We are currently in the process of shifting to a new site.  You will be able to find all articles at keeptheball.net ..read more

By John Cartwright The game has changed considerably in many ways over the past decade or so. With the improvement in playing surfaces it is disappointing to see important aspects of the game now being rarely or never used. These playing aspects formed a special place in the game at all levels but they have ..read more

By John Cartwright What do I mean by a DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY? Well, Practice/Playing is the Pathway. Its route begins at Junior level and gradually follows ‘steeper’ Practice/Playing demands through to Senior levels of the game. From the very beginning, there must be a direct association between what is being Practiced and subsequent Playing methods. Development ..read more

By John Cartwright I have been involved in all areas of the game for many years; Playing professionally, Coaching at various levels, and Scouting for 18 years. During that time I have become very aware of an important aspect of the game; it is highly competitive and subject to the ‘winning of battles’– individual battles ..read more

By John Cartwright I’m fed-up watching Professional players pass the ball sideways and backwards. I fully understand the tactical importance of ball possession, but there seems scant understanding, real purpose and practical outcomes with ‘possession football’ – it should be to create openings (channels) in an opponent’s defensive lines through which penetrative action can be ..read more

By John Cartwright ‘PREPARING TO REACT’. What on earth does that mean? Well, its’s the best way I can describe (explain) the brilliance of LIONEL MESSI. MESSI, is playing and scoring goals in senior football as he did throughout his development years. From the streets in Argentina, to the greatest Stadiums in the World, he ..read more