Lazy coaching on transitions kills player development.
If your U9–U13s are allowed to “switch off” after losing or winning the ball…
They’ll never survive even a decent level in adult football. 🧵
If your U9–U13s are allowed to “switch off” after losing or winning the ball…
They’ll never survive even a decent level in adult football. 🧵
2.
What do many coaches say?
➡️ “Don’t worry, just get back in shape.”
➡️ “Keep the ball in your team.”
Sounds harmless.
But it builds a culture of pausing when the ball changes hands.
What do many coaches say?
➡️ “Don’t worry, just get back in shape.”
➡️ “Keep the ball in your team.”
Sounds harmless.
But it builds a culture of pausing when the ball changes hands.
3.
Football is decided in transitions.
Lose it? React.
Win it? React.
No pause. No waiting.
This is true at U9s.
It’s true in the Champions League.
Football is decided in transitions.
Lose it? React.
Win it? React.
No pause. No waiting.
This is true at U9s.
It’s true in the Champions League.
4.
If players are trained to stop, breathe, and reorganize…
They’ll be too slow for the real game.
By the time they “switch back on,” the opponent is already gone.
If players are trained to stop, breathe, and reorganize…
They’ll be too slow for the real game.
By the time they “switch back on,” the opponent is already gone.
5.
The solution is Active Transitions.
From the youngest ages, demand:
⚡ Immediate pressure after losing the ball
⚡ Immediate attack after winning it
Players learn that football has no breaks.
The solution is Active Transitions.
From the youngest ages, demand:
⚡ Immediate pressure after losing the ball
⚡ Immediate attack after winning it
Players learn that football has no breaks.
6.
Example: Small-sided 3v3.
Player loses the ball?
He must instantly press.
Teammates instantly support.
No jogging. No excuses.
The game never stops.
Example: Small-sided 3v3.
Player loses the ball?
He must instantly press.
Teammates instantly support.
No jogging. No excuses.
The game never stops.
7.
This shapes 3 things:
1) Work rate – players stay switched on
2) Speed of thought – decisions come quicker
3) Mentality – no fear of mistakes, just reaction
This shapes 3 things:
1) Work rate – players stay switched on
2) Speed of thought – decisions come quicker
3) Mentality – no fear of mistakes, just reaction
8.
⚠️ Common coaching mistake:
Encouraging players to “rest” in moments of transition.
It feels like giving them clarity.
But in reality, you’re lowering their ceiling.
⚠️ Common coaching mistake:
Encouraging players to “rest” in moments of transition.
It feels like giving them clarity.
But in reality, you’re lowering their ceiling.
9.
By U14–U15, the difference is clear:
✅ Players trained for transitions react instantly
❌ Players allowed to pause get left behind
And once habits are built, they’re almost impossible to change.
By U14–U15, the difference is clear:
✅ Players trained for transitions react instantly
❌ Players allowed to pause get left behind
And once habits are built, they’re almost impossible to change.
10.
So ask yourself:
Do your sessions demand immediate reactions to losing/winning the ball?
Or do your players know they can “switch off” without consequence?
That’s the difference between a youth player who survives adult football—
…and one who doesn’t.
So ask yourself:
Do your sessions demand immediate reactions to losing/winning the ball?
Or do your players know they can “switch off” without consequence?
That’s the difference between a youth player who survives adult football—
…and one who doesn’t.
11.
This is why inside the Football Coaching Hub, we teach principles like Transition Awareness—not just drills.
We help coaches build brave, fast, competitive players who can handle real football.
145+ coaches inside.
$7/month or $47/year.
Join here → skool.com/football-coach…
This is why inside the Football Coaching Hub, we teach principles like Transition Awareness—not just drills.
We help coaches build brave, fast, competitive players who can handle real football.
145+ coaches inside.
$7/month or $47/year.
Join here → skool.com/football-coach…
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