Coach Talk

CoachTalk is a weekly blog covering various aspects of football, from the development of young players to tactics and strategies at the elite level.

  • Title: Enhancing Youth Football Development: The Benefits of Maturity-Based Grouping

    Introduction: When it comes to developing young footballers, the traditional method of grouping players solely by their age may not always be the most effective approach. In recent years, the consideration of maturity levels as a basis for organizing youth football teams has gained recognition. This article explores the advantages of grouping young players based… Read more

  • Title: The Art of Counter Pressing in Football: Origin, Benefits, Tactical Implementation and Influential Coaches

    Introduction:Counter pressing, also known as “gegenpressing” in German, is a tactical approach in football that focuses on immediately regaining possession of the ball after losing it by pressing the opponent intensely. Coined by legendary German coach Ralf Rangnick, counter pressing has become a significant aspect of modern football tactics. This article will delve into the… Read more

  • Title: Evolution of Centre Backs in Football: The Rise of Ball-playing Defenders

    Introduction: Football, like any other sport, has witnessed an undeniable evolution in terms of gameplay, tactics, and player roles. Among these changes, the role of the centre back has experienced a notable transformation. Once defined by their defensive duties, modern centre backs are now expected to possess exceptional ball control and distribution skills. In this… Read more

  • Enhancing Youth Football Development: Embracing Game Realism over Closed Skill Drills

    Introduction In the realm of youth football development, coaching methodologies are constantly evolving to optimize player performance. As we strive to nurture the talents of young footballers, there is a growing recognition that shifting away from closed skill drills and towards game replication practices can have a profoundly positive impact. Although skill repetition undeniably holds… Read more

  • The Perils of Releasing Young Footballers Too Early: Embracing Diverse Development Timelines

    Introduction In the fast-paced world of professional football, clubs and academies face the difficult task of identifying and nurturing young talent. However, a significant challenge arises when these institutions make premature decisions to release promising young footballers. This blog aims to shed light on the consequences of such decisions, emphasising the fact that players develop… Read more

  • Processes and Culture over results

    A team’s success is often judged based on its results. However, concentrating only on results can hinder a team’s long-term success. Instead, a team should focus on its processes and team culture to achieve sustainable success. In this article, we will explore why a focus on processes and team culture is crucial for long-term success… Read more