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“A common mistake among those who work in sport is spending a disproportional amount of time on “x’s and o’s” as compared to time spent learning about people.”
​– Mike Krzyzewski, Basketball

GS UNited U13 - Playing Through the Thirds in Channels 1&2

15/8/2021

2 Comments

 
In possession
Formation: 1-2-3-3
Primary player/unit; 1,5, 7
Secondary unit; team 4,10,9
Specific area of pitch: Right channels 1&2

LEARNING OUTCOMES
What do I want my players to achieve?
- Improve first touch
- Improve quick tempo and accuracy of forward passes
- Improve confidence to play out from the back making correct decisions
- Improve courage to want the ball from the goal keeper

Principle of play
Attacking - Create Space, Movement, Penetration
Technical Components - Passing, Receiving, Turning
KEY PICTURES
What are the game related pictures I want to recreate?
- GK wins ball on turnover
- 5&6 split to edge of 18 yard box as rest of the team push up. 7&11 half way line on touchline, 9 on last defender with 10 in close proximity. 4&8 push high towards centre circle. (Creating space for 5&6 to receive from GK)
- As ball is travelling to 5, 4drops in of an angle to offer and option. 7 drops in short with clever movement to lose defender.
- 5 plays to 7 who is face up the pitch as 9 runs from central area into Channel 2 to receive pass from 7
- 7 supports 9 with overlapping run, 10&8 attack with penetrating runs (crossing over) to attack the opposition penalty box, 11 attacks the far post cutting in from channel 5 in the attacking third, 4 moves up the pitch centrally to support behind the ball as defenders 5&6push up to halfway line with Goalkeeper supporting from edge of penalty area.
COACHING DETAIL
What detail will help the player improve their understanding and performance?
- Quick decison making from GK to command movement from 5&6 to get into a position to receive the ball
- Good starting position with firm accurate passing into 5 feet
- 5 good body position and first touch (receive on back foot) to play accurate forward pass quickly
- Movement of 7 to push opposition defender high to then drop short to receive pass (on back foot) from 5 to play forward into space for 9 to exploit
- GK and defenders to push up as ball travels forward into attacking third
PRACTICE DESIGN
Area layout and size: 9v9 pitch
Other considerations:
Scoring system: If team can play through the thirds as above and score it will count as 3
Players per team: 9
Conditions and constraints:
First Half: If the ball goes out for defending team in defensive half for a throw in, restart with a goal kick. This will provide more opportunities of repetition for the above.
Second Half: Normal game

Timings: 2 x 25 minute halves


INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
- Command. Freeze Stop stand still maximum of three times in first 25 minutes.
- Drive by's to support individual learning during play.
- Q&A to check and challenge player understanding
2 Comments

creating goalscoring opportunities through #10 Centrally in the attacking half

12/6/2021

2 Comments

 
Consider: In possession
Formation: 1-4-3-3
Primary player: 10
Primary unit: 10,9,8
Secondary unit: 7,11
Specific area of pitch: Attacking half, centrally (width of penalty box)
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What do I want my players to achieve?
  • Improve #10 ability to recognise space between the lines of opposition midfield and defence. To move into "pockets of space" to play forward
  • Encourage #10 mindset to be forward thinking, to look to play forward in the first instance when receiving possession of the ball (dribbling or penetrating forward passing)
  • #10 to recognise opportunities to"drive forward" by dribbling and manoeuvring to attack defenders
  • Clever movement by #9 to support decision-making of #10 and encourage forward penetrating passing in beyond for #9 to attack and exploit
  • Encourage clever combination play with high tempo between #9 and #10
  • #8 to recognise space created by movement of #9 and make penetrating forward run in behind defensive back line
  • #7 & #11 to offer forward running behind opposition fullbacks or in between opposition centre back and fall back on their side to support decision-making of #10 to what type of forward penetrating pass they may choose to make

Does it relate to match day?
Yes, we are trying to work on building a new partnership between #9 and #10 to be more creative, innovative and aggressive in their attacking play and end product.

