Football is a game about making fast decisions – and executing them.
“You play football with your head, and your legs are there to help you”
JOHANN CRUYFF
Football is a fast-paced game incorporating countless random events and limitless complexity. Top players have the ability to rapidly incorporate information from a game scenario, make a decision based on it, and execute a technical action in response.
The other attribute they share is an ability to be comfortable in possession of the football even under extreme pressure.
When coaching football I aim to develop players with these critical skills, emphasising the mental ability required as much as the technical, with the goal of developing thinking athletes – and better people.
I try to put game-based practices at the heart of my coaching. These recreate the randomness of the 11v11 game. They form endless permutations of in-possession, out-of-possession and transition scenarios. Most players of all ages will prefer a game to a repetitive drill anyway, so they make sure the ‘fun’ aspect of playing the game is always front and centre in any session.
I like to vary the rules and conditions of the game to bring the aspects in focus to the fore. This ensures plenty of repetitions within a realistic context that helps players develop in all aspects of the game.
I also follow the FA’s ‘four corner’ model (shown below), ensuring players are challenged and develop psychologically, socially and physically as well as technically and tactically. the four-corner model covers all aspects of the game under the headings of technical and tactical, physical, psychological and social. I try to include as many of the four corners as possible in each exercise, in each session.
Interested in finding out more? Read about my approach to cricket coaching and coaching leadership skills.