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Boosting Skills: Youth Football Training Essentials
Football is a fantastic sport that teaches teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Whether you are just starting out or looking to improve your game, understanding the essentials of training can make a big difference. I want to share some practical advice and fun ideas to help young players develop their skills effectively. This guide is designed to be clear and straightforward, making learning enjoyable and accessible. Building a Strong Foundation: Youth Football Coachin
dixonbrucefootball
Nov 63 min read
Under Pressure
Football is a game played with passion, pride, and emotion — but it also brings enormous pressure. Whether it’s performing in front of thousands of fans, playing for a contract, or representing a nation, every player feels the weight of expectation at some point in their career. How players respond to that pressure can define their success. Some crumble under it, while others use it as motivation to rise to the occasion. For young players, understanding how to handle pressure
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 302 min read
Resilience in Football: Learning from the Greats
Understanding Resilience in Football Resilience is one of the most important traits in football. It’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, handle pressure, and keep moving forward when things don’t go your way. Every great footballer, past and present, has faced moments of failure, disappointment, or adversity. However, it’s how they responded that defined their success. For young players, learning about resilience is key to building both character and performance on and
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 293 min read
False 9
The false nine is one of football’s most fascinating tactical innovations. Traditionally, a striker’s role has been to stay high up the pitch, occupy defenders, and score goals. However, the false nine operates differently—dropping deeper into midfield to create space, link play, and disrupt defensive structures. This role demands high intelligence, technical skill, and positional awareness. Over the years, the Premier League has seen several brilliant examples of the false n
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 182 min read
Rise & Fall of the Premier League
The Premier League is a stage where dreams can quickly turn to despair. For many clubs, promotion to the top flight represents years of hard work and financial investment finally paying off. Yet, the challenge isn’t just getting there—it’s staying there. Some teams have climbed to the Premier League with optimism and energy, only to spiral down through relegation and, in some cases, even further. Sheffield United, along with clubs like Hull City, Sunderland, and Blackpool, ar
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 172 min read
One Touch Football
One-touch football is one of the most beautiful and effective styles of play in the modern game. It’s built on quick, intelligent passing, sharp movement, and a collective understanding between teammates. In essence, it’s about players passing the ball immediately upon receiving it—without taking an extra touch—to maintain tempo, outsmart defenders, and open up attacking spaces. This method has been a hallmark of some of the best Premier League sides past and present, from Ar
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 172 min read
Simulation
Simulation, often referred to as “diving,” is one of football’s most controversial behaviours. It occurs when a player exaggerates or...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 132 min read
Warm Up
Warm ups are a vital part of football preparation, setting the stage for players to perform at their peak and reducing the risk of...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 123 min read
Cool Down
Cool downs in football are an essential part of the training and match-day process, yet they are often overlooked compared to warm-ups or...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 113 min read
Chipping the Ball
Chipping the ball is a subtle yet highly effective skill in football, often used to outwit defenders, goalkeepers, or to create scoring...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 102 min read
High Press
The high press in football is a tactical approach where a team applies intense pressure on the opponent high up the pitch, often as soon...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 92 min read
Composure
Composure in football is a quality that every player, regardless of position, should aim to develop. Put simply, it is the ability to...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 82 min read
Confidence
The most decisive yet fragile aspects of performance, influencing both individual players and the collective strength of a team. Unlike...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 72 min read
Tracking Back
“Tracking back” refers to when players—typically attackers, midfielders and wing-backs—after their team loses possession, sprint or run...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 63 min read
The Soccer Coach’s Toolkit
The Soccer Coach’s Toolkit is one of those rare books that every coach, no matter their experience or background, can genuinely benefit...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 52 min read
Mental Health
Mental Health among Male Footballers in the UK: Recent Examples & Issues Over recent years, there has been growing recognition that male...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 56 min read
Form: Team & Player
Form in Football: A Team and Player Perspective In football, few concepts are discussed as frequently as “form.” Whether it is a team...
dixonbrucefootball
Oct 42 min read
Pre-Match Preparation: Manager
Pre-match preparation is one of the most important aspects of modern football, often determining how well a team performs once they step...
dixonbrucefootball
Sep 292 min read
Defending Against Quick Forwards (with coaching tips)
One of the toughest challenges in football is defending against quick, agile forwards. Players with explosive pace and sharp acceleration...
dixonbrucefootball
Sep 284 min read
The Manager
The role of a football manager is one of the most complex and demanding in sport. While players provide the goals, tackles, and moments...
dixonbrucefootball
Sep 274 min read
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