THE COACHING MAG Issue Two
October 2014
FREE Coaching session plans *Exclusive*
Alex Revell Interview #TwitterDebate Top tips for coaching forward players Things we've learned this time Effective warm-ups for Grassroots Youth players
This time in 'The Coaching Mag'
12 *Exclusive*
interview with Alex Revell
7
The benefits of equal playing time
19. Effective Warm-ups for Grassroots Youth Players' 24. Top Tips (Attacking players) 25. Things we've learned...
15
Attacking session plan
23
#TwitterDebate
Welcome Hi all and welcome to Issue two of 'The Coaching Mag'. This month we talk to Rotherham United striker Alex Revell about what it takes to be a striker in the modern game. With the new season now well under way at all levels of the game we have insight from Sports Scientist Steve Taylor on how to effectively warm up youth footballers. We also look at the benefits of equal playing time and how birth bias can impact young players opportunities within the game. Along with our regular features of Free attacking session plans and top tips on coaching the striker this issue is everything a coach needs to increase your teams goal output. We hope you enjoy the read and come back for more in January with Issue 3. Until next time... Steve Hooper Editor
@
inclusionfooty1
Join the 4,062 others following Inclusion Coaching on twitter!
Youth Football
The benefits of 'Equal Playing Time' Some think this is a crazy idea but we look at the long term benefits to players and the game. It's been a debate for years within grass roots football. The FA have a clear mission and that's to get as many children playing football and staying in the game as possible. With drop out rates sky rocketing in the 2000's what can we do as coaches to get and keep the children playing. I hear you, if you give equal playing time that means that at times your 'best' players will be stood with you whilst 'weaker' ones are on the pitch meaning that you may experience some poor 'results' as a consequence. I hear you, 'Jonny' wasn't at training this week so therefore ones that were should play at the weekend. Is that Jonnys fault? Maybe try to
figure out why Jonny wasn't at training. I hear you, some of the players aren't as good or as athletic so therefore others shouldn't miss game time for them to play. The answer is simple. Its a question. 'How will they ever get any better if they are stood on the side of a pitch?' Before I start to answer the questions I want to make one thing clear, we are taking about equal playing time throughout a season, not in each game. So lets go a bit deeper, who can honestly say they plan their match teams? If a game is 20 mins each way, do you plan a team for the first half and a
Youth Football team for the second? Or possibly at the younger ages, a team for each 10 min period? How does this help I hear you say. This not only helps the player prepare for where they will be playing mentally but it also makes your life easier. If someone is being subbed it is because it is their turn, this then removes the disappointed to come off moment and every kid waiting to see what subs the coach will do. Little Jonny knows he is playing RM for 10 mins then is sub for 10 mins and then has the whole of the second half at LM. In my opinion this helps the child prepare for the task ahead. Another benefit to a grass roots club is that you never get the parent that says, I'm not paying my full subs as little Jonny has only played 20 mins in the last month. Documenting your game plans then means that you have the evidence to say, actually little 'Jonny' has played the same time as little 'Mikey'. You will also find that as a coach you will learn more about your players. If you think little Jonny played well 3 weeks ago and was really confident on the ball, you can then look back and see what position he played and how long for.
You can then help Jonny where he needs help and give Jonny challenges to stretch him where he gets the most success. This improves your value as a coach as you start to effect each player in the way that those individuals need to improve them. It may take a little longer, but it is worth doing. Equal playing time will mean that all of the children in your squad will improve at a good rate.
Youth Football The better players will still get better and the weaker players will improve. You will also find that once parents hear that their child will get an equal opportunity to play you will attract more players and increase revenue for your club meaning that you can offer a better service, new equipment and most importantly more CPD to improve your already marvellous efforts with your players. The last point that I want to make is this. 0.5% of grass roots players make it into a professional clubs EPPP governed Academy. This means that if you have 200 players at your club, at best, 1 will be signed by an Academy. Just to clarify, I am talking real Academies with Football League a Premier League registered UEFA A and B Licensed coaches, not 'Joe Bloggs Technical Development Samba Academy'. So if this is the case who should we be catering for? The 1 in 200, the other 199 who love the game, want to play (maybe can't attend sometimes because of external factors....can't drive himself there at 8) or all? The special 1 still develops and you stretch them with challenges good coaching and possibly
playing up an age group whilst all others enjoy the game and continue to play and improve. So in summary. If you give equal playing time: - Easier for the coach! - No parent questions around their son/daughter not playing! - No queries about why a parent should pay full subs! - Increased participation rates! - The child can prepare better for the game! - You can monitor player performance much easier! - We are there to give a fun, safe, learning environment to as many children as possible! If you cant find the time to do it....try harder! It takes 5 mins to write some numbers.
The FA four corner model! Think of the benefits for every player from equal playing time!
Playing time and position rotation template.
