Over time, one of the most important areas of player development I have worked on is the design and delivery of individual, position-specific training. While team training forms the foundation of any academy environment, it is often within individual sessions that the most significant and targeted improvements are made.
Looking ahead to September 2026, the intention is to further develop structured 1:1 position-specific development sessions within a structured academy environment. These sessions are not an addition for the sake of more training, but a deliberate and focused layer within a broader development model, designed to accelerate learning, refine detail, and support each player’s individual pathway.
Player development is not uniform. Each player progresses at a different rate, has different strengths and limitations, and requires different types of intervention at different stages of their journey. Research in skill acquisition highlights the importance of individualised practice design, where training is adapted to the specific needs of the learner rather than delivered as a standardised model (Renshaw et al., 2019). In a team environment, this level of individualisation is often difficult to achieve consistently.
This is where 1:1 development becomes critical.
Position-specific training allows for a level of detail that cannot always be replicated in team sessions. A central midfielder, for example, may require work on scanning, receiving under pressure, and tempo control, while a wide player may focus more on 1v1 scenarios, timing of runs, and final third decision-making. A centre-back will have entirely different demands around positioning, duels, and defensive organisation. These nuances are often the difference between a player functioning within a system and excelling within it.
Individual sessions create the environment to focus on these details. They allow for repetition, feedback, and correction at a level that is difficult to achieve within a full squad session. According to Ericsson’s concept of deliberate practice, expertise is developed through focused, purposeful training that targets specific areas for improvement, supported by immediate feedback and high levels of concentration (Ericsson, 2006). This is exactly the type of environment that 1:1 sessions are designed to create.
Where implemented, these sessions are intended to align with a broader methodology, periodisation model, and long-term development framework. The aim is not to create additional workload, but to ensure that individual development is integrated into a wider structure of training.
Players will not simply attend sessions; they will be guided through a process. Each session would be designed around the player’s position, their current stage of development, and their individual targets. These targets can be informed by ongoing observation, coach feedback, and, where appropriate, data collected through tools such as VEO analysis and GPS tracking. This allows for a more objective understanding of performance and supports the creation of meaningful development plans.
An important aspect of this process is player ownership. Players are encouraged to engage with their own development, understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and take an active role in their progression. This aligns with contemporary approaches to coaching, where developing decision-makers and self-regulated learners is considered essential for long-term success (Zimmerman, 2002). The aim is not simply to improve performance in the short term, but to build players who understand the game and their role within it.
The inclusion of these sessions also reflects a broader philosophy. Development is not about doing more, but about doing the right things at the right time. Team sessions provide structure, tactical understanding, and collective learning. Individual sessions provide detail, precision, and personal growth. When aligned correctly, they create a complete development environment.
As part of ongoing planning, these sessions are intended to form a structured component of a broader development framework from September 2026. They will be designed to support each player’s individual journey within a consistent and clearly defined model.
This is not a new direction, but a continuation of principles that have underpinned this approach over time.
Develop the individual, and the team will follow.