4 Habits that PROVE You're an Amateur Footballer

[@tedcruzinusa]

I remember back when I was a teenager, there was a friend in school who was next level and made everything look easy. He said the hardest thing to master was not panicking when getting closed down. None of the other skills matter if you can't perform them under pressure.

[@thefootballfolk]

Completely agree 👍 Composure comes with confidence, and to get confident means many repetitions so it become second nature. That way you can trust your ability in those high stress situations

[@Raul87fat]

The same here

[@Hellodinho]

@@thefootballfolkI mean I’m good but my confidence is really bad. I have good awareness and positioning but my confidence is lacking. You have any tips to improve confidence?

[@albertogallardi1155]

@@Hellodinho booze might help 😂

[@andyhuynh2625]

@@Hellodinho Confidence in what situations? Finishing? Being pressed? You can't help yourself if you aren't specific with your weaknesses, neither can other people help you if they don't know exactly what is being asked of them.

[@Synysterjmz]

The biggest thing for me that changed my game was the ability to slow the pace of things down in my head and just be calm in all situations. I’m 31 now and I’m a million times better than I ever was throughout my teens and early twenties, despite the slowly decreasing physical fitness. I’ve always been a strong powerful player, but I’ve always lacked the ability to have complete technique control under pressure. The moment I was able to essentially remain cool was the moment my passing, play, control, decision making, finishing etc all jumped up a couple of levels. I think that’s the difference. Most of us who play football, or have throughout our lives, have the physical ability. It’s just whether you have the mental ability. Some people have it straight away, others develop it and some never get it. I’ve also developed the ability to use my left side as effectively (in most situations) as my right, rather than being one footed. I have changed anything physically and the physical ability to use my lefts has always been there. It’s just the mental side that’s changed. It’s what I try and tell people these days is if you can improve the mental side of your game, the rest starts coming naturally.

[@thefootballfolk]

Spot on mate 👌 So good to hear! Cheers for the insight, I feel like a lot of people can learn from this. I also touch on this in the video I’m posting next, so very timely👍😁

[@thejoulesthief6841]

This is it. I’m 29 and suffering from mental health issues and I always perform worse when the mental days are poor and I’m overthinking everything. Once I’m able to relax (and enjoy myself), things go more smoothly and I’m able to play better. The same goes for training and practicing.

[@weston407]

I'm 37 and am a beginner and play with a local rec league and my skills have gotten better and my fitness is pretty good, but I'd say that's my same weakness - the ball gets passed to me and all of a sudden my mind starts going a million miles per hour and I just pass it to someone else

[@mrjoel6]

Mate, Its as if I wrote this comment myself. I often tell my misses how much better my passing and finishing has got as i've got older and I have just turned 31 myself and same with my left foot I score a lot more goals and play a lot more precision passes with it now than I ever have. But the same as you have said I think the ability was always there but I was always apprehensive to rely on my weaker foot when I know my right is my favoured one, If I could go back and if I give any advice to anyone I would say spend a bit of time just using your weaker and get comfortable because I feel like I could have been a different (and better) style of player when younger because of it. All the best man keep at it .

[@zeusthegodxxv]

I can relate so much with you guys. It's indeed as @mrjoel6 said, like you wrote my comment. I'm 26 now and I lack the dare to pull out my skills. When I get the ball in a match it's instant pressure and I almost start panicking. I want to pass off the ball immediatey instead of keeping the ball at my feet for a bit longer. But when I train with the team they are always shocked and amazed at my abilities and the skills, passes etc. I dare to pull off. They even tell me that I should enjoy the match just as much as I enjoy training. It's harder said then done but I'm working on it. The last matches of the season it slowly started coming bit by bit and I scored the most goals in the last 3 matches (futsal) than in my entire season. This comment and video gave my insight, thank you.

[@dfess]

The two main things I think I need to work on: - decision-making - composure I think improving my awareness would feed into these, so I can know when I do and don't have time.

[@thefootballfolk]

Nice mate. Yea I think you’re right, it starts with awareness, once you become more aware, then things start to flow a lot easier. Keep up the good work 👍

[@hoppa9602]

you get confident as your awereness improves because mostlikely you will have more time so you dont need to refer as much on composure and have more time to make decisions

[@motor4027]

Same. I crumble under pressure once I get the clear shot

[@steam2011]

Same

[@jochemvdberg8898]

who asked

[@JustPhysix]

Exact How To's: Improve Awareness: 1:18 Without ball 1:34 With a ball Prioritize Strengths: - Focus on improving your strengths - Be aware of your weaknesses too Mentality: - Better and quicker to move through with teamates - Need to learn how to use your technical skills (Carrying the team) at the right time. Fitness: - Strength Based Exercises = Power and Resiliency - Flexibility and Cardio = Longevity in game

[@cr1018jrjdkdjjejsd]

bro stop feeding misinformation please. you should focus on improving your weaknesses mainly, with a lesser focus on progressing your strengths. gym work should include speed, agility, power, strength, single leg stability and balance, injury prevention and fitness. what you wrote is not good enough information

[@JustPhysix]

@@cr1018jrjdkdjjejsd this comment was just for me to refer back to.

[@JustPhysix]

@@cr1018jrjdkdjjejsd also focusing on improving your strengths was also stated in the video

[@cr1018jrjdkdjjejsd]

@@JustPhysix doesnt mean its correct

[@777future7]

@@cr1018jrjdkdjjejsd I agree you should prioritize your weaknesses at some points, but when you are new/starting you will need to make sure you have strengths, otherwise you're just a shit player.

