Session Success Indicators

Course: Use The 360TFT Game Model Section: The Curriculum

TLDR

Knowing when players are ready to progress isn’t guesswork. It’s about recognising clear competency markers that show genuine mastery, not just participation. I use the 80% rule where players should demonstrate 80% success rate on current level indicators before progressing to the next stage. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about building genuine competence that can handle increased pressure and complexity.

For Master The Ball (0-11 years), success looks like players dribbling 20 metres without losing control, using both feet comfortably, and showing excitement with the ball rather than fear. Red flags include avoiding the weaker foot under pressure and stopping when opponents get close.

Master The Opponent (7-12 years) success means winning 6 out of 10 opposed 1v1s, making deliberate skill choices, and seeking out challenges rather than avoiding them. Red flags include using the same move regardless of the situation and avoiding 1v1s.

Master The Game (11-18 years) success shows in recognising game moments before being coached, playing two positions effectively, and maintaining technique under time pressure. Red flags include needing constant coaching to recognise patterns and focusing only on individual success.

Use your judgment as a coach and be flexible. If a session from Master The Ball fits your 12-year-olds, run it. If your 10-year-olds need more decision-based work, challenge them. Trust the process, respect the progression, and build players who love the game.

This course will be broken down into different mastery levels that cut across age groups, so when should you progress players from one level to the next?

Well, knowing when players are ready to progress isn’t guesswork. It’s about recognising clear competency markers that show genuine mastery, not just participation.

These indicators help you make informed decisions about when to increase complexity, when to revisit foundations, and when players are truly ready for the next developmental stage.

Your Role as Coach

Just a quick disclaimer.

The below content is intended to be helpful, but please use your judgment as a coach. Be flexible. You’re not expected to teach all players the same thing at the same time; you’re expected to coach the player in front of you.

If a session from Master The Ball fits your 12-year-olds this week, run it.

If your 10-year-olds are flying and need more decision-based work, challenge them.

Let’s dive into the session success factors for each age group.

The 80% Rule

Players should demonstrate 80% success rate on current level indicators before progressing to the next stage. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about building genuine competence that can handle increased pressure and complexity.

Competence creates confidence. Confidence enables learning.

Master The Ball (0–11 Years Old)

Success Indicators (examples):

• Players can dribble 20 metres without losing control
• Comfortable using both feet to change direction
• Can juggle the ball 5+ times consistently
• Shows excitement when given a ball, not fear
• Attempts skills even when defenders approach

What This Means: At this stage, the ball should feel like an extension of the player’s body. They’re not thinking about technique, they’re exploring possibilities. Players who demonstrate these indicators have built the foundation for all future learning.

Red Flags:

• Avoids using weaker foot under any pressure
• Stops dribbling when opponents get close
• Can only perform skills when stationary
• Shows frustration or fear when ball control breaks down

Master The Opponent (7–12 Years Old)

Success Indicators (examples):

• Wins 6 out of 10 opposed 1v1s
• Makes deliberate skill choices (not random moves)
• Can explain why they chose a particular action
• Seeks out 1v1 opportunities instead of avoiding them
• Adapts technique when space or pressure changes

What This Means: Players at this level understand that technique serves a purpose. They’re beginning to read opponents and make decisions based on what they see, not what they’ve memorised. The shift from ball mastery to opponent mastery is happening.

Red Flags:

• Uses the same move regardless of situation
• Can’t explain their decision-making
• Avoids 1v1 situations when possible
• Technique breaks down immediately under pressure

Master The Game (11–18 Years Old)

Success Indicators:

• Recognises game moments before they’re coached
• Can play two different positions effectively
• Starts to explain tactical decisions using game context
• Anticipates opponents’ actions, not just reacting
• Maintains technique quality under time pressure

What This Means: Game intelligence is emerging. Players understand not just what to do and when, but why tactical decisions matter. They’re connecting individual actions to team success and can adapt their role based on game demands.

Red Flags:

• Only performs well in familiar positions
• Needs constant coaching to recognise patterns
• Cannot maintain standards when game tempo increases
• Focuses only on individual success, not team outcomes

Using These Indicators

These markers aren’t rigid checkpoints, they’re flexible guides that help you understand where players truly are in their development. Use them to:

• Plan appropriate challenges: Don’t rush complexity until foundations are solid
• Identify skill gaps: Address weaknesses before they become permanent limitations
• Build confidence: Ensure players experience success at each level
• Make progression decisions: Move forward based on competence, not just age or time spent

Remember: A player who demonstrates genuine competence at one level will thrive when challenged at the next. A player who’s rushed forward without solid foundations will struggle and lose confidence.

Trust the process. Respect the progression. Build players who love the game.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model