Communication

I yelled at someone today.

Now before you stop reading this post saying that Hal White must be a boorish coach, who mistreats his players, it wasn't one of my players. It was someone who works in my profession, and this person wasn't accepting the genius of my position. I would be remiss if I didn't say that their position had some merit, but not very much in my estimation. Nevertheless, the act of yelling/shouting/browbeating was not going to make the person any smarter, more perceptive or more comfortable with my point of view. I suspect that this person is probably less receptive to my point of view, my input and intellect than they were before. And that will probably never change again in the future.

What does this have to do with soccer?

A lot.

How a coach communicates their philosophy, their training views, and their pleasure with a teams success is critical in the success of a team.

Let's look at Rafa, King Kenny, and the very unfortunate Avram Grant.

Rafa Benitez was by times animated, gesticulating and shouting. Other days he just sat there. But most of the time he was just giving small bits of tactical advice and direction from the sideline.

Why would he do that, his players are professionals and amongst the best in the world after all? What could he, a middle aged, former middle of the road player, tell world class players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres? Because they are not able to see and do everything at, and because he was their manager and was responsible for adjusting and assisting in their tactics as a game progressed. His role was as much tactical as motivational. King Kenny is doing the same thing. He watches, he absorbs, he analyzes and shouts encouragement and tactics to his players.

Now poor old Avram Grant, no doubt a solid coach and manager just sat there, and looked really really gloomy. He had good cause to look gloomy with both Portsmouth and West Ham, and his gallows like complexion reflected the accurate demise of these teams. But he could have done more, or at least appeared to have tried to have done more. The teams needed it tactically and on a "motivational" basis.


So what is the amateur coach to do. Look to the professionals. The good ones are engaged and aware of what is going on on the pitch and with their players. Wenger is always on the line, Ferguson, and Ian Holloway. Mick McCarthy seems to be about ten seconds from jumping on the pitch himself. They are not competing themselves but are essential to the quality of the competition.

So from the start of the warm up to the final whistle be prepared to be engaged, involved,
aware and positive.

WARM UP

Set up your warm ups grids, and start the players in their drills. Be present, observe their pace, touch and engagement. Talk to them, encourage them and suggest improvements and see if they adapt. Make your assessments as to who is ready to play.

THE OPPONENTS

If you are able watch the other team for a few moments, in particular the keeper. See how the keeper is preparing . Do they tend to drop the ball, trouble in the air or lateral movement. Pass on any of this information to your players.

DURING THE GAME.

Watch the game, look for the opponents weaknesses and pass the info on to the field players.Pass on strategic advice, and be positive. tell them to play up, rather than say they are playing to far back. Tell them some things are "unlucky " rather than a "poor touch", as they know if it is bad. Pay attention to their pace and ask if they are all right.Watch the opponents and how they are adapting to your strategy and tactics. Watch the on field match ups change them as you see fit.

HALF TIME

Ask about injuries, and inquire about any challenges they are experiencing on the field . Remind them about their tactics and especially about what is working well.

For the rest of the game help your team accomplish their objectives. Praise and assist as required, but keep yourself engaged for the whole game.

END OF THE GAME

Fill them in on what went right, compliment them if compliments are warranted. Keep your criticisms to yourself for the time being, but remember them for training issues for the next sessions.



Remember the pros are engaged the whole game through, and you should be as well. Keep the players informed as to what is going on that they can't see, and encourage them to take advantage of opportunities that they aren't aware of.

YNWA

WALK ON

Hal White

What do they need to do?

Well Liverpool is starting , just barely starting , to do what they need to, which is win games, ugly or otherwise. Perhaps they were lucky to win yesterday, but maybe, just maybe they are making their own luck,and forcing the play and creating more opportunities.

What is different? Well style of play is one, and adjustments to positions and personnel are significant as well. Martin Kelly as right back is not a true revelation, but he is more diligent than Johnson has been all season, and appears to want to attack AND defend as required.

Johnson appears to be finding himself as a left back. Is a change as good as a vacation, well not really, because Johnson seems to be keen on relearning the requirements of his position. So a working vacation.

PASS AND MOVE

This game isn't rocket science, and consists of, I believe two essential principles;

1. Pass

2. Move

Both of these elements have been missing in Liverpool's game this season, until very recently.

A good example of the power of pass and move is found on the video link posted on my blog. Barca are the current masters of this game.

How do we teach our players this technique. Train them how to pass!!! Secondly, train them how to pass!! And train them to move after each pass.

A simple game is to play a normal 5 aside, but the one restriction is that after the player passes the ball they must move forward, and can only move into a "back position" after the ball has been passed by someone else. If they don't move, free kick for the other squad. It is hard work, but it teaches and reinforces the power of movement.

Pass and move. Do it.

Hal White