[@SandeepKaur-pm5ky]

Underrated youtuber, he helps us to become a better baller! What a man!👍👍👍

[@thefootballfolk]

Cheers Sandeep! 👍❤️

[@SandeepKaur-pm5ky]

@@thefootballfolk no problem, you just earned yourself another sub

[@thefootballfolk]

@@SandeepKaur-pm5ky Appreciate it mate ❤️

[@jeffmalone9398]

success is a lagging indicator of hard, quality work. It will come

[@devinlittle4698]

As I get older (29 years old) I feel myself really trying to improve in areas like the ones listed in this video. I never played club football in my youth or any sort of casual/competitive football until I was 23, only social mess around football with my close friends who all played club football at semi-pro level. Luckily playing football with them in my youth taught me some basic technical skills and awareness. Between 23 and 25 I was always played as a destroyer in games (mainly 5's) due to the fitness I had from other sports and running, never really giving any chance to other kinds of more technical and awareness based styles of play. Once I started training on my own, analyzing my strengths and style of play I generally started to drift more into a midfield attack role/wide midfield role/SS role, keeping the good attributes I had from playing that defensive midfielder style but giving attention to awareness, recognition of space, link up play, playmaking and finishing. I knew I enjoyed these areas of football and often my football idols operated in these areas (Zidane, Pirlo, Matthaus, Lampard, Rivaldo, Baggio, Kaka, KDB to name a few), so I found myself often looking at how they play/played their game rather than seeing where the ball was going during the game all the time. I totally agree that one should look to improve their strengths and become the master of the art, most useful thing I have ever done is deeply understand what I am good at and what I am not. It will help those that are playing styles, positions and roles they simple do not fit. Makes football a much more enjoyable game overall!

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks so much for sharing Devin! I’m with you, it wasn’t until my mid 20s that I realized I should really lean into my strength, not just in football, but in life. And it’s been a bit of a blessing I must say. Appreciate you being here mate, keep up the good work 👍

[@ffffffelipe]

Damn. Great tips. I'm 33 (almost 34) and recently just got into playing football with some coworkers and while I do ok technically by myself, I'm not really good in matches because some of the aspects you just pointed out. Definitely gonna work on some of these! Thanks, you just earned a subscriber

[@thefootballfolk]

This is awesome to hear. Thanks so much for the feedback :) and glad you found some value. You’ll have to let me know how your next kick around goes using some of these techniques😃😃

[@itsytyt5192]

ad

[@Mikeybhoy1979]

@@thefootballfolk You forgot tip number 5. Do not overtrain, recovery is just as important as training as this is where your body adapts from training stimuli.

[@thefootballfolk]

@@Mikeybhoy1979 love it! Good point 👍

[@oxy84]

Practice makes perfect slow it, then speed it up by having teammate pressure you

[@aaro96live]

Love these tips!! A semi professional player once told me a couple of these as well! He also said that the key difference between the best and average is not often technique, strength, stamina, or speed but the time required to make a decision; those with great awareness and mentality minimize the their time required per action (although top class players also often have great technique to execute the actions they want to do).

[@thefootballfolk]

Love this! Spot on my man! Working on a video as we speak about decision making and the importance it plays in the game 🧡

[@aaro96live]

@@thefootballfolk Cant wait to see it!

[@mohammediddrisuchipurah8521]

Waw love it. ❤ truly top players have great Awareness and mentality

[@omnipotentcheese6359]

watching your own games back is tjhe most humbling experiance as we never get to see ourselves from the observer perspective, which is how we judge everybody else's game. Really makes you appreciate the speed of thought/awareness/execution of the pro game. Played against a solid semi pro group in a 6 a side game and left the pitch having felt like we had just tried to play 2 different sports

[@thefootballfolk]

So true mate, plus it’s kinda fun to watch your games back. But certainly humbling realizing how many opportunities you miss to move into space, make the right pass, protect the ball etc. its kinda like hearing your own voice on a video for the first time 😂 Kinda scary!

[@evcricket]

I'm basically learning how to play football in my 40s. I've coached juniors and had a lot of practice passing and receiving, I play in the backs and that's mostly enough. I realised this week though that my dribbling is awful. As you say here, even just a few touches can really open things up, so I'm going to spend a lot more time training my dribbling. Get all the basics up to good standard, then focus on strengths.

[@ogenyoussef3206]

These are great tips for me as a U14 recreational defender who got rejected from the school team, but also great tips for me as a coach/manager to my U10 little brother. I’ve been able to upgrade my own and my little brother’s skill sets, and these videos are a great help! However, he has asthma, and he wants to improve his stamina, so could you perhaps give some tips about training as a footballer with a condition?

[@jacobsss5827]

Sounds awesome. Do you keep practicing?

[@ogenyoussef3206]

@@jacobsss5827 Of course I do! And now I actually made the school team as a first-choice keeper/ defensive midfielder when they need one, even though they already had a good keeper.

[@thecalmbeforethemaelstrom]

I've played at a high level most of my life, only stopping when I got to college. I found that my biggest weakness as a player now that I play in a Thursday night league is that I am a player who needs better players around him to excel. I have decent stamina and a solid first touch. My best skills are passing and taking set pieces. I find that when I'm not surrounded by better players or people familiar with my abilities, I tend to disappear. I want to add 1v1 dribbling to my game so that I can be better for my team. I can do 1v1 when I'm playing on one of the flanks, but cannot replicate it in the center of the park. Do you have any suggestions for dribbling while in center midfield?

[@MrLYPH]

Im 47 ive been playing regularly since a kid, also CM or CAM and I have the exact same experience you do and quite often depending on the team around me. For sure its to do with section 3 of this video as amatuer football is packed full of players who are not self aware and simply dont release the ball to the appropriate player. Long balls, shots, dribbles seeming to be much more fun than simple quick passes. I was told at a young age by my coach "the best footballers have the worst habit of passing each other the ball". What I do is talk to the other players about how to use me, if they keep ignoring me while i work hard to give them options, I keep telling them.

