The Fitness Chief’s Top Tips

Quote of the week –

I believe that, “Hard work, determination and consistency are the vital keys to unlock the door to success!” ….. The Fitness chief.

The Fitness Chief’s Top Tips –

The five key components a scout uses to be able to recognise talent or see the potential for a professional footballer are

• Technique – players need to be comfortable on the ball with both feet. It’s vital for a player to be confident in possession of the ball, with the way the game is now being played / developing.
• Decision Making – players need to demonstrate how and when to make the right choices e.g. when to pass the ball, which direction to pass (passing forward) or when to dribble. Quick decisions and reactions are vital components.
• Movement – players need to show they can move both on and off the ball, giving options to other players in the pitch. Players need to be able to track runs, move into spaces to receive the ball as well as having good balance and coordination.
• Tactical Awareness- players need to show an awareness of team systems, knowledge and understanding of game situations; defensively and attacking. In addition players need to take up good positions on the field of play.
• Body Language – players need to show composure on and off the field. What’s the players character like? Are they coachable? Do they want to learn & develop themselves? Are they approachable? Are they really committed, passionate about the game and ready for the sacrifices needed?

The Important facts of the week –

Only around 1.7 % of college / school players will make it as a professional football player.

The odds are very slim; it’s very difficult for anyone to make it as a full time professional in a very uncompromising industry.

It is vitally important to make the game fun and enjoyable for all players in the sport, right from grassroots level. Not everything has to be geared towards being a professional.

Football should be about mentoring the person within; developing a players character, personality and developing their football skills along with that. It doesn’t have to be all serious.

Please just learn to love the game for what it is… Truly special and unique!

Jon Armstrong Aspinall a.k.a. “The Fitness Chief”