Nutrition and Weight Management
Use a dietician to provide support on the player’s diet
Produce a handbook of what players can and can’t eat for home use by wives and families
Base foods which make up diet
1-cerial
2-white cheese
3-white meat
4-pasta
5-purees
Outline clearly the benefits of every meal
All players and back room staff must eat the same meals
Use low fat products
Serve still water at room temperature
Cold drinks are bad for digestion
No smoking
Remove high sugar puddings
Eat more raw vegetables
No bread or butter with meals
No picking or snacking before meals
Players should be weighed before each session body fat should be measured if the percentage is above 12 percent the player should be excluded from squad until the excess is worked off.
Player Management and Psychology
Encourage players to ask why a drill or tactical exercise is useful and encourage them to want to learn why it is important to improve this side of their game, always ask questions of the players this enhances a player’s commitment to the training.
Wenger stresses that commitment to thorough preparation is the base of success. To create a professional attitude Wenger insists that players to arrive 30mins before training to prepare mentally for the session. This ensures that players have a relaxed and calm attitude that Wenger insists is essential to effective training. Calmness should be combined with hard work and strict discipline.
Wenger’s three golden rules for training:
Look out for each other on the pitch
Keep a strong work ethic
Pay attention to detail
Wenger’s affirmations
Wenger is a big believer in psychology and shouts affirmations during training these are based on NLP and use techniques such as embedded commands. The aim is to motivate an empower the player to have confidence when in control of the ball. Wenger’s affirmations:
Play to your strength’s you will win
No success without sacrifice
Get hold of the ball and believe you can win
Remember the details work on the basics
Wenger’s approach to team building is underpinned by communication, trust, confidence and self belief in the players own unique strengths when in possession of the ball. This process has three steps which are built around the psychological factors which Wenger believes most contribute to the result:
1. General team cohesion encouraging a forward thinking mentality.
2. Concentration as a defensive block.
3. Refinement of individual strengths.
Wenger Believes preparation is the key to success he sums this up with the following formulas(which are handed to players in the player handbook) focusing on what makes a team and the equation for selection for match play:
The team formula=(1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11)xN
N=the influence of the coach
An under prepared player subtracts from the ability of the team therefore the role of the coach is to prepare the team and provide a transfer of confidence.
Performance+ consistent effort in training=selection for the team
Wenger’s coaching behaviour is based around the concept of simplicity and directness with players. Each player is handed a tactical role on the pitch which is documented as simply as possible, each players performance is then measured and documented. Wenger’s communication is kept simple and consistent focusing on coaching points delivered in an instructional manner. Wenger will deliver this in the players own language as this can increase the rapport and motivation of the player. The status of the player does not affect how direct Wenger is as he does not deviate from this formula as he believes every team member should be coached equally. Mistakes are not punished in training as Wenger believes this is only way to learn. Issues of discipline are only discussed face to face in private. Wenger uses unpredictability of mood as a weapon believing that loss of temper can take a player off guard but believes this should only be used 5 times per season. Wenger believes that strictness as a coach is the best way to build respect this quality is also imitated by the players. Wenger believes that players should have stints on the bench to keep them grounded and create humility.
Daily training schedule and lesson structure
Wenger requires his players his players to undertake the following daily schedule:
Warm ups are long focusing on games such as soccer tennis, Pilates all exercises are watched by fitness trainer. This then moved onto strength training.
Strength training consists of two isometric sessions which are performed in the normal day, one before and one after every normal training session. These sessions consist of isometrics divided into heavy and light muscle groups specific for performance, the focus is on mobility and strength. These exercises take place in the weight room and are overseen fitness specialist by use of a video system. To perform these exercise machines should be loaded to full to provide resistance in the form maximal effort. 20 repetitions are used for heavy muscle groups and 12 reps for light might muscle groups, each rep is held for ten seconds. These are used as a form of injury rehabilitation or for strength training when there is an ability to focus on injury prevention as stress on the joints in minimised due to less reps of traditional strength exercises being useful. Isometrics are also useful for older players to maintain strength due to decreasing joint stability which comes with an increase in age. These should be performed after a basic strength program of six weeks.
Players then move on to training which is never more than 90minutes in duration. These training sessions are made up of a variety of training methods which are aimed at improving one tactical or technical theme through different periods of the game or in specific tactical situations.
Efficiency of game play is constantly improved with technique and coordination training focusing on minimising mistakes.
When introducing new concepts or methods to the group Wenger will do this during the first half of the training sessions when players are fresh and the method can be evaluated properly, if it works it is kept if not is discarded.
Players train first with variations of 4v4,5v5,6v6 or 7v7 small sided games with dual themes, 1v1 situations on goal will be worked on then progressed onto shooting games in constricted spaces. Patterns of play focusing on passing combinations which brake lines are also worked on. During these patterns players concentrate on the quality of technique the aim being to perform these patterns perfectly at high speeds. Games are played in constricted spaces to increase speed of thought. All drills are timed to the stopwatch and players are moved from drill to drill as fast possible.
Players then move onto practicing positional games based on practicing quick transitions.
Training then moves to tactical exercises, Wenger believes that only three tactical exercises aimed at improving team cohesion otherwise the team will be overloaded. Players will learn during these games what their role on the pitch is. 8 v 8 games with one goal focusing on cohesion between defence and midfield. 9 v0 games with one goal focusing on passing patterns from the defensive third, through the midfield third and into the attacking third ending with a shot on goal. 8 v. 8 exercises on two goals with two thirds of the field in use focusing on moving the ball forward through the midfield.
Players then move onto a long cool down and the second weight training routine.
Wenger believes that training should be aimed at maximising individual player strengths and minimising weakness. Training should be conducted in serene surroundings as Wenger believes this distracts players from the thought of intense effort during practice allowing them to focus on quality in training. Wenger also uses this time in training to make assessments of each player’s value in terms of position if he believes his tests show more value for a position the player plays in he will redesign the player.
Wenger training Drills
The following are drills from Wengers own training sessions.