[@thefootballfolk]

I feel you, I’m currently doing pre season with a team that has many youth players with the same sort of habits. As you mentioned, all you can do it try your best to communicate, and hope that they see the benefits to keeping possession and getting everyone on the ball. My coach once said that “football is a simple game complicated by footballers” couldn’t agree more

[@thefootballfolk]

I can completely understand how you’re feeling, but the fact that you have that self awareness is pretty powerful. Just keep trying your best to communicate with your team mates and encourage them to follow your lead. Changing from winger to centre mid is quite the adjustment, out on the wing you’re close to the byline, so it’s easier to focus on what’s in front of you. When I’m centre mid, there can be players in any which direction. My advice is to keep plugging away, and gaining experience in the middle of the park. Once you do, you’ll gain confidence and the touches will begin to flow. Also, take plenty of checks over your shoulder so you have a good picture of what’s surrounds you. Lastly, try and relax and to not over think. Although that’s harder said than done 😁👍

[@TomVerhaegen]

@@thefootballfolk I was better on the center compared with being on the wing mainly due to the lack of pace. I had a very good passing game and saw things, thing is that in the end you drop down some levels in the football pyramid and everyone wants the ball in their feet which made it harder for me since I mostly saw the space they had and played it into space but than they have to run without the ball which is apparently something not done in the lower leagues :)

[@tiger10119]

Best thing you can focus on is keeping the ball tight to you when dribbling you’re worried about dribbling around but focus on sucking them onto you and passing it out or once they come on being able to make them miss with that first challenge. Wingers push the ball past the defender because there’s more space. Midfielders hold the ball close to their feet and do minor touches to keep possession or use their body as a shield. Those are the things I’d say work on. Strength and just close ball control.

[@ColorMeMozart]

Great vid! I’ve had to work on awareness on the pitch and looking over my shoulder. It’s helped a lot and I enjoy playing more and more as I get better.

[@thefootballfolk]

Thank you! It’s amazing what a difference a quick glance over the shoulder can do. I find it comes down to confidence and timing of the check. Too early and the picture changes. Too late and you lose track of the ball 😂

[@Zohaib-x6m]

I'm about to give my training session for small space at home (for cb/cdm) 1. Cone Dribbling: Set up 4-5 cones in a straight line or zigzag. Dribble the ball through the cones using both feet. Focus on keeping the ball close to your feet and using quick, controlled touches. 2. Wall Passes: Find a wall to practice against. Stand about 5-10 yards away and pass the ball against the wall, then receive it back. Try to use one touch to control it each time. You can also practice different types of passes (inside foot, outside foot) and vary the distance. 3. Footwork Ladder: If you have a ladder or can create one with tape or cones on the ground, practice your footwork. Do quick steps in and out of the ladder, focusing on agility and speed. This will help improve your movement on the pitch. 4. Ball Juggling: Practice juggling the ball with your feet, thighs, and head. This helps improve your touch and control. Try to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible, using different parts of your body. 5. Defensive Positioning: Use a cone as an imaginary opponent. Practice your defensive stance by moving side to side, maintaining a low center of gravity, and working on your footwork as if you're marking an opponent 6. Change of direction:set up a few markers and practice changing direction quickly while dribbling use techniques like step over or feint 7. Speed dribbling:find a space where you can run with the ball practice dribbling at speed while keeping the ball close to your feet. Minmum for each exersize is 2 minutes I do 3 minutes Maybe I'll add some for the other position who knows just ask

[@powasjington4262]

I think being calm and consistent is a big factor too. Obviously, the technical skills take hours upon hours to master, but to be able to execute them with consistency in pressure situations requires a ton of self-confidence.

[@thefootballfolk]

So true 🧡

[@KNDCHV]

My fitness is my biggest enemy as I get older and play less and less. Last time I died after 15-20 minutes. Ofc I am playing other co-workers but none of them fell flat like I did. I felt ashamed because I used to have such a good fitness when I was in my twenties and now I am just useless, because no matter how much of a good awareness and dribbling ability I have they are pointless if I can't perform and help the team. It just saddens me...

[@gregpestell3626]

Nice to see Eastbourne, Wellington as the backdrop for global footy content. I've played many games at Bishop Park (in Eastbourne), affectionately known as the Postage Stamp because it's so small. Liked your video Tony...

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks Greg, good ol’ Eastbourne 🧡 what a spot 👌

[@whattavakoli7644]

Decision making, when to dribble when to shoot, when to pass, aware of space and recognize situations

[@nafiz9514]

For awareness i keep looking left right behijd quickly just havjng a quick glance without really procesding the info resulting in me basically not really scanning the pitch but just having a quick glance😅

[@botonddem4712]

The things i need to improve on are: -better balance while dribbling and just be faster with the ball -how to use my body properly like how to guard it stuff like that -and last point is i do look over my shoulder but i dont rly see much so i need to find sth that i should be looking for cuz there is a difference to look over your shoulder and actually looking for the right things like who is where what can i do with whatever situation i am in. Guess i gotta go out more and train specifically these things but great video tho :)

[@DeadlyBrianX]

I play in goal, yet in scrimmages when playing as a field player I am one of the sharpest looking players because I simply look behind me. It’s amazing how almost no one does that quick action and yet makes all the difference. Heck I rarely even train with my footwork.

[@thefootballfolk]

I couldn’t agree more 👍

[@Oliver-zm2ho]

I love taking in the beautiful New Zealand scenery in your videos!

