Using the Integrated method of coaching for Football

The integrated method of coaching for Football is a method used by extensively by RB at Liverpool and now more extensively by Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United, Arsen Wenger also uses or has used this method with good results.It is used mainly in Europe and South America.Thought I would provide some material and get your thoughts.

The Integrated Method of coaching for Football

This method is highly specific basing its coaching points on a global perspective with a main focus on:

-Visual cues

-Techniques as the relate to tactical issues during the match

-Conditioning

-Decision making

-Position Specific Skills

The aim of this method is to allow players to train in such a way that they "see, hear, feel and then perform" the specific roles during performance while seeing how this is affects the whole team from holistic perspective. This has the effect of producing a tactically and technically disciplined performance with players conditioned specifically for that performance as it relates to a model of play whether it is Defensive or Attacking.

One central teaching of this method is that if a player has the ball at his feet he is always learning.

One of the main ways of using the integrated method of coaching for football is the mirror approach, this involves patterns with a ball which can be mirrored either of the pitch. These can be adapted using tools such as speed ladders, hurdles, agility poles etc depending on the fitness goal. The key is that movements are repeated starting in fixed patterns at slower speeds and then moving up to patterns allow for guided discovery. Players must "discover" how to use the techniques of there specific role/position in line with the determined training goal. This can allow for snap shots during training to make coaching points around the above which integrate the whole performance. This method can also be used in small sided games.

Motivation is also increased using this method as the player is encouraged to give maximum attention while improving performance all round for the team and specifically for the position they play in.

Before this method of coaching for football can be used a specific and progressive model of play is needed which will then be used to plan the micro-cycles of training during the season, this will then be complimented with situation specific patterns based on previous match performance allowing for holistic improvement of the team model of play week by week.

It is important that the high intensity training given is complimented by an attitude of relaxation on the pitch.

The method ensures that individuals are improved and complimented with the group allowing for a focus on the effect of the individual on the actions of the group.

Every aspect of performance is taken into account allowing the player to structure the following factors in relation to their own performance:

-Emotional

-Physical

-Psychological

-Team structure

-Development of habit

-Performance in relation to specific goals/problems

-Creative expression

The set up relates to learning styles and focus of attention. A basic example is using two teams in an attack v defense format you first show the basic pattern of play for the attack so the players see what it looks like, they then listen and hear coaching points and sound sounds such as calls from players etc this is then increased in speed and performed. Players also feel the pressure of resistance/presence in the form of opposing players.There is also an element that players can discover their own patterns stemming from the basic pattern .You can also do this with equipment for fitness etc.

The point of the method is to repeat this to point where habit is then created.