8 v. 2 in a 10 x 10-yard area playing 1 touch(8 positioned 2 on each line of area)
Count passes in succession, award extra point(s) for any through ball that split the 2
Defenders. Defenders must win or disturb 3 possessions to get out – any through ball regains
the possession group with 1 extra possession
Coaching Points
· Possession team must play quick in tight area with good touch
· Anticipate the next pass, be creative and deceptive, use a variety of touches and
Feints – seek out best option
· Defenders must apply pressure to the ball and support the pressure
· Constant communication between the 2 and shifting of positions relative to the ball
· If he defence plays flat, a through ball can beat them, thus, it is 1 player up and player
1 off
3 v. 1 to 5 v. 3 in a 20 x 15 yard area and a 10 x 10 yard area
Start inside with 3 v. 1 playing 1 or 2 touch. When the 1 defender wins the ball, he plays out to
the 4 outside players who play possession, now making it a 5 v. 3 game in the larger area.
When the 1 defender in the middle wins the ball, he must quickly transition the ball to the
outside players. The 3 in the middle must remain compact on defence and deny the through
ball.
4 v. 2 in a 15 x 10 yard area playing with 1 goal with keeper
The 3 outside plus the keeper play possession (1 or 2 touch) vs the 2 inside players – when
the inside player wins the ball, he immediately takes a shot at goal. If the keeper makes a
save, resume possession play. Keep extra balls available to keep the game going.
Coaching Points
· The possession group will focus on quick and accurate touches
· The keeper plays as a field player and improves his skills with feet
· The 2 inside players defend with the intent to win the ball and have an immediate
shot at goal
· Make teams and keep score – make it competitive – set a time limit to play
7 + keeper vs. 5 in 3 zones of 25 yards x 50 yards width
the team of 5 plays to the goal with the keeper, while the team of 7 play to the small goals.
The team of 5 must transition to gaol within 4 touches, while the team 7 + k must play 2 touch
to the small goal
Coaching Points
· The team of 7 must open the field up with a good shape in order to keep possession
· The team of 5, must stay compact in defence
· Keeper plays with team of 7
4 v. 2 in 2 zones to 1 goal with keeper
play in an area of 20 x 30 yards ( 2 of each)
2 areas of 20 w x 15 l
play starts with 4 v 2 in a possession game – when the 2 inside players win the ball, they play
2 v. 1 to leave the zone and then play 2 v. 2 in the other zone trying to score a goal. The 2
waiting players players are the defenders in the second zone – should they win the ball, they
return it to the 4 players of the first zone and the original 2 inside players and defend. If a goal
is scored, the scoring group remains in zone 2 and the other group goes to zone 1 and plays
4 v. 2
Coaching Points
· Possession team has only 1 aim: keep the ball
· Defending 2 players must win the ball, win a 2 v. 1 duel, and then play 2 v. 2 and try
to score
· The 2 waiting players must defend and play out to the possession players
· If they concede a goal, then they become the defenders in the first zone
· Divide into groups of 4 and rotate the players into different positions
Training on the morning before a game and half time team talk:
Training on the morning of the game should concentrate on:
1. A walk through of the tactics to be used in the game
2. A 45 minute talk on the opponent concentrating on who to mark, how they play and who the main threats are in the defensive third. Players are then handed a file to read and told to sleep and allow information to become subconscious.
Only the manager, physiotherapist and the assistant should be allowed in the dressing room before a game. This period is for players to visualise their own part in the performance. During this time Wenger will most challenge older players to take the lead on the pitch.
Half time team talk
1. Point out psychological weakness
2. Missed passes, tackles and shots
3. Point out instances of lack of concentration
.
Wenger and Reflective coaching
Wenger is a believer in reflective coaching and believes these are some of the most important questions a coach should ask:
· Why do some players play well and other players play badly in certain games?
· What is the organisation of the defence?
· What is the structure and organisation of the team?
· What would happen if different players were used in different positions or roles?
· How can balance between the different elements of training, management and coaching be achieved?
· Can training methods used in other sports be useful in football?
· How can I build video match analysis into my own learning?
· How can I make it clear to players why something needs to be done?
· How can I put my ideas across quickly and simply?
· What role do players and support staff play at the club?
Wenger believes the coach should have the following core values:
· Discipline
· Mastery of words
· Willingness to work hard
· Respect others
· Have confidence in others
· Concentration
· Attention to detail
· Open to ideas/willingness to try new methods
· Calmness
· Loyalty
Performance analysis and transference drills
Wenger uses performance analysis which is detail focused and includes the following points.:
Ball speed during passing, Wenger defines fast ball speed during passing as a key to winning in the modern game, technical points aim to reduce the time from control to pass and then moving to receive a pass.
Passing direction mainly measuring which players pass forward the most out a natural tendency as Wenger believes these are the ones who can be more easily moulded to play forward during the game.
Passing accuracy measuring which passes and from where on the pitch they are most accurate and from which player, Wenger then aims to put that particular player in a situation where he can maximise his passing.
First touch analysing speed in opening body and moving the ball forward to enable passing forward.
Ball control which players keep control under pressure in confined spaces, on the move and where in a players stride can a player keep maximal control when maintaining maximum pace allowing moves to be refined for maximum speed.
Physical capacity in each position, Wenger monitors the effect of age and training type on position specific qualities. Also used to evaluate which form of training after injury brought a player to peak faster and with better results. Used to measure work rate and pace of attacking moves. If this is not up to standard Wenger will work on specifics during training for example if a player is too slow on overlaps he will have the players perform timed agility runs as he believes individual elements detract from overall quality.
Shooting, Measuring shots on target, speed of ball, spin striking part of foot and speed from control to shot.
Sunday 14 June 2009
Apparantly this was left by an arsenal player in his hotel room following a team talk for the game against newcastle
Team meeting 19th September 2008
The Team: A team is as strong as the relationships within it. The driving force of a team is its member's ability to create and maintain excellent relationships within the team that can add an extra dimension and robustness to the team dynamic. This attitude can be used by our team to focus on the gratitude and the vitally important benefits that the team brings to our own lives. It can be used to strengthen and deepen the relationships within it and maximise the opportunities that await a strong and united team. Our team becomes stronger by: Displaying a positive attitude on and off the pitch Everyone making the right decisions for the team Have an unshakeable belief that we can achieve our target Believe in the strength of the team Always want more - always give more Focus on our communication Be demanding with yourself Be fresh and well prepared to win Focus on being mentally stronger and always keep going to the end When we play away from home, believe in our identity and play the football we love to play at home Stick together Stay grounded and humble as a player and as a person Show the desire to win in all that you do Enjoy and contribute to all that is special about being in a team - don't take it for granted.ieve in the strength of the team Always want more - always give more Focus on our communication Be demanding with yourself Be fresh and well prepared to win Focus on being mentally stronger and always keep going to the end When we play away from home, believe in our identity and play the football we love to play at home Stick together Stay grounded and humble as a player and as a person Show the desire to win in all that you do Enjoy and contribute to all that is special about being in a team - don't take it for granted.
