Keep it simple
Many young players are overwhelmed too early. They are expected to learn complicated movements and tactics before they can pass the ball cleanly. The result: children who constantly struggle with control, first touch, and passing – the so-called "weaker" players.
The solution lies in the foundation. Make the basics truly solid before moving on. Take as much time as necessary so all players can pass comfortably and accurately with both feet. Ensure they know how to shield the ball and take a soft first touch – only then should you introduce more complex topics.
Repetition does not contradict having fun. Simple drills can be repeated frequently, the principles take root, and players experience success. It is precisely this success that drives development.
Motivate, motivate, motivate
Children who struggle know it themselves. They do not need you telling them they are not as good as their friends. What they need is recognition.
Quiet praise for effort – not just performance – works wonders. Sometimes a single encouraging word is enough to make a child's day and encourage them to try harder in the next training session.
However, praise must be genuine. Children sense immediately whether it is deserved. So do not overdo it. Honest, targeted recognition is worth far more than constant, empty praise.
Players need to play
No player improves without the opportunity to apply their skills on matchday. This is one of the hardest challenges for coaches – because the natural impulse is to give the best players the most playing time.
Yet leaving the "weaker" children on the bench week after week guarantees they will not develop. Ideally, a fair playing time rule applies: everyone plays for roughly the same amount of time, regardless of the score.
This is not easy to maintain when losing matches you could have won. It requires good communication with parents and sometimes thick skin. But be honest with yourself: if you only focus on results, you are not prioritising all your players. In that case, it is fairer to be honest rather than keeping children permanently on the bench.
Improve yourself first
The best development starts with the coach. If you want to develop your players, you must keep learning yourself. Observe other coaches – you learn just as much from recognising and avoiding mistakes as you do from good role models. Read, educate yourself, attend coaching courses.
And just as importantly: gather feedback from players and parents, and adapt your approach when necessary. A coach who continues to develop develops their team as well.
Success is relative
Perhaps the most crucial final thought: success looks different for every child. For a child with coordination difficulties, a single clean pass is a success. For a child who struggles to make friends, simply being part of the team is a success.
You have the power to make every one of your players feel special – not just the natural talents. That is a significant responsibility. And one we as coaches must continually embrace.
Conclusion
You develop weaker players through four things: a strong foundation, genuine motivation, fair playing time, and your own continuous development. Success is relative – and every child deserves the chance to experience it. Coaching this way does not just create better footballers, but also happier children.
Keep track of every player's development. Coach OS helps you with player ratings and development stats – ensuring no child gets overlooked. Try 30 days free, no credit card required.