SSD Grass Roots Report 1995
Back in 1965 the UK produced lots of world class players because, on average, 70% of boys played football, and 45% of them practised or played on a 'Regular' basis (school playground, local playing fields, and in the street every day, plus at weekends they were either training or playing for at least 2 different teams) - all of which equates to approximately 11 hours per week, whereas today, most kids only play for just 2 hours per week
Eddy Whyte

SSD Training Hours- Growth Injuries
Junior Players
Generally speaking most children up to the age of 12 can play/practice for at least 11 hours per week without incurring any over-use injuries, however, if in doubt, stop playing immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible
Youth Players
From the age of 12 onwards (particularly age 14 to 17) you enter the growth spurt stage any repetitive use of the limbs (such as excessive football training) can cause long-term injuries. Monitor yourself carefully and if starting to suffer any repeated or long-term injuries then seize all football practice immediately and seek professional medical advice - you may just have to cut-down the number of hours per week.
See 'Common Injuries' on the Main Menu

If you want to become a good footballer then you have to PLAY & PRACTICE on a REGULAR BASIS.

1. In the SCHOOL PLAYGROUND using a mini ball - prevents window breakage and enhances skill level (eye-foot co-ordination)
   
   
2. At HOME by yourself in the BACK GARDEN (again using a mini ball) practising all the KEY INDIVIDUAL SKILLS (see below)
   
   
3. LOCAL PLAYING FIELDS - get a group of friends together and play football regularly in the park
   
   
4. Join a LOCAL INDEPENDENT FOOTBALL SCHOOL and learn the essential skills
   
   
5. Join a local TEAM and play every Sunday morning. plus train with them during the week
   
   See Training Tips & Balanced Training on the Main Menu for more training ideas

THE '4' KEY INDIVIDUAL SKILLS - HOME PRACTICE

1.  Ball Juggling
Using their right foot only; then left foot only; then both feet.
SSD Tip
If you practice solely with your weak foot - you also improve your strong foot

2. Aerial Control
Throw the ball high up into the air and cushion it to the ground using your chest, then thigh, then foot
SSD Tip
Hold out the arms in front so as to act as a 'guide' for the ball to drop through -
Relax your body to create the cushion affect (if tense the ball will just bounce away from you - When using your foot, use the inside of the foot (larger surface area)

3. Weak Foot
Place a line of stones (or tin cans) a short distance away and then using your weak foot try to hit the ball over the line of stones.
SSD Tip
Always approach the ball at a 45 degree angle and retain that until contact
Get your foot right underneath the ball to give it lift (sweeping effect)
Follow through with the striking foot in an upwards motion to gain the power & distance

4. Balance & Control
Set out a long line of stones with a gap of two feet in between each one and then run in and out of them with the ball using your strong foot only and time yourself - this is your 'key time'. Now try it with your weak foot only and then using both feet alternately - until you can reach your 'key time'
00