Team meeting 19th September 2008
The Team: A team is as strong as the relationships within it. The driving force of a team is its member's ability to create and maintain excellent relationships within the team that can add an extra dimension and robustness to the team dynamic. This attitude can be used by our team to focus on the gratitude and the vitally important benefits that the team brings to our own lives. It can be used to strengthen and deepen the relationships within it and maximise the opportunities that await a strong and united team. Our team becomes stronger by: Displaying a positive attitude on and off the pitch Everyone making the right decisions for the team Have an unshakeable belief that we can achieve our target Believe in the strength of the team Always want more - always give more Focus on our communication Be demanding with yourself Be fresh and well prepared to win Focus on being mentally stronger and always keep going to the end When we play away from home, believe in our identity and play the football we love to play at home Stick together Stay grounded and humble as a player and as a person Show the desire to win in all that you do Enjoy and contribute to all that is special about being in a team - don't take it for granted.ieve in the strength of the team Always want more - always give more Focus on our communication Be demanding with yourself Be fresh and well prepared to win Focus on being mentally stronger and always keep going to the end When we play away from home, believe in our identity and play the football we love to play at home Stick together Stay grounded and humble as a player and as a person Show the desire to win in all that you do Enjoy and contribute to all that is special about being in a team - don't take it for granted.
The norwegian style of play is called the computor method and isinspired by the methods of direct play and was based on mathematical analysis of international matches.
The basic sytem is a 4-5-1 and uses defensive methods such as man marking with a highly standardized method of attacking. The team is organised into zonal marking both in midfield and defence.It is the midfield where the system differs from other teams, the midfield is organised in a strait line of five across the pitch, the defending adjustments of the back four are made based on the midfield movements almost like a knock effect. The nearest midfield player pressures the ball agressively until the ball leaves the zone and then takes his place and the process starts again with the next midfield player. Midfielders with quick turning abilities are essential to this working correctly. As when the ball from his zone there is space to cover directly behind him.The distance between the midfield players should small giving an agressively ball orientated defensive wall in midfield. To prevent wing play the defensive unit shuffles across to condense space around the ball.Also they are well practiced in long passing combinations and plays behind the opponents defence, to do this they make use of good target men with sound heading ability, this is combined with midfielders making forward runs behind the defence to challenge knock ons or recieve passes in shooting positions.The idea is encourage quick possession of the ball and direct forward movement into space following an opponents attack which will result in the opponent being outnumbered
The basic sytem is a 4-5-1 and uses defensive methods such as man marking with a highly standardized method of attacking. The team is organised into zonal marking both in midfield and defence.It is the midfield where the system differs from other teams, the midfield is organised in a strait line of five across the pitch, the defending adjustments of the back four are made based on the midfield movements almost like a knock effect. The nearest midfield player pressures the ball agressively until the ball leaves the zone and then takes his place and the process starts again with the next midfield player. Midfielders with quick turning abilities are essential to this working correctly. As when the ball from his zone there is space to cover directly behind him.The distance between the midfield players should small giving an agressively ball orientated defensive wall in midfield. To prevent wing play the defensive unit shuffles across to condense space around the ball.Also they are well practiced in long passing combinations and plays behind the opponents defence, to do this they make use of good target men with sound heading ability, this is combined with midfielders making forward runs behind the defence to challenge knock ons or recieve passes in shooting positions.The idea is encourage quick possession of the ball and direct forward movement into space following an opponents attack which will result in the opponent being outnumbered
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Mourinho Method
The drills he uses are global drills I work the same way myself although I had to formulate my own.
The drills used iclude-training a tactical factoralways include decision making,have high touches,fitness orientated.
Mourinho uses a series of 42 drills which go from training individual technique to right the way up to whole system, he deos this in a specific sequence and trains possession intensly especially possesion in the opponents half, this is a method from his days under van gaal(another of my role models).
For his training to work he demands a minimum of two pitches side by side.
He works like this:
1-defence>>>>>>>transition to attack>>>>>>>>attack
2-attack>>>>>>>>transition to defence>>>>>>>defence
The next step after the above basic foundation is to condition the box system into the team where he will use a coloured box for certain tactical situations. Its the box colours that are the little bits of paper he gives out.The final step is to have the team recognise when to change the formation and system midmatch by them self, at this point players can seen to counter attacking problems before most can see them. It is at this point that he says that the team knows all that he does.
Mourinho uses guided discovery to educate his players, during the season he tweaks his 42 games so that the factors to be discovered are based on the weakness of the opponent on a tactical and technical level.
He will produce dossiers and dvds of opponents which players memorise.
He will have three team talks before playing the game.He times the above steps to work with the cycle of success, this is about 3 to 5 seasons with his team peaking during this period.
If mourinho thinks any players need improving seperatly he will do individual technique work to mould the player, hence the rapid improvement of joe cole during the first season.
His approach to ball use is based on temperising the opponents midfield(this was used to great effect by the romanian national team in the 80s) and resting on the ball. Temperisation works by holding the ball in midfield to move opponents out of position and then attacking the remaining space, he does this to brake the lines which are apparent in each system. Dragging players out of the lines unbalances the play and creates an attacking chance. Resting on the ball is possesion for the sake of it as mourinho demands intense offensive pressing high up the pitch which is physically demanding, so his players keep the ball to rest while opponent chases.
Mourinho states that the psychological factors are the most important and puts the team above anything else, he likes his players to play with controlled agression and confidence.
His appraoch to youth is simple he uses a small sided games with high touches based on the dutch system but working isolated parts of his tactical system, his condition before any player is promoted to the first team is that they master the colour box and have been through the 42 drills atleast once, otherwise no promotion.
