Scanning goes far beyond what must coaches will shout out: "check your shoulder!". It needs to encompass a constant process of neck and eye movement, assessing ball, opposition, teammates and space.
Category: Coach Education
The art of effective communication
Communication is one of the most important skills for young players to develop. It can sometimes be difficult for players to see past their own role on the pitch, but effective communication can propel the entire team forward and lead to a better team spirit. Here are some of the key words and phrases for players to remember in their quest to better their communication.
Understanding the five corner model for player development & performance
As coaches, we must recognize that players have an array of qualities that make them unique on the pitch. We must also recognize that each of these unique pillars need to be paid attention to with dedicated attention and care.
Game of Numbers #16 – Riley Ferrazzo as an ‘Inverted Fullback’
HFX Wanderers looked a completely different side on Matchday 1 against last season’s first-place finishers, with a genuine intentionality behind their team tactics and set-up. The interesting thing to now keep on the radar will be whether the tactics they used on opening day were created to mitigate Atletico Ottawa’s own innovations, or whether they intend on utilizing the same ideologies in their matches moving forward. Either way, Halifax enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, through much in the way of innovation and pizzazz. Here is Game of Numbers Issue No. 16 - all about how Gheisar achieved balance in his side via the use of Riley Ferrazzo as an 'Inverted Fullback'.
Game of Numbers #15 – Jordan Pickford’s positioning masterclass
Sometimes criticized across his Everton career, Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a formidable past couple of seasons for both club and country. The Toffees might be in serious threat of relegation this season and very well might have gone down last campaign if it had not been for their remarkable keeper. Despite the club's poor form, there's even a genuine argument for Pickford to be the goalkeeper of the season thus far. That argument came to life all the more in Everton's recent match against Manchester United, where Pickford was one of the standout players on the pitch despite his side being completely outclassed. Here are the finer details behind Pickford's stunning nine-save display against the Red Devils.
Consultation, Performance Analysis & 1-on-1 Coaching with Rhys
Across the past decade, I have worked with thousands of players and coaches across multiple sports and disciplines. I recognize the value of understanding the athlete/client from a holistic perspective and tailoring advice to their specific needs. I make a commitment toward positive reinforcement, research-backed insights, and making the experience FUN for those that work with me.
Teaching tactics and teamwork to young children in sports
In the coaching community, there's often a discourse around how the technical elements of the game must be prioritized in the early stages of development, typically between the ages of 4-10. But that does not mean that tactics become a mute point. Simply helping to elucidate positioning and roles, and how to perceive space can all be considered "tactical" elements of the game. These can be taught without players needing to have technical foundations in place. Game awareness and game intelligence from understanding basic information around their role, position, and how to react to the space around them, will help a player to perform well on the pitch. This can be taught in combination to the development of techniques and skills. It does not have to be an 'either/or', nor does it have to be a matter of one coming before the other.
Game of Numbers #14 – Ilkay Gündoğan’s Movement Masterclass
İlkay Gündoğan had a masterclass of a performance against Liverpool, playing a massive part in their commanding 4-1 win over their title challengers from last season. It was vintage Gündoğan at his best, and showcases City's potential to continue putting on top quality performances even without the presence of Erling Haaland. Here is Game of Numbers #14, illustrating Gundogan's movement masterclass!
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