Michael Loftman
@michael_loftman
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First Team Assistant Coach @Masandawana | Author | UEFA A | MSc | Prev: @spursofficial @watfordfc @orlandopirates @efa @lommelskoff | Coach Education Store ⬇️
Home: London | Current: 🇿🇦
Joined September 2016
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100 Coaching Practices is OUT NOW!
The product contains 100 animated videos, plus a 280 page eBook to help you develop your players, units, and teams. Topics include build-up play, pressing, 1v1s, set pieces, and much much more.
Purchase here:
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Struggle —> success = Creation of Grit.
Grit is the Number 1 characteristic related to success.
A great lesson for all coaches and parents....
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Rest Defence Structures
Check a variety of rest defence structures used to prevent counter attacks and support possession
Educating players on different rest defence structures, allows players to adapt the structure during the game based on the oppositions rest attack positions
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15 Types of Coaching Exercises
When we are planning sessions, it’s key we are aware of the different types of exercises, to then identify the best type to meet the specific objectives we have set.
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What a fantastic few days… On Friday I was delighted to hear that I have been accepted onto the 2024/25 UEFA Pro License course, continuing my coach education journey with the English FA.
Then on Sunday we were crowned African Champions in the inaugural African Football League
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Back in 2014, one of the Tutors came to the academy I was working in to assess one of my sessions. One of the components to be measured was my ‘ball-rolling-time’. It turned out to be one of the most valuable coaching lessons i’ve had.
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Ideal Purpose of Build Up Play:
1) Invite the Press
2) Play Through/Around/Over the Press
3) Exploit Spaces & Score
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8 Lessons from my 13 years coaching so far…
1) Coaching Hours
Nothing can replace training & match hours on the field. No matter how many books i’ve read or courses completed, i’ve learnt far more from the 1000s of practical hours. Get on the pitch as often as possible
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Developing the Game Model with the Youth one step at a time....
Work hard on the process, and the rest will follow
⚽️⚽️⚽️
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Defending Long Balls - The Basics
- Defensive Line Height & Structure
- Individual Players' Body Shape (To Drop/Step)
- Communication from Player Attacking the Ball
- Supportive Positioning (Cover & 2nd Balls)
- Aerial Duel Execution
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Stop joystick/remote controlling your players decisions. You are not helping their decision making ability by controlling their decision making. You are restricting their development and long term performance.
This especially applies to youth football
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After working with Mhango for 2 seasons... i am not at all surprised about him scoring that goal. Fits his personality and ability perfectly.
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When I was coaching the U23 Orlando Pirates Team, Arthur Zwane’s Chiefs team was without a doubt the hardest game we played. They were one of the only teams to attack with the intent of dominating the game. All the best to Arthur and Dillon.
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Fantastic to see… Football is moving, don’t get left behind
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15 Types of Exercises for Coaches to use during Training Sessions
Had a great time delivering workshops over the last 2 days to over 200 coaches. Thank you to all that attended and participated ⚽️📝🧠🙏🏽
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Build-Up Rondos
A simple game to practice both build-up actions and key rondo elements including awareness, decision-making triggers, receiving under pressure, angles of support, plus much more.
You can adapt the structure based on your own team’s central build-up structure.
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8 Coaching Principles for Coaches of All Levels
Below are 8 principles which all coaches should use to maximise the development, performance, and happiness of the players they are working with.
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Wide Angle Footage:
In 24 Hours I'll be sharing a link with Wide Angle footage for coaches to use (Educational purposes only).
If you would like to receive the link... Like, RT, and WhatsApp +27647833264 to join the broadcast list.
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A Great International Camp with the Egyptian National Team. Next, two World Cup Qualifiers to prepare for in November.
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Pressing Pairs
- A simple practice to progress from individual to unit pressing detail.
- Short bouts of pressing to regain in a maximum of 10 seconds.