His leadership is charismatic and he uses an attitude of invincibility which seems to rub onto the players, he focuses the media on him in order to remove the attention from the team and in some cases create a negative view to the team before big games which he then uses as a tool to motivate the players.
Mourinho believe in control and his coaching methods focus only on what is in his direct control.
He places the romoval of complacency as a high priority, he keeps concentration in his players high by reinforcing that his opponents are not stupid and can potentially have the same methods producing a need to concentrateIn terms of weakness of the opponents he will practice taking advantage of the individual player factors first such as hieght of players or weak foot.
His first act is to issue a letter the team which reads:"from here on every aspect of your life will be geared to winning the title, whether it social or work based. I do not believe in the word first team, I need all of you and you need each other.We are a TEAM, MOTIVATION+AMBITION+TEAM+SPIRIT=SUCCESS.When mourinho reveals his letter he will have the players lie down in training backs on the floor and abosrb every word as he reads it out.
Other aspects of his man managment iclude a brutal honesty with team members using strict eye to eye contact he does not censor his his word no matter who the player.He works on self image believing even that if his players are the best n the world that is how you view them so to an extent that s how they will view themselves.
He deos not believe attacking or defending styles he believes in balance and if a team is unbalnced in one area in terms of work ethic the a loss will result.When mourinho runs his defensive drills he punishes high rates of scoring and soon his players learn that if the let goals go in training the will in the game as they are not defending properly.
His weekly shedule goes like this:
monday=defending
tuesday=transition to attack and attacking
wednesday=attacking and transition to defence
Thursday=defence and transition from defence to attack
Friday=set peice play
One of his key coaching points during his sessions is to refine play down the channels and between the opposing team lines.
In terms of team building he states that it is not the length of time that players work together but how effectively they communicate together within the system.
He beleives a good coach should know and control all details regarding his players.When training mourinho likes coaching points which mix the best technical feature of the spannish league, the best tactical feature of the italian league and the physicality of the english league believing these to be the most effective aspects of play.
Mourinho uses mental tests in the form of tactical excersises to deduce and predict how each player will think in different situations and plans who can go where and when an what they effect they will have on his coloured box work and guided discovery.
Mourinho keeps strict rules on shin pads as he uses condenced space in alot of his methods believing this to be the first challenge a coach should apply to his team to encourage competitive agression and speed of play and thought in confined defensive situations.
The drills used iclude-training a tactical factoralways include decision making,have high touches,fitness orientated.
Mourinho uses a series of 42 drills which go from training individual technique to right the way up to whole system, he deos this in a specific sequence and trains possession intensly especially possesion in the opponents half, this is a method from his days under van gaal(another of my role models).
For his training to work he demands a minimum of two pitches side by side.
He works like this:
1-defence>>>>>>>transition to attack>>>>>>>>attack
2-attack>>>>>>>>transition to defence>>>>>>>defence
The next step after the above basic foundation is to condition the box system into the team where he will use a coloured box for certain tactical situations. Its the box colours that are the little bits of paper he gives out.The final step is to have the team recognise when to change the formation and system midmatch by them self, at this point players can seen to counter attacking problems before most can see them. It is at this point that he says that the team knows all that he does.
Mourinho uses guided discovery to educate his players, during the season he tweaks his 42 games so that the factors to be discovered are based on the weakness of the opponent on a tactical and technical level.
He will produce dossiers and dvds of opponents which players memorise.
He will have three team talks before playing the game.He times the above steps to work with the cycle of success, this is about 3 to 5 seasons with his team peaking during this period.
If mourinho thinks any players need improving seperatly he will do individual technique work to mould the player, hence the rapid improvement of joe cole during the first season.
His approach to ball use is based on temperising the opponents midfield(this was used to great effect by the romanian national team in the 80s) and resting on the ball. Temperisation works by holding the ball in midfield to move opponents out of position and then attacking the remaining space, he does this to brake the lines which are apparent in each system. Dragging players out of the lines unbalances the play and creates an attacking chance. Resting on the ball is possesion for the sake of it as mourinho demands intense offensive pressing high up the pitch which is physically demanding, so his players keep the ball to rest while opponent chases.
Mourinho states that the psychological factors are the most important and puts the team above anything else, he likes his players to play with controlled agression and confidence.
His appraoch to youth is simple he uses a small sided games with high touches based on the dutch system but working isolated parts of his tactical system, his condition before any player is promoted to the first team is that they master the colour box and have been through the 42 drills atleast once, otherwise no promotion.
His leadership is charismatic and he uses an attitude of invincibility which seems to rub onto the players, he focuses the media on him in order to remove the attention from the team and in some cases create a negative view to the team before big games which he then uses as a tool to motivate the players.
Mourinho believe in control and his coaching methods focus only on what is in his direct control.
He places the romoval of complacency as a high priority, he keeps concentration in his players high by reinforcing that his opponents are not stupid and can potentially have the same methods producing a need to concentrateIn terms of weakness of the opponents he will practice taking advantage of the individual player factors first such as hieght of players or weak foot.
His first act is to issue a letter the team which reads:"from here on every aspect of your life will be geared to winning the title, whether it social or work based. I do not believe in the word first team, I need all of you and you need each other.We are a TEAM, MOTIVATION+AMBITION+TEAM+SPIRIT=SUCCESS.When mourinho reveals his letter he will have the players lie down in training backs on the floor and abosrb every word as he reads it out.
Other aspects of his man managment iclude a brutal honesty with team members using strict eye to eye contact he does not censor his his word no matter who the player.He works on self image believing even that if his players are the best n the world that is how you view them so to an extent that s how they will view themselves.
He deos not believe attacking or defending styles he believes in balance and if a team is unbalnced in one area in terms of work ethic the a loss will result.When mourinho runs his defensive drills he punishes high rates of scoring and soon his players learn that if the let goals go in training the will in the game as they are not defending properly.
His weekly shedule goes like this:
monday=defending
tuesday=transition to attack and attacking
wednesday=attacking and transition to defence
Thursday=defence and transition from defence to attack
Friday=set peice play
One of his key coaching points during his sessions is to refine play down the channels and between the opposing team lines.
