#56 Why Kids Keep Making The Same Mistakes (It's NOT Skill)

Why do children keep making the same “mistakes” in matches even when they seem to know what to do in training? In this episode, we explore a common frustration for parents and grassroots coaches and explain why the answer is often not a lack of skill. During games, children aren’t consciously recalling instructions or techniques. Instead, they rely on habits - the behaviours and decisions they’ve repeated most often in their football experiences. That’s why: Players can look confident in training but freeze or play safe in matches The same mistakes keep showing up on game day Constant instructions from the sidelines rarely lead to better decisions We discuss: How decision-making in football is largely unconscious The difference between training performance and match behaviour Why habits matter more than instructions What parents and coaches can focus on to support better long-term development This episode is for: Parents trying to understand what they’re seeing on match days Grassroots coaches looking to improve decision-making without adding pressure Anyone interested in child development through sport Useful links Online resources for grassroots coaches: 👉 https://onlinefootballcourses.com Leeds-based parents, try one of our sessions: 👉 https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ If you enjoy this episode, please follow or subscribe and share it with a parent or coach who’s asked, “why does this keep happening?”