13 Warm-Up Activities with the Ball

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

It's seen less and less often today, but back in time warm-ups were hardly ever done with a ball and incorporated things like running laps and static stretching. Luckily, coaches of today have realized that warm-up activities can incorporate the ball, whether it be gradually or right away, and achieve the same outcomes of "warming-up". In fact, these activities not only get players moving and hypothetically help to decrease the risk of injury as a good warm-up should; but they also get players to practice their technical and tactical skills. This allows players to warm-up not just their muscles, but their brains as well. Here are 13 warm-up activities for young players, aged 6-14.

David Moyes – 5-4-1 – West Ham United – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, World Football

After disappointing losses to Newcastle and Arsenal, West Ham United have been on a surprising run of form. The Hammers scored seven goals in the span of two matches, without conceding against Wolves and Leicester, before clawing their way back from 3-0 down at Tottenham to draw level in the final minute. David Moyes has become almost something of an underrated manager these past few years after his failed spell at Manchester United and later, West Ham United. But the Scotsman quickly earned his job back after a year and a bit away and now has West Ham back in the top ten to start this 2020-21 Premier League season. Here is a Tactical Analysis of David Moyes' West Ham.

Playing Forwards vs. Backwards – Session Plan & Coaching Points

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

Many young and inexperienced players have the bad habit of kicking the ball away without looking. Sometimes it comes off, but most of the time these players are only playing into the hands of their opposition, as the opposition recovers the ball without having to do any defending. Players of any age need to learn … Continue reading Playing Forwards vs. Backwards – Session Plan & Coaching Points

Progressive Possession – Full Session Plan & Key Coaching Points

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

Many young and inexperienced players have the bad habit of kicking the ball away without looking. Sometimes it comes off, but most of the time these players are only playing into the hands of their opposition, as the opposition recovers the ball without having to do any defending. Players of any age need to learn … Continue reading Progressive Possession – Full Session Plan & Key Coaching Points

Switching Play – Full Session Plan & Coaching Points

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

The popularity of switching play as a tactical concept has long been a dominating strategy in the world of football. Its popularity is exemplified by the many different forms and names it has taken on over the years such as changing the point of attack or playing across the direct game channels. Even at the younger ages, switching play can be an essential tactic to deploy with any team. Concepts like maintaining width, crossing, and shifting the ball from left to right are universal to the sport, regardless of age. Here is an updated session plan all about one of the most essential session topics in youth soccer/football – Switching Play.

Quick Transitions – Full Session Plan & Key Coaching Points

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching

Transitional moments are an understated, underrated and under-coached part of the modern game. How a team sets up after winning or losing the ball can make or break a team. As a result, today we share this full session plan on 'Quick Transitions' with a variety of activities guided towards both attacking and defensive transitions.

Jose Mourinho – Tottenham Hotspur – Tactical Analysis (2020-21 Edition)

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, World Football

Before Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur were 14th in the table, with 14 points from 12 matches. After his appointment, the club soared to sixth place in the table, clawing their way to Europa League football in the process. Now with some impressive new signings in Sergio Reguilon, Pierre-Emilie Hojbjerg and Gareth Bale, Tottenham look well on their way to better times in 2020-21. After their thumping 6-1 win over Manchester United this past weekend, we take an updated look at Mourinho's tactics with Spurs this season. Here is a Tactical Analysis of Jose Mourinho's revamped and revitalized Tottenham Hotspur after the first four Premier League matches.

Dean Smith – Aston Villa – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coaching, Managers, Premier League, World Football

After surviving relegation by a single point in 2019-20, many would have tipped Aston Villa to go down in 2020-21. So even though it is still early days in this season's Premier League, Dean Smith could not have dreamt for a better start to the season. After beating Sheffield United by a narrow margin, thumping Fulham and then most recently, breaking records in a 7-2 thriller against Liverpool, Aston Villa look a much improved side from even just a few months ago. With their recent performances, many think that Aston Villa could be in for their best season in the top flight in over a decade. Here is a Tactical Analysis all about Dean Smith's Aston Villa.