6 short technique videos, each with a challenge players can repeat to measure their progress.
By Terry Barton, founder of The Coaching Manual and 15 years in coach education · Updated October 2026
Not strictly technique, but we should be encouraging players to work on their fitness in their own time.
It helps them be sharper, run longer, recover quicker and get more out of sessions and games.
Watch the technique, teach the coaching points, then set the challenge.
Most sprinting in a game is over short distances, like a late dash to get in front of a defender and score.
Supporting a counter-attack or making a last-ditch recovery run might mean covering more ground at top speed. This simple exercise gives you loads of reps.
Cardiovascular fitness helps players run further for longer and improves recovery during and after games.
Upper-body strength matters for every player and helps when protecting the ball. Push-ups are a timeless way to build it.
Another classic that needs no equipment and can be done at home. Core strength is essential for football players of any age.
Minimal equipment and a great exercise to do at home. It helps with agility, balance, coordination and general fitness.
Every technique and challenge lives in The Coaching Manual app. Players record their scores, coaches see who is improving, and clubs get the whole programme alongside sessions and season plans.
