Reader,
As the game evolves, many coaches and analysts talk about the speed of the game increasing.
I’ve always liked to think of football as high-speed chess. Much of this speed (at the highest level) can be attributed to the modern athlete, who (in a professional environment) will be supported to develop the physical qualities of their game through data analysis, use of GPS, nutrition, expert strength and conditioning coaches and training programmes.
So, if we’re working with young players in the ever-changing game of football, how do we support them with speed?
Firstly, we must acknowledge that for youth players, growth and maturation will have a massive impact on physical speed as their bodies change. A player who was flying a year ago could suddenly turn up in pre-season having grown a few centimetres and not move as well.
At a basic level, we need to expose players to different types of physical training through football such as speed, stamina and strength each week. The best practitioners will often find a way to include a ball in these activities (where possible).
Speed is more than just physical; it can also be psychological when it comes to decision-making, anticipation or vision.
We also need to think about our session design to ensure we put players in positions to have to think quickly. Manipulating space is a simple way to do this.
In tight spaces whether it’s rondos, positional games or small-sided games, the smaller the area the quicker the game. Adding this pressure can test a player’s technique under pressure, and of course, ensuring repetition of these types of practices can support them to get faster on the ball.
Two things to consider.
- How purposeful are you with your planning and utilisation of space? Do you work smaller spaces deliberately to speed up the play, or do you utilise bigger areas to allow players to get up to top-end speed physically?
- Are you aware of your players’ week across different football environments or sports? How is fatigue impacting their physical performance and are you managing it so they can hit the ground running on game day?
One thing for you to try this week.
Survey your players on how many hours of football, other sports, or physical training they are doing in a week to gauge their physical loading.
This insight could be exceptionally useful in planning your sessions around the individuals in your care to ensure they are fit, fresh, and fast on game day.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out our online coaching course, Physical Performance Through Soccer which features a world-class group of experts discussing the physical considerations of coaching, offering practical tools for your environment.