Principle of play
Penetration ,Create space, Movement, Support, Creativity- individualism / surprise / unpredictable

Technical Components
Passing, Receiving, Turning / manoeuvring, Dribbling, Finishing
Picture
KEY PICTURES
What are the game related pictures I want to recreate?
In all instances #10 to find space between opposition Defensive line and Central midfielders to receive possession of the ball to:
  1. #10 play penetrating passes forward in 1 or 2 touch (fast tempo in attacking third) in beyond for #9 to break offside line and then advance to goal
  2. Through clever movement of #9 creating 2v1 opportunities for combination play to exploit opposition centre backs and space in behind and beyond
  3. #10 decision-making on when to dribble and manoeuvre the ball to move up the pitch towards opposition goal (end product)
  4. #8 to recognise movement #9 to drag opposition centre back away creating space to run forward and attack for possible through ball by #10
  5. #10 to recognise forward runs by #7 or #11 in behind opposition fullbacks or inside runs between full-back and centre back to receive through balls. Consider weight, timing, accuracy and type of forward pass. (Creativity)
COACHING DETAIL
What detail will help the player improve their understanding and performance?

PICTURE 1
  • #10 to scan and identify space to exploit between the opposition centre backs and centre midfielders
  • #10 to show quick explosive dynamic movement and timing to move into the space
  • #10 to show positive communication skills and demand the ball from teammates
  • #10 to show good composure with the first touch looking to play forward if possible
  • #10 execute quick tempo of play through one or two touch football in beyond opposition defence for #9 to attack
  • #10 to provide support through movement forward after passing to #9

PICTURE 2 
  • #9 to show intelligent movement to create opportunities for combination play with #10 through dragging opposition defenders out of balance to create space for #10 to exploit and penetrate
  • #10 & #9 to consider weight and angle of pass; accuracy and type of pass to create "wall pass" combination opportunities
  • #10 to show forward momentum and running with the desire to attack beyond opposition defence when combining with number nine
​
PICTURE 3 
  • #10 if receiving the ball without pressure from opposition, to face up dribble and attack opposition defence.
  • #10 to have the ability to have close control when in possession of the ball was manoeuvring it to create shooting opportunities for themselves
PRACTICE DESIGN
Area layout and size:
  • 70 long (20/20/30) one end 50 wide, other 32 wide.
Other considerations:
  • As no full backs or wingers occupying areas of the pitch, this area is removed creating a type of funnel to ensure realism to the game.
Scoring system:
  • #10 assist = 2 goals
  • #10 & #9 combination play = 3 goals
  • Opposition. Press and win ball in attacking third and score = 3 goals; middle third = 2 goals
Players per team:
  • Potentially 8v8 or 9v8
Conditions and constraints:
  • Offside line may be used, encourage opposition back 4 to push out and press aggressively

Tempo and timings and interventions
Session is for 45 minutes, high intensity. 
​Will manage opposition appropriately at start of session to ensure structure. Will try to restrict group interventions to 3 or less.
Drive by, Q&A challenges provided during play to learning and understanding the 'why'
Trial and error opportunities to be provided
TECHNICAL / TACTICAL CORNER
#10
  • Available to receive the ball in all circumstances
  • Possesses excellent vision and can deliver passes to forward players with accuracy (aerially, on the ground over a range of distances)
  • Retains position with efficient passing skills
  • Can beat an opponent individually, or through combination with teammates
  • Turns and manoeuvres with the ball whenever possible in a variety of ways
  • Moves into goalscoring positions inside the penalty area and can score with various technique​
#9
  • Links with a support player using one or two touches
  • Can react to any incoming service, or loose ball, and finish with one or two touches
  • Scores goals in a variety of ways using different services and skills
  • Protects the ball in tightly oppose situations, allowing supporting Rams to take place
  • Shows as a passing outlet for players in possession in the defending third and deep midfield areas
  • Escapes man markers with timely and intelligent individual movements​
PHYSICAL CORNER
#10
  • Possesses quick speed and acceleration over short distances when attacking
  • Demonstrates excellent mobility, strength and agility throughout the game​
#9
  • Shows quick acceleration and speed and agility over short and medium distances (5  to 20 metres)
  • Displaced sustain speed over longer distances and endurance throughout the full game
  • Has spring and timing to contest aerial challenges for the ball
  • Has the body strength to hold of physical challenges
Psychological
#10
  • Courageous and focused throughout the game
  • Displays composure and competitiveness
  • Shows confidence in making quick decisions for the benefit of the team
  • Has determination and positive mental attitude with desire to continually attack opposition
  • Shows effective communication skills
#9
  • Competitive and composed
  • Willing to chase down Ford passes delivered behind opposing defenders
  • Shows bravery in potential goalscoring areas
  • Displays cunning movement, especially in goalscoring situations
Social
#ALL
  • Shows good behaviour and conduct; supports teammates
  • Reflects and evaluates individual and team performance
  • Takes responsibility and accountability for their own actions
2 Comments