[@Mojjinho.i22]

Great videos, man. Honestly, you are the only channel that answers the question we all wanna ask but feel embarrassed to

[@Lynx_Tips]

Lets go!!!! I lack all of 4 of the habits, I can FINALLY call myself an amateur.💪💪

[@thefootballfolk]

🤣🤣🤣

[@manuelsemente]

I found you channel recently, and I love all the videos I have watched, you make quality content that is so enjoyable, informative and motivating to watch, and the fact that you are an Arsenal fan (like me) makes me like you so much more, keep up the good work, you’re doing amazing!!😊

[@КИНОИВЕЧНОСТЬ]

The best video for yard level footballers. Well, just bravo, nothing to add. What does it take to play football more or less well? I came to these conclusions gradually. 1. Before receiving the ball, and indeed without the ball, you need to know in advance what you will do next. Platini already knew where he would give the ball before receiving, and did not crumple the rolls in thought. This saves a lot of time. I generally like to play in 1 touch. Planned for yourself to give a pass to someone or immediately charge on goal - you take your opponent by surprise. 2. Truly, so. Well, that I will rush in the middle of the field, taking the ball away, or participate in multi-move. I have never been able to do this. My football strength is either in the frame or in the libero position, especially if the team likes to play from defense and forms a powerful wall or very close to someone else's goal at the far post on the left and on the right foot sharply - immediately to the goalkeeper from the bottom into the corner with the first touch or pass to the oncoming . I need to move not circling the field, but mostly vertically from goal to goal. We rubbed the ball - rolled away, took it immediately forward to the far post. A sharp counterattack is my everything. 3. Yes, yes, yes. The ball flies faster than any dribbler with the ball can run. I don't believe in dribbling, I believe in passing. Football is a simple game. Opened, gave. Gave, opened. 4. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. Well, it's impossible to play football with a weight of 115 kilograms, like I have now. Any skinny, blunt-nosed runner will take you down on the football field in 15 minutes if you're a fat pig. As soon as I dropped the weight to 79 in my youth, then you have a pass, a defense, and a strike. Everything goes. Well, breathing needs to be developed. You need at least 3 months of constant games 3 times a week to stop choking.

[@thefootballfolk]

Mate that’s a solid breakdown! Thanks so much for that 👍 Are you still playing? Really appreciate your insight my man!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@КИНОИВЕЧНОСТЬ]

@@thefootballfolk Thanks a lot! Unfortunatley, I have not played a single game in 7 years, I am 55 already, but I played all my life starting from my childhood to 48.

[@PostAstray]

Great tips! I got that these habits are the base of football. This is going to help me start my football experience!!! Thanks again! 😁

[@thefootballfolk]

Yay!! So glad it helped! You’ll have to let me know how you get on, and please let me know what you’re struggling with and I’ll add it to the list of videos :)

[@DidYaServe]

Four very good points. When I was a young player, no-one believed you had a chance in football unless you were some kind of athletic specimen right from the start. Building awareness, your strengths, teamwork and fitness over the years results in a better final version of a senior player at their peak.

Useful video. Just gonna restart playing football after a few years off the pitch, this definitely helped.

[@thefootballfolk]

So glad to hear! Enjoy being back 💪👍

[@FootyLoops]

Great video!😃Amateur, Semi-Pro or Pro, young & old, Football is for everyone!❤‍🔥

[@thefootballfolk]

Absolutely!! Couldn’t agree more! Thanks mate 🧡

[@Ranxtar]

We have all played with that player who thinks there to good to pass teamwork is key

[@Augustinearciaga]

For me, I’ve been putting in work by myself since last summer, the only thing I’m lacking is self confidence and staying composed while receiving the ball, I’m trying to get that but don’t know how

[@thefootballfolk]

You’ve got this mate. I recommend putting yourself in there and forcing yourself to be in those situations. With time you’ll realize that you do have the skill to receive the ball, it’s just your mind that doesn’t quite believe it yet ❤️❤️ Keep doing what you’re doing

[@Augustinearciaga]

@@thefootballfolk Tysm!! ❤️🙏

[@Trihurt11]

great video i took a long break from playing due to discouragement from acl injury recently I have gotten back to things with coaching and playing... my biggest weakness is fitness (expected) but I have to add something that IMO should be the 5th maybe add to fitness but its balance, many of the best players are so good because their balance is superior and no enough people practice/train their balance with and without the ball. Id say awraness isn't only the look for opposition but also for positioning nothing worse than dribbling towards your own player, or giving your teammate no passing lane. GREAT VIDEO THO!

[@thefootballfolk]

Spot on mate!! Balance is certainly a worthy one. Thanks for sharing and I’ll have to add it to the list for future videos 😁 Much love

[@Sage381]

Fitness/Stamina is the most important thing after knowing how to kick a football, doesn’t matter how good you are, unless your a goalkeeper you won’t be good if you have bad stamina

[@thefootballfolk]

I like this. I used to play with a guy that just sat in the middle of the park controlling the game. Quite amazing actually. But I guess it wouldn’t take much to take it past him tbf

[@Sage381]

@@thefootballfolk exactly, people with good stamina are hard to play against cause they just chase you everywhere u go, they do what Fred did to kdb

[@demitrilowe564]

interesting that you say to work on your strengths rather than weaknesses. ive put a lot of work into making my left foot stronger and although it has improved a lot, theres still aspects about playing on my right that need work still. great video 👍

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks for sharing Demitri ❤️❤️ That left foot will come in handy I tell ya 💪

[@Nimbus_TheRainmaker]

For those players who are skinny (like I am), it´s a great advice to constantly move the ball between one foot to another. Maybe our body isn´t strength enough, but we have to compensate with speed and a great field vision. peace, and keep playing!!

[@thefootballfolk]

Yes Alejandro!! Great advice

[@ReefzYT]

I pass too much; Is that possible? When I have a good shot I get pressured by my teamates and decide to pass to them rather than take it myself. This happened throughout my early life and beyond causing me to get into the habit of being more aware and passing the ball more often (because if I lost it I would also get yelled at). It sounds like typical children’s soccer (sorry, it’s not football) but it’s really had an impact on my playstyle. Can I become more confident? Edit: Also, can you make a video on *how* to recognise and build on my strengths… because I feel like, maybe, I’m missing some. I can tackle really well and am observant and aware of space. I have good passing capabilities and I put spin on like *every* ball I touch (is that a strength? ;) . I’m not really sure how to focus on those strengths, except for maybe the passing, the rest comes with game time. I also want to be more well-rounded, so when do I know when to begin focusing on my weaknesses, or do I do that at the same time as my strengths?