In terms of team building he states that it is not the length of time that players work together but how effectively they communicate together within the system.
He beleives a good coach should know and control all details regarding his players.When training mourinho likes coaching points which mix the best technical feature of the spannish league, the best tactical feature of the italian league and the physicality of the english league believing these to be the most effective aspects of play.
Mourinho uses mental tests in the form of tactical excersises to deduce and predict how each player will think in different situations and plans who can go where and when an what they effect they will have on his coloured box work and guided discovery.
Mourinho keeps strict rules on shin pads as he uses condenced space in alot of his methods believing this to be the first challenge a coach should apply to his team to encourage competitive agression and speed of play and thought in confined defensive situations.
The seven habits of highly effective coaches
The seven habits of highly effective coaches
1-Be proactive
This not just taking initiative this is the first step achieving you goals as a coach/ team. The acknowledgement that as a whole the players and coach are responsible for achieving the goals that have been set. In other words your goals are in your hands and that is the first thing to realise.
Focus only what can be controlled.
There are two aspects to this:
What can you as coach control relating to your own performance?
What aspects of performance can the team control?
Take positive steps to control these aspects and improve them.
You can only improve what you can influence, if you try to influence what you can’t control you create factors which lead to poor performance. The intelligent use of control is a good habit to develop as a coach.
2-Begin with the end in mind.
This is your coaching vision and can be divided into two sections:
What are your values, beliefs and views as a coach? In other words what is your coaching mission statement?
Do you have a clear image of how you want your team to play?
How will your team use the ball?
How will you organise your defence?
Your midfield?
Your attack?
How will these interact?
Which aspect is most important?
How will you organise your set plays?
What qualities are most important to you in a team?
How will you know you have achieved this?
How will you train to achieve it?
3-Put first things first
After one and two you should have a list of controllable factors for both performance as a team and yourself as a coach and a clear vision of your own philosophy towards important aspects of the game.
You have the goal i.e where you want to be and have a list of factors which you can improve to get you there.
This is the part where the coaching and team training habits are acted out on the training ground in step by step way. Ask yourself certain questions.
What will be the goals for each training session?week?month of the season?
What particular aspects will need to be reinforced in relation to the end goal?
Which training methods will effectively achieve my aims? what specific tweaks on these will refine these improvements?
How can I use/improve the squads strengths and weaknesses to bring the achievement of the goal closer?
This the phase where you plan and act out what needs to be done to achieve the overall season goal. The point is not to just to develop positive habits on the training ground it about developing the correct habits in relation to the aims you have set as a coach and team.This is where your season plan is set.
4-Think win/win
constant improvement in certain areas in order maximise potential. The aim is to find the point where the players get the most benefit for themselves and also get the correct results on the pitch=win win
There three aspects to this:
Character
Relationships
Agreements
Ask yourself as a coach:
What qualities will enable the team to get results and enjoy the football they play?and also develop as players?
What positive traits can be reinforced to give the team a strong character?enjoyment,determination?love of hard work?
How can the team be managed in a way in way that brings character into line with the goal?
Relationships this is about finding the win/win balance in management qualities ask yourself questions like.
How can I have discipline without being seen as a bully?
How can I let players get involved in making choices without being seen as week?
How can I can I get my players playing for with out to friendly to the team?
Agreements
This is for aspects for example discipline or goals where the squad will have a say in what goals will need to e set and what goals should be let go.
5-seek first to understand the be understood
This is something the coach must do consistsantly. This focusing on aspects such as understanding the specialist areas which will influence the performance of the team yourself, understanding the players. This should be an attitude of constant learning.
Continuously observe players in different situations
Continue to learn new coaching methods
Be a reflective coach
Before the coach can put the correct message across or train the players in a way they will easily understand the coach must first aim to understand the factors of the game him/herself.
6 -develop synergy
The aim of this habit is for the coach to balance all of the above habits and to constantly refine each one until improvement continues. All factors influence success therefore balance all and aim for a good interaction between all of the parts ask yourself questions like?
How can a balance be created in the teams actions?
How can each area be refined economically?
7-sharpen the saw
This one of the most important, most coaches will work on basics but then alot will move on quickly when they think they have done what is needed. This is wrong the basics are the foundation of all success you can only be as good as your basic factors allow you to be both as a team and as a coach.This means:
Constantly refine the aspects of the coaching process such as observation, communication, planning effective sessions etc
Working hard in the four basic areas of performance-physical,mental, tactical, technical
Constantly sharpen the basic aspects of your own methods play in relation to your vision
1-Be proactive
This not just taking initiative this is the first step achieving you goals as a coach/ team. The acknowledgement that as a whole the players and coach are responsible for achieving the goals that have been set. In other words your goals are in your hands and that is the first thing to realise.
Focus only what can be controlled.
There are two aspects to this:
What can you as coach control relating to your own performance?
What aspects of performance can the team control?
Take positive steps to control these aspects and improve them.
You can only improve what you can influence, if you try to influence what you can’t control you create factors which lead to poor performance. The intelligent use of control is a good habit to develop as a coach.
2-Begin with the end in mind.
This is your coaching vision and can be divided into two sections:
What are your values, beliefs and views as a coach? In other words what is your coaching mission statement?
Do you have a clear image of how you want your team to play?
How will your team use the ball?
How will you organise your defence?
Your midfield?
Your attack?
How will these interact?
Which aspect is most important?
How will you organise your set plays?
What qualities are most important to you in a team?
How will you know you have achieved this?
How will you train to achieve it?
3-Put first things first
After one and two you should have a list of controllable factors for both performance as a team and yourself as a coach and a clear vision of your own philosophy towards important aspects of the game.
You have the goal i.e where you want to be and have a list of factors which you can improve to get you there.
This is the part where the coaching and team training habits are acted out on the training ground in step by step way. Ask yourself certain questions.
What will be the goals for each training session?week?month of the season?
What particular aspects will need to be reinforced in relation to the end goal?
Which training methods will effectively achieve my aims? what specific tweaks on these will refine these improvements?
How can I use/improve the squads strengths and weaknesses to bring the achievement of the goal closer?
This the phase where you plan and act out what needs to be done to achieve the overall season goal. The point is not to just to develop positive habits on the training ground it about developing the correct habits in relation to the aims you have set as a coach and team.This is where your season plan is set.
