In this Masterclass Discussion, we’re joined by experienced Academy Coach & Co-founder of My Football Development, Gabriel Flores for a fascinating conversation on developing youth football players.

PDP Editor, Dave Wright hosts Gabriel for an in depth conversation on skill acquisition, individual learning, how to adapt your session design to ensure you stretch your players and much more. This is a must watch conversation, particularly for coaches working with players in the foundation or skill acquisition phase of youth coaching. The conversation features some great lessons as to how you can light the fire of learning and enhance creativity within your coaching environment.

Show Notes

0:00  – 10:20: Introduction, Gabriel’s background and coaching experience

10:20 – 14:20: Opportunities and roles within Brentford, Fulham & Arsenal

14:20  – 17:35: My Football Development – What this project is

17:35 – 22:14: Technical rationale behind ‘My Football Development’ sessions and different types of sessions 

22:14 – 26:00: Decision making within youth development and creativity and how this can change as children get older

26:00 – 34:02: How can coaches best facilitate a strength based approach within their coaching

34:02 – 41:36: How to best work with players with technical deficiencies –  Practical examples given

41:36 – 54:14: Gabriel discusses some of his positive experiences within the academies he has worked at

54:14 – 1:03:50: Coaching considerations dependent on ages working with

1:03:50 – 1:06:10: What does the optimum learning environment look like

1:06:10 – 1:07:53: Key characteristics of most effective coaches

Key Takeaways

17:35 – 22:14: Technical rationale behind ‘My Football Development’ sessions and different types of sessions

26:00 – 34:02: How can coaches best facilitate a strength based approach within their coaching

34:02 – 41:36: How to best work with players with technical deficiencies –  Practical examples given

41:36 – 54:14: Gabriel discusses some of his positive experiences within the academies he has worked at

Image Source: depositphotos.com

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