Tips for a young footballer: Indian football experts speak

As a budding footballer, one can expect to receive tips from almost every source imaginable. While most of them may mean well, very rarely will one get tips that can actually help in the improvement of the physical and mental attributes of a young footballer.

We at Sportskeeda decided to ask the experts – from coaches to CEOs to Technical Directors – associated with the game about what they would like to share with footballers who wish to pursue the sport at the highest level.

Here’s what they had to say:

1. The importance of communication

“Communication is one of the most important parts of football, but is so often completely overlooked by players and coaches until it’s too late.

Football is a team sport, and communication with each other is what sets us apart from everything else.

In footballing terms, it’s the ability to pass information around the pitch to each other so as to help the team as a whole.

For example, simple calls such “Man on”, “Turn”, “Shoot”, “Pass to me”, “Mark that player”, and a few words of encouragement will make a world of difference to the young developing footballer.”

Hugh Kim LewisTechnical Director, Soccer Schools of Excellence Technical Sports Consultant, JGI Group

2. Practise makes a man perfect

“Focus on the basics. Repetition is key. Training sessions generally last for anywhere between 90-120 minutes on an average. The players who find success in football are the ones who are willing to spend extra hours on the training pitch honing basic skills like first touch, passing, shooting, heading and tackling.

There is no point in mastering the Cryuff Turn if your basics are not in place. Studies have proven that it takes 100,000 hours on the training pitch to make a World Class player. So regardless of how many hours you spend on the pitch, it is still not enough.”

Shailesh KarkeraFA Level 2 Coaching LicenseAIFF Grassroots Coaches Instructor

3. Technique comes first

“Make practising weaknesses your priority and play to your strength. Always practice the right techniques- ‘Practice makes permanent’: If you practice the wrong technique it will become your habit. Work hard to be the best player you can be.”

Amit Chacko ThomasManaging Director, Game On Sports Management (Roots Football School)

4. Awareness is the key

“Always try to scan the field in a game whether you have the ball or not. Before receiving the ball as well as after it, you should look up and have a quick glance around to see where your teammates are so that you can choose the best option to play the ball.

Similarly, you should practice looking up while dribbling so that you can have better awareness of the presence of your teammates and opponents. Awareness is key to becoming an effective player on the pitch.”

Kishore TaidDirector and Co-founder, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools

5. Develop different skills, aspire for success

“It’s important for young footballers to go through a process of self-development where they practice football in their own time thinking about all the things they need to do in order to become successful players.

Footballers can develop their game by practising skills using both feet. In some sessions, one can focus specifically on one’s weaker foot. Its a good idea to practice passing against a wall using all parts of both the feet.”

Vivek SethiaChief Executive Officer, India On Track (Arsenal Soccer Schools India)

6. Respect is everything

“Enjoy the game, be creative, play hard for the team and finally show respect. Just like you would in real life.”

Nirvan ShahCEO – PIFA Sports Pvt Ltd.Head Coach (UEFA lic) – PIFA Sports FC (I league 2nd div)AIFF (D) licensed instructor