Welcome to Laying the Foundation, your go-to source for all things football coaching in the foundation phase. Each month, we'll explore some of the hottest topics in the game and age-old challenges faced by coaches at all levels. Over time, we'll provide practice ideas and videos of practices we've conducted, sharing what we've learned and how we would improve them in the future.

We're also interested in hearing from you. What challenges are you currently facing? What aspects of coaching do you need support with to take your coaching and players to the next level? Please don't hesitate to contact us, and we'll answer your questions in future newsletters. This newsletter is for you, and we welcome your input as we move forward.

TRAINING TIPS

REPEATED REWARDS

In our roles as youth football coaches, we need to understand the significance of imparting essential skills to our players. However, the question often arises: how can we ensure that these skills are not only learned but deeply understood and effectively transferred to the game? The answer lies in the power of repetition within our coaching practices.

There is a stigma that repeating practices or sessions is ‘lazy coaching’. However, repeating the delivery of coaching practices offers a multitude of benefits for both coaches and players alike. One of the primary advantages is that it provides players with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the skills being taught. By revisiting and repeating prior learning, players reinforce their knowledge and working memory, allowing them to perform with increased confidence and precision.

Moreover, varying the focus of outcomes within the same practice layout can create new learning experiences. For instance, integrating elements of passing and receiving into practice, such as playing through the lines, not only reinforces individual skills but also forms connections between separate pieces of learning. This holistic approach encourages players to recognise the interconnectedness of different aspects of the game, building a more comprehensive understanding.

Repetition is not synonymous with monotony. By introducing subtle changes or shifts in emphasis, coaches keep practices engaging and challenging. This dynamic approach ensures that players remain mentally stimulated, promoting continuous growth and development. For example, altering the primary objective of a practice, while maintaining the same practice layout, can create fresh challenges, inspiring players to think critically and adapt their skills to new situations, developing tactical problem-solving.

Crucially, repeating practices and desired outcomes increases the likelihood of players transferring their learning into actual game scenarios. The deep interaction with session practices and outcomes instils a level of familiarity that players can draw upon during matches. This transferability is essential for bridging the gap between training pitch proficiency and in-game execution. If training is the ‘lab’ that we experiment in, the game is the ‘exam’ where the success of our experiments in training is assessed.

Repetition, therefore, is a cornerstone of effective youth football coaching. By providing players with the opportunity to repeat and explore various facets of their learning, coaches not only build a foundation of skill but also cultivate a deeper understanding and seamless transfer of knowledge on a matchday. Embracing repetition as a powerful teaching tool ensures that our young players not only master the game but also develop a profound and lasting connection with its intricacies.

THE ELEPHANT IN THE CHANGING ROOM

DRILLS: A THING OF THE PAST OR MISUNDERSTOOD METHOD?

This month, our Elephant In The Changing Room segment is a response to a challenge faced by a U9 grassroots coach who got in touch with us. The problem faced is as follows:

“I find myself feeling the desire to meet "new age" coaching methods of in-game coaching. However, I tend to lean towards mastery of technique as a foundation or building block that runs simultaneously alongside in-play conditions. I am finding that those without the technical skills become lost in gameplay environments- even when placing conditions on those more technical to evoke full integration of all players. I'm finding that gameplay breaks down consistently with the inability to pass and control the ball. This in turn brings about an even greater sense of failure at times... kids are clever enough to see when things consistently break down and even when framing wins - it can become taxing for individuals. I feel confident from discussions thus far that the concept of drills is ok if structured in the right manner... insert adaptation where applicable, make fun and engaging, ensure full immersion into the activity so people are always on the ball, etc.... but can't help from feeling that there's a stereotype associated with drills now. Almost to the point that people are scared to do it, apologise for using the word.... look at that dinosaur over there again... when will he learn!!  I'd love to hear thoughts on this and understand more about the cons of drills (when they are not then progressed separately into gameplay as an advancement of the outcomes).”

For years, debate has raged amongst coaches over the value of employing traditional ‘drills’ or isolated technical practices versus embracing a more contemporary approach that integrates skill development within opposed game-based practices. The origins of drills in sports trace back to military training, with drills being structured and rigid practices that are heavily controlled. However, the inherent nature of football, with its fluid and chaotic elements, challenges the applicability of such regimented methods.

While there are moments when isolated technical work finds its place in coaching, such as warm-ups and arrival activities, the key contention lies in optimising the limited time available for player development each week. This debate, therefore, goes beyond the stereotypical clash between "dinosaurs" and "new-age coaches," focusing instead on extracting maximum value from the fractional contact time on the field.

Drills, reminiscent of army-style exercises, often entail repetitive and predictable sequences that may enhance individual skills quickly but fall short of replicating the unpredictable dynamics of a football match. The sport demands a unique blend of technical prowess and tactical acumen, skills best honed through opposed, game-based practices. For any isolated technique you practise in a training session, it is incredibly unlikely that a player will ever receive the ball in precisely that situation again, as there are so many moving variables in a football match.

The challenge for coaches is to strike a balance, recognising that both elements have a role in player development. Isolated drills may refine specific skills, but the real test comes in the crucible of opposed situations where players must make decisions under pressure, mirroring the complexities of actual game scenarios.