No.77 from 100 Coaching Practices. Purchase Below:
eBook:
Amazon:
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12 years of coaching, 6 FA Courses, 2 UEFA courses, Bachelors & Masters Degrees, 7 short books, Premier League Head Coach at 25, numerous academy roles, untold hours of experience with players from 3 to 38... football will kill you before you get what you deserve.
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In modern day elite football you need to do at least one of two things:
- Create a game model that works against the majority of structures and strategies
OR
- Be tactically flexible week in week out to deal with a variety of structures and strategies
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Tactical Phases of the Game
The game is constantly evolving, we can no longer analyse the game using only the traditional ' In possession, out of possession, transitions, and Set Pieces'. We have to break the game down deeper to the next level.
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A Decision Making Thread for Coaches
Influencing football players' decision making is a fundamental role of the coach. If the decisions the player makes are not changing, then how much of a difference are we really making?
Below are key concepts for us to be aware of/understand
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1v1 Defending in Wide Areas
Dealing with 1v1 situations is a key element of Final Third Defending. There is a huge amount of detail to consider when coaching the topic. Picking the most suitable principles and details is the challenge.
Some Detail within the Thread
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Fantastic game plan from Argentina:
- Overload and Attack left side restricting Mbappe’s involvement in transitions
- Deep Full Back on the right side to create 2v1 when Mbappe presses the CB
- If France’s left back jumps/attacks it opens up space for quick passes in behind
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A short and clear example of 'Rest Defence'
There has been lots of confusion regarding what rest defence is
It is simply the defensive organisation while attacking to prepare for transitions. This involves supporting the counter press and dealing with counter attacks
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Today will be my last day working at Orlando Pirates. It's been an unbelievable 2 and a half years full of experiences I will be taking with me in my next chapter.
Thank you to the management, staff, players, & fans, and all the best for the upcoming fixtures.
☠️
#OnceAlways
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Principles for Defending 1v1 in Wide Areas
• Arrive Early
• Slow Down
• Keep Right Distance
• Foot Position
• Force Decision
• Stay Agile
• Step Across
• Time the Tackle
• Blocking
• If in Doubt, Force Outside
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Great concept from Mauricio Pochettino..... When you sign a contract as a football player, you sign a contract to train, playing is a privelige that must be earned.
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4 Types of Counter Attacks:
- Direct Pass
- Direct Dribble
- Direct Switch
- Combination Play
Multiple methods can be used in one counter attack. E.g. A Direct Switch with Combination Play on the opposite side of the pitch.
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Breaking the Line Behind the Full Back (Thread)
For years this type of run behind the full back has been a primary method for getting into critical areas in the Final Third. The idea is for the full back to be pulled out of the defensive line creating gaps to be exploited.
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Virgil van Dijk on 1v1 Defending
While there are no set instructions for 1v1 defending, there are consistent principles that the best defenders use e.g
• Forcing the Opponent
• Anticipation of Dribble Direction
• Body Position to Increase Agility
Coaching Details in thread
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5 Methods to Beat the Press:
1. Around the Press
2. Through the Press
3. Over the Press
4. Dodge the Press
5. 2nd Balls
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10 Coaching Points for Defending the Long Ball
Some extra points to build on the previous video, with short explanations for each.
Info also in the thread below:
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Coaching a high defensive line.....
In relation to yesterday’s topic, i’ve put together some of the detail I have used when coaching a high line. I’m sure there is more so please feel free to share ideas.
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Happy Birtbday
@coach_rulani
May we forever fight over session plans, tactics, life, and everything in between
Keep leading the way for us, we are behind you 👊🏽⚽️
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Rest Attack & Rest Defence (Thread)
Answering questions I received after yesterdays post
What is 'Rest Defence'? Simply put, it's the support and structure behind the final third attack to help retain & circulate possession, support counter pressing, and prevent counter attacks
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7 Steps to Session Planning
Training time is golden, and every minute is valuable, yet coaches often plan with little to no detail. This may be due to time constraints, uncertainty, or not valuing session time enough.
