"STOP THE GAME...When are you going to stop dribbling and give it to someone who's actually good on the ball?" -My non-league coach to a 16 year old me. Sounds painful doesn't it! I can confirm it definitely was; I was instantly embarrassed, especially as I was training with the first team who were all 25-30 years old. 2 minutes later, the first team striker went through on goal and looked as if he was about to score. I hunted him down and slide tackled him from behind, perfectly timed, and came out with the ball, still angry and upset from the coaches comment. "STOP THE GAME...see that there, that's what you've got that no one else in this club or any club within 5 miles has, brilliant son, now stick to what you're good at" Suddenly, I was delighted with myself, and this one comment sparked an obsession for defending that became my bread and butter for the next 10 years. Every coach I have played under since has mentioned how they admire how much I love to defend. I always think back to my 16-18 year old days in a non-league environment and admire how much it taught me. I also question what type of player I would have been if I had that extra bit of talent which would have landed me in a youth academy set up instead. This type of coaching doesn't exist anymore, and rightly so. However, I think there's a lot to take from the intention behind it. In my opinion, players trying to be the player they want to be instead of the player that they are can hold them back massively. Most could benefit from trying to specialize within their strengths, whilst working on their weaknesses, rather than forcing an ideal player to come out of them that probably never will. For me, although it may be an unpopular opinion, I believe that in football, as in life, we are all blessed with certain gifts that when honed properly, can help the team to win. That is the beauty of team sports, and as coaches or mentors we should work our hardest to show individual players at any level their potential based on the gifts they have been given. I know this may be a slightly controversial topic! Looking forward to hear what you guys think? #Football #Teamsports #Professional
Carlos Tarra
4mo
You nailed it. Focus should be on strengths, while being fully aware of weaknesses, so that these don’t become blind spots. This theory is widely accepted in the business world and is supported by processes that allow individuals to identify what their top strengths are along with strategies to deploy it, aiming at successful execution. Pitfalls? Don’t let it frame you in a handful of perennial dimensions. We’re a work in progress. Challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone. Always look for ways to improve whether on the pitch or the board room.
Great perspective! Totally missing in modern coaching, pay attention to from what each player is made of and for built him from there.
Liam Burke
4mo
Also, you dont learn how to do a complete defensive lockdown without time at JJB with a defensive partner that was willing to die for you and willing to put his body on the line to avoid conceding a goal.
Full Loads Manager @ Handtrans | Logistics Management | Chris@handtrans.com
4moCould not agree more on this. However I think a bit of old school coaching wouldn't go a miss these days. I try to still use the theory above with my U14's maybe not to the same brutal effect but it is all down to helping them realise there strengths and coaching them how to play to them.