A Coaches View Speaks to the Developer Tribe...

17/4/2021

2 Comments

 
This episode welcomes Aaron Travers to the show.
​Aaron and I talk about football in my home country of Jersey in the Channel Islands and the principles and growth of his coaching company, Game Sense. I wanted to get Aaron on as I have had many conversations with him in the past about holistic development, practice design, and coaching philosophy, all of which we touch on in this recording.

#welcometothetribe​
#footballcoaching​
#coachdevelopment ​

Contact Aaron: Twitter:
https://twitter.com/acoachesview1​
Website:
https://www.acoachesview.com/​
Contact us: Email: [email protected]
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/developertribe​
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/developer_tribe​
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/developertribe​
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/deve...​
Listen and subscribe: Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3azHRzQ...​ Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...​
Google podcasts:
https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=...​
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJk...​
Music by Bee Bee Feenix:
https://soundcloud.com/fee-benbow-lee...
2 Comments

Counter Attacking from deep

11/4/2021

1 Comment

 
Consider: in possession
Formation: 1-2-3-2
Primary player/unit 10
Secondary unit 9&1;
Specific area of pitch: Trigger in and around penalty area to set up counter attack 'beyond'
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What do I want my players to achieve?
  • Quick decision making to exploit opposition who may be unbalanced after losing possession
  • Goalkeeper to assess further safest pass options
  • Speed of attacks after winning possession (control the tempo)
  • Movement of 10&9 to expose potential 2v1 opportunities
  • Timing and movement of support runs from midfield (passing on the ground to feet and into space)
  • Move forward up the pitch quickly with quality ball control
  • Combination and interplay of 9&10
Does it relate to match day?
Yes - exploiting counter attacking opportunities are paramount to creating goal scoring opportunities
Principle of play
Attacking - Penetration, Create Space, Movement, Support, Creativity
Technical Components - Passing, Receiving, Turning, Dribbling, Finishing

KEY PICTURES
What are the game related pictures I want to recreate?
Opposition defender starts practice by playing ball through ball to opposition goalkeeper (transition)

PICTURE 1
  • Attacking 10&9 to provide immediate option for goal keeper to distribute the ball to them as they expose a 2v1 situtation
  • GK to play direct into attacking half to 9 or 10
  • Creative combination play between 9&10 to create goal scoring opportunity
  • Support provide by midfielders 7, 11, 4 (support options beyond, beside, behind, between)
  • Tempo of passing (is one touch possible? Decision making on exploiting space by dribbling or passing)

PICTURE 2
  • If opportunity to pass to 9&10 from GK is not available, option to is to exploit wide areas. GK to look to supply 7 or 11 on the weak side
  • Supporting option from 9&10 to either attack the space for a forward pass from 7 or 11 or
  • Pull away with cleaver movement allowing 7 or 11 to attack space by dribbling with the ball
  • 9&10 rotation /cross over runs to create space (expose defenders) and support the decision making of 7/11 (dribble, pass, shoot)

PICTURE 3
  • If opportunity to pass to 9&10, or midfielders is not available, option to play to 5 or 6 as next safest pass
  • Movement of 5/6 to create space by splitting, look to receive pass from GK on back foot, side or to play forward quickly (furthest safest pass) to 9/10 or into midfield
COACHING DETAIL
What detail will help the player improve their understanding and performance?
  • Transition from out if possession (compactness) to in possession (wide and depth)
  • Timing of runs to exploit space (looking to receive pass into feet or space in front)
  • Body position forward
  • Timing and movement of supprting runs
  • Speed and accuracy of passing over ground
  • Interplay / combination of 9&10 and supporting midfielders
PRACTICE DESIGN
Area layout and size:60x40 (divided into three areas of 20, 20, 40 x 40 wide)

Other considerations:
  • Realism from start of practice. Consider is the ball played from opposition defender direct to GK makes the game active quick enough. Would playing through to striker and recovering defender be more beneficial? How quickly do we progress this practice in to match based practice.