[@yk3milio270]

if you have no really good strengths to start out with, just train everything equally for around a month and then after that see what your best at, it’ll help a lot in the long run with playing at your strengths

[@marktaylorauthor1000]

That awareness is fascinating. It's amazing to watch professionals who are just ahead of the action with their thought process. They're not hurried and rushed because they're constantly aware of what's happening around them. That's a great point.

[@thefootballfolk]

👌👌👌

[@mrpineapplezz886]

When i was younger I played right back and was taught awareness straight away, "always check behind you" is what my coach told me and have never forgotten to do so. Also in football sometimes when a corner or a freekick is coming in, sometimes the opposing last man isnt marked, therefore a potential goal could be scored. Also having good vision and awareness helps with interceptions, anticipating the pass and having good timing can be a quick counter-attack.

[@thefootballfolk]

👌👌👌

[@Nimsan]

I played football for 13 years and got pretty far, I played in the 3rd division in my country at 15 which is decent. My biggest problem was always my passing, I could never get better at it for some reason, we did passing drills all the time and I tried practicing it on my own but I just didnt have that passing vision. I was a defender so I was always scared to pass the ball wrong and put us in a dangerous position.

[@ooodatsagoowun1264]

That sounds like more of a mental roadblock than physical roadblock. Anticipating that you will make a mistake only makes you more likely to make a mistake

[@madatreatz]

I've watched enough blue lock to know that number 3 is wrong

[@lRub3l]

Now do one for goalkeepers

[@azizanputra]

It comes naturally for me. My nephew is not and I'm scratching my head to think what to teach him. Have been practicing with him how and when to pass and tackle. There is alot still missing in his game. Subscribed because it's really good in helping my nephew. Thanks.

[@thefootballfolk]

That’s brilliant to hear! So cool 🙏🧡

[@khojertw]

i will stay calm and play for the team. when I make a conscious effort to look up and not tense up I play amazing. Working on the basics this summer and match situations

[@thefootballfolk]

You got this! 👊👍

[@kiweping5]

Incredible video, reading through most of the comments lot’s of people seem to feel they lack(ed) composure which is funny for me because I have abundances of it, so much so that I used to let pressing players get too close, this probably has something to do with my passing ability, being able to (and being too greedy about) find deadly passes from my role as a centre back or deep full back and my confidence of going round the attacker (which I probably shouldn’t be doing in my position). One thing I definitely do lack though is bravery, I have always struggled to go for headers despite being almost 6’0 and was even taller for my age when younger. Additionally since I got injured in a pointless tackle I have even started to be scared of tackling, instead I always wait for them to hit it out too far so that I can regain possession for myself or kick it out depending on the situation, but if there’s any chance they can get to the ball I often won’t go in even when it really should be a tackle.

[@thefootballfolk]

Cheers for sharing mate. Lovely the deep insight of your own game. Often the hardest part is identifying what it is you need to work on. From there you can start to tackle the list and turn them into strengths 👍 Keep going my man

[@chancethefappr]

Knew you were an Arsenal fan just based off the clips you've used in other videos. We've had some great players to look to for inspiration! Love your videos, keep it up! #COYG

[@rubke2]

I'm only a sunday league footballer but a lot of the competition are ppl who play or used to play competition. My main strenght is my fitness, and at the start i had a lot of weaknesses. I still have most of those weaknesses, but i found that focusing on my pace and cardio did more for me than focusing on my weaknesses, so that is indeed a great tip.

[@dddgtsd]

no harm in working on weaknesses I'd say but focus on the things you can change, if dribbling/long range passing (more technical attributes) isn't your thing, might be worth being realistic, like you say working on fitness is something we can all do. I see so many players at casual football level who could easily be solid players but they just keep trying to do the same thing every week thinking they'll magically get better at it rather than just knowing their weaknesses and playing to their strengths.

[@videosrus8631]

3:30 That goal by Jack Wilshere against Norwich was a real team goal. Speed of thought, speed of passing. Unforgettable!

[@ghozbie77]

I haven’t play football in years and I miss being considered as one of the best. But now my fitness is trash and my ball control a bit silly. I need to come back 😈

[@thefootballfolk]

Come on back 💪💪 It won’t take long to get back into it 😃👍

[@orange7801]

Thanks for this video man I have tryouts in 2 weeks and I'm trying to improve my game the best I can to make a high level team this video is great will definitely be trying to implement these into my games and practice.

[@thefootballfolk]

That’s awesome to hear! Good stuff mate, and let us know how you get on 💪🧡

[@xxcommando9]

And it's hard . When you chase that through through pass and you get boxed out. Heart rare already starts pounding. That's how it was for me . Doing alot more cardio in gym now. You never quite know until you're in the game though.

[@thefootballfolk]

🧡🧡🧡

[@kimtabel5971]

Wished I'd worked that all out at 15... Too late now lol. But I really enjoy my amateur football kickabouts. And there's no pressure or stress. Just fun, that's the main thing 😁

[@thefootballfolk]

❤️❤️😁

[@ilikebread4299]

I struggle a lot in every aspect of football. What im confident in, is my speed without the ball. Allowing me to switch postion fast

[@riquejb9838]

I’m still young, I’m 21, but when I used to play for the u17 of a local team of my city, people always said that I was by far the most confident, technical and composed player on our team. Good Passing, good vision and awareness, very good dribling and very unselfish player… but I lacked a lot when it came to fitness. Even tho I was one of the best on the team I was very skinny, I wasn’t fast and got tired very fast, I can count on my fingers the games that I played the full 90 minutes. Because of that I never had opportunity on bigger clubs because there they can improve their younger players mentality and technical hability, but here in brazil they always want the most complete athlete, fast, strong and tall. Even tho we have players like Neymar, Ronaldinho, Vini Jr and others, the clubs here always and Will always search for athletes and not good football players, so these players are just a fraction of how many good players we could have.

