This weekend I did a football trainer course, and I was stunned at how much I learned. This course is the first of many courses you can do. I am making this post to share the knowledge I learned, and for myself to reflect upon what I learned. These are some of the most important things I learned.
Warm-Up
This first tip is just a warm-up tip to get this article started. It's also about the warm-up. Latest scientific research shows that the muscles have to be 39 celsius to perform the best. Our muscles are normally 37. By warming up with a slowly increasing pace for 12-14 minutes we are certain the muscles have reached 39 celsius. You can listen to their breathing if you're uncertain whether the warm-up has been good enough. If they're barely breathing heavier than before you might to do some extra minutes with increased intensity. In cold weather, it's recommended to warm-up for a longer period of time compared to sunny or at least with more increased intensity.
Show - Explain - Show
This tip is quite similar, but something we often forget to do, or most of the time, don't do at all. Before starting an exercise, you must first show the exercise. By doing so you increase the chance they will succeed and learn how to do it quicker. Once showed, you start to explain. If the exercise has to the purpose of improving your passing game, then you explain how you make a pass. Like you're talking to five years old. You will be surprised how many, also adults, can't explain what you do or must do to make a great pass. Once showed and explained you show it again. This will make them notice that they just heard you talk about.
Progression - Regression
Let's take the example above. Let's say you have set up your whole team to do a passing exercise. They are simply standing with the front facing each other and passing the ball. One touch, then the pass. Let's say it's all done with your strong leg. Then you notice it's too easy for some of your players. That's when the progression starts. You make the drill harder for them. But only for them. Or, only for the players who find it easy. You add something to it. Maybe now, they have to pass it with their weak foot. Maybe they have to pass a bit harder. Maybe they have make the first touch with their weak foot. Be creative. It goes the same for the weaker players. If the starting point was too hard you make a regression.
Image sources: Can be found in the other "The Manager Series"