Player-Centred Prompts

Module: Master The Ball: 1-11 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

Football intelligence doesn’t come from repeating a drill perfectly. It comes from thinking inside it, understanding why certain choices work, and developing the ability to make better decisions independently. I encourage coaches to end each session with simple reflection questions that build the habit of asking why and when, not just how.

I use these questions during natural breaks like water breaks, in end-of-session huddles, during game pauses, and whilst resetting between rounds. I keep them short, clear, and open-ended because the goal is thinking, not right answers.

Sample reflection prompts for ages 1-11 include asking about ball mastery (“What part of your foot helped you stay in control?”), passing (“Where were you looking before you passed?”), receiving (“What helped you control the ball quickly?”), finishing (“How did you make space to shoot?”), and match-related play (“When did you notice the defender coming close?”).

These questions matter because when players explain what they’re doing and why, they build stronger mental models, improve decision-making, remember learning more effectively, start thinking independently, and develop game intelligence.

I make reflection natural by keeping questions conversational rather than interrogational, accepting all answers, building on their ideas, and keeping it brief with two or three questions maximum. This approach helps players become game-smart, not just drill-sharp. They develop the ability to read situations, make decisions under pressure, and solve problems independently. That’s how football intelligence really develops.

Introduction

Football intelligence doesn’t come from repeating a drill perfectly. It comes from thinking inside it, understanding why certain choices work, and developing the ability to make better decisions independently.

To help players develop awareness, decision-making, and ownership of their learning, we encourage coaches to end each session with simple reflection questions. These brief conversations build the habit of asking why and when, not just how.

When to Use These Questions

As Players Grab Water

Natural breaks provide perfect opportunities for quick, informal reflection without stopping the session flow.

In the End-of-Session Huddle

Two minutes of guided reflection helps consolidate learning and sets up the next session.

During Game Pauses

When the ball goes out or play naturally stops, use the moment to highlight key decisions.

While Resetting Between Rounds

Instead of silence during setup, engage players’ minds with targeted questions about what just happened.

Keep them short, clear, and open-ended. The goal is thinking, not right answers.

Sample Reflection Prompts (Ages 1–11)

Ball Mastery

• “What part of your foot helped you stay in control?”
• “How did you change direction without losing the ball?”
• “Which move felt hardest and why?”
• “When did you feel most confident with the ball?”

Passing

• “What made that pass work well?”
• “Where were you looking before you passed?”
• “When might you use that pass in a game?”
• “How did you know your teammate was ready?”

Receiving

• “What helped you control the ball quickly?”
• “Where would you move next after receiving?”
• “Did you use your body to protect the ball?”
• “How did you know which direction to turn?”

Finishing

• “What type of shot felt most accurate?”
• “How did you make space to shoot?”
• “What would you try next time in front of goal?”
• “When did you decide to shoot instead of pass?”

Match-Related Play

• “When did you notice the defender coming close?”
• “Where was the space?”
• “What helped you beat the opponent or find a teammate?”
• “How did you decide what to do next?”

Why These Questions Matter

When players explain what they’re doing and why, several crucial things happen:

Build Stronger Mental Models

Verbalising decisions helps players understand cause and effect relationships in football situations.

Improve Decision-Making

Reflection develops pattern recognition and helps players identify successful strategies they can repeat.

Remember Learning More Effectively

Players who can explain their actions retain those lessons longer and apply them more consistently.

Start Thinking Independently

Guided reflection develops self-awareness and reduces dependence on constant coaching instruction.

Develop Game Intelligence

Players begin to see football as a thinking game, not just a physical one.

Making Reflection Natural

Don’t Interrogate

Keep questions conversational and genuinely curious. You’re exploring together, not testing knowledge.

Accept All Answers

There’s rarely one “correct” response. Value their thinking process over perfect tactical analysis.

Build on Their Ideas

Use their observations to guide the next question or highlight something they noticed.

Keep It Brief

Two or three questions maximum. Quality of thinking matters more than quantity of questions.

The Result

This approach helps players become game-smart, not just drill-sharp. They develop the ability to read situations, make decisions under pressure, and solve problems independently.

That’s how football intelligence really develops.

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