[@thefootballfolk]

Wow, thanks for sharing mate. Is that specific to one area? Or do you think all of Brazil? I agree, if someone has the ability but lacks the fitness, you’d think scouts and teams would identify that, and give them a chance. Are you able to increase your fitness to get more opportunities?

[@maruchanboi]

I don't know why I pictured you like Henrique Ganso, the one who played with Neymar in Santos. Here in Mexico is the same. I've seen players that are masters with their feet, but they always choose the ones with more height or the stronger physique regardless of their ability with the ball. If they can control and pass that's it. It doesn't matter if they are good enough. That's why we are so bad I guess.

[@riquejb9838]

@@thefootballfolk This happens all around Brasil, not only in my city. Scouts here are very different compared to scouts in europe. Usually in europe they Will always search for discipline and inteligent players, this happens due to their playing style, slow paced and tactical. Here in Brasil they want fast and strong players because the game consists on who Will win the ball first. And about getting better physique it’s always hard for most of the players here in Brasil because most of them are really really poor, the clubs here don’t have the structure that clubs in europe or even universities in the US have.

[@riquejb9838]

@@maruchanboi most of my friends say that when I play it reminds them a lot of Ganso, well even my name is Henrique lol. But that always happens here, tbh most of the South american countries are the same. I’m half brazilian half paraguayan, I also played a few months for the U-17 of a team in Paraguay and it was the same in Brasil, they want fast and strong players. In europe it’s a lot easier to become a profesional player than it is here in Brasil. I know 3 dudes who played with me and now they’re playing in europe in lower divisions, the funny part is that they always said that I was a lot better than them.

[@danielbaron9576]

fitness is a real problem for me cause i cant last in a game for more then 10 minutes but i dont want to spend hours on gym and stuff

[@kiweping5]

One thing I do to stay aware, is listen for other players, this is first nurtured by having a look around to see where everyone is, which is easier to do the less likely you are to receive the pass, but once you are likely to receive a pass, it can be better just to look at the player passing and track others’ movements with hearing

[@thefootballfolk]

So true!

[@mannyb7949]

Working on getting more power and accuracy on my long shots, that's my weak point, don't have enough power to send the ball to the other side of the field when one of my teammates is free and has space to move. What I learned over the years is to be fully aware of my surroundings when in the pitch, the ability to use both feet (I am a righty) when passing and kicking, I can have more control of the ball and I can set my tempo so I don't rush my decisions. I am 58 and I can confidently say, I am in the best shape of my entire life and I can play much much better than when I was in my 20s, 30s and 40s and I can still play against younger opponents in terms of speed and strength but now I play more with my head rather than just running around.

[@grege5074]

it kind of works in tandem with the awareness, but use your peripheral vision. So many times I see young players staring directly at the ball at their feet, or lifting their head before crossing only to look back down and the ball is gone. Its also a skill you can practice at home. While watching tv, look out of the corner of your eye to check the time, count the apples in the fruit basket, look out the window to see if its raining. It sounds weird but believe me, get used to gathering information without moving your head is important because you can apply that to dribbling, passing or looking for defenders on the pitch.

[@liamfletcher3406]

Check your shoulder, is probably the most underrated skill out there !

[@thefootballfolk]

🧡🧡🧡

[@und3rcut535]

know your strenght is a very good advice. I am not good at dribbling that much I get my through ball protect the ball and I have an amazing shot both right and left foot. I can pass too and I know where to stand in the box this led me to play 2nd tier football in turkey I have 5 homes I drive my dream ar. kids are in a really good school. married to my high school sweetheart I thank god everyday for this. ofcourse I wanted to become the best but still I take nothing for granted.

[@thefootballfolk]

I couldn’t agree more. Also being aware of your weaknesses is super beneficial as you rightly mentioned. That’s awesome that you were able to make a career out of playing football, a lot of aspiring footballers make the mistake of thinking you need to be the top player in the world to make it a career, when in reality there are many opportunities if you apply yourself 😁 Thanks so much for sharing

[@andresleon-jimenez7004]

When I played recreationally in my secondary school years, being near-sighted was; and still is; my biggest weakness. I could make out the ball at a long distance, but I just couldn't guess how far it actually was, so when I would actually receive the ball I was in a temporary state of shock because it was closer than I had anticipated or I just sort of stood there like an idiot because I thought it was close enough to receive it when in fact it was farther away. Moments like that made me lose the ball sometimes, but I was able to recover quickly enough to maintain possession and/or pass it to a teammate. The solution I stubbornly ignored was to get prescritpion glasses with a "sport/athlete" frame. The main reason why I didn't get those glasses was because I was already a between below-average and average player, and in our league the worst players (skill-wise) wore those types of glasses, so there was the stigma that if you wore those glasses you were a really bad player. I did not want to be a part of that stigma, so when my coaches and parents suggested that I get those glasses, I always said "no thanks."

[@smoka1301]

contact lens?

[@andresleon-jimenez7004]

@@smoka1301 they were not recommended in our league.

[@thefootballfolk]

Ohh that’s tough. I couldn’t imagine not being able to see the ball until it made it to my feet. Do you wear glasses now?

[@andresleon-jimenez7004]

@@thefootballfolk I do wear glasses when I need them, such as for driving or for class to see the board. But I haven't played in years due to pandemic stuff. I'm slowly getting back into it though.

[@Footballmentor]

Top content, @thefootballfolk ⚽ I'm looking forward to release new videos myself! Best of luck with your channel 💪

[@thefootballfolk]

Nice!! Best of luck to you too 👍🤩

[@alexandersoto2888]

Thank you this was simple advice and very helpful for me

[@holypopy]

The most important thing above all is the focus and the ability to concentrate and deliver in those 90 minutes you have to be ready and able to take the best decision .

