A perfect example of this tension can be seen in the debate among football coaches about the efficacy of traditional drills versus the modern focus on small-sided games. Advocates of the latter often argue that all football drills are outdated and ineffective. They claim that players can learn everything they need through real-game scenarios, where decisions must be made under pressure. While this perspective has its merits, dismissing all drills overlooks the potential benefits of a middle ground, where both approaches can coexist and contribute to a player’s development.

Take, for instance, the most basic form of a football drill: a single player kicking a ball against a wall. This simple exercise teaches crucial skills—technique, ball control, touch, and eye-foot coordination. There’s no denying the benefits of such repetition, whether it’s juggling a ball, chipping it into a bin, or navigating through cones. These foundational activities are often labeled as “boring” or “not enjoyable,” especially when framed as coach-guided practice focused solely on weaknesses. Yet, the definition of what is “fun” varies from participant to participant. If players are engaged and thinking about what they are doing—if they are solving problems in their practice—then these repetitive actions can be rewarding.

Critics of traditional drills often advocate for small-sided games as the ultimate teaching tool. Yes, these games can effectively force players to make decisions in real time, but this argument often overlooks the context of the player. Many advocates focus their teaching on players who are already competent in the basic skills of receiving and passing the ball. They often ignore beginners—whether they are children or adults—who still need to build foundational skills through focused, repetitive practice. For these players, drills provide the necessary repetition and structure to develop their understanding and execution of essential techniques.

Even at the highest levels of football, you can find players who struggle with basic skills. Many professional athletes can only receive the ball with their dominant foot, which limits their effectiveness in various game situations. Drills can help players develop their weaker foot, improve their receiving skills, and learn how to position themselves appropriately—all without the pressure of an active game. These micro-lessons are crucial for developing a player’s overall competence and adaptability.

As Mark White emphasizes in his interviews, football is filled with micro-lessons that build upon one another. It starts with mastering basic skills like ball control and passing. From this foundation, players can begin to learn how to pass and move under pressure, all while making decisions in real-time. The problem arises when the discourse around coaching becomes overly dogmatic, with certain coaching philosophies imposed without consideration for the individual needs of players. This trend often involves taking quotes or ideas out of context to support a narrative, typically one that serves a specific agenda or sells a product.

The idea that football drills are entirely obsolete is a dangerous oversimplification. While no one advocates for outdated practices—like 20 players standing in a line kicking the ball to a lone player at the other end—there are countless ways to design drills that teach real, game-relevant movements while focusing on the fundamentals of biomechanics and muscle memory. Coaches should remain open-minded, finding what works best for each individual player in the moment.

In conclusion, the debate between drills and small-sided games should not be framed as an either/or proposition. Both approaches offer significant value depending on the player’s level and the skills being taught. The real problem lies in the stubbornness of individuals who cling too tightly to their opinions, ignoring the rich middle ground where both traditional drills and game-like scenarios can coexist and complement one another. Only by embracing this balance can we foster a more effective and holistic approach to developing well-rounded football players.

If you want to explore this further, I recommend the discussion on Dan Abrahams podcast “The Sport Psych Show” here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/308-johnny-gorman-reflections-on-being-released/id1434313037?i=1000678115259

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