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Research shows that young players benefit from a combination of – deliberate play, individual practice and team practice


This process of devising and delivering practices outlined here is one that I am still practising and one that I am a long way from perfecting. What the process has taught me is that these methods appear to be an effective tool for player development. It has been clear that the more thought and detail afforded to the construction of the challenges, the less deliberate, immediate instruction and feedback is required, an approach which research suggests is the least effective way of providing feedback. One possible reason for this is that the design of the practice and the demands placed upon the players support individuals to practice in context and generate their own feedback whilst providing an environment from in which coaches can, if appropriate, ask questions, provide feedback and apply additional tasks that genuinely link to the game of football.


The building of the mental model explained here certainly isn’t complete and one that will continually evolve in line with the needs of the players and the game. A wise man who encouraged me to approach my work through a considered mental model has subtly guided me towards a path that has supported the building of a formula and strategy which hopefully runs deeper than a practice or play book.


Those wishing to read further may wish to look into the work of Mark Williams, return to PCW Van Wierignen’s work on Perception-Action Coupling and reference previous editions of The Boot Room.


Ben Bartlett is a FA Youth Coach Educator working with coaches and players in academies and centres of excellence.


Ben’s previous roles include FA Regional Coach Development Manager for the East, Technical Director for Women's and Girls’ football at Chelsea FC and nine years in a range of coaching and development roles at Colchester United.


"It has been clear that the better the tasks, the less deliberate, immediate


instruction and feedback is required"


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