I truly believe that the game is the same at all levels in essence, although there are clearly different technical abilities throughout it.

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From my time in coaching and referee youngsters right through to playing the game myself (not brilliantly I must admit!!), I see great variations in what happens, although something the older players did not ALL have, that youngsters in seem to have in abundance nowadays is technical skill, but in defence of the “older player” I believe that the decision making and communication (which are still crucial parts of the game) were far better in times gone by.
 

The great news, as a coach, is that I feel that the best of both worlds (the OLD psychologies and the NEW techniques) can be put together to improve the players even more!

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I have used walking football in “conventional” training games where I can coach the whole group in a game situation, not just the “superstars” in a meaningful game.

It is a version of the game that, in my opinion, suits the “cerebral footballer” (who often gets lost in the drills-based session that many coaches use consistently, sometimes “inappropriately”).

I fully accept the need for repetition and drills practice in coaching, BUT Walking Football creates the reality of a match (the ultimate aim for every person involved with football) in an inclusive way, rather than just focusing on the

• Fast

• Skilful

• Great Shooter
 

Something that Walking Football does not pretend, or claim to do, is to undermine the importance of developing the “Lionel Messi” in your team, but it starts to work with players on the need to use the attributes and skills that they have (but often don’t realise!!) rather than just the obvious individual genius to break down defences, but by focusing on the whole team it offers an alternative, and reinforces the need to make better decisions as to when to do something (like using the dribbling skills) to beat an opponent!!

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So, technical practice is still vital BUT not the “be all and end all” – let players develop their skill but become better team players – I have quoted Lionel Messi in this article quite a lot but that because I consider him the almost perfect “Role Model”;
 

Just stop and think about it, he can dribble brilliantly, he can pass sublimely, but when did you last see him using his dribbling skill to bring the ball out of his own penalty area?
 

The answer is “NEVER”, and this isn’t down to his inability or lack of confidence, its purely based on his other brilliant attribute – DECISION MAKING!!
 

Many players in the Premier League have this and are recognised as great players too – the two best examples for me (hard to say as a Chelsea fan!!) are:

• Bruno Fernandes at Man Utd

• Kevin De Bruyne at Man City

Neither is slow or unskilful, but equally neither is the best dribbler in their team, or the fastest but they are players that EVERY manager would love in their team.
 

They have

• Speed of thought that is way above normal

• Great technique (still essential to hold things together)

• Great communication skills

• Great organisation skills
 

BUT, only one of those vital skills can be taught at training (if playing with cones and poles) but the other three can all be learnt by playing a “slower version” of football (Walking Football)

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My dream “Five a Side” team in Walking Football (from the premier league) would be – leaving out Chelsea players!!

1. David De Gea (the best shot stopper from close range in world football, in my opinion)

2. John Stones (reads the game brilliantly and can distribute short, or long)

3. Bruno Fernandes (as above)

4. Kevin De Bruyne (as above)

5. Sergio Aguero (“Fox in the box”)
 

I could bring in better players, or players better suited to a “contact” game – Toby Alderweireld at the back, a “proper” centre back or Eden Hazard, Harry Kane, or Mo Salah up front; but the game is different in walking football – however it should be noted that in most people’s opinion all of these 5 would be in, or close to, anyone’s “Best premier League 11 a side Team”!!
 

In conclusion feel free to use walking football as a way to develop your players, of every standard, to be a better individual and also a team player, trust me it works!