Top tips for meeting individual player needs

Merfyn: The first thing we do is ensure that the environment we’ve created is safe. This is important for every group of players, but even more so in this setting because of the needs of the players. It is absolutely vital that for the first ten minutes of the session we observe that everyone is comfortable with the environment and the task we have given them.

Once the start-up activity is underway we will look at the dynamics of the group. Understanding the different individual needs within the group allows you to observe them in the context of their own personal challenges and targets. For some it is simply just getting them to take part, for others it might be developing their technical skills. Throughout the session you’re observing and watching how people are responding and considering what the overall and individual group challenges are.

Pete: Once the start-up activity is underway, I firstly look at the number of players and then the mood and attitude of the group. Sometimes they're engaged, but because of the nature of the group some individuals can be disruptive and influential on others. So it's sensing that and getting that right to start with. Then I will think about the session plan, run it through my mind and ask if it is going to work tonight.

Pete: We have a positive atmosphere at sessions which has developed from involving every player in each activity. As a result the group have become exceptionally tolerant of all abilities.

It's significant how the group work together. The stronger players are more than happy to let the less able players do things and take a central role without making a fuss about it. I think it grows from the culture we create where there are opportunities for all.

All the coaching activities are devised to encompass all. We deliberately don’t deliver activities that will exclude people. If an exercise is too difficult, then we'll either skip that exercise or we'll do something of equal interest with more than one group.

Pete: We like to have three coaches for a group of 20-25. Having more than one coach is great because you can split the group into two and set each group a different challenge based on their ability.

It's crucial that each group is challenged according to their ability level; for the less-able group it is crucial they don’t feel like they are being hidden somewhere while the others play football. We try and plan so the challenges are relevant and stretch the players' abilities. Nobody is excluded and the needs of each group are identified.

Pete: We do a lot of work in the social corner. We might challenge the players to organise themselves into groups or give leadership to one individual to lead the organisation of an activity or decide the teams.

All the time you are watching how they approach the task; if it isn’t working you can step in and tackle it in a different way.

In terms of empowerment, for those who are able to take their FA Level 1 coaching award we push them on with that and then involve them with leading a session. Even those who have not taken a coaching qualification are encouraged to lead a session and determine what a session might entail.

We also talk to the players about the types of sessions they want to do and what practices they think they'll benefit from.

Pete: By continually referencing our code of conduct, we try to eliminate any bad attitude to the game. We try to ignore those low-level attention seeking behaviours and divert attention onto the correct behaviours – and those trying to do the right things.

I want to see them improve their approach to life generally and to improve their confidence. If the players have more confidence you get better behaviour. Quite often poor behaviours are as a result of individuals lacking confidence or being uncertain.

It's absolutely crucial to me that reinforcing these attitudes in the way they play will reflect in their approach to life in general.

Pete: We always prepare a session plan but any eventuality can occur once the session is underway, so we have to be flexible. Also, we do involve the players if we are a little uncertain in how we might go forward with the session. We might talk to them about what challenges and tasks might suit the group. Through experience, I have learned that if you try to persevere with a session simply because you’ve planned and it proves to be inappropriate then it is a waste of time.

Merfyn: You have to be willing to adapt and change your approach depending on the circumstances which arise. It allows you to drop in new things and vary the direction of the session without fundamentally changing what you are trying to achieve.

You have to plan different things that you can slot into the practice in case the original plan doesn’t meet the needs of the players on the day. The alternative methods might be a better fit and therefore should be utilised.

You should plan for these eventualities and have a toolbox full of ideas in order to take a session in different directions. This is a fundamentally different approach than turning up with some footballs and cones and just putting something on.

Pete: Having the confidence to coach within game situations is an effective method for working with a group of players with a wide range of abilities.

A small-sided game allows everybody to get involved and provides a great opportunity for us as coaches to observe the players and identify areas of the game where we can help them. I think the players appreciate that kind of approach because the coaching is directly linked to them and the game of football.

Merfyn: Everything we do is focused around the needs of the players. Developing your ability to ask challenging questions to enable you to respond and react to certain situations is key. It is a very inclusive approach.