4-Think win/win
constant improvement in certain areas in order maximise potential. The aim is to find the point where the players get the most benefit for themselves and also get the correct results on the pitch=win win
There three aspects to this:
Character
Relationships
Agreements
Ask yourself as a coach:
What qualities will enable the team to get results and enjoy the football they play?and also develop as players?
What positive traits can be reinforced to give the team a strong character?enjoyment,determination?love of hard work?
How can the team be managed in a way in way that brings character into line with the goal?
Relationships this is about finding the win/win balance in management qualities ask yourself questions like.
How can I have discipline without being seen as a bully?
How can I let players get involved in making choices without being seen as week?
How can I can I get my players playing for with out to friendly to the team?
Agreements
This is for aspects for example discipline or goals where the squad will have a say in what goals will need to e set and what goals should be let go.
5-seek first to understand the be understood
This is something the coach must do consistsantly. This focusing on aspects such as understanding the specialist areas which will influence the performance of the team yourself, understanding the players. This should be an attitude of constant learning.
Continuously observe players in different situations
Continue to learn new coaching methods
Be a reflective coach
Before the coach can put the correct message across or train the players in a way they will easily understand the coach must first aim to understand the factors of the game him/herself.
6 -develop synergy
The aim of this habit is for the coach to balance all of the above habits and to constantly refine each one until improvement continues. All factors influence success therefore balance all and aim for a good interaction between all of the parts ask yourself questions like?
How can a balance be created in the teams actions?
How can each area be refined economically?
7-sharpen the saw
This one of the most important, most coaches will work on basics but then alot will move on quickly when they think they have done what is needed. This is wrong the basics are the foundation of all success you can only be as good as your basic factors allow you to be both as a team and as a coach.This means:
Constantly refine the aspects of the coaching process such as observation, communication, planning effective sessions etc
Working hard in the four basic areas of performance-physical,mental, tactical, technical
Constantly sharpen the basic aspects of your own methods play in relation to your vision
An introduction to the Global Method of Coaching Soccer
How do modern coaches such as Mourinho, Wenger,Hiddink and others manage to increase performance of players beyond the normal bounds of todays training limits? Limits such as fitness, tactical limits of players restricted training time etc....the answer is in the use of the Global Method of Coaching.
What is the Global Method of Coaching Soccer?
To first understand this method we need to understand the Principle of Specificity. This priciple states that in order to perform in any sport the training given to a performer must be desinged only for that sport and its given demands, taking this a step further training must be specific to the system which will be played by the team. Now lets take that further, those of us of a soccer coaching or training back ground will understand that there are many methods such as patterns, conditioned games, drills and unopposed drills, speed and agility work and also back ground support such as specialised gyms. Loooking at these try and fit these into a game and you will find that non of these can be isolated or seperated during match performance and also that no specific area is soley the reason for a given result i.e winning is not just down fitness, technique etc.Given this shouldnt our soccer training be conducted in a way that ensures that as many of the areas of performance are worked TOGETHER as possible?
This is what Global Training achieves all four areas of performance i.e mental, physical, technical and tactical are conditioned at the same time, in line with how they would be in a game
The main methods of Global training are small sided transition based games and specific strength, speed and resistance training based on the teams model of play. The aim of this article is to provide with four tools to improve your coaching along the lines of the global method. I will provide examples but the main aim will be to give a format so that you as a coach can use your own imagination this is most important!
This will focus on four areas:
Small sided global games
Adjustments to the games
Adjusting training from the model of play
Effectively ordering the weekly cycle of sessions between games
Small sided global games
Small sided global games are training games which include all four moments of play i.e attacking, defending, transition from attack to defense and transition from defense to attack. Included in these games is technique conditioning, tactical conditoning and decision making ensuring a Global work focus.
In order to do this games should be set out in a specific format as follows:
2v2 -4x2min, 2 min rest,30x20 yard grid(80%HR)
3v3-4x4 mins 30 secs,1 min 30 secs rest,40x25 yard grid(90%-100%HR WITH MAN MARKING)
4x4-4x4mins,2 mins rest,40x30 yard grid(90%HR)
5v5-4x6mins,1min 30secs rest,45x30 yard grid(80%-90%HR)
6v6-3x8mins,1 mins 30 secs rest,50x30 yard grid(80%HR)
8v8-4x8mins,1 mins 30 secs rest,75x45 yard grid(80%HR)
This format for each of the game set ups above will provide a foundation for meeting fitness objectives whether aerobic or anerobic. Even doing a keep ball sessions with this basic format would increase your players fitness beyond traditional methods depending on the intensity of the game set up you choose. But in order to make these games fully effective we need to consider our objectives and the adjustments we can make.
Adjusting the games
The basic format has already been outlined but in order to make these more effective we have to consider fine tuning the conditions.
A note about transition, I have not stated above that each game must have goals as attack and defense are not the only form of transition. The moment of gaining and losing the ball is also a form of transition. So it is this area we will be looking at also within the conditions.
There are three main adjustment areas for the global method:
Adjusting the area size/shape
Adjusting the number of touches on the ball
Numbers up/Numbers down
Why change only these three? This is a good question to ask, the answe is again specificity of training. If you watch any match three aspect will change all of the time 1) the space which can be played in, 2) the number of player at different times of the game both supporting and pressuring the player with the ball,3) as a result of both of the other two changing the number of touches a player can take on the ball in any given space of time will change. During these changes we do notput a limit on which technique must be used during play as the technical solution to each problem players face will not be the same all of the time, we need players that can think and play with a range of technique!
Adjusting the areas size/ shape
Changing the size of the area will adjust the focus onto two main aspects, firstlt the larger the area the more choice of decisions and so tactic which are open to the players, making the area smaller will place the focus on speed of thought and action increasing the skill needed to make a decision and put this into action. This will also increase the number of skill repetitions performed by a player in a space of time giving a more intense individual cardiovascular work out.
The third of the pitch such as defensive,midfield or attacking third will also give the area more effectiveness, for example if the area is the attacking third the tactical focus is attacking. If you keep one goal and change the size you can see how more skill is needed to attack in a smaller area at a faster work rate.
