Reader,
Whether it’s session planning, tactical problem-solving or dealing with adversity, I believe one of the most important areas we want to develop as coaches, is adaptability.
The team I am currently coaching has just experienced a tour where we played teams with a different style every day, having to solve problems under pressure with little preparation time. While we didn’t always get it right, the players learned some amazing lessons.
Recently observing some of my coaches working on the grass, I was reflecting on how they could adapt their session on the run. We constantly ask our players to be aware during the game, expecting them to solve problems and deal with challenges on the run, so we must model this in our coaching. Inevitably we won’t always get it right.
Three things to consider.
- If the session isn’t working, change it. Whether the space is too small or too big, the rules aren’t achieving the desired outcome, or the players are bored, don’t let ego or inconvenience get in the way of ensuring the practice is benefitting the players.
- Try things. If we want our players to take risks on the ball, then at times you will need to try things as a coach, accepting that it might fail. Be creative in your session design and try to avoid copying and pasting. If you see sessions you like online, for example, adapt them to your players’ needs.
- Be vulnerable. Communicating to your players that you’re taking a risk or trying something new can build connections with the group and enhance a learning culture, being clear that we are all here to get better.
One thing for you to try this week.
If you’re going to change your practice, try doing it on the run without stopping the game. This can be as simple as making the space bigger or smaller while play continues, or adapting a rule or condition of the game with a really short, sharp intervention over the top of the practice.
Remember, you might only need to adapt the practice for individuals (to make it easier or harder), it doesn’t always have to be the same rule for every player. Observe how it affects the players and the task.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this PDP Guide featuring top academy coach, Gabriel Flores. Gabriel discusses the importance of developing players ‘super strengths’ and how coaches can adapt their approach to stretch or support players at different times.
