Leon Jackson on Touchtight Soccer Coaching

If I were you, I’d dedicate the next 2 to 4 weeks purely to building confidence playing out from the back. Focus specifically on your GK, centre backs and central midfielders who are your main link players.

Keep your sessions tight and realistic with small sided games where space and time are limited. This will force them to improve their angles, scanning habits (checking shoulders) and first touch, especially taking their first touch away from pressure.

A few key tips to build that understanding:

- Encourage them to keep playing under pressure. Mistakes are fine, even in games, as long as the intention is right

- Focus on their speed to get on the ball and how often they are checking their surroundings before receiving.

- Work on body shape and angles to always create at least two passing options for the GK or CBs.• As they start to find more comfort in those tight spaces, open up the area gradually so they can feel the benefit of those improved habits in more space.

The biggest thing is giving them permission to make mistakes while learning. The confidence to keep trying will be key. It won’t happen overnight, but you’ll definitely start to see real progress if you stay consistent with this approach.

Keep us updated, and maybe we can jump on a call at some point to go through.

Replied on 2025-26: U12-14 Season Plan 🚀

25 Sep 16:48

Vasilis Alexandrou Vosniadis can you direct message me so we can ensure you have received this. I'm sure I emailed you confirmation as well.