Why no end zones or curved/ daigonal sides? Although usefull to traditonal training methods the use of areas other than tight areas or areas which are not one of the above tactical thirds is counter to what takes place during a game. For example training in a circle is not specific to the game, during one of the games phases the team may be tighly spaced into one of the three thirds but always in the area of the whole rectcangle pitch therefore there is only a need to use variations of square/ rectangle zones, half or full pitches. We can also use three third pitches in line with specificity. The way players think about space in training must be how they think of it during a game.
Adjusting the touches on the ball
Adjusting the touches on the ball is very good condition to adjust, this should be done with the training aim of being able to play skillful soccer with as few touches as possible when needed or to be able to hold the ball 1v1 when needed.
Adjustments to touches should be made as follows in order of priority:
1v1 holding the ball
3 touch
2 touch
1 touch
The rational for this is as follows, before players can hold the ball as a team they need to be able to do so as individuals, before the team can play fast one touch soccer they need to be able to hold the ball as a team playing 3 or 2 touch soccer with good control.
When you add this to different area size and shape/ format as listed above you get a realistic pressure thus giving a realistic tool for adding the global aspect of technique. Thus far we have looked at the main ways to adjust fitness, technique and decision making in a global way but what about tactics?
Numbers up/Numbers down
This is the first of two areas where tactics come into to play the second will be discussed later.
When we adjust this conditon we adjust the tactical problem to be solved, for example take a 6v5 keep away and we have 6 with an advantage conditoning the 6 to solve the problem of how to keep the ball in when they have numbers up, flip this around and we can have five 5 learning to keep when outnumbered. When we add the above adjustments it is possible to adjust our training globally to any situation or principle of play we can think of.
We can also run double themed games, for example we can coach the 5 to press. We can work on how we press? When do we press? The structure of numbered up/numbered down games is best done in the way of tactical problem solving.
Adjusting training games to the model of play
When trining we can make our Games more Globally specific by focusing them onto the model of play.
For example if we play 4 in midfield we can work on varitions of 4v4 using only our midfield players,for example 4v3 in case we come up against a system of 3 midfielders or we could use 4 defenders v 5 attackers. In order to adjust or games for the playing model we need to ask the following basic question what qualities do my players have? I will work through an example using a 4-4-2.
Our model is the 4-4-2, our players are 2 strikers, 4 mids including 2 wingers, and 4 defenders.
With this decided you wil need to discuss how you will defend and you attitue to ball possession and movement. This example lets work on ball orientated defending and mostly 2-1 touch play.
You will then need to define how each segment (def,mid and attack) will play as a unit then in relation to each other. We will go with a back four which plays zonaly and midfield which presses as a 4 infront of the back four when we dont have the ball and when we do have the ball wide players join the attack giving effectively 4 strikers, we will ask for constant movement from our 2 strikers. Thus giving us a basic model which we can use to outline a basic format from the method above. I will outline the example format below.
4-4-2 Example format
Primary training themes
-possesion
-1/2 touch play in small spaces
-shooting
-penetration/width
Secondary themes
- movement of the stikers as a pair
-wing support
-midfield defending
- back four
These are the themes which we would use to develope or global training, we take the above adjustments and decide on a bank of drills which would globally train the above tactical themes with the specific fitness to perform these themes.
A word of warning before you plan this is that when you have developed what you need for your system the drills cant be used or another system as specific needs between systems vary, it is no good trying to globally condition a 4-4-2 then playing a 4-3-3.
Once you have decided the system work backwards from this, this is called reverse performance coaching. You would then work back to create you global games in line with the specific demands.
You would then adjust the above format of games and adjustments to condition the end results as they would be played in a match thus giving you a specific training model, I advice you practice adjusting the principles to the above outline to gain an understanding.
Effectively ordering the weekly cycle
To do this work as follows:
Low to high intensity
As an example lets say you have a game every weekend and train every day you would work as follows:
Game>>>recovery intensity>>>>>low/medium intensity>>>>medium>>>>>high intensity>>>match
Remember that each sessions you are working your primary themes more intense every sessions and working the sub themes on a roation basis.
Once you have done this for pre-season you would then alter your games to globally train your team to play against the weakness of the opponent thu developing a game plan.
I hope this has given you a basic insight into this method or sparked your thinking enough to do more learning.
What is the Global Method of Coaching Soccer?
To first understand this method we need to understand the Principle of Specificity. This priciple states that in order to perform in any sport the training given to a performer must be desinged only for that sport and its given demands, taking this a step further training must be specific to the system which will be played by the team. Now lets take that further, those of us of a soccer coaching or training back ground will understand that there are many methods such as patterns, conditioned games, drills and unopposed drills, speed and agility work and also back ground support such as specialised gyms. Loooking at these try and fit these into a game and you will find that non of these can be isolated or seperated during match performance and also that no specific area is soley the reason for a given result i.e winning is not just down fitness, technique etc.Given this shouldnt our soccer training be conducted in a way that ensures that as many of the areas of performance are worked TOGETHER as possible?
This is what Global Training achieves all four areas of performance i.e mental, physical, technical and tactical are conditioned at the same time, in line with how they would be in a game
The main methods of Global training are small sided transition based games and specific strength, speed and resistance training based on the teams model of play. The aim of this article is to provide with four tools to improve your coaching along the lines of the global method. I will provide examples but the main aim will be to give a format so that you as a coach can use your own imagination this is most important!
This will focus on four areas:
Small sided global games
Adjustments to the games
Adjusting training from the model of play
Effectively ordering the weekly cycle of sessions between games
Small sided global games
Small sided global games are training games which include all four moments of play i.e attacking, defending, transition from attack to defense and transition from defense to attack. Included in these games is technique conditioning, tactical conditoning and decision making ensuring a Global work focus.
