04/05/2026
Little Johnny.
It’s always Little Johnny, isn’t it?
He’s the reason the “best player” can’t shine. He’s the reason training gets slowed down. He’s the one who “doesn’t get it” when the drill looks messy.
So what do we do?
Blame him, limit his minutes. Push him to the side so the “Messi” can develop.
Little Johnny isn’t the problem.
The problem is a system that thinks development only belongs to the ones who get it first.
Because let’s flip it. What if Little Johnny just needs more time? More touches. More chances to fail and figure it out.
What if the “Baller" in your team actually develops better by learning patience, leadership, and how to play with different teammates?
Little Johnny needs opportunities. Little Johnny needs belief. Little Johnny needs coaches who don’t write him off at 7 years old.
Because in a few years time Little Johnny might not be so little anymore and the ones we wrote off early?
They’re often the ones who surprise you the most.
