One Last Thing (Promise)

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

A few final reminders as I move into the programme. I use what fits my players, not just their age because development isn’t linear. I coach the player in front of me, not the age on paper. I don’t force exercises that aren’t working because if players aren’t engaged, neither is learning. I stay grounded in the game by asking where on the pitch we are, what pressure the player will be under, and what they’re trying to do.

I remember the long game because players who look best today aren’t always the ones who thrive later. The strongest, fastest, most confident 9-year-old might get passed by the quiet 10-year-old who’s learning to think. The goal isn’t to win this week but to build players who know how to win the moment.

Laureano Ruiz’s story reminds me to be patient with progress, trust the process, celebrate the right things like a perfect turn under pressure over a lucky goal, and keep the joy alive. Players who love the game at 12 are still playing at 22, whilst those pushed too hard too early often aren’t.

I’m not just teaching football but how to think under pressure, solve problems creatively, bounce back from mistakes, work with others, and keep improving. When doubt creeps in, I remember that development isn’t linear, understanding beats memorising, process beats results at this age, and I’m building for years 3-5, not weeks 3-5.

Years from now, my players won’t remember every drill but how I made them feel, the confidence I built, the moments I believed in them, and the love of the game I protected. Keep players in the game for as long as possible - that’s always the goal.

A few final reminders as you move into the programme.

Golden Rules for Coaching This Phase

Use what fits your players, not just their age.

The age guidance we’ve provided is there to help you make decisions, not box you in. If a 9-year-old is ready for more complexity, let them try it. If an 11-year-old needs more time, give it to them.

Development isn’t linear. Coach the player in front of you.

Don’t force an exercise that isn’t working.

If it feels clunky or your players are disconnected, swap it out. Don’t make your players act like table football figures! We’ve included alternatives for every session. You won’t lose the learning, just change the path.

Trust your instincts. If players aren’t engaged, neither is learning.

Stay grounded in the game.

Keep coming back to the moment, the slice, the situation. Ask yourself:

The earlier players start linking training to the real game, the faster their learning sticks.

Remember the Long Game

At this age, the players who look best today aren’t always the ones who thrive later.

The strongest, fastest, most confident 9-year-old might get passed by the quiet 10-year-old who’s learning to think.

The goal isn’t to win this week. It’s to build players who know how to win the moment, with control, awareness, and intent.

And that takes time.

A Story Worth Remembering

Here’s a reminder from Laureano Ruiz, the man behind Barcelona’s playing philosophy:

“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.”

What This Means for You

Be Patient with Progress

The skills you’re building might not win this weekend. But they’ll win when it matters.

Trust the Process

When parents question why you’re not just playing long balls to the fast kid, remember Ruiz’s words.

Celebrate the Right Things

A perfect turn under pressure matters more than a lucky goal. Make sure players know it.

Keep the Joy Alive

Players who love the game at 12 are still playing at 22. Those who were pushed too hard too early often aren’t.

Your Impact

You’re not just teaching football. You’re teaching:

These lessons last longer than any trophy.

When Doubt Creeps In

There will be days when:

Remember:

The 360TFT Promise

If you:

Then your players will:

Session Energy Management

Even in your final sessions, remember:

Your Legacy

Years from now, your players won’t remember every drill. But they’ll remember:

Your players don’t need to be perfect this week. They need to stay in love with the game, keep trying, and keep growing.

Thanks for being the kind of coach who makes that possible.

Keep players in the game for as long as possible. That’s always the goal.

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