[@noseaksno4256]

I find that when training awareness every time you look over you shoulder try to find something to look at specifically or something to notice to avoid just going through the motions. its easy to turn your head and not actually register anything

[@PHUKU]

I appreciate the editing work that went into making this

[@thefootballfolk]

I appreciate that 😁🧡

[@barcelomrozovic1625]

Excellent video, now I know exactly what to do to make sure that my peers immediately recognize me as an amateur that I am. Just need to keep doing what I'm doing.

[@thefootballfolk]

Love it!! 🤣

[@mantosh56]

Great video with greater advices!!! Well done my man ☺️

[@thefootballfolk]

Thank you 🙏

[@orelmassenat8720]

Keep up the good work. Great video you have a gift at explaining things.

[@NYs9thwonder]

I always need to work on my distribution as keeper. It was not something I was technically trained up on as youth. I have made progress over the years, but its something I am always looking to hone.

[@juancruzlives]

needed these tips tbh. I hope your channel blows up on suscribers!💪🇦🇷

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks so much Juan! Glad you found some value in the video 😁❤️

[@DaviLucas-vw9ds]

my weakness is the awareness, i gotta look around better or i'll have the ball stolen from me i know it says to priorize your strenghts, but some things are crucial

[@thefootballfolk]

Awareness is perhaps the most important part of the game. So spending some time getting that down will certainly up your game 👌

[@worldsbest91]

I've been playing a lot of casual 8 a side recently through an app called footy addicts and it's given me the chance to play lots of different positions and improve my fitness. Can now play 2 whole games without fatiguing too much, which adds up to 120 minutes. I've always been good in defence ever since I was young (I was always picked at right back or centre back for my height) but weirdly I've found that I can play winger and striker quite well. I'd say the key things to have are awareness, composure and calmness when under pressure, and to learn how to use your body to protect the ball. Bulking up in the gym over the last 10 or so years has really led to me being able to do more things on the pitch, whether it's shoving someone off the ball and being stronger than them or using explosive power to outsprint people.

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks for sharing mate! You sound like the perfect team mate, can play anywhere 😁🧡 I plan on putting together a video that talks about the use of one’s body. I think it’s one on the most under utilized skills with beginners. I think it could help a lot of people Cheers mate

[@dddgtsd]

Using your body to shield the ball is the sign of a proper player for me, even short skinny guys who just know how to position their body always make that difference. Casual players often leave their body very open to being dispossessed.

[@miguelduran314]

harry maguire is taking notes...

[@willdykema]

I think fitness has gotta be the most important (after of course being able to kick a ball) because I’ve just picked up the sport but I can often nab a goal or create chances for my team because I keep my head up and make runs at every opportunity and I’m still able to get back and press on D. Obviously I’m playing against amateurs and my horrific skills and technique would get exposed at any other level but it’s impressive how much cardio helps

[@tejaspathak6196]

This channel is gonna take off in a few years if he keeps making videos like this❤❤

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks Tejas, that means a lot 😃

[@tejaspathak6196]

@@thefootballfolk no , thank you for the effort u did for us man🤟🤗. Im gonna follow you on insta as well

[@typslipperz3134]

The thing i struggle with the most is confidence. At practice i have tons of confidence and play the ball well and do everything great. But when we have a game i get nervous and i sell a lot because i dont have a lot of confidence. So i should work on that too.

[@thefootballfolk]

Confidence is something every player encounters, even the very best. My advice would be to keep it simple in the first 15 minutes and build throughout the game 😁🧡

[@dddgtsd]

I grew up playing around lads way better than me so my confidence was pretty low but it helped me work on my positioning and awareness as I just didn't wanna f*ck up. When I went to uni I was playing with a lot of people who were more casual players and not as experienced and it helped with my confidence as I was able to stand out a bit and help other players more on the pitch. I'm not saying dropping down a level is always the best way but it can help you realise that you're better than you think and stops you beating yourself up about it. When I then got back into Sunday League after uni I was much more confidence and felt like I deserved to be playing with these better guys. Also, as you get older you definitely give less f*cks about what people think, as long as you're working hard and being a team player just keep your head up, your teammates should appreciate you and help you with your confidence. I also like to go back to basics if I'm having a bad game, rather than play my way out of trouble and try and do something amazing to build my own confidence, I just focus on the basics, positioning, work rate, simple passes and then slowly build my mentality back to where it should be.

[@kevinsayce2248]

The BEST thing I ever did when coaching was to realise that I didn’t coach footballers, but PEOPLE who PLAYED football. That realisation turned my whole approach to focus on the PERSON first. Once I did that then ALL the players grew as individuals AND as a team. I just provided the Emotional Scaffolding to enable players to go as high as THEY wanted to. I remember the quote “HEART IN OVEN, HEAD IN THE FREEZER” that sums up things. That and “PIZZA” when coaching speed of play.... If a player in training was tackled before playing then I called out “PIZZA” which related to what I had coached previous....that you “Wouldn’t leave a pizza in the oven too long would you?” But I also coached players to focus on playing to teammates who were moving not just standing still. I remember creating something called “THE 4 Gs” 1: GET THE BALL 2: GET IT FORWARD AS FAST AS POSSIBLE SAFELY 3: GET A SUCCESSFUL STRIKE ON THE OPPONENTS GOAL 4: GOAL

[@kcuba1228]

How do you deal with rough playing defenders when there’s no referees? literally had some idiot sprain my ankle and act like nothing happened in a pick-up league.

[@thefootballfolk]

Damn that’s rough! I’ve dealt with this before, especially in indoor leagues surprisingly. It likely means you’re a good player that they can’t handle, so they look to take you down. Unfortunately there are those types of players out there, so just continue to do what you do 😅

[@kcuba1228]

@@thefootballfolk LOL yes, this guy didn’t appreciate me dribbling around him constantly.

