25/09/2026
🧠 ARE WE OVER-COACHING YOUNG PLAYERS?
This clip from the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast with Sam Allardyce, James Collins and Natalie Pike raises a really interesting question about the modern game.
They discuss Martin O’Neill, Brian Clough and then an excellent story involving Graeme Souness, Joe Fagan and Bob Paisley at Liverpool.
When Souness asked the Liverpool coaches what they wanted him to do and how they wanted him to play, the response was essentially:
“Why are you asking us? What have we paid you for?”
The point isn’t that coaching is bad.
Far from it.
Young players need guidance. They need principles, structure, technical detail and an understanding of the game.
But where does coaching become over-coaching?
Are we sometimes giving young players so many instructions that they stop making their own decisions?
“Pass here.”
“Stand there.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Do this.”
“Stay in position.”
“Follow the pattern.”
And gradually, do we risk creating players who are very good at following instructions, but less comfortable at solving problems themselves?
Football is unpredictable.
The best players have to recognise situations, make decisions, take risks and sometimes do something that wasn’t on the coach’s plan.
Creativity needs freedom.
Individuality needs space.
And confidence comes from being allowed to make decisions — including getting some of them wrong.
So here’s the question for coaches, parents and academies:
Are we developing players who can play the game… or players who can only play the game when they’re told exactly what to do?
At Target Football, we believe in giving players the tools, understanding and environment to think, adapt and express themselves.
Because ultimately, the coach isn’t on the pitch.
The player is. ⚽️
What do you think — are young players being over-coached?
👇 Let us know in the comments. Great video from the guys