Here are 7 Steps for Professional Session Planning
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5 High Press Strategies:
1. Man to Man
2. Invite Short to Force Long
3. Central Pressing Traps
4. Wide Pressing Traps
5. Player Specific Pressing Traps
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Some Free Coach Education Content is now available on the below google drive link:
Feel free to watch, download, share, like, RT.
Great idea with the google drive that I stole from
@CarlonCarpenter
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Amazing hearing other young people spreading words of wisdom. Check the message and delivery of
@NomzamoMbatha
- priveliged to listen... Age and wisdom do not always correlate.
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Currently writing my 2nd book, containing 100 training exercises organised based on the topics and objectives.
There is almost an unlimited amount of detail that can go into the designing, planning, and execution of training exercises. Selecting the key info is the challenge ⚽️
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As coaches we can study football & complete as many coaching courses as we want. The most important form of intelligence will always be emotional intelligence. Tactics mean nothing if the players don’t want to play for you. I’m not sure theres a course that will teach that.
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My Coaching Roadmap so far...
A 14 Year Journey full of risks, ups, downs, successes, failures, lessons. But most importantly, 1000's of hours of coaching & management experiences.
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15 Types of Coaching Practices:
- Individuals
- Team Building Games
- Ball Mastery
- Possession Games
- Positional Games
- Waves
- Technical Patterns
- Tactical Patterns
- Phase Practices
- Picture Practices
- Mini-Sided
- Small-Sided
- Medium-Sided
- 11v11s
- 11v11 Run Through
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What your team looks like across the different phases of the game is a key element of developing a game model.
1. What does the team look like when building up?
2. How do they organise out of possession?
3. What mentality is demonstrated during transition moments?
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Pattern Practices: The Trade Offs
Unopposed and semi-opposed pattern practices are continuously discussed in relation to whether they are 'right' or 'wrong'. Their use should be based on the context and objectives. However, coaches must understand the trade-offs
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8 Tips to Maximise Efficiency during your Coaching Sessions:
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Jumping to Press
A Definition: Sprinting out of the position/zone/unit to press another horizontal or vertical position/zone/unit
Jumping refers to moving from one line, zone, or position, to another. In the modern game it's common to see players sprinting over larger distances
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Coaches! 2022's Most Popular Content Available Tonight..
In 12 Hours you can download my updated Google Drive Link containing Videos, Diagrams, Footage and much more
To receive this link:
1. Like
2. RT
3. Join my WhatsApp Group along with 475 coaches:
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Jumping to Press
• Anticipation
• Acceleration
• Communication with Teammates
• Deceleration
• Decision on Arrival
• Force the Opponent
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Using the Counter Press after losing 2nd Balls
Of course we all like to build up... However 2nd balls can still be a key part of the game.
Pressing after losing 2nd balls can create positive transition moments where the opponents structure may be vulnerable
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Pressing Pairs - No.77 from 100 Coaching Practices
- A simple practice to progress from individual pressing detail to unit pressing detail
- Quick bouts of pressing to regain the ball in a maximum time of 10 seconds
- Focus: Linking pressing angles & distances with intensity
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CB's vs the False 9
False 9 movements have created a number of tactical questions for coaches to deal with, particularly when high pressing.
- Should the CB follow?
- How far does the CB follow?
- Who is responsible for the gap left?
- Is CB mobile enough to follow & recover?
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Thank you South Africa. It’s the end of an era. I’m so grateful for everyone who has made the last 4 years such an unbelievable experience. Memories to be cherished for a lifetime.
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Coaches... It’s so important to ensure our players stay in love with football. How do we want players to feel when they leave the training pitch?
Our MDC Matchday -1 finished with competitions between defenders, midfielders & attackers.
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Free Coach Education Content via WhatsApp
I try to broadcast content 3-4 times a week, sharing content on tactics, methodology plus much more.
If you already receive this content please like & RT to share with others.
If you would like to join, like, RT & message +27647833264
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Identifying & Building a Successful Football Club
For coaches currently working on building a club or looking to join a club, here are 7 key factors to consider.
It’s key to start from the bottom and work your way up.
