Player game Dev: Our way or any way?
Hi Everyone, welcome back for another issue of Coach Insight, as you’ve probably already seen the legend that was Diego Maradonna died this week. Someone who was before my generation but always talked about as one of the greats, and when your saw clips of him playing or saw what he achieved then you know why. RIP Diego, gone but never forgotten.
Also this week it was announced that here in the UK there will be a return of all sports, so many coaches will be preparing their sessions for the coming week and weekend with possible games too!
Now you may be wondering what the title means, I’ll go into that as it’s in one of our Top Ten of the Week, but essentially when we develop our players should we develop them to play our brand/vision for football, or should we develop them so they can play any style and have the skills to adapt. I#d love to hear your views on this either by replying to this email or find me here. Anyway on to the top ten
Top Ten of the Week
Gremio football academy in Brazil, I believe where Ronaldinho came through with a quote I've always wondered when it comes to coaching styles and ways of playing. one of their objectives is "to produce players who can adapt to any working model of any club in the world". Shouldn't this be all of our objectives outside of professional football or is that just fantasy land? with the FA having their DNA does that mean we're missing players or not giving players the right tools to play anyway?
Former England Rugby head coach Brian Ashton talking about the importance of remembering that we coach people. have you thought about how you train the mental side (psych/social) for your team, how does this shine through in your practices? Do you take time to get to know the individual behind the action?
This one is more for the professional development phase (adult) but also some elements of the youth development phase. What is the right approach to training our players, getting that balance between how we play to our strengths and minimise our weakness to how to maximize the opposition’s weaknesses and minimise their strengths? Apparently, Sir Alex Fergusons was 75/25 us to opposition. What's yours?
FIFA coach of the year nominee Marcelo Bielsa on his five ways of losing your marker. Do you recognise any of these? Do you actively coach any? Can you think of any that he may have missed?
Another Bielsa video here, this time from the perspective of his methods and demands to his players. I love the quote from Kalvin Philips about their Wednesday "murder" ball. high paced, high-intensity football. For all our sessions, directions, and adjustments. Sometimes just getting them playing continuously, in different physical states can help players learn.
A good podcast episode from the Sports Coaching Podcast. Qualifications or experience which makes the better coach?
One of my favourite goalkeeper analysts out there. some really interesting points on when you want your goalkeeper to stay deep (nearer to his line) and when you want them to close the opponent.
Another favourite coach and former guest on the newsletter Peter Prickett with some interesting 3v3 drills. Peter is a massive advocate of 3v3 as a learning tool for all players as it encompasses so many situations in games.
An Article here talking about the fear of failure and how to help your players overcome it.
https://blog.innerdrive.co.uk/sports/football-sports-psychology-fear-of-failure
Have a look at this 4 step process to developing mastery. Something that can be used for yourselves or pass on to your players
That’s it for this week, Thanks again for joining me and our community of coaches! If you know anyone who would benefit or would just like the content of this newsletter please use the share buttons below. Good luck and have a great week.