EP 12. The Most Important Skill in Youth Soccer That Almost No One Teaches!

Welcome back to another edition of The Inside Scoop! I'm your host, Neil Crawford, founder of Anytime Soccer Training. If you're new here, this podcast is dedicated to helping parents understand youth soccer pathways worldwide. We've had incredible conversations with parents, coaches, and players, and next week, we’re diving deeper into Germany’s competitive soccer landscape.

In this episode, I discuss what I consider to be the most important skill youth soccer players should develop early—yet, ironically, it’s one of the least emphasized. Despite my years of experience observing thousands of kids and hundreds of coaches, I rarely see this skill being explicitly taught. When I bring it up, many dismiss it or struggle to see its value. But I believe mastering this fundamental ability can transform a player’s development.

I also share my approach to training, emphasizing measurable and transparent communication with young players. Rather than giving vague instructions like “go faster” or “keep the ball close,” I explain how defining clear, objective goals—like the number of touches or rotations in a drill—can dramatically improve performance and accountability.

Join me as I break down why this overlooked skill is critical and how you, as a parent trainer, can ensure your child masters it. And if you want to see the drills in action, check out Anytime Soccer Training, where I’ve created over 5,000 follow-along videos covering every key aspect of individual skill development.

Listen in, challenge my perspective, and let’s keep the conversation going in the Anytime Soccer Training Facebook group!

🚀 Resources:

• Free ball mastery & juggling videos: www.anytime-soccer.com
• Join the discussion: Anytime Soccer Training Facebook Group

Tune in now and let's get into it!