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Crossing from the Byline
Getting to the byline is one of the most effective ways to create high quality chances. However, once arriving at the byline, the crossing decision becomes key.
The structure of the opponents plays a huge role in making the right decision.
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A list of jobs i had before i even stepped into an Academy/First Team Job
Shop Sales Assistant
Flyer Distributor
Events Promoter
Stock Room Assistant
Museum Assistant
Multi Sports Coach
U3-5s Coach
PE Teacher
Sports Scientist Intern
Web & Marketing Designer
Sunday League Coach
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Rondo Races - No. 23 from 100 Coaching Practices
100s of coaches are using the Coaching Practices Book to:
- Improve Sessions
- Develop Players
- Build Teams
- Coach New Detail
- Course Support
Purchase eBook:
Purchase Paperback:
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Unbelievable that so many coaches are receiving rejection emails for coaching courses, and many countries are running no courses at all
If there was 400 applications with 30 spaces available clearly more courses are needed
This has been going on for 10+ years in some countries
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Absolutely fascinating watching the Man City vs Chelsea on repeat.
Chelsea using Higuain & Barkley in the high press... both over 6 feet, slow change of direction & speed.
Man City: Silva, Aguero, Sterling... all under 5 ft 8, quicker change of direction & speed.
Important?
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The Player Development & Performance Puzzle
Why do players develop at different speeds and in different directions? What causes player performance to fluctuate? How can we facilitate consistent developers and performers? The puzzle below shows 12 of the key factors.
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Exactly two years ago i was coming to the end of my 3 months in South Africa without a job, growing debt and just enough money to fly home for Christmas. With sacrifice, lots of risk, and lots of persistence.. life has turned around. Never give up on the things you dream of 🙏🏽
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Currently Uploading:
- England DNA PDF
- Barcelona Philosophy PDF
- My First Short Psychology Book for Coaches
- 10 Session Plans from my UEFA A License
- Belgium FA Philosophy PDF
Please RT and submit your email on to be in the mail-out tomorrow night!
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10 Competitive Matchday Scenarios to Consider
• Conceding Early
• Chasing the Game
• Playing with 10
• Opponent Strategy Changes
• Opponent Structure Changes
• Scoring Early
• Protecting the Game
• Playing against 10
• Major Weather Changes
• Injuries to Key Players
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No Coaching is better than Bad Coaching.
When players aren’t coached at all, they rely on their own intelligence to make decisions.
Bad coaching restricts and interferes with players’ ability to make their own decisions.
No Coaching > Bad Coaching
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Corner Traps
A transition & possession game to develop counter pressing and ball retention to beat the counter press
This is a practice from the 100 Coaching Practices eBook + Animated Videos
Pre-Order:
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Phrases I hope players will never hear again from coaches:
“Play the way you are facing”
“Don’t play across the goal”
“If in doubt, kick it out”
I’m sure there are alot more classics that I could recall from childhood football…..
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Practice No.25: Rondo Runners
Here is one of the practices from the 100 Coaching Practices eBook with Animations.
Rondo runners adds running with the ball under pressure, high intensity sprints, with extra accelerations and decelerations, to the normal rondo games.
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9 Tips when Coaching a High Defensive Line
--
Playing a high defensive line can be a huge challenge to coach without the correct detail, especially in moments where there is no pressure on the ball.
Check the detail below to take your defensive line coaching to the next level
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5 Player Personality Types
After working with 1000s of players from 40+ countries, I have created 5 different player personality types which are common to find. Of course personality traits overlap, but having an idea of ‘types’ helps identify some of the key differences
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Had some great feedback on the layout thank you 🙏🏽
The most common suggestion was to turn the bottom ‘Game Flow & Rules’ paragraph into bullet points, which i’ve taken on board. I think this looks a lot better and should save time for coaches using the exercise ⚽️📝🎯
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5 Cut Back Movements for players to use in the box to exploit Cut Back situations
- Out to In
- Near Post
- Late Arrival Central
- Late Arrival Back Post
- Hold the Run
Decisions on the best movement should be based on the context - e.g. available angle and space in the box
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Best of Luck to the Egyptian National Team at AFCON
It was a fantastic experience living in Egypt working with the National Team. This included opportunities to work with some of the best player’s and staff in World Football, and many of the best on the African Continent.
