One Last Thing (Promise)

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

These principles guide every decision I make, from session planning to match day. They protect long-term development whilst ensuring my coaching remains practical and effective.

Rule 1 means I coach the player, not the age. I use exercises appropriate to the actual stage and ability of my players, not their birth certificate. A technically confident 8-year-old might thrive with 10-year-old challenges, whilst a 12-year-old still developing basic skills might need 9-year-old foundations. Development happens at individual pace, not calendar pace.

Rule 2 provides flexibility within structure. If I hate an exercise or my players clearly aren’t engaging with it, I use the alternatives provided. The core focus remains constant, but the delivery method can change. Energy and enjoyment accelerate development, frustration and boredom kill it.

Rule 3 frames everything through game context using the Moment, Slice, and Situation framework. I ask where on the pitch players will use this skill, what pressure they’ll face from defenders, and how this technique helps them escape pressure or create opportunities. Context creates meaning.

Rule 4 prioritises learning to play over playing to win. The best players at age 6 or 7 are rarely the best players at age 16 or 17. Early physical advantages fade, but technical foundations and game understanding endure. As Laureano Ruiz said, quick fixes create quick limits, but systematic development creates lasting capability. My patience today becomes their potential tomorrow.

Introduction

These principles guide every decision you make, from session planning to match day. They protect long-term development whilst ensuring your coaching remains practical and effective.

Rule 1: Coach the Player, Not the Age

Use exercises appropriate to the actual stage and ability of your players, not their birth certificate. The age guidance in this course provides direction, but your professional judgement determines application.

Development happens at individual pace, not calendar pace.

Rule 2: Flexibility Within Structure

If you hate an exercise or your players clearly aren’t engaging with it, use the alternatives provided at the end of each section. Simply swap the prescribed exercise for an alternative that serves the same learning objective.

Energy and enjoyment accelerate development. Frustration and boredom kill it.

Rule 3: Frame Everything Through Game Context

As much as possible, connect what you’re teaching to the Moment, Slice, and Situation framework. When in doubt, ask yourself three questions:

  1. Where on the pitch will players use this skill?
  2. What kind of pressure will they face from defenders?
  3. How can this technique help them escape that pressure or create opportunities?

The earlier players make connections between training and actual match situations, the more successful your teaching becomes. Context creates meaning.

Rule 4: Learning to Play Always Beats Playing to Win

It’s tempting to race ahead, to stretch players beyond their readiness, to prioritise short-term results over long-term development. Resist this temptation completely.

Remember: the best players at age 6 or 7 are rarely the best players at age 16 or 17. Early physical advantages fade. Technical foundations and game understanding endure.

The Laureano Ruiz Perspective

Laureano Ruiz, the architect behind Barcelona’s playing philosophy, captures this perfectly:

“Let us say that you and I coach two teams with kids that are 10, 11, and 12 years old and all are about equally good. You try to teach them to play good football, a passing game and with tactical basics while I tell mine to only play long balls and try to shoot. I can assure you that [at first] I will always win against you, by using your mistakes.

Intercept a pass and score.

If we however continue with the same training methods during a three-year period, you will most likely win every game against us. Your players will have learned how to play while mine haven’t. That’s how easy it is.”

The Long-Term Perspective

These rules protect what matters most: developing players who understand the game, love the game, and can adapt as they grow.

Trust the process. Trust the progression. Trust that building proper foundations creates stronger players in the end.

Your patience today becomes their potential tomorrow.

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