This is a session that I will deliver tonight with the University team that I work with. It is based on 26 players on (just over) half a pitch, however numbers, structure and spacing can be easily adapted. The first part of the session has not been included here as it is possession//SSG based whilst …
As you’ve probably guessed from reading previous articles that I’ve posted here recently, I’m a SSG advocate and think there are so many benefits from learning through game play. Personal belief is that you need those technical aspects in sessions, you need broken down tactical elements and you can connect all of these in smaller …
Thomas Tuchel is a strong advocate of ensuring training is tougher than games. Utilising his differential learning methods, he explains that creating environments for players to be challenged in unusual ways makes the game ‘easier than the training sessions’. This is due to the increased thought processes, increased decision making and the often decreased space …
Why should training sessions be a tougher mental challenge than matches? Read More »
Above is a SSG looking at Attacking from Wide Areas. It is planned to use 12 players (including 2 GK’s) but can be adapted to suit your groups with the adaptation of numbers, positions, no GK, constraints for individuals etc. Ensure there is a suitable sized area for the 2v2 spaces and 1v1 centrally with …
We know that communication in sport is key for players and coaches both on and off the pitch. Coaches at all levels have the common saying (along the lines of): “we’ve got to talk more”. Well, how important is it and how you can encourage it from an early age? From the coaches perspective, …
Communication and it’s link to sports coaching (and some tips!) Read More »
Below is a session idea that I used with my University group on Monday night (I coach Coventry University 1st) – it’s based on 20 players and encourages tight play and timing of runs. Tweak it for your group and please let me know how it goes Move into a SSG which encourages session aims …
This blog is now starting to open up contacts for myself for which I am grateful for… some have been positive comments, others with questions. One such question has been by a friend of mine asking for a session for his Adult Senior side on ‘Playing Out vs a High Press’… so please enjoy and …
We know that creating a positive environment can help players due to the encouragement and willingness to be creative and explore new ways of displaying talent, but what about for coaches? The coaching environment could be the day to day (or week to week) sessions and this could be positively developmental or negative, depending on …
Below is the middle part of a session focusing on wide play, which was delivered in a whole-part-whole style a while back. There are lots of ways to progress this and adapt it but use it as a template for your own players and groups. Focus was to have a 4v3 overload centrally before a …
In any session or game setting, there will be many opportunities to coach, and as we know, you can’t coach them all, so when and how do you address it? Firstly, it comes down to your planning. Plan effectively and allow for progressions, regressions and adaptations during the session and stick to your focus aim …
Don’t coach everything…. (and tips for the ‘how not to’). Read More »
Subscribe to my email newsletter full of inspiring stories about my journey that continues.