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Defending Corners
All of the top 6 teams frequently defend with all 10 outfield players back
This invites the opponents rest defence higher up the pitch
- Disadvantage to this is the opponents are likely to win 2nd balls
- Advantage is there is more space to counter in behind
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10 Coaching Points for Defending the Long Ball
• Goalkeeper Position
• Ball Flight
• Defensive Line Height
• Team Adjustment
• Defender's Body Shape
• Aerial Duel Execution
• Team Structure
• 2nd Ball Support
• Awareness of Triggers
• Counter or Control
#SundayShare
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The moments that make the sacrifice worthwhile.
A great weekend in Ulundi, also inspired & motivated by
@Brilliekhuzwayo
mentoring the boys about being a professional on and off the pitch.
☠️⚽️🖤
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The most dangerous virus of all = Negativity
Stay away at all costs!
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Coaching the High Press:
Some content below that we should be considering and coaching when preparing our teams and players to High Press.
Having an idea in our head is the start, it's the detail that will determine whether we are able to implement that vision.
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Principles vs Rules - A key difference!
When coaching we often think we are teaching principles, when we are in fact teaching rules.
Understanding the key difference will make all of the difference to improving player decision making.
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Tactical Fouls to Kill Counter Attacks:
- Foul Early
- Foul High
- Risk vs Reward
- Attacking/Defensive Players
- Game State?
- Type of Foul?
For Coach Ed Content: WhatsApp +27647833264
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11 Key Coaching Points for Build-Up vs The Press
- Clear Objectives
- Structure
- Position Specific Movements
- Passing Options
- Pushing/Pulling the Press
- Initial Pass
- Passing Detail
- Body Shape & First Touch
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Emergency Solutions
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Here is my first book, written for all coaches with an interest in psychology!
Take a read, drop some feedback, and please RT to share the knowledge. The best coaches are the best thieves, so feel free to steal any ideas you like!
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If you are serious about developing coaching expertise, I would highly recommend studying ‘Decision Making’ in significant detail.
Saying that a player makes bad decisions with no understanding of the possible reasons why is a big weakness in the industry.
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6 Topics to Coach to Improve Player Decision Making
• Principles of the Game
• Player Emotional State
• Player Orientation
• Picture Recognition
• Situational Awareness
• Self Awareness
A thread... 1/7
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Build-Up Option: Pushing the Press
Keeping a minimal number of players deep during the build-up phase, forces the opposition to press with less players, creating more space to progress play.
If the opponent commits extra players high in the press, direct passes can be used.
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Turning a Back 3 into a Back 4 using the Goalkeeper.
This allows you to have 11 players in 'Outfield Positions'
For the full video and free coach education content, please like, RT and send a WhatsApp to +27647833264
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To what level do you break down the game of football?
Over the past 12 years i’ve been breaking down the game into more and more detail, removing, changing, and adding a variety of concepts
The deeper understanding we have, the easier the game is to coach.
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Unopposed passing drills....
If we are going to use them, we should be using them for short bursts of time with extremely high quality. We should not be watching long repetitive drills with low levels of focus and technical execution because it ‘looks good on the eye’
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Yes, the beep test isn’t football specific. But it gives 3 pieces of key info on arrival at a club:
- The players who fall far outside the groups average endurance levels.
- The players who are most likely to break down/give up during 90 minutes.
- The groups average capacity
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A Psychological Analysis of the Decision Making Process in Football
1. Orientation | 2. Searching | 3. Perception | 4. Anticipation | 5. Prediction | 6. Attention | 7. Selection | 8. Adaptation | 9. Action
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Free Coach Education Content!
View and download short tactical videos covering a wide range of topics including build-up play, counter attacking, pressing, plus much more.
Like, RT and share with your colleagues, players, and teams.
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