Episode 12. The Most Important Skill in Youth Soccer That Almost No One Teaches!
Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of The Inside Scoop! I’m your host, Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. If you’re new to the show, we’re all about helping parents navigate the world of youth soccer development. We’ve had some great chats with coaches, parents, and players, and next week we’re diving deep into the competitive soccer scene in Germany.
Today, I’m talking about a skill that I believe is the most important thing a youth player should develop early on—but it’s often overlooked. It’s the kind of thing I’ve seen thousands of kids miss out on, and even when I bring it up, many coaches and parents don’t fully get why it matters. But if players get this skill right, it can completely change their game.
I’m also sharing my approach to training—how I communicate more effectively with young players. No more vague instructions like “go faster” or “keep the ball close.” Instead, I focus on clear, measurable goals, like the number of touches in a drill, to improve both performance and accountability.
We’ll dive into why this skill is so crucial, how to help your child master it, and what it really looks like in practice. Plus, if you want to see these drills in action, head over to Anytime Soccer Training, where I’ve got over 1,000 videos to guide you step by step through individual skill development.
Don’t forget to join the conversation in the Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group, where we keep the soccer chat going!
Resources:
- Free ball mastery & juggling videos: www.anytime-soccer.com
- Join the discussion: Anytime Soccer Training Facebook Group
Tune in now and let’s get into it!
