SKILLS LAB
Master the ball. Build confidence. Be more creative. One hour every Thursday, all about your technique.
The 7 elements of a skilful player
Every Skills Lab session is built from the same 7 elements. Some weeks go deep on one, others mix a few together, so players keep improving all round.
Hundreds of touches with both feet, sole, inside and outside. The base every other skill is built on.
Cushion it, kill it, or take it away from pressure in one touch.
Drag-backs, Cruyffs and step-overs to change direction fast.
Feints, fakes and changes of pace to go past a defender with confidence.
Weight, accuracy and both feet, short and long.
Placement, power and staying calm in front of goal.
Trying new things, solving problems and playing with freedom.
How to read the table
01Element number
6pm to 7pm, every minute on the ball
A typical Thursday at Skills Lab, from first touch to the last challenge.
Ball mastery warm-up
A ball each, straight into fast footwork patterns to get both feet going.
Skill of the week
Paul demos the move and breaks it into 3 or 4 simple coaching points.
Reps & progressions
Players practise at their own level, then add speed, the weaker foot or a defender.
1v1 challenges
Use the new skill for real against a partner, in small games built around it.
Show it
Players show what they’ve learned, and everyone goes home with a skill to practise.
More touches. More confidence.
Team training is about the team. Skills Lab is about your child: their touch, their moves and the confidence to try them in a match.
- Works at their levelEvery player works on the same skill at the right level for them, from first-timers to confident club players.
- Coached on techniquePaul watches each player and fixes the small details that make a skill actually work.
- Open to allPlayers from any club, or no club at all, are welcome. You don’t need to train with JCSS already.
- Something to take homeEvery player leaves with a skill to practise in the garden before next Thursday.
Trusted by families across Skegness
JCSS Digital Academy
The training doesn’t stop on Thursday. Continue your Skills Lab journey at home with the JCSS Digital Academy, our new members’ area for players and parents.
- Learn it on ThursdayPaul teaches the skill of the week at Skills Lab.
- Practise at homeWatch the demo video and coaching points as many times as you like.
- Upload your attemptFilm it on a phone and send it in privately.
- Get coach feedbackA JCSS coach scores it and unlocks your next skill.
Skills Lab questions
Does my child need to play for JCSS already?
No. Skills Lab is open to all players aged 6 to 13, whatever club they play for, or if they don’t play for a club at all.
Is it right for a beginner?
Yes. It’s an individual session, so every player works on the skill at their own level. Beginners and confident club players can be in the same session and both get plenty out of it.
What should they bring?
A water bottle and comfortable sports kit.
What's the difference between £6 and £22?
£6 books one Thursday. £22 covers every Thursday session in that month, so if they come every week it works out cheaper: £2 saved in a 4-Thursday month and £8 in a 5-Thursday month.
Can we just turn up on the night?
Please book online first so we know numbers and have your child’s details before they arrive.
How does it link to the Digital Academy?
From January 2027, the skills Paul teaches on Thursdays will also be in the JCSS Digital Academy, so players can watch them again at home, upload their attempts and get feedback from a JCSS coach.