fault in technique or body shape, they can be rectified immediately and improved upon.
7 – Feedback – Coaches are able to give a more detailed, honest feedback, and be able to create plans to improve specific techniques and movements.
8 – Consistency – Messages, terminology, details are consistent, meaning greater understanding and development
9 – Physical outcomes and ‘hidden’ benefits – The higher demands of a 1-2-1 session, the consistency of movement and the speed required, mean that players are on the move, changing direction, improving their ABC’s for the duration of a session. Football fitness and general well-being is therefore improved.
10 – Social outcomes – The development of the relationship between players and the coaches show the importance and influence of positive rapport. Hopefully this has an effect on the players relationships outside of the sessions, at home or at school/their club.
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