Is My Child Ready for Private Training? A Guide to Deciding if Supplemental Work is Necessary

As parents, we all want to give our young athletes every opportunity to succeed. You’re standing on the sideline, and you hear other parents talking about "private sessions," "skills clinics," and "supplemental training." Naturally, the question arises: Is this something my child needs? Are they falling behind without it?

At Joga Bonito Academy, we believe in the Brazilian philosophy of soccer, playing with joy, creativity, and technical mastery. But we also believe in the right training at the right time.

Private training is a powerful tool, but it isn't a magic wand. Here is our guide to determining if your player is truly ready to take that next step.

The Difference Between Team Practice and Private Training

First, let’s break down the difference.

• Team Practice is for tactics, teaching players to create space on the field, developing game awareness, and fostering collective cohesion. The coach has to manage 12 to 18 players at once, which often makes it difficult to give a player extra attention.

• Private Training is for micro-details. It is about body shape, ball mastery, first-touch efficiency, and building confidence playing with their weaker foot. It allows us to isolate specific mechanics that get lost in the chaos of a full team scrimmage.

4 Signs Your Child IS Ready

If you are considering booking a 1-on-1 or small group session, look for these "Green Lights":

1. The Drive Comes From Them

This is the most critical factor. Does your child ask to go to the park to kick the ball? Do they watch soccer at home? You cannot buy passion. If the desire to train comes from the parent and not the player, private training often feels like a chore rather than a reward. If they are asking how to get better, they are ready.

2. They Have Specific Goals

Private training works best when there is a target. Instead of generally wanting to "get better," a ready player might say:

• "I want to make the top team next year."

• "I need to fix my left foot."

• "I want to learn how to dribble past defenders like Vinícius Jr."

3. They Can Handle Intensity and Focus

In a team setting, a player can "hide" during training and not perform to their full potential. In private training, the spotlight is on the player for the full hour. It requires a level of mental maturity to maintain focus, listen to detailed feedback, and execute reps without checking out.

4. They Have Hit a "Technical Ceiling"

Sometimes, a player’s athletic ability (speed/strength) outpaces their technical ability (ball control). If you notice your child is fast but struggles to control the ball when running at speed, private training is the perfect environment to bridge that gap.

When to Wait (The "Yellow Lights")

At Joga Bonito Academy, we prioritize long-term love for the game over short-term gains. You might want to hold off on private training if:

• They are already burned out: If they are playing 5 days a week and look tired, the answer isn't more soccer; it's rest. Rest is a weapon.

• They lack the "Fun Factor": If they aren't smiling when they play, adding pressure-packed private sessions might drive them away from the sport. Let them find the joy in the field first.

  
  

  

What We Focus On

If you decide your child is ready, our approach is different. We don’t just run laps. We focus on the Joga Bonito DNA:

1. Ball Mastery: Absolute comfort with all surfaces of the foot.

2. Passing & Receivin

   g: Focusing on proper technique and creating space to receive the ball in tight spaces.

3. Confidence: Building the mental fortitude to want the ball and not being afraid to make mistakes.

The Verdict

Is supplemental work necessary? Strictly speaking, no. Many great players developed simply by playing "street ball" every day.

However, is it beneficial? Absolutely. In the modern game, the speed of play is faster than ever. Private training provides the technical foundation that allows a player's creativity to flourish without being limited by their mechanics.

If your child has the itch to improve and the smile to match, we are ready to help them play beautiful soccer.