[@jamierm3002]

the biggest things I need to work on is staying calm as sometimes I become rushed and impulsive and working more with my speed because although just sprinting past someone isn’t as fun or flashy as skilling them it’s more effective

[@thefootballfolk]

Thanks for sharing Jamie 👍 I hear ya mate, we all are tempted by the megs 😂 Keep up the good work 🧡

[@shaunletsoalo8751]

You made me a better footballer.I have started for my Senior Team after 2 years and I'm 19 years old this year. Thank You so much.I love your videos it has helped me improve what was missing

[@thefootballfolk]

Yes!! This makes me so happy! It’s what it’s all about! Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️

[@virtu380]

nothing better to talk about amateur football than showing Coritiba

[@ewantaylor2002]

I struggle a lot with decision making. And although with other weaknesses I have been able to iron them out through drills. I struggle to find drills or training to do to sharpen my decision making when on the pitch. Especially when I don't really have anyone else to practice with outside team training

[@samuellaureano9159]

Tip #3 is probably the most crucial part of improving your game. Football is a team sport. You shouldn't think of how you can do things for yourself. Instead think about how you can get yourself involved in a play to make it better for the team is a better approach. Even just moving around the pitch can become a nuisance for the other team because they have to constantly keep track of you. I have noticed playing with people who aren't as experienced that they'll always try to take a shot even when a pass would be a better option in that situation 100% of the time.

[@Riingwraith]

I got all this covered, being Brazilian myself, I just lack the fitness to last 5 minutes into the game lol

[@jousefjousef9983]

the fourth section is simpler than that. If you have enough talent and ability to dribble 5 players just do it, but if you don't have enough skills please pass the ball

[@swaggoff985]

Controlling the ball & panicking, for me, needs some practice. Never took any lessons except the ones picked up with friends. It's definitely a really fun sport I would love to improve in. Oh also more cardio lol.

[@Alanboss777]

I am 13 years old (almost 14). I will go to to Turkey this summer to play in beşiktaş, and I wanted to say that your videos are very useful to me. May God reward you for helping people to be better at football 😊

[@thefootballfolk]

🧡🧡🧡

[@Alanboss777]

@@thefootballfolk ty 💜

[@miricledev]

ive got pretty good awareness and shooting. besides that, i struggle against much physically stronger opponents who come in for rough tackles and stuff

[@ergyslugaofficialyoutube414]

I am a football coach and I work in U19 team I was ass coach in adults top division team. Based on my experience there are a lot of differences , but how we realize that one young players has potential to be a PRO ? First is the speed and the quickness of the reaction under pressure, even if the player is less technical skill (as coaches we can work on him) and we can see him as a future promising. Second is that they know no fear in the pitch they take risks because they don't think it's a risk. I general their mental strength and their concentration is very high

[@_Aesop]

Your awareness can get a lot better by practicing during the day. Around 1-2 years ago I started looking over behind me with the least amount of neck turning. After a while you are able to see/identify things from the corner of your eye.Warning: this does make your quite eyes sore but after a while it stops getting sore and its completely worth it.

[@thefootballfolk]

👌👌👌

[@breambeau3354]

Bro I just broke my eye

[@_Aesop]

@@breambeau3354 does it hurt when you move your eye to the corner?

[@breambeau3354]

@@_Aesop yes I think you broke my eye

[@_Aesop]

@@breambeau3354 no its just sore. Let it rest for a few days and try again

[@pauselock5581]

I think I need a whole video on awereness, but this is still really helpful. Thanks :D Also I need to work on Awareness and fitness

[@thefootballfolk]

Awareness is difficult to learn, it takes awareness… wait a sec! No but seriously, the first hurdle is just being aware to your weaknesses, from there a solid plan will help you progress 😁👍

[@Augustinearciaga]

for me personally its my confidence on the pitch, ik I have good technical and tactical skills but im just to afraid. but im still working on it this summer through my own training to find my form again ❤

[@rukiddingmebru5982]

damn, my 2 biggest problems are fitness and spatial awareness, of course im working on those as best i can

[@thefootballfolk]

🧡🧡

[@AyeGameBae]

I already watched this video earlier and coming back here to say thank you after implementing the advice here. I scored two goals and had two assists in pick up today. And I'm so proud of myself! Because I'm about as stiff and graceful as a giraffe on skates. But exactly what he said, I started playing to my strengths. I'm incredibly strong and hard to get the ball off when I place my back to you. My first goal was very ugly and scruffy. I literally bullied the goalkeeper and walked the ball into the goal 😂 My 2nd goal was just a nice low slot into the bottom left. You know why? Because I started turning my head before I get the ball and knew all I had to do was turn around and shoot. No extra touch needed. Defenders tend to think I'm not a threat in the box because of how bad my touches and how bad and ugly my dribbling is. It's more of a psychological trick I play sometimes. I'm more tactically intelligent because I'm not selfish and always play the early pass or cross when needed. Hence my two assists. My weaknesses: -I keep my head down too much when I dribble Not comfortable with the ball at my feet which is why I always look to pass and not as selfish as other people. I get lazy after a sprint or make runs into the box and don't hustle back. Fitness is a huge issue for me. 😅 But yeah, but turning my head more made 200% better and it's all thanks to this video.

[@dewodunoedbish]

I think many people have complications with positioning their selfs on the field. You could take about that. Nice Video, i like it!

[@thefootballfolk]

I have to agree 👍 I just posted a video that touches on the concept of positioning and identifying space 😁

[@badboytomas]

suprised working on the 1st touch was not in this video. how yo cushion a crossed pass is so powerful for setting up a shot on goal more favourably

[@thefootballfolk]

Very true. Very true 🧡 I talk about first touch a bunch in other video 😁

[@smacklol5363]

consistency and decision making has always been my issue. consistently making the right decision or consistently hitting a shot or a pass

[@88balloonsonthewall70]

One thing i have seen wich separates a well educated footballer and one that is not is the ability to open up your body to the game with one touch. Meaning reciving the ball with the opposite foot from the direction the ball is coming from.

[@thefootballfolk]

So true, I might have to make a video on this 👍 Thanks for bringing this to my attention 🧡