Research supports the notion that opposed practice yields superior results in football development. A study by Fradua et al. (2013) found that opposed training sessions, incorporating both technical and tactical elements, led to greater improvements in performance compared to isolated technical practices. This underscores the importance of integrating skill development within a game-based context for holistic player progress.

Opposed, game-based practices may require more time for tangible outcomes to surface, as the learning process unfolds gradually. However, the delayed gratification is compensated by a richer developmental return, encompassing not only technical proficiency but also strategic understanding and decision-making abilities.

In conclusion, the age-old struggle in youth football coaching hinges on optimising the precious contact time with players. While isolated drills have their place in certain contexts, there is research to suggest that emphasis should lean toward opposed, game-based practices. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of football demands a training approach that mirrors these realities, fostering a comprehensive development that extends beyond individual skills to encompass tactical intelligence and situational awareness.

A link to the mentioned article is below for anyone interested in the study.

Fradua, L., Zubillaga, A., Caro, Ó., Iván Fernández-García, Á., Ruiz-Ruiz, C. and Tenga, A., 2013. Designing small-sided games for training tactical aspects in soccer: Extrapolating pitch sizes from full-size professional matches. _{Journal of Sports Sciences, 31}(6), pp.573-581.

PRACTICE OF THE MONTH

This month’s edition features a practice that focuses on playing positively when in possession, specifically line-breaking passes that take opponents out of the game and help a team progress up the pitch. An ideal training session practice to develop both passing and receiving elements of the game.

Above is the practice layout, an explanation of the rules of the game, tips for coaches to use to make the practice as engaging as possible for players, the STEP principle to change elements of the practice to gain different returns, challenges to either support or stretch your players and finally, questions you can ask as a coach to ensure that the players get the most learning as possible from the practice to support their development.

GAME DAY GOLD

THOROUGH WITH THE THEME

As a coach or manager, the sideline is our canvas for shaping the skills and strategies we've diligently worked on during the week. In the middle of the competition, it’s tempting to bombard players with constant feedback during a match, eager to correct every misstep and capitalise on every opportunity (console coaching - previously covered in edition #1). However, the key to unlocking the true potential of your team lies in the art of consistent and focused feedback.

Imagine the sideline as an extension of the training ground – a place where the week's sessions and pre-match discussions seamlessly transition into live action. Players should feel the continuity from practice to game day, seeing the fruits of their hard work materialise on the pitch. As coaches, it's our responsibility to provide clear and concise feedback that mirrors the session outcomes from training.

One challenge coaches often face is the desire to correct every mistake instantly. However, inundating players with a constant stream of corrections can create confusion and diminish their concentration. Dr. George A. Miller's theory on working memory highlights the limited capacity of the brain to process information at any given time. Too much input from the sidelines becomes noise, overwhelming players and hindering their performance.

Maintaining clarity is paramount. By focusing on specific aspects that align with the week's training goals, coaches can avoid information overload. Targeted feedback during the game and breaks prevent players from having their working memory overwhelmed, allowing them to stay in the moment – a crucial element for optimal performance.

Consistent and focused feedback not only aids player development but also fosters a positive learning environment. When players understand that sideline instructions align with the week's training objectives, they are more likely to apply themselves with purpose and determination.

The sideline is a powerful tool for reinforcing training outcomes. By providing clear, concise, and targeted feedback, coaches can ensure that their players stay in the moment, translating their hard work from practice into success on the pitch. It's not about correcting every mistake but about guiding the team towards the shared vision of improvement and success.

CREATING CULTURE

PRAISE IS KEY

In the dynamic world of youth football coaching, the impact of praise on young players cannot be overstated. Numerous studies emphasise the profound influence positive reinforcement has on performance, with one notable research article "The Impact of Coach Praise on Youth Athlete Performance: A Longitudinal Study” finding that "consistent coach praise positively correlates with sustained performance improvement in youth athletes, highlighting the pivotal role of positive reinforcement in enhancing player development over time." The research affirmed that constructive praise significantly boosts performance levels and motivates young footballers to excel.

Crucially, the type of praise matters. Acknowledging effort and hard work rather than innate ability fosters a growth mindset, a concept championed by psychologist Carol Dweck. Praising values such as dedication and perseverance align with the principles outlined in Angela Duckworth's book "Grit," which is a recommended read for coaches. Duckworth's work underscores the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals, advocating for the cultivation of grit over mere talent.

Public criticism, on the other hand, can be detrimental to a young player's confidence. While constructive feedback is essential for growth, addressing mistakes privately rather than through a public forum maintains a positive player-coach relationship. Destroying confidence with harsh criticism can hinder a player's development and erode the trust they have in their coach.

Nurturing talent goes beyond skill development. It involves instilling the belief that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. Coaches, armed with insights from research and inspirational reads like "Grit," can create an environment where praise becomes a powerful tool, shaping not only players' abilities but also their character and resilience on and off the pitch.

COACHES POLL

We would like your views on what future Elephant in the Changing Room topics we discuss. If there are any topics you would like us to discuss, please contact us via our email: [email protected]

We want this newsletter to be led by you, so your views are highly valued.

Thank you for subscribing and taking the time to read through edition #4 of Laying the Foundation.