Scoring system:
  • If counter attacking team can score within 10 seconds of GK receiving ball from opposition goal counts as two.
  • If opposition with the ball back during play, same rule applies (effectively encouraging fast speed of thought to counter attack by both teams)

​Players per team:
  • 1-2-3-2 vs 1-2-3-1 (8v7 creating the unbalanced counter attacking opportunities)
1 Comment

switching play in the back 4

6/3/2021

2 Comments

 
Consider: in possession
Formation: 1-4-2-1
Primary player/unit: 3,6,5,2
Secondary unit; team: 1,4,8
Specific area of pitch: defensive half
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What do I want my players to achieve?
  • Understanding strong side/weak side
  • Recognising when under pressure in the defensive half from the opposition when and how to exploit the weak side by switching play (short pass, short pass, long pass)
  • Understanding the tempo of play to assist them in exploiting the weak side of the opposition
  • Keeping defensive balance even when switching play and forward moving up the pitch
  • The role of the number 4 (defensive playmaker/quarterback) in combining with the back four to play forward and switch play
  • Introduction to the five line/channel theory and understanding of how these channels are marked out on the pitch

​Does it relate to match day?
- Yes most teams we play against usually press high and try to win the ball in the attacking or midfield third.
Principle of play - attacking: penetration, create space, movement, support
Technical component - passing, receiving

KEY PICTURES
What are the game related pictures I want to recreate?
​
Picture 1
Opposition are compact centrally when the ball is at our goalkeeper or centre backs, when the ball is passed to our full back positions (2 or 3), the opposition winger presses the ball and their midfield locks on to ours.
Full back drops all back to centre back who switches play to opposite full back passing the ball into space in front of them to run onto exploiting the weak side

Picture 2
Defensive playmaker number 4 creates space to receive a pass from full-back however cannot play forward and therefore drops ball back to centre back on strong side to switch play in one or two touches to opposite fullback.
COACHING DETAIL
What detail will help the player improve their understanding and performance?
  • Angles and distance of the supporting position for centre backs 5&6
  • Timing, weight and accuracy of the back passes by fullbacks 2&3
  • Ensure that 2&3 get wide and high up the field as possible to receive the ball
  • Encourage the ball to be switched quickly (exploiting opposition around the side)
  • Recognise when to play one touch or two touch (pressure?)
  • When to play 2 feet? when to play to space in front of the player? (Receive under pressure to hide/protect possession or play into space to reveal the ball and attack opposition)
  • Keeping the integrity, balance and shape of the back four (in case of turnover and possible counter attacking opportunities for opposition)
  • No.4 body position to receive the ball from full back (or centre back support)
PRACTICE DESIGN
Area layout and size:
  • Half of pitch
  • Introduce channels 1&5 
  • Central goal and small samba goals
Other considerations: set up as 1-4-2-1 vs 5-1 (majority defensive unit versus attacking units)

Scoring system:
  • If ball is switched from channels 1-5 and goal scored centrally counts as 3
  • If ball is switched from channels 1-5 and goal is scored in small goals counts as 1
  • Scoring zone centre circle for central goal and 15 yard score zone for small goals

Opposition Management
  • Compact play realistic to match day
  • High pressing and tight "locked on" marking in central midfield.
  • If possession is won in attacking third and goal scored counts as 5
  • If possession won in central midfield third and goal scored counts as 1

Players per team: 8v6 overload
Tempo and timings: 3x15 minute game blocks to swap out midfielders and attacker with opposition.
2 Comments

mark leigh - a session planning process

14/1/2021

2 Comments

 
A fantastic tutorial delivered on Block 3 of our UEFA B course in Portsmouth with the Royal Navy, RAF and Army FA.

Subtract the players, subtract the space, keep the integrity of the game and justify your means. The process supports planning for less players but also helps you think about what you would do if more turned up.