Looking for a good quality, good value, new kit this coming season? Look no further! With ERREA full kit (11 aside) deals from Just ÂŁ300 and the possibility of a cheeky visit from the man himself at your end of season presentation* there is no need to go anywhere else. Visit www.inclusioncoaching.com for the full range. Contact Steve on (07525) 491985 or (01380) 699486 (08:00-14:00) Youth Kits also available! *subject to availability
The Interview This issue we got to sit down with Rotherham United striker
Alex Revell to find out his most influential coaches, what he looks for in a youth club, his thoughts on the loan market and much more.
Firstly I would like to say welcome to 'The Coaching Mag' Alex and thank you for taking the time out to talk with us. So our first question is who was your most influential coach between the ages of 5-18 years and why was this? John Musgrove was my most influential coach as a junior growing up. Had him from under 14's to getting YTS. I played centre back as a kid and he said I think you need to move up front and thanks to him I have made a
career out of his decision. Not sure I would of had the same career as a CB..! And since entering the pro game who has been your most influential coach and why? Since entering football I would probably say Kevin Nugent at orient had a big influence on me. He put the confidence back into me and I learnt a lot from his experiences as a striker. As a manager I would have to say Roy Macfarland at Cambridge! He had an aura about him that made you listen and
The Interview believe every word he said! When I saw grown men cry that he left the club shows the influence he had. So are you working through your coaching badges or planning to at any stage? Yes I was supposed to start my UEFA B last summer but due to making the play off's I couldn't start it but I will be starting this summer! So as you have worked through your badges, what are your thoughts on equal playing time and position rotation in youth football? Think it's an excellent idea. To be able to learn different positions is only an added advantage in the future as what ever position you play we all need to know the same skills. As a centre forward I have to defend so if I can
learn the skill at an early age it will help me later on. The equal playing time is also a great idea as we need as many kids to stay interested in the game. As soon as some children feel there not a part of something they will lose interest very quickly and we may have lost a talent for the future. That's good to hear and reinforces our philosophy at Inclusion to be honest. So as a parent, what will be important to you when looking for a club for your child? A nice family feel about the club and also a good friendly coach that shows enthusiasm to teach the kids new skills. So qualifications aren't necessarily what you would look for? More the personality and communication styles of the coach?
The Interview I wouldn't look at the qualifications and say 'wow', because just having those doesn't mean you have the right personality to coach. My children wouldn't be interested in getting coached by a robot that doesn't make it fun? That's the whole idea. We play with our friends and in the back garden because we enjoy it. If you're enjoying what you are doing then you are more likely to want to learn. Changing the subject slightly, to finish on a bit of a curve ball, how do you think your loan deals helped progress your career? I think when ever I have been on loan it has benefited me. As a young kid I went on loan to Kettering in the conference and it was a big shock. Going from reserve and youth football to playing men's football,
helped me to learn what it means when points are involved and the pressures of dealing with fans and managers when things don't go to plan! Well that's brilliant Alex, so in summary you believe personality and coaching style is more important than qualifications on a piece of paper (of course coaching styles are moulded through courses, networking and CPD), equal playing time and position rotation is massively important in youth football, you are working towards your 'B' License and you believe for a young pro or older players, playing time is huge, so loan deals to get game time and learn the game is important. For more from Alex follow him on Twitter using the handle @therevmeister
Youth Football Tales of a football coach Our monthly column from Inclusion head coach Steve Hooper This time I want to talk about how far people will go to make their coaching dreams come true. What would you do? Personally I have volunteered at local level for the past 8 years working with as many different age groups as possible, u8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,18 and adults. I have volunteered, a 90 mile round trip away, to work with Hellenic Premier side Witney Town, to improve myself and learn from a different environment have returned back to my local team and worked with First, reserve and U18 teams again to experience different levels of ability to develop as a coach. Following completing my FAYAM 1 and 2, I met Marc Canham of the FA who then moved to Bristol City Academy as Head of Foundation Phase and created the Trainee Coach initiative. I applied on Marc's recommendation and was accepted on to the voluntary learning programme for coaches. I volunteered for 7 months and gave myself the opportunity to work with A and B Licensed coaches as well as some of the best young players in the South West of England. Living 45 miles from the City makes this a difficult task but in my mind you have to do what you have to do. Following my initial 7 months I was offered the opportunity to help develop the U8's looking to sign on for the Academy at u9. This then allowed me to be registered with the football league and be a permanent member of the team. I continue to work in the local community, as well as running inclusion in schools and delivering Soccer Schools during half terms. Since joining the academy I have completed my FAYAM3 and am starting my B License this coming January. So my question is this, how far would you go? Would you travel for no payment because there was a chance it might help you to make connections and develop as a coach? Would you travel distance or dedicate hours, days, weeks and months because there was the slightest chance of paid employment in the pro game at the end of it?
Athleticism How to effectively warm up grass roots players. Lead Sports Scientist Stephen Taylor talks us through the do's and dont's.
