The Best Way to Develop as a Soccer Player
- Kip Critchlow
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 2
When it comes to player development, simple is always better.
I’ve been training soccer players for the past couple of years in Herriman and have found that real improvement comes from consistency rather than complex drills.
Why Simple Works
If a drill has too many steps, a player spends all their energy thinking about the mechanics of the drill instead of their own technique. That’s a problem.
When a drill is simple, the player can focus on their technique. They build more confidence because they aren't confused.
They stop overthinking and start playing. This is how you build a high-level player.
Mastering the Basics
I focus on the fundamentals because they never change. No matter how far you go in soccer, you still have to control the ball, pass, and shoot.
This quote from Bruce Lee says it perfectly:
"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
Said another way:
"I fear not the player who has practiced 10,000 drills once, but I fear the player who has practiced one drill 10,000 times."
Mastering the basics is what unlocks advanced skills. If a player can’t do the fundamentals well under pressure, they can't win.
My sessions are designed to make sure those fundamentals are constantly improving.
We do simple drills to build the foundation and I challenge the players by making it progressively harder over time.
That way it stays fresh while working the core that really matters.
A Better Training Environment
To truly develop, a player needs to know it’s okay to make mistakes. If they are afraid of being perfect, they play tense.
When they relax, they have fun and they play better.
In my sessions, I don't over-correct. I point out the positive things they do so they have something to build on.
Mistakes happen. You can't escape them. The best way to handle them is to acknowledge them and move on.
Once they know it’s okay to make mistakes, they relax and make progress much faster.
Start Training in Herriman
If you want a training environment that focuses on real growth, confidence, and the skills that actually matter on the field, I’d love to work with your player.
I keep it simple and focused on the things that really matter.
Book a training session today!
