Introduction

When coaching football players, it’s common to focus on physical attributes such as speed, technical skill, and stamina.

Many trainees instinctively respond to the question, “What part of your body is the most important part of your football tool kit?”

with answers like

• “the legs”,

• “the heart”, or simply

• “overall energy”.

 

While these responses highlight essential aspects of a player’s performance, there is a deeper, often overlooked element: THE HEAD.

 

Why the Head Is Fundamental

The head encompasses several critical tools for footballers:

• Two ears – for listening to teammates and becoming aware of the overall state of play.

• Two eyes – to see what is happening on the pitch and to create mental images that inform decisions.

• The brain – to process information, analyse situations, and devise solutions to problems encountered during the game.

• The mouth – to communicate effectively, coordinating actions and strategies with teammates.

Physical attributes are undeniably important and, in many eras, considered essential. However, they are just one facet of what makes a footballer successful.

 

The “Armchair Critic” Paradox

Consider the “armchair critic” - those who watch football on television, never make mistakes, always make the right decisions, and do nothing wrong, despite never having played the game themselves.

These critics often possess a wealth of theoretical knowledge about football, but lack the practical technical skills.

In a perfect world, theory and technical ability would seamlessly combine.

In reality, most individuals excel in one area or the other, and it’s the coach’s role to unite these elements for the benefit of the team.

 

Coaching Focus:

Decision-Making and Awareness Having worked with technically skilled players, much of effective coaching revolves around imparting information to help players make the best decisions - much like those armchair critics who analyse the game from a distance.

The most accomplished players, at both elite and grassroots levels, have a unique ability: they can create “pictures” in their head, similar to watching television, and use these mental images to base their technical decisions and actions on the current state of play.

 

Training Recommendations

To maximize the combination of technical ability and decision-making, coaches should implement properly coached matches in every training session. These matches should be paused at times for educational purposes, allowing players to reflect, analyse, and understand real-game scenarios. Unlike drills against cones and markers, players must learn to face unpredictable opponents and situations, developing the confidence and awareness needed to make the right decisions under pressure.

 

Conclusion

Ultimately, coaches should emphasize the importance of creating mental pictures and awareness in their players. By nurturing decision-making skills and encouraging players to use their technical abilities effectively, the overall performance and cohesion of the team will improve.