The publisher is using a new address for their RSS feed. Please update your feed reader to use this new URL: https://pivotalfootballcoaching.typepad.com/my-blog/atom.xml ..read more

I wrote that headline to arouse your interest… but it’s more than just an attention-getting device. I have evidence to support the claim. But before I go into details, I have some background. I’ve never been a fan of wingers, or playing wide on the pitch. I realize this might be a controversial opinion, given that every elite coach in the world seems to value width in attack more than anything else. For example, in Marti Perarnau’s book, ‘Pep Guardiola The Evolution,’ the author quotes Guardiola as saying, “… successful attacking high up the pitch is impossible if you’re lacking width. Co ..read more

If you were getting paid to coach, would you put in more effort? Would you search harder for effective drills? Would you turn up to training earlier and be better organised? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, it might be that your current reason for coaching isn’t powerful enough to drive you. Unless you’re giving your very best, and constantly trying to get better, some form of external incentive most likely compels you. Hint: The motivation needs to come from within ..read more

A highly regarded coach who works with elite junior footballers in Europe has a unique way to encourage a sense of ‘togetherness’ amongst his players. He insists everyone in his team wears black boots. In an era where fluorescent coloured boots and designer logos are all the rage, it’s a simple way to get an important message across. In the coach’s own words: “The black boots concept came to me for a number of reasons. The main one was that I wanted kids to stand out on the pitch through their talent and effort, not by the colour of their boots. I thought wearing the same colour no-nonse ..read more

Can you visualise the following scene? ‘From eighteen yards out the striker drives a wicked, dipping shot at goal. The keeper reacts with cat-like reflexes. He dives to his left and manages to deflect the ball around the goalpost. Corner kick! The crowd behind the goal rises to their feet in anticipation. The roar around the stadium lifts with sudden expectation as the attacker places the ball beside the corner flag and prepares to whip a cross into the penalty area. Attackers and defenders jostle anxiously for position around the six-yard box. The tension becomes almost unbearable. The s ..read more

Who do you talk to when an opportunity presents itself? Imagine you were offered a big break; the chance to coach a football team far more skilled and far more professional than the team you are currently leading. Who would you turn to for advice? Would you consult your family, other coaches, a mentor…? Most of us relinquish the final decision to the voices in our head, where we keep a memorised list of excuses. “I’m sorry. I can’t accept the offer because…” I’m not experienced enough. I don’t have the confidence. I don’t think I’m qualified enough. I would have to relocate. I’m not ..read more

I never understood the ‘crossbar challenge’. Why would you encourage players to practice missing the goal? Instead, why not put a training pole one metre inside the right goal post and have a ‘bottom right corner challenge’? Slot the ball between the upright and the pole from twenty meters out – then I’ll be impressed ..read more

A team I coached went through a phase at the beginning of the season where their passing was woeful. Even short passes under no pressure were being sprayed wide of the intended receiver. It was bitterly frustrating, and I spent several weeks analysing the issue, trying to find the cause. The team was a senior men’s outfit that had won the past two consecutive grand finals. In their region they were the best team in the competition. Finally – out of curiosity and frustration – I set up a simple exercise with my three key midfielders. I lined the players up and asked them to dribble through ..read more

If you don’t know everything you need to know about coaching, you might be trying to solve a problem by driving a nail with a rock. Don’t let the limits of your football knowledge restrict the potential of your players. Invest in your education. Scour books, talk to colleague coaches, study and observe other teams you admire. Always be on the lookout for better, more effective solutions and fresh ideas. Add everything you learn to your coaching toolbox. It’s worth the effort. One day you will need a hammer ..read more

I’m a fan of Pep Guardiola, the current coach at Manchester City. Pep has his critics. Some people claim his success is due to the quality of the players in his teams, and the vast budget he has at his disposal. Granted. But even without those things, I believe Guardiola would always be a football innovator. Some of the concepts he has introduced to the game have been unique. Others have been procured from coaches who have gone before him. I respect his commitment and obsessive desire to play entertaining, exciting football. You don’t have to like Guardiola. You can appreciate any coach ..read more