This has been hugely beneficial helping me with my session planning and devising a new session planning template I use that I am happy to share.

This is well worth 8 minutes of your time. 
2 Comments

Creating and Scoring - delivery from wide areas in attacking third (overload)

31/12/2020

2 Comments

 
In possession
Creating and Scoring - delivery from wide areas in attacking third (overload)

Formation: 1-3-2-3
Primary player: #7 and 11
Primary unit: #7, 9, 10, 8, 11
Secondary unit: #2 and 3
Specific area of pitch: Attacking third

LEARNING OUTCOMES
What do I want my players to achieve? Does it relate to match day? Principle of play?
- Recognise the delivery areas of:
  • A) near post
  • B) second 6 yard box (between 6 yard box and penalty spot)
  • C) far post

- Recognise the type of pass for:
  • A) low and driven/powerful?
  • B) driven/lofted?
  • C) lofted/chipped?
  • D) other solutions?

KEY PICTURES
What are the game related pictures I want to recreate?
Are these pictures relevant to learning outcomes?

Picture 1) Full back plays to winger who attacks the goal line in a wide position and delivers a cross to supporting attackers

Picture 2) Fullback plays ball to winger and makes an underlapping or overlapping run depending on wingers touch and position, recieves return pass from wingers and full back attacks the goal line in a wide position and delivers a cross to supporting attackers

Picture 3) Full back plays inside to Central Midfielder who plays forward (1 or 2 touches) into space for winger to attack the goal line who delivers a cross to supporting attackers.

COACHING DETAIL
What detail will help the player improve their understanding and performance?

Picture 1)
  • Movement from winger to drop short and receive pass in beyond; or push high and bounce of defenders to receive short on back foot to face up and attack defender
  • Quality and weight of pass from full back
  • Positive attacking mindset from winger and full back
  • Tempo of attack to be fast
  • Awareness of movement and timing from #9,10,8,11 to support decision making on what type of cross

Picture 2)
Add
- Full back to recognise where first touch of winger will take them (inside for full back overlap or down the line for full back underlap)

Picture 3)
Recognise the change in personal attacking the areas. If #10 drops in to receive ball from full bac for example, would you have rotation where #4 would make the forward run in place of #10? And #10 would hold in #4 position during this phase of attack?

PRACTICE DESIGN
Area layout and size: Approx 50x70yards
Other considerations: Overload 1-3-2-3 vs 1-2-3-1
Scoring system: Team with 7 goals count as 2. Team of 9 goals scored from a cross count as 2, normal goals 1
Players per team: 9v7

LEAD IN ACTIVITY - Focus on movement to receive ball into feet or into space to link to winger movement later in session.
Picture

TECHNICAL practice working simultaneously attacking each end. Player who crosses will rotate to other side. So effectively full backs and wingers will work with different partners.
Technical practice to pose questions to wingers on when, where, how and why they may select a certain type of cross over another. i.e near post, second 6 yard box, far post, edge of area - more information in Small Sided Game session plan below.

Small Sided Game - Overload 9v7
2 Comments

Building and retaining through #9

30/12/2020

2 Comments

 
Picture
2 Comments

Pressing as a Team (1)

22/2/2016

0 Comments

 

Tonight's session introducing Pressing to our U12s. Looking to get the basic principles embedded in before linking it to Small Sided Game. Thoughts?

Picture
0 Comments

Switching Play

24/1/2016

0 Comments

 
Session Numero Uno on Switching Play for the Jersey FA Capita Centre of Excellence U12's & U13's tomorrow evening. Can't wait to get started.
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0 Comments

Distances, Marking and Interceptions (session 4)

11/1/2016

0 Comments

 
Tonight final Session on Distances, Marking and Interceptions for our JFA Centre of Excellence U12 & U13 Squads.

These session created with Coach Darren O'Connell is working with the Midfield Trio defensively. 

The team in possession can also utilise the use of support players (F) out wide linking the session to our system of play in the 1-2-5-1 formation.

Lots of room to develop and evolve.
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0 Comments

Distances, Marking & Interceptions (Session 3)

4/1/2016

0 Comments

 

Happy New Year One and all, and best wishes for 2016.

