One of the biggest challenges facing coaches working with young and developing players is taking the ‘learning outcomes’ identified in training and coaching sessions and using them during match days.

Soccer Prep.’s match day preparation should be closely linked to the overall team or club philosophy. Our match day philosophy includes: -

• 1. Attitude – Respect, Work rate and Competitive
• 2. Team learning focus – Attacking and Defending
• 3. Individual or positional learning focus (1 for U9-11, 2 for U12+)
• 4. Try to win but not at the expense of 1, 2 or 3
• Try to play attractive, attacking, creative football
• Play out from the back and use the middle 1/3 when possible
• Debrief players following performance

Match days are different from training because of the emotion charge. The mistakes made on a match day will outweigh the mistakes made in training. They are a great opportunity to learn, if the coach manages them correctly. Continue reading →