In order to do this games should be set out in a specific format as follows:
2v2 -4x2min, 2 min rest,30x20 yard grid(80%HR)
3v3-4x4 mins 30 secs,1 min 30 secs rest,40x25 yard grid(90%-100%HR WITH MAN MARKING)
4x4-4x4mins,2 mins rest,40x30 yard grid(90%HR)
5v5-4x6mins,1min 30secs rest,45x30 yard grid(80%-90%HR)
6v6-3x8mins,1 mins 30 secs rest,50x30 yard grid(80%HR)
8v8-4x8mins,1 mins 30 secs rest,75x45 yard grid(80%HR)
This format for each of the game set ups above will provide a foundation for meeting fitness objectives whether aerobic or anerobic. Even doing a keep ball sessions with this basic format would increase your players fitness beyond traditional methods depending on the intensity of the game set up you choose. But in order to make these games fully effective we need to consider our objectives and the adjustments we can make.
Adjusting the games
The basic format has already been outlined but in order to make these more effective we have to consider fine tuning the conditions.
A note about transition, I have not stated above that each game must have goals as attack and defense are not the only form of transition. The moment of gaining and losing the ball is also a form of transition. So it is this area we will be looking at also within the conditions.
There are three main adjustment areas for the global method:
Adjusting the area size/shape
Adjusting the number of touches on the ball
Numbers up/Numbers down
Why change only these three? This is a good question to ask, the answe is again specificity of training. If you watch any match three aspect will change all of the time 1) the space which can be played in, 2) the number of player at different times of the game both supporting and pressuring the player with the ball,3) as a result of both of the other two changing the number of touches a player can take on the ball in any given space of time will change. During these changes we do notput a limit on which technique must be used during play as the technical solution to each problem players face will not be the same all of the time, we need players that can think and play with a range of technique!
Adjusting the areas size/ shape
Changing the size of the area will adjust the focus onto two main aspects, firstlt the larger the area the more choice of decisions and so tactic which are open to the players, making the area smaller will place the focus on speed of thought and action increasing the skill needed to make a decision and put this into action. This will also increase the number of skill repetitions performed by a player in a space of time giving a more intense individual cardiovascular work out.
The third of the pitch such as defensive,midfield or attacking third will also give the area more effectiveness, for example if the area is the attacking third the tactical focus is attacking. If you keep one goal and change the size you can see how more skill is needed to attack in a smaller area at a faster work rate.
Why no end zones or curved/ daigonal sides? Although usefull to traditonal training methods the use of areas other than tight areas or areas which are not one of the above tactical thirds is counter to what takes place during a game. For example training in a circle is not specific to the game, during one of the games phases the team may be tighly spaced into one of the three thirds but always in the area of the whole rectcangle pitch therefore there is only a need to use variations of square/ rectangle zones, half or full pitches. We can also use three third pitches in line with specificity. The way players think about space in training must be how they think of it during a game.
Adjusting the touches on the ball
Adjusting the touches on the ball is very good condition to adjust, this should be done with the training aim of being able to play skillful soccer with as few touches as possible when needed or to be able to hold the ball 1v1 when needed.
Adjustments to touches should be made as follows in order of priority:
1v1 holding the ball
3 touch
2 touch
1 touch
The rational for this is as follows, before players can hold the ball as a team they need to be able to do so as individuals, before the team can play fast one touch soccer they need to be able to hold the ball as a team playing 3 or 2 touch soccer with good control.
When you add this to different area size and shape/ format as listed above you get a realistic pressure thus giving a realistic tool for adding the global aspect of technique. Thus far we have looked at the main ways to adjust fitness, technique and decision making in a global way but what about tactics?
Numbers up/Numbers down
This is the first of two areas where tactics come into to play the second will be discussed later.
When we adjust this conditon we adjust the tactical problem to be solved, for example take a 6v5 keep away and we have 6 with an advantage conditoning the 6 to solve the problem of how to keep the ball in when they have numbers up, flip this around and we can have five 5 learning to keep when outnumbered. When we add the above adjustments it is possible to adjust our training globally to any situation or principle of play we can think of.
We can also run double themed games, for example we can coach the 5 to press. We can work on how we press? When do we press? The structure of numbered up/numbered down games is best done in the way of tactical problem solving.
Adjusting training games to the model of play
When trining we can make our Games more Globally specific by focusing them onto the model of play.
For example if we play 4 in midfield we can work on varitions of 4v4 using only our midfield players,for example 4v3 in case we come up against a system of 3 midfielders or we could use 4 defenders v 5 attackers. In order to adjust or games for the playing model we need to ask the following basic question what qualities do my players have? I will work through an example using a 4-4-2.
Our model is the 4-4-2, our players are 2 strikers, 4 mids including 2 wingers, and 4 defenders.
With this decided you wil need to discuss how you will defend and you attitue to ball possession and movement. This example lets work on ball orientated defending and mostly 2-1 touch play.
You will then need to define how each segment (def,mid and attack) will play as a unit then in relation to each other. We will go with a back four which plays zonaly and midfield which presses as a 4 infront of the back four when we dont have the ball and when we do have the ball wide players join the attack giving effectively 4 strikers, we will ask for constant movement from our 2 strikers. Thus giving us a basic model which we can use to outline a basic format from the method above. I will outline the example format below.
4-4-2 Example format
Primary training themes
-possesion
-1/2 touch play in small spaces
-shooting
-penetration/width
Secondary themes
- movement of the stikers as a pair
-wing support
-midfield defending
- back four
These are the themes which we would use to develope or global training, we take the above adjustments and decide on a bank of drills which would globally train the above tactical themes with the specific fitness to perform these themes.
A word of warning before you plan this is that when you have developed what you need for your system the drills cant be used or another system as specific needs between systems vary, it is no good trying to globally condition a 4-4-2 then playing a 4-3-3.
Once you have decided the system work backwards from this, this is called reverse performance coaching. You would then work back to create you global games in line with the specific demands.
You would then adjust the above format of games and adjustments to condition the end results as they would be played in a match thus giving you a specific training model, I advice you practice adjusting the principles to the above outline to gain an understanding.
Effectively ordering the weekly cycle
To do this work as follows:
Low to high intensity
As an example lets say you have a game every weekend and train every day you would work as follows:
Game>>>recovery intensity>>>>>low/medium intensity>>>>medium>>>>>high intensity>>>match
Remember that each sessions you are working your primary themes more intense every sessions and working the sub themes on a roation basis.
Once you have done this for pre-season you would then alter your games to globally train your team to play against the weakness of the opponent thu developing a game plan.
I hope this has given you a basic insight into this method or sparked your thinking enough to do more learning.
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