Tonight is the third session of Distances, Marking & Interceptions for an U12 squad, however due to the Christmas break we shall recap the two previous sessions and plan for our development fixture this coming Friday evening.

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0 Comments

Distances, Marking & Interceptions- Session 1

14/12/2015

0 Comments

 
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Notes from last weeks session I forgot to add. 😀

0 Comments

Distances, Marking and Interceptions - Session 2

14/12/2015

0 Comments

 
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A fantastic first session on Distances, Marking and Interceptions from our JFA Capita Centre of Excellence U12's Squad last week. We are looking to recap last weeks session and and another layer to it with the above practice.

Following this we shall move into a Small Sided Game working on defending with width and depth of the pitch appropriately.

Last one practice session before Christmas, So I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2016.
0 Comments

25 Ball Mastery Skills...

28/11/2015

2 Comments

 
Some fantastic Ball Mastery Skills for your players to practice. Ideal to break sessions up with something a little different. 

We used a few of these in our Jersey FA Capita Centre of Excellence U12session last week after our initial warm up. It only takes 5 minutes to slot one or two in and the players seemed to take to them really well. The added benefit that it was not only a good learning opportunity, but also a great chance to introduce some "buddy coaching" with the players supporting and coaching each other. 
2 Comments

Playing Out From the Back (Session 4)

26/11/2015

0 Comments

 
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The final session of playing out from the back, linking the midfielders to the forward.

0 Comments

PLaying out from the Back - Session 3

13/11/2015

2 Comments

 
Last weeks Session Plan didn't quite go as planned, so we have stripped it back and simplified it for this coming week. Hopefully this will assist improving the delivery of the session by causing less confusion, and providing clear and concise messages to enable better player understanding and learning.
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2 Comments

Playing Out From the Back (Session 2)

8/11/2015

0 Comments

 
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Following on from  last weeks session where we worked on the movement of  our Centre Backs and Full backs, plus touched on the midfield movement, this weeks session involves a recap of last week, followed by a focus on the movement of the midfield 3 to create space to support the build up of our attacks through the thirds.

After the practice above where we shall look at movement of players, we shall link this into our midfield player roles in our 9 a-side formation.

The below short clip from Coach Dan Wright highlights the Anti Clock Wise and Clock Wise movement will shall introduce tomorrow evening.

Looking forward to rolling out a new session with an eager group of young players.
0 Comments

15 THINGS A FOOTBALL PARENT SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY...

7/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Another coached shared this article, pretty much hits the nail on the head... consider away...

http://www.grassrootscoaching.com/?p=3998
0 Comments

PLaying OUt From The Back (Session 1)

1/11/2015

0 Comments

 
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2nd November 2015 see the kick off of the U12, U13, U14 season at the Jersey FA Capita Centre of Excellence. 

The first of four sessions in the training programme on Playing Out From the Back for these age groups. 

Some new sessions for coaches to deliver throughout the season, and I'm looking forward to working with our New U12 squad.

This session template was found on The Coaching Manual by a colleague U13 Coach Darren O'Connell and we shall manipulate this session for our squads to ensure the practice is challenging and meets the needs of the group.

​Can't wait to get started!

0 Comments

Attacking Session for School Years 2&3

12/9/2015

3 Comments

 
A practice session being delivered to our minis Year 2&3 group at GS United Football Club tomorrow. Coaching alongside Damon O'Driscoll, Damon shall be delivering Diamonds are Forever from the FA Level 1 Coaching Badge, and I shall follow this up with "Risky Business" from the FA Youth Module 1 - Developing the Environment. Session are below.

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3 Comments

Why I'm pleased my son is born in may...

15/6/2015

0 Comments

 
A different view on the relative age effect that is a very popular conversation amongst coaches at present...

http://youthfootballdevelopment.blogspot.com/2015/06/why-im-pleased-my-son-is-born-in-may.html?spref=tw
0 Comments

The Relative Age Effect in Youth Sports

13/6/2015

0 Comments

 
Interesting article for all adults to consider when watch youth sports...

http://changingthegameproject.com/help-my-child-is-a-late-bloomer-5-tips-for-overcoming-the-relative-age-effect-in-youth-sports/
0 Comments

PLaying out in From the back in a 4-3-3 (Coach Danwright)

11/10/2014

0 Comments

 
An excellent video by Coach Dan Wright, well worth following his blog and his twitter feed
0 Comments

Total football? 

