Master the Basics First: Why Core Soccer Skills Matter More Than Training Formats
Hey everyone! My name is Neil Crawford, and I’m a soccer dad and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training.
When I started looking for training options for my sons, I was overwhelmed by all the advice and information out there about the benefits of different soccer formats and training methods. It seemed like everyone had a different recommendation—small-sided games, futsal, technical drills, and even playing in specific types of leagues. The more I dug, the more confusing it all became.
That’s why in today’s episode, I want to share a quick tip for all the parent trainers out there. It’s something that can help make all the difference in your child’s development.
Small-Sided Games and Futsal Aren’t Enough on Their Own
While small-sided games, futsal, and other formats are great for helping players develop certain skills, they won’t give your child the maximum benefits unless they’ve already mastered the basics. You might have heard about how much more effective these formats are for improving touches and awareness, but here’s the thing: those benefits won’t reach their full potential unless your child has the foundational skills in place first.
Think about it this way: Once your child has solid control over the ball, their passing accuracy is on point, and they’re comfortable with dribbling in tight spaces, **that’s when the small-sided games, futsal, and other specialized formats can really take their game to the next level**. They’ll be able to fully participate in these formats, improve faster, and gain more confidence on the field.
Why Mastering the Basics Matters
As a parent trainer, it’s your job to ensure that your child has a strong technical foundation before jumping into these advanced training formats. Focus on getting those basic skills right—ball control, dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting. These are the building blocks that will allow your child to thrive in more dynamic training environments.
It’s important to note that these basic skills don’t just develop naturally through gameplay. They require focused, intentional practice. And that’s where the structured training programs come into play.
That’s why I created Anytime Soccer Training. Stop wasting time searching for random YouTube videos and instead follow a structured program that includes over 101 fun soccer games and more than 5,000 step-by-step training videos. With our program, you can ensure your child gets the consistent, focused practice they need to master those core skills and progress to higher levels of play.
Ready to Start? Here’s How
If you’re ready to get started and ensure your child gets the best possible training, here are a few ways you can jump in:
- Take the FREE 7-Day Ball Mastery Challenge – This challenge is designed to get your child started on mastering the basics. 7-Day Ball Mastery Challenge!
- Join our Weekly 1001 Ball Mastery Drills Newsletter – Receive weekly tips and drills to help accelerate your child’s development. Click here to join!
- Join Anytime Soccer Training For Free – Start today and get access to over 1,000 training videos and 101 fun soccer games. Click here to join for free!
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Thanks for listening! I hope this tip helps you in your training journey. Let’s continue to work together to get better, and let’s make sure your child’s foundation is solid.
