Youth vs Senior Analysis Differences

Course Information

• Course Title: How To Analyse A Match
• Section: Section 12 - Bonus Content
• Subsection: Youth vs Senior Analysis Differences
• Author: Kevin Middleton
• Course Platform: Football Coaching Academy (Skool)
• Page URL: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/9775ce2d?md=bf4650f074c44f08aadbb7969c69d6cd

Content Summary

Different age groups need different analytical approaches.

Age-Appropriate Analysis Methods

Under 12s

Focus on effort, basic technique, and enjoyment

Under 16s

Add tactical understanding and decision-making

Under 18s

Include advanced tactics and mental aspects

Adults

Full tactical and strategic analysis

Development-Focused Observation

For youth players, track:

1. Technical improvement over time
2. Confidence growth in different situations
3. Understanding of game principles
4. Leadership development

Long-Term Player Tracking

Use your tactical footage to create development portfolios showing each player’s journey over multiple seasons.

Key Takeaways

Youth analysis requires a fundamentally different approach that prioritizes development over performance outcomes. The analytical framework must be tailored to each age group’s cognitive and physical capabilities, gradually increasing in complexity as players mature.

For younger players, the focus shifts from tactical sophistication to basic skill development and enjoyment, while older youth players can handle more complex tactical concepts. Long-term tracking becomes essential for youth development, creating visual evidence of player growth that motivates continued improvement and informs training decisions.