Focusing on Awareness and then using Technical Skills

 

Understanding the Key Physiological Component in Football

When coaching players, I often pose a straightforward physiological question: “What part of your body is the most important part of your football toolkit?”

 

Common Responses from Trainees

Typically, the answers I receive mainly include

• “the leg” - valued for generating speed, skill, and tackling ability;

• the body's energy, which enables sustained running;

• and, from the more perceptive trainees, the heart, as it delivers passion and energy, both vital attributes in football.

 

Why the Head Is Most Important

Whatever the response, my standard reply is always that the head is the most crucial, because it possesses the following:

• Two ears – essential for listening to teammates and maintaining awareness of the overall state of play.

• Two eyes – so the player can observe what is happening and form mental images (more on this later).

• A brain – to process all available information and devise solutions to any problems encountered during play.

• A mouth – for effective communication with teammates, integrating all the above elements for the good of the team.

 

Physical Attributes and the Makeup of a Footballer

While physical attributes are important—and were essential in my playing days—they constitute only part of what makes a footballer. So, its no longer just about speed, dribbling skills, strength  or heading ability!

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The Armchair Critic Perspective

Consider the “armchair Manager”: most of us become one, while watching football on television.

These critics seem infallible, always making the correct decisions and never erring, despite never having played the game at any level themselves.

 

Theoretical Knowledge versus Practical Ability

Many such individuals have spent years watching football, gaining insights into the game and its underlying theory.

In an ideal world, theory aligns perfectly with technical ability, allowing players to put concepts into practice seamlessly.

In reality, however, people tend to possess either technical skills or theoretical knowledge, but rarely both.

It is the coach's responsibility to unite these elements for the betterment of the team.

 

Coaching Approach: Decision-Making and Technical Ability

Given that I typically work with technically proficient players, my coaching is largely focused on passing on knowledge to enable sound decision-making—much like the armchair critics who always seem to make the right call.

 

The Importance of Visualisation and Awareness

Training for Real-World Decision Making

To effectively merge technical skill with decision-making, I recommend incorporating properly coached matches into every training session, with pauses for educational moments.

After all, players do not compete against cones or markers during actual matches; they face real opponents who behave unpredictably.

It is essential that players build the confidence to make sound decisions when confronted with the challenges that arise on the pitch.

 

 

Summary:

Developing Awareness and Decision-Making

In summary, focus your coaching on helping players develop the ability to create mental pictures and improve their awareness, enabling them to use their technical skills more effectively for the good of the team.