PFW #22

Phrenic = body and mind as one

After last week's exploration of the coach's role as an educator, this week delves into a crucial reflection on developing players for the new millennium and the demands of the modern game.

While engrossed in a YouTube video discussing "Building Thinking Classes," a realization struck: our educational system is obsolete and in the dynamic realm of modern football, the challenges of player development stretch far beyond the pitch.

A pressing need for change arises, prompting a pivotal question: What if this innovative educational approach could be seamlessly integrated into training sessions and player development?

In response, here are 11 insightful guidelines for coaches to navigate and address this transformative theme.

Nurturing Champions for the New Millennium: 11 Guidelines for Coaches

In the landscape of modern football, the challenges of developing players extend beyond the pitch, intertwining with the profound shifts in our societal, economic, and educational contexts in the new millennium. Today's young players are not only navigating the complexities of the game but are also required to seamlessly fit into a society that presents novel challenges.

The world has undergone significant transformations, marking an era distinct from previous ones. In this new reality, the educational needs and objectives of young players must evolve to align with the demands of a dynamic society. Unlike the conformist and obedient structures of the 19th-century educational system, today's players require a diverse set of tools.

Football development programs should recognize that young players need more than just technical prowess and tactical understanding. They must be equipped with essential life skills, including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability. These skills not only enhance their holistic development but also prepare them for the multifaceted challenges they'll encounter both on and off the field.

The outdated educational paradigms of the past are no longer sufficient. As football becomes an integral part of a player's journey, the development approach must transcend traditional boundaries. By embracing a more comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy, football becomes a vehicle not just for sporting success, but for empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Here I am proposing some guidelines for coaches in order sensitive to developing players for the new world order:

Guidelines for Coaches in the “New Millennium”:

1. Holistic Skill Set: Move beyond technical and tactical proficiency to develop players with life skills, including critical thinking, adaptability, understanding of the world, and financial literacy.
2. Adaptability Training: Instill a culture of adaptability on and off the field, exposing players to diverse challenges and real-life scenarios.
3. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging players to think creatively, take initiative, and embrace calculated risks, preparing them for leadership roles.
4. Personal Development Plans: Collaborate with players on holistic personal development plans that align footballing and life goals, tailoring coaching strategies to individual needs and aspirations.
5. Mental Resilience Training: Equip players with mental resilience tools, incorporating practices like mindfulness, visualization, breathing, and positive self-talk to navigate the highs and lows.
6. Community Engagement: Emphasize community engagement and social responsibility, involving players in initiatives fostering empathy and connection.
7. Technology Integration: Leverage technology for sophisticated learning environments, incorporating video analysis, virtual reality, and data-driven insights.
8. Global and Cultural Exposure: Expose players to diverse football cultures and perspectives through international tournaments, friendly matches, learning new languages, or collaborations.
9. Leadership Development: Cultivate leadership qualities within players, providing opportunities for leadership roles and fostering responsibility and decision-making skills.
10. Continuous Learning: Instill a culture of continuous learning, encouraging players to pursue educational opportunities alongside their football careers.
11. Character Building Programs: Implement character-building programs instilling values like resilience, integrity, and humility, contributing to personal development and shaping the team's identity.

By embracing these guidelines, being aware of the biopsychosocial development of players, football coaches become architects of comprehensive player development, preparing individuals for success not only in the dynamic game but also in the multifaceted challenges of the modern world.

Sources:

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning?(13 October 2020),?Peter Liljedahl .

https://sites.google.com/wrdsb.ca/bitesizedlearning/home/learning-from-liljedahls-thinking-classroom

Tactical Breakdown

Pressure triggers - timing to jump

Press Here To Watch!

In this clip, the Wolves' midfielder attempted to anticipate a pass but found himself outplayed by a well-executed through pass. This is a common mistake in football defense, and players aiming for greater efficiency and effectiveness should address it in their training.

This concept is intricately tied to the principle of progression (or avoiding progression when defending). Aboubacar Traoré, in this instance, made a decision to press the direct opponent without preventing the ball's progression toward his goal, and the timing of the press was off. In such situations, a player should consistently ask, "Where is it better for our team that the opponent's ball holder plays? To his teammate in front of me or the one behind me?"

By prematurely committing to press, Traoré inadvertently allowed Kovacic to exploit the space, finding Alvarez in a favorable position. This not only accelerated the game but also exposed the Wolves' defensive line. To improve decision-making, players need to consider the consequences of their actions and make choices that benefit the team strategically.

Reflecting on this scenario, ask yourself: How can players refine their decision-making on the field to avoid exposing their defensive line and ensure effective defensive strategies?

(This type of content is being discussed and shared in discussion groups and forum in our platform Brainstorming Football in Mighty Networks)

Video Editor: Pedro Castro

Quote

“Rather than being the source of knowledge in the room, teachers were working to mobilize the knowledge already existing in the room.”

- Peter Liljedahl

Video Recommendation

Peter Liljedahl is a researcher and mathematics education professor known for his work on problem-solving and the concept of "thinking classrooms." His research focuses on how teaching methods can enhance student engagement and understanding in mathematics.

In his unique research-based practices create the optimal conditions for learner-centered, student-owned deep mathematical thinking and learning, and have the power to transform mathematics classrooms like never before.

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