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You train with your club three, four or even five times a week.
But are you really using every session to become a better footballer?
Two players can attend the same training sessions and make completely different progress.
The difference is often how they approach training.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you improve faster.
1. ARRIVE WITH A CLEAR GOAL
Before training, choose one ability you want to improve.
It could be your first touch, passing accuracy, positioning or communication.
Do not just attend training. Know what you want to achieve.
2. PREPARE BEFORE TRAINING STARTS
Arrive early enough to prepare your equipment, hydrate and get mentally ready.
Use the warm-up seriously. It prepares your body for the demands of the session.
3. TRAIN AT MATCH SPEED
Do not perform exercises slowly just because there is no opponent.
Practise receiving, passing and making decisions at realistic match speed while maintaining accuracy.
4. SCAN BEFORE RECEIVING THE BALL
Look around before every possible reception.
Identify teammates, opponents and available spaces.
Make this a habit during every passing exercise and small-sided game.
5. USE YOUR WEAKER FOOT
Do not always choose your stronger foot when the situation allows you to practise.
Use your weaker foot for passes, first touches and finishing.
Small improvements every week can make you more complete.
6. ASK YOUR COACH QUESTIONS
If you do not understand an exercise or tactical instruction, ask.
After training, request feedback on one specific part of your performance.
Good questions can help you improve faster.
7. COMPETE AGAINST THE BEST PLAYERS
During small-sided games, challenge stronger teammates.
Learn how they move, protect the ball and make decisions.
Training against better players exposes weaknesses you need to improve.
8. STAY FOCUSED BETWEEN EXERCISES
Do not waste every break talking or looking around.
Listen to coaching instructions, observe other players and prepare for the next exercise.
Your concentration is part of your development.
9. REACT POSITIVELY TO MISTAKES
A bad pass or missed chance should not destroy your confidence.
Understand what went wrong and concentrate on your next action.
Professional football requires players who can recover quickly from mistakes.
10. ANALYSE YOUR TRAINING AFTERWARDS
Spend five minutes answering three questions:
What did I do well?
What did I struggle with?
What will I improve next time?
Write down your answers and review your progress every week.
FINAL MESSAGE
Attending every club training session does not automatically mean you are developing.
Your improvement depends on your concentration, decisions, effort and willingness to learn.
You cannot control everything about your club, coach or training programme.
But you can control how seriously you approach every session.
REMEMBER: DON'T JUST COUNT HOW MANY TRAINING SESSIONS YOU COMPLETE. MAKE EVERY SESSION COUNT.
SUPPORT FOR PLAYERS
For 6 years, we have been helping less-known players completely for free, completing over 25 transfers to European clubs.
If you value our work, you can support Football Talents Tube.
Supporters can speak with me personally, receive honest feedback and individual guidance. The most determined players receive invitations for official trials.
