LDFC Coaches Corner

We all know there’s a mountain of coaching information out there — from websites and social media to podcasts and books. But sometimes, it can feel like you can’t see the wood for the trees . So today’s post is all about shining a light on some of the good stuff — quality coaching content that’s truly worth your time. Let’s dive in 👇 📚 Books Every Coach Should Read Here are some essential reads for anyone serious about developing their football knowledge and coaching craft: 1. Football’s Principles of Play – Peter Prickett A concise, intelligent summary of key principles underpinning the game. A great reference point for structuring your sessions and philosophy. 2. Soccer iQ: Things That Smart Players Do – Dan Blank A practical, entertaining look at what separates the good players from the great. Packed with insights on decision-making and awareness. 3. Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics – Jonathan Wilson A must-read for any tactician. Wilson traces the evolut...

Practice of the Week – Reshared Practices Last year, we ran a series called Practice of the Week , where different coaches submitted a practice they found effective and worth sharing with the larger coaching group. We may restart this series in the future, but in the meantime, this is a great opportunity to reshare these evergreen practices , which bring variety and quality to your sessions. You can access all practices via this link: Practice of the Week Additionally, our DNA resources include practices for every age group from U6 to U11 : U6 Overview U7 Overview U8 Overview U9 Overview U10 Overview U11 Overview Weekly Practices WK 1: Switching Play Square (Alan Morgan) Why I like it: Easy setup; scalable 1v1 → 3v3 Teaches shielding, turning, body shape, movement, and teamwork Setup: 6 players – 1v1 in the middle 8 players – 2v2 in the middle 10 players – 3v3 in the middle Recommended Age Range: U8 and up WK 2: Defending Opponents Kick Outs (D...