How do you feel so far?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the course so far and I feel like I am learning a great deal.

One of the core goals of the course is to nurture and develop more skilful players of all abilities, and I believe all the content and practical sessions delivered so far are helping me work towards that goal.

My sincere apologies for not participating in the practicals during the first two-day face-to-face days. I was unwell with a fever at the time, but all being well, I look forward to participating in the next ones during module 2.

How have you reflected about module one?

Module 1 has contributed to my understanding of the players and their game in my squad at AC Finchley. In particular, I’ve gained insight into the different paradigms/ models that can be incorporated into training, which serve as lenses to better understand players and take a more holistic approach to my coaching.

Specifically, I’m referring to the Four Corner Model and other frameworks including The Skill Capabilities, The Practice Spectrum, The STEP Framework, The Principles of Play, and Session Structure/ Practice types. I’m in the process of attempting to consolidate this into a knowledge base document and hopefully, with practice I’ll be able to juggle all this information at the same time, during training sessions and matches, to inform my coaching.

Some of these concepts were already familiar to me, but revisiting them and learning about them in more depth has enhanced my understanding - especially in the context of seeing them applied during practices. I’m slowly developing an appreciation of how each of these models / elements interacts with the others.

Module 1 has also highlighted areas where I know I can improve. For example, I need to focus more on how to teach core technical skills, reduce the use of jargon, and resist the temptation to fix or tweak things in response to games. Instead, I’m working to adopt a more medium-term, focused approach, to coaching.

I think one of my biggest challenges going forward is being able to incorporate all of this best practice - planning, session design, session review etc. - with the limited time available. Figuring out how to coach effectively in an efficient way is probably key. As I’m sure you know, so much time as a grassroots coach is taken up with admin and organisation of match days, among other things - it doesn’t leave that much time for actual coaching!

What have you learned and how have you used the new learning?

In no particular order, the following are some of the things I feel I have learned and am trying to apply from Module 1:

• Incorporate Principles of Play: Coaching should always incorporate the principles of play, the six capabilities of being skilful, and at least two of the Four Corner Model. Try to include these in every session—whether it’s first-time finishing, collective pressing, or anything else.
• Player-Centric Approach: Always ask yourself: What does each player need from you to become a better player and a better person?