Maximising touches will unlock potential

As a coach who has worked in the foundation phase (ages 5-11), I have seen first-hand how giving young female players lots of touches of the ball accelerates their technical, physical and cognitive development.

 

Not only does it build confidence, but it also enhances their enjoyment of the game, ensuring they stay engaged and eager to learn.

 

Let’s look at some of the key benefits and practical ways to maximise ball-rolling time in your sessions, with a focus on supporting female player development...

Building confidence

Confidence is key, especially in the development of young female players.

 

Many girls may start playing soccer later than their male counterparts, or may have had fewer opportunities to develop technical skills in informal settings. 

 

By creating an environment where they get frequent touches and feel a sense of ownership, we help them build self-belief. 

 

The more they interact with the ball, the more comfortable they become, leading to better control, decision-making and, ultimately, a stronger confidence in their abilities, both on and off the pitch.

 

Female players often thrive in environments where positive reinforcement and encouragement are emphasised, so coaches should be mindful of the language they use to create a positive and supportive atmosphere.

 

Aiding decision-making

Soccer is a fast-paced game, requiring players to make quick decisions under pressure.

 

The more touches a player gets, the more opportunities they have to assess situations, adapt, and make choices.

 

For female players, developing decision-making skills is crucial in helping them become more independent and tactically aware.

 

Small-sided conditioned games that demand quick thinking allow them to build confidence in their decision-making, helping them to read the game and respond effectively. 

 

In my experience, girls tend to benefit from explanations that provide context – understanding the ’why?’ behind a game or practice helps them feel more engaged and improves their ability to transfer those decisions into match situations.

 

Supporting long-term athletic development (LTAD)

From a physical perspective, young players benefit greatly from constant movement, which supports their agility, co-ordination, and endurance.

 

By incorporating multi-directional movement and small-sided games, we can help young players build the physical literacy to support their long-term athletic growth. 

 

Given the physiological differences in female athletes, it’s essential to design sessions that develop strength, speed, and co-ordination in a safe and progressive way. 

 

Encouraging good movement patterns and a focus on injury prevention – such as balance, landing mechanics, and core stability – will help build well-rounded athletes for the future.

 

Encouraging creativity

Creativity is nurtured when players feel free to try new things without fear of failure.

 

This is particularly important in the female game, where players may be more hesitant to take risks or try unfamiliar techniques in new surroundings.

 

Coaches play a vital role in fostering an environment where girls feel empowered to experiment, whether that’s trying a new skill, making an ambitious pass, or attempting a bold finish.

 

Encouraging self-expression through activities like 1v1 duels, free play, and problem-solving challenges allows players to develop their own unique style of play. 

 

Creating practices that include a variety of solutions rather than a single ’correct’ answer helps players develop adaptability and confidence in their creativity.

 

Fun and engagement

Enjoyment is what soccer is all about and why we start playing in the first place.

 

Keeping girls engaged through fun and inclusive activities ensures they stay involved in the sport longer. 

 

Using different game formats, team challenges and creative point systems can help foster a sense of excitement and motivation. 

 

Secret missions, themed match scenarios, and positive reinforcement can make training sessions more enjoyable while also promoting competitiveness and camaraderie. 

 

Many young female players also thrive in social environments, so incorporating team-building elements and collaborative challenges can enhance engagement and long-term participation.

 

Trial and error

Development is filled with mistakes, and that’s a good thing.

 

Female players should feel comfortable making mistakes without any fear of criticism. When they get frequent touches, they have more chances to try, fail, and learn from their experiences. 

 

Coaches should create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. 

 

Praising effort, bravery, and perseverance will help players develop resilience and a growth mindset. 

 

Helping female players understand that mistakes are learning opportunities rather than failures can encourage them to take risks and push their development forward.

 

Maximising ball-rolling time

One of the biggest challenges in grassroots coaching is ensuring players spend more time playing and less time waiting.

 

Here are some effective ways to increase ball-rolling time in your sessions:

• Limit stoppages: Keep instructions brief and avoid long explanations. Female players often benefit from clear, concise instructions with a purpose behind them.
• Use timed challenges: Short, high-intensity challenges keep players active and motivated.
• Use small-sided games: 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4 formats increase involvement and ensure all players are engaged.
• Design activities with minimal waiting time: Avoid long queues; instead, use multiple stations or split the team into smaller groups.
• Encourage free play: Allow unstructured playtime before and after sessions to give players additional opportunities to develop.

In the planning process within the foundation phase, I have found that time and touches is a good place to start. 

I often ask myself - how many touches should a player expect within an hour session? 

 

By prioritising ball contact, engagement, and fun, we can ensure female players develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in football and beyond. 

 

Providing meaningful feedback, asking open-ended questions, and allowing players to reflect on their own progress will further enhance their learning experience and long-term development.