Let The Players Play

This comprehensive guide by Larry Mahony shows how to develop a young player’s football intelligence by coaching in-game during practice sessions. It is not concerned with specific soccer techniques, but with the learning of team skill. Starting with the smallest unit – two outfield players – it focuses exclusively on how young players relate to and communicate with each other to become a team. While patience is key as children mature, this book demonstrates that – by concentrating on fun, small-sided games – we can eventually teach them that playing in position can be a liberating experience.