24 local North East coaches have just recently completed the SFA North Region Developing 1v1 Individual Skills course at Lawsondale Playing Fields, Westhill. The course was delivered by SFA and AFCCT staff and coaches, Jim Crawford, Liam Duncan, Claire Garrett and Liam McGarry.
All the coaches who participated on the course showed great enthusiasm when learning the new skills which will now be passed on to the young players at their respective boys and girls clubs.
Skills Development Coach Jim Crawford added “Over the last few years over 100 local grassroots coaches have participated in the Developing 1v1 Individual Skills courses. They have went back to their clubs and educated hundreds of youngsters to be more creative and comfortable when in possession of the ball.
The players are given the freedom to express themselves and are encouraged to use their new 1v1 skills when the opportunity arises. The signs are good that the technical ability of our local youngsters is improving and beginning to make a difference.”
The main content of the skill based course was to address the four 1v1 situations that arise continually in every game. Coaches also learned to focus on where and when the moves and turns can successfully be executed. In modern day football with its extremely fast pace, tight spaces and evenly matched teams the importance of 1v1 play cannot be overstated. Players who can dominate the 1v1 situations can make a difference to any game at any time.
Four 1v1 situations – where it begins to make a difference; 1v1 Side by side – change of direction moves 1v1 Face to face – moves to beat opponent 1v1 Diagonal attack – cuts and drag backs 1v1 Back to goal – spins and turns
All the above situations were comprehensively covered and explained step by step, where and when to execute the specific moves was also continually reinforced. At the end of the course coaches received a comprehensive coaching manual containing sessions and homework cards on each of the 20 individual moves and turns.
Football homework sheets have also been specifically designed for each move and is an integral part of young player’s education and development out with regular sessions. The resource is to support and encourage young players to practice on their own. The homework is fun and can be monitored to gauge the improvements and progression of their technique, speed and touch with both feet.
Scottish FA North Regional Manager Graeme Sutherland commented "We deliver a wide and varied range of Coach Education and in-service opportunities across the North region to coaches from the entire spectrum of the game. This is something we are continuing to improve on and it’s excellent that we can offer this unique, bespoke opportunity which focuses on very important 1v1 concepts designed to give players increased confidence in game related scenarios and it would not be possible without the support, enthusiasm and expertise of Jim, Liam, Claire and Liam. Feedback from those in attendance has been excellent and we look forward to continuing to provide these type of opportunities going forward"
