Charles Hughes: Direct Play and POMO in the English youth academy
Charles Hughes, an influential thinker within English football, has left a lasting impression on the way youth players are developed with his approach to "Direct Play" and the POMO concept (Positions Of Maximum Opportunity). As former Director of Coaching of the national football association (1964‑1990s) he turned his vision into practical training tools that still form the basis of today’s English youth structure. In this article we dive deeper into the core of his methodology, its place within the broader English development philosophy, and how parents and coaches can translate these insights into everyday training.
The origin of Direct Play and the POMO concept
Hughes based his approach on the arithmetic analyses of Reep, a pioneer who early on identified statistical patterns in football. This "Reep statistic" showed that most goals resulted from direct, rapid attacks in which players were in the "Positions Of Maximum Opportunity" (POMO) – the areas where the chance of a successful finish is greatest. Direct Play, according to Hughes, is about minimizing unnecessary ball movement and maximizing the time a player can operate in a POMO position. Instead of long, possession‑based build‑up, the emphasis is placed on quick combinations, vertical passes and incisive movements that put pressure on the defence.
Direct Play within the England DNA and the EPPP structure
The English development philosophy, often referred to as "England DNA", combines a possession‑based style with a strong game‑based approach. While possession remains an important element, the emphasis on game insight and decision‑making is crucial. Direct Play fits perfectly within this DNA: it encourages players not only to keep the ball, but also to actively seek the most promising positions on the pitch. At the same time, English youth development is structured according to the Elite Player Performance Pathway (EPPP), which uses various phases and a Category audit to ensure quality and consistency. In the lower EPPP phases (for example Category 2 and 3) small‑sided formats are often used, so players learn early to think and act in limited spaces. Direct Play and POMO reinforce this by having young players practice quick, purposeful movements, even within a smaller playing area.
From small-sided games to full 11‑against‑11: the development steps
In England, offside is usually introduced only around the U11 age. Up to that age the focus is on small‑sided games (for example 5‑against‑5 or 7‑against‑7) where the emphasis is on technical skills, use of space and quick decision‑making. These formats align perfectly with Direct Play: without offside rules players can move freely and instinctively learn to recognise POMO positions. Once players reach the U11 age, offside is introduced, making the need to be in the right position even more important. It is then that the principles of Direct Play truly come into their own – players must now not only play the ball forward quickly, but also anticipate the movement of the defence to get into a POMO position before the defenders can regroup. Around U13 players make the transition to the full 11‑against‑11 format, where the full tactical complexity of a match becomes visible. In this stage the combination of Direct Play, POMO and the broader England DNA philosophy is crucial: players need to have a sharp awareness of space, timing and the ability to deliver the ball in a single, purposeful action to the right teammate.
What parents and coaches can practically do
For parents and coaches it is important to recognise the core of Direct Play and POMO early and integrate it into training. This means that drills should not only focus on technical perfection, but also on developing game insight. Introducing game formats where players must pass the ball to a teammate in an open space within a limited time helps children instinctively seek the POMO position. In addition, the use of video analysis (for example recording training sessions) can show players where they are on the pitch relative to the defence, allowing them to visually learn to recognise where the maximum chances lie. The importance of positive feedback must not be underestimated: when a player makes a good POMO movement, the coach should explicitly name it, so the behaviour is reinforced. Also encouraging a ‘play‑and‑learn’ mentality, where mistakes are seen as learning moments, fits within the game‑based approach of England DNA and ensures that children continue to develop without fear of failure.
Practical tips and takeaways
1. Work with small‑sided games up to U11: Use 5‑against‑5 or 7‑against‑7 drills where the focus is on quick combinations and finding open spaces. Have players constantly look for the partner who is in the most dangerous positions.
2. Introduce POMO concepts visually: Draw a grid on a pitch and mark zones where the chance of a goal is greatest. Have players consciously move towards these zones during drills.
3. Add offside around U11: Once players are old enough, explain the offside rule and add simple game variations that emphasise the need for timing and positioning.
4. Use rapid passing drills: Set a timer (for example 5 seconds) after which the ball must be played to a player in a POMO position. This forces quick decisions.
5. Analyse and discuss: Have children briefly review video clips or sketches of their movements after a drill. Discuss what went well and where improvement is possible.
6. Encourage a positive mindset: Label mistakes as learning moments and reward initiatives aimed at creating chances, not just at retaining possession.
Conclusion
Charles Hughes' Direct Play and the POMO concept form an essential part of English youth development. By emphasizing quick, purposeful attacks and recognising the most promising positions, this approach aligns seamlessly with the broader England DNA philosophy and the structured EPPP phases. For parents and coaches this means a clear task: get children accustomed early to small‑sided games, make them aware of space and timing, and gradually increase the complexity of full 11‑against‑11 situations. With the practical tips from this article you can integrate the principles of Direct Play in a playful, understandable way, so young players become not only technically proficient but also learn how to make the right choices on the pitch. In this way you lay the foundation for a generation that combines both possession and direction – exactly the combination Charles Hughes demonstrated in the 1990s as the winning formula for success.