Happy New Year! The Christmas break is finally over, the decorations will soon be packed away and now it’s time to get back on the pitch! As a coach, whatever level you are working at, you know that the post-holiday period is crucial for rebooting your team’s focus and conditioning. Introduction These next few weeks will set the tone for the remainder of the season. This is your chance to rebuild chemistry, address weaknesses, and upgrade your tactics. With some strategic planning and training, you can return better prepared to dominate on the field once again. In this comprehensive guide, I ..read more

It’s the Festive season again; the twinkling lights are up, the mince pies are baking, and the smell of mulled wine fills the crisp December air. Christmas is a time for indulgence and relaxation with friends and family. But for us footballers, letting fitness slide over the holidays can mean starting mid-season short of match sharpness. Introduction As an ex-professional player, coach and coach educator with over 50 years of playing, training and educating experience, I know the Festive period presents a unique challenge. Form is temporary but class is permanent. So let’s make sure a lack o ..read more

In the world of soccer coaching, innovation is key to unlocking a team’s full potential. One such innovative method that has taken the soccer world by storm is the use of Positional Rondos.  Picture this: It’s the dying minutes of an important soccer match. The score is level, and tension hangs heavy in the air.  The players move like chess pieces, strategically positioning themselves on the field, and then, with a burst of precision passing, they orchestrate a breathtaking goal.  What’s their secret? Positional rondos – the hidden gem of soccer strategy that’s about to change ..read more

Set pieces in soccer play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match.  Imagine a soccer match hanging in the balance, tied at one goal each. The clock ticks down, tension thick in the air as players take their positions for a corner kick.  The stadium roars, knowing that this set piece could determine the game’s outcome. In the world of soccer, these set-piece moments are akin to a canvas waiting for a masterstroke.  Introduction Set pieces are the hidden gems that can turn a match on its head, and understanding their importance is like holding a key to unlocking vict ..read more

Time management was one of the greatest lessons I ever learned and I don’t mean just as a coach.  Now, don’t get me wrong the technical, tactical, physical and psychological areas were crucial in my development as a coach as were all the other aspects of coaching I picked up over the years.  But learning and understanding how to manage my time was vital in keeping me organised and effective in my life and my coaching. Introduction: As a grassroots football coach in the UK, you are undoubtedly passionate about nurturing young talent and creating a positive impact on the field.  ..read more

Introduction We all have to deal with conflict at some stage in our careers. As a football coach, one of your key responsibilities goes beyond developing your players’ skills on the field.  You also need to handle conflicts that may arise within your team. Conflict is a natural part of any group dynamic, but how you manage it can make a significant impact on team cohesion and performance.  In this article, we will explore the importance of conflict management for football coaches in the UK and provide you with valuable tips on resolving conflicts with your team. Understanding Confl ..read more

Introduction: Books provide an excellent medium for expanding one’s understanding of the game and learning from the experiences of successful coaches and players.  For grassroots football coaches around the globe, gaining knowledge and enhancing coaching skills are essential for nurturing talent and improving overall team performance.  In this review, we present the 10 best soccer books for coaches, offering invaluable insights into various aspects of coaching at every level. 1 – “Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics” by Jonathan Wilson: Jonathan Wilson’s masterpi ..read more

Pre-Season already!!! I don’t want to think about that I need a rest. As we approach yet another end to another season it is time to reflect on success, failures and future improvements before a well-earned break is taken. However, as coaches, we never really switch off completely as we may be considering what our pre-season is going to look like before we embark on another long season of ups and downs. Introduction As a soccer coach, you undoubtedly recognise the crucial role that a well-structured pre-season training program plays in laying the groundwork for a successful season.  The ..read more

Introduction Position-specific training was one of the parts of training I enjoyed doing the most when I was playing. It didn’t matter to me if it was at the end of the session or a second session in the afternoon. This was my time as an individual, where I could practice what I was good at, which was scoring goals. However, it was also where I could develop areas in my game that needed some improvement. As a coach, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure that your team is well-prepared for the game ahead. One of the best ways to do this is through position-specific training. This ..read more

Having a solid defence is an art that is something I firmly believe in, and, as a striker, I have come up against some very difficult-to-beat defences in my career. Are you a soccer enthusiast looking to take your team’s defence to the next level?  Or maybe you’re a coach searching for ways to improve your team’s collective defensive effort. Look no further, because, in this article, we will be diving into the art of defending as a team. Introduction We all know that a successful soccer team is more than just individual skill and talent. It’s about the collective effort to protect the go ..read more