20/4/2014

0 Comments

 
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How coaches from Ajax and Barcelona are now looking beyond the ball to breed success…

British football seems to be just catching up with the idea that youngsters need to do more work with the ball if they are to improve their skills. But as Adam Bate found out at the Sports Analytics Innovation Summit in London, the game's pioneers are taking a more wide-ranging approach...

There was an idea that an English pre-season involves plenty of cross-country running and not much else. “We didn’t see a ball for the first fortnight,” they’d complain. But this familiar criticism of the English game is now in danger of being turned on its head thanks to an unlikely source.

The obsession with the football has long been cited as the chief reason for the perceived technical superiority of continental footballers. Just look at Ajax and Barcelona. Not for them the belief that players should be starved of the ball during the week to make them want it more on a Saturday.

So it was something of a surprise at the Sports Analytics Innovation Summit in London last month to hear people who’ve worked at those old bastions of Total Football argue the case for a far more rounded education of young players than some might expect.

Rene Wormhoudt is employed as a strength and conditioning coach at KNVB – the Dutch football association – and spent a decade working at Ajax. Not only does Wormhoudt believe young players benefit from work without the ball, he feels they should play different sports entirely.

For Wormhoudt, the upside of a balanced approach is vast – not least in terms of maintaining interest levels among young people. “You lose a lot of children if you have no variation in your academy. The ball is important, but to miss all these areas of development is also a mistake.”

BUILD AN ATHLETE
The Dutchman knows that the job of building a professional footballer begins in childhood. The first team is too late. And if you are to looking to build a professional footballer, you must first look to build an athlete.

As a result, children in the Ajax academy not only focus on football but other sports too. Judo, gymnastics and track & field all form a key part of the training regime. In fact, non-football related training accounts for 45 per cent of their work up to the age of 12.

Even between the ages of 15 and 18, as much as 35 per cent of time is still spent improving coordination and balance by playing other games. Wormhoudt retains a video of young Ajax trio Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Daley Blind engaged in a fiercely competitive game of basketball.

In the growing phase, a young person’s balance can be compromised as their centre of gravity changes. Gym work, judo and, yes, even basketball can aid this transition. “It could be that you become better at a sport by not only practising that sport,” says Wormhoudt.

Perhaps even more persuasively for the long-term success of the player, there is evidence to suggest there are health benefits too. “Children who only do one sport have a tendency to get injured four times more often than those who do more than one sport,” he adds.

The first goal is to become a better all-round mover. The all-round mover can then become an athlete. Only then does the athlete specialise. The end result is that you have a specialist in their sport who – first and foremost – is a genuine athlete.

WIDE RANGING
Wormhoudt’s focus is predominantly on the physical. But this wide-ranging approach can also be adapted to mental and tactical facets of the game. An appreciation of other roles – perceptual transfer – can lead to becoming a better player.

In practice, this means strikers playing as goalkeepers in order to understand their areas of vulnerability or defenders moving into midfield to get a feel for where they should be playing their passes. Now we are entering the realms of true Total Football once more.

Raul Pelaez is Barcelona’s head of knowledge management and was another speaker in London to highlight the importance of this holistic approach. He even had a high-profile example. “Andres Iniesta knows how to play,” said Pelaez. “And not just his own position.”

An expansive approach – looking outward rather than at the minutiae – is the theme now. Barcelona have even shown a willingness to talk to coaches outside of football to seek tactical answers to the conundrum of how to break down opponents. “Pep Guardiola talked a lot with coaches of handball,” added Pelaez. “We need people from outside the sport.”

As the decision-makers at St George’s Park seek to replicate the success of those abroad, the main discussion points appear to be focused on small-sided games and a more technical approach. In essence, they’ve introduced the ball. But just as British football looks to narrow the gap, the ideas of the continent’s leading minds offer a reminder that the game continues to evolve.


0 Comments
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    I am not a
    perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans, but also to feel satisfied with myself. 

    It is my conviction that there are no limits to learning, and that it can never stop, no matter what our age.

    Cristiano Ronaldo
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