So this month we got the time to sit down with Bristol City Academy Lead Sports Scientist Stephen Taylor to get you guys all the information you need to effectively warm up your youth players. Stephen has been working at Bristol City for 2 years now and previously worked at Southampton on a science/strength and conditioning internship whilst studying at the University of Portsmouth and achieving M.Sc Sports Performance (Merit). Stephen also achieved B.Sc Sports Science (1 st class Hons.) at the University of Southampton.
What is the purpose of a warm up? One of the best ways to prevent injury is with an effective warm up prior to sport or activity. The purpose of an effective warm up is to increase your heart rate, body temperature and to facilitate blood flow to the muscles to be used during the activity.
How long should I warm up for? The length of a warm-up may actually depend on the environment, the event you are preparing for and the requirements of each individual. However, as a general rule, a warm-up that is approximately 15-20 minutes in duration seems sufficient.
Athleticism Structure of a warm up An effective warm up should prepare the body for optimal performance without accumulating fatigue. The structure of a warm-up can vary between personal approaches, but an easy way to ensure your players are sufficiently prepared would be to split the warm-up into 3 phases; 路
Cardiovascular (pulse-raiser)
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Dynamic movements
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Speed work or movement specific drills
Phase 1 The first phase of a warm up should involve a low intensity cardiovascular exercise such as gentle jogging or light individual ball work (without too much change of direction) to increase the heart rate and blood flow (transport of oxygen) to the active muscles. This phase of the warm up should last for 5-10mins. Phase 2 The second phase of the warm up should involve dynamic movements designed to take certain muscles almost through their full range of movement to loosen up the joints and muscles the players will use. This phase should focus on the key musculature used in football, some examples of dynamic movements include: running drills, lunges, squats etc. The picture on the next page is an example of the type of movements necessary for an effective warm-up;
Athleticism
Athleticism Phase 3 The final phase of a warm up should address additional more intense movements which replicate those used within a game. This should start slower with a gradual progression in intensity. Such movements include; directional change (agility), starting & acceleration, deceleration & transition, footwork, body control exercises (enabling more coordinated use of multiple limbs) and for older, more competent players (16+) the introduction of power development/plyometric exercises. It is left to the coaches discretion whether this phase should include a ball. My personal opinion is to perform such drills without a ball at the beginning so that the athlete is focusing specifically on that skill and once it is mastered it is only then that a ball should be introduced to tailor that learnt skill to football. For more from Stephen you can find him on LinkedIn and Twitter using the handle @st10g08
#TwitterDebate @SuperFriendly:
haha, Love it when they get a random jacket of their own and print it on the back
@insidewrite1957:
The one plus point is that on multi-pitch sites with 1000s of people they can be identified by refs/parents
@timmymarler:
whatever floats your boat! Would I? No...
1: bout y t a Foo l feel H' n o C l usi we a 'COA l c @In w do with ir Ho ches n the coa ted o p? ials t i n o i pr et/t ? #in k jac eded s? e #n nefit e #b
@tom_catbiscuit:
I've made sure none of our coaches have names/initials. We have diff coloured kit for coaches #simples
@TommyBryan84:
My club do, so on a field with 8 teams training, a parent/child can easily find responsible adult @DuncanShrimpton:
Initials? Makes it easy to find my jacket. Coach? Is anyone likely to forget that? Doubt it.
@Bdysynni:
I think its there to make them feel important.
@hoebeeck:
Have my initials on mine just to ID myself to refs/coaches/ parents #noego
@Manlikebibs:
Personally not for me, but there are benefits in terms of safety and al that stuff.
Youth Football
Top Tips for coaching the attacking player Coach players to 'create' space!
Coach players to 'exploit' space!
Encourage players to get 'side on' to see the ball and goal!
Give players tools to use (different types of finishes)!
Practice striking the ball with laces to perfect technique!
Deliver sessions that allow lots of goal scoring opportunities!
Improve ball control and first touch!
Encourage players to use closest body part to the goal to score!
Make sessions realistic, pressure, defenders, gk etc.
Youth Football 0.5% of GR players ge d t a signed by qu s y a d p ro a atch e m k r a a c u a d o m emies, can ing y . s r n n e n i o t s a i h l t a a t's just 1 in P ch e stitu u b 200. u m s e d f i l an s e h coac h t u o y
Things we've learned this time!
ing Static stretch les can of cold musc a ge do more dam ynamic D . d o o g n a th stretches g o. is the way to
Equal pla can make ying time a grass ro ots club a mu ch easier prospect to run while inc reasing participa tion.
Next time in 'The Coaching Mag'
- The Goal Keeping Issue - How to effectively plan a goal keeping session
- More 'Tales of a Football Coach'
- More top tips
- More free session plans - **Exclusive Interview** with former Swindon Town, Man Utd and England U21 keeper Fraser Digby
- More things we've learned
Next issue available January 2015