In decades gone by, children used to develop the movement patterns that helped Hungarian football reach a high level on waste-ground without any guidance. The success of ground football gave Hungarian football a worldwide reputation (clubs didn’t deal with children between 6 and 12). With urbanization, the opportunities provided by the waste-ground were soon gone, and playing children disappeared from the streets. This led to a change in the learning process. The spontaneous but successful ‘form of instruction’ was replaced by organized club trainings. Physical training played the leading role in this system. Trainings became too long and boring. Children rarely had ball exercises; play was only a supplementary element to training.

A CHANGE IS ESSENTIAL!

Small-sided games and skill must assume the leading role. The basis of training are the innumerable small-sided games where the movement patterns necessary for high level skills can be formulated.

EDUCATION IS FIRST

Children are most receptive between the age of 6 and 12. Their growth is the fastest during this period, but the connections between parts of their body barely change. This is the golden age of education.

LEARNING SPEED DOUBLES

It is essential that training takes place in clubs. Schools should only have a collective role. Examples taken from the ‘seniors’ are decisive in the development of the correct movement patterns, and the effect of club culture is an important instrument of instruction.

THE LEARNING PROCESS

TECHNIQUE
In football, technique means control over the ball. Co-ordinated motion and total ball control are instrumental in solving game situations, and can only prevail through the technical and tactical knowledge of the player. This must be accompanied by organized team work. These together make up good football skill.

MASTERING TECHNIQUE IN DIFFERENT AGES

Age
5 to 6

Objective: controlling the ball – getting familiar with it

• 
  
  The contact with the ball begins with familiarization
  
  
• 
  
  Children learn to differentiate between balls of different sizes and quality – rubber, leather or tennis – through simple games: how to catch, kick, stop the ball etc.
  
  
• 
  
  Children feel whether the ball is hard or soft, rolling or bouncing

Age
7 to 8

Objective: developing ball control

• 
  
  Using ball control games in changing circumstances and situations
  
  
• 
  
  Familiarizing with the ball among complicating factors – such as team-mates, opponents, rules – in a defined area

Age
9 to 12

Objective: developing coordination and skill

• 
  
  Mastering kick types 
  
  
• 
  
  Beginning to practise headers 
  
  
• 
  
  Receiving and passing high balls from the age of 11

Age
10 to 14

Objective: applying small-sided games and learning cooperation

• 
  
  The movement and positioning of players is determined by the ball and the area
  
  
• 
  
  Different exercises can be practised by altering the playing field (e.g. long or short) 
  
  
• Give tasks a direction (changing area), a speed (hard or soft passes) and a target (small or large goal)

COMPLICATED TASKS MUST NOT BE GIVEN!

Age
14 to 18  

Objective: building up the play from defending to finishing the attack

• The compulsion of time as a task 
  
• Players must sense the opportunities – through game situations – that make the execution of tasks successful (e.g. winning the ball in zone defense)
  
• The focus must be on the demand for right decisions

MASTERING TECHNIQUE AT THE TRAINING

Improving ball control
Organization

• Area size: 25-30 by 25-30 metres
  
• Within the area, in the four corners, place squares of 5 by 5 metres
  
• Name the squares A-B-C-D or after towns
  
• Number of players: 16 (4 in each square) or more
  
• Each player has a ball

Tasks

• When receiving the sign, all players start leading the ball while they have to perform tasks such as:
  
  
  
  • Changing direction
    
  • Changing direction from slow pace to fast pace
    
  • Kicking the ball to the next area and running after it while increasing pace (left and right foot alternatively)
    
  • Changing the time spent in the squares
    
  • Back to the starting area while performing tasks (e.g. leading and passing the ball)
  
  
• Running through the squares with turns

Controlling the ball and dribbling within defined areas
Organization

• area A: 40x40 metres area B: 20x20 metres (within area A),
  
• number of players: 16 (8-8 players), the players spread out on the areas with balls
  
• the 8-8 players solve specific tasks in areas A and B

Tasks

• controlling the ball – changing direction with keeping an eye on the others" positioning and movement
  
• when receiving the sign, the players change from a big area (A) to a small area (B) with quick ball control (practising inward and outward movements)
  
• avoiding collisions of bodies and balls
  
• correct execution of technical elements