Reader,
Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend the FIFA Knowledge Exchange in Auckland, New Zealand.
Throughout the event, some really high-quality and inspiring content was shared by a range of technical experts with extensive experience around the world in leadership, talent identification and player development.
One of the highlights of the week was seeing insights from a member of the FIFA team who had previously been a leader in a top English academy. He shared a fantastic case study of true individual development to youth national team coaches from around the Pacific.
Not only did this case study outline how we can truly challenge and support individuals in a football environment, but it documented the process from session design, individual meetings, data of player performance and more.
It got me thinking about what coaches with fewer resources could do if they don’t have the benefit of data, but do have the determination to make an impact with every player in their care.
Three Things to Consider
- Skilled session planning doesn’t require technology or data. Start by getting clear on the strengths of every player in your group. Engage in 1-on-1 conversations with them, clarify their super-strengths and ensure you plan practices that allow these attributes to emerge and importantly, be challenged. Use training to test ideas and expose players to new challenges before trying it in the game.
- Expect the process to be messy. We know that development doesn’t happen in a straight line or organised sequence. Stay patient and work with the player on what success looks like in the short, medium and long term. It doesn’t have to happen immediately. Feedback and discussion are critical in this process.
- Consider how you utilise playing position to challenge and develop the player. For example, the player in the case study had previously been stuck playing left back because it suited the team. However, staff identified the player had a superb range of pass and the attributes of a defensive midfielder. By placing the player in a position where their attributes can be challenged and shine, we’re now moving them forward and placing their interests ahead of the result.
One thing to try this week
Consider designing a session that focuses on challenging the strengths of one player. For example, if you have a central midfield player working on creative passing in the final third, consider designing tasks that challenge this player to pass under pressure.
You might then give the player guidance or a challenge by rewarding forward or split passes in the final third if you’re playing a game. And don’t forget to maintain realism by setting up the practice in a realistic area of the pitch to ensure it transfers to the game.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Check out our PDP Guide on creating individual development plans, which features a video discussion from the PDP team and practical tips for you to apply in your context.
