Training Should Be Messy

Have any of you recently participated in a soccer training session or observed one? If so, did you find it to be a positive experience? What aspects of the session made it particularly noteworthy?

In the realm of football coaching, coaches are often evaluated based on their ability to maintain order and control during training sessions, ensuring that drills run smoothly without disruptions. Players typically adhere to a structured regimen of drills and exercises on meticulously maintained pitches, all under the watchful eye of their coach.

The implicit emphasis on structure and the visual aesthetics of these training sessions can sometimes overshadow the value of introducing controlled chaos and unpredictability into the mix. While it remains crucial for coaches to uphold discipline and structure, fixating solely on the fluidity and complexity of non-authentic exercises may inadvertently impede the development of players' adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving skills – all of which are vital attributes for success on the field.

Recognizing the delicate balance between structure and the introduction of controlled disorder can ultimately result in more well-rounded and versatile players, better equipped to navigate the unpredictabilities of the beautiful game.

* The above statement does not aim to contradict widely accepted age and skill-based player developmental phases (see here), but rather seeks to incorporate more nuanced variables into their commonly utilized implementation.

The Messiness of Learning

Messy training doesn't entail chaos or disorganization; instead, it involves breaking free from the sterile and controlled environments often prevalent in our educational and professional development settings. It's about introducing an element of unpredictability, ambiguity, and real-world complexity into the learning process. Here's why messy training can prove highly effective:

1. Authenticity Breeds Resilience

Traditional training often places a heavy emphasis on rote memorization and standardized assessments. While these methods have their merits, they can leave learners ill-prepared to tackle real-world challenges that demand creative problem-solving and adaptability.

Conversely, messy training immerses individuals in situations that mirror the unpredictability of real life. It encourages them to grapple with ambiguity, make mistakes, and discover solutions through trial and error. This authenticity nurtures resilience, as learners become comfortable with uncertainty and gain the confidence to confront the unknown head-on.

2. Evoking Cognitive and Motor Functions

Incorporating messiness into training necessitates participants to engage their cognitive and motor skills in innovative ways. It challenges them to think on their feet, adapt their strategies, and apply their knowledge across diverse scenarios. This dynamic process is akin to a mental and physical workout, making the brain and body more agile and versatile.

Messy training also enhances critical thinking abilities, as learners must analyze complex situations, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions. This multifaceted approach to learning bolsters cognitive functions, preparing individuals to excel in a world where problem-solving is a prized asset.

3. Adapting to Different Scenarios

One of the primary advantages of messy training is its capacity to equip individuals for a wide array of scenarios. By exposing learners to various challenges and unexpected twists, it helps them develop the adaptability and versatility required to thrive in diverse environments.

In today's interconnected world, professionals/players often need to switch roles and navigate unfamiliar territories. Messy training provides them with the skills to apply their knowledge and expertise in novel ways, irrespective of the context. It fosters a growth mindset, where individuals perceive challenges as opportunities for growth rather than hurdles to overcome.

Putting Things into (Football) Practice

In a world that demands flexibility, messy training signifies a shift in how we prepare ourselves and our teams for success. It celebrates authenticity, cultivates cognitive and motor adaptability, and empowers individuals to confront an ever-changing landscape with confidence. Following examples show how this could be implemented:

1. Situated Warming Up and Technique Training: All aspects of the training should entail a level of complexity that can be brought back to the game context. Not a single pass in football is given in a static vacuum.
2. Small-Sided Games: Instead of traditional drills, organize small-sided games (3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 8v8) on smaller pitches. These games encourage quick decision-making, close ball control, and constant involvement, similar to real match scenarios. Adjust the rules and conditions to emphasize specific skills or tactics.
3. Position-Specific Training: Tailor training sessions to focus on specific positions on the field. For instance, if you're working with midfielders, create drills that emphasize their roles in linking play, maintaining possession, and making key passes. This helps players develop skills relevant to their positions.
4. Game Realism Drills: Design drills that replicate situations players commonly encounter in matches. For example, set up exercises that simulate one-on-one defending, crossing and finishing, or quick transitions from defense to attack. Use game-like scenarios to practice these skills under pressure.
5. Situational Scrimmages: Create controlled scrimmages that replicate certain game situations, such as practicing attacking against a low defensive block or defending against a fast counter-attack. This allows players to work on their tactics and decision-making within specific contexts.

Embrace Messiness, Embrace Growth

As leaders, educators, coaches, and lifelong learners, we must acknowledge the value of messy training and advocate for its adoption. By doing so, we not only prepare ourselves for the challenges of tomorrow but also empower future generations to thrive in the unpredictable, messy world that awaits them. So, let's wholeheartedly embrace the messiness of training, for within it lies the path to authentic growth and boundless possibilities.

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Recommended reading

• Ali, A. (2011). Measuring soccer skill performance: a review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(2), 170-183.
• Cooper, D. (2010). Authenticity and learning: Nietzsche's educational philosophy. Taylor & Francis.