This is the my base of knowledge for all TST sessions. All the things i do are built on top of this :

• The individual Technical Cycle of Football
• Pressure Problems
• The Standard footwork model
• The Science of deep practice
• The TST footwork levels

Check out the table above for the links:

In terms of a TST session:

Footwork :

• I follow the footwork levels detailed on page 5 [table above].

Tech Game : 1v1 :

I often think that players get the underlying philosophy of 1v1s wrong. They usually think it is about moves and tricks. They usually think it is about getting past a player.

The truth however is that 1v1s are not like this. I think the following :

• 1v1s are a relationship between attacker and defender. I try to provide an environment where this can develop.
• I need players to experience a number of different types of pressure problems and develop strategies to deal with them.
• In 1v1s I dont want the attacker shooting too early, so i add constraints that force players to run with the ball more and have more momenets engaging with the defender.
• I try to offer lots of lateral space (rather than space in behind) as the game is largely about using latarel space, rather than taking on players in tight spaces.
• In fact 1v1s are all about space . The defender is just in the way of some of the space but not all of it. So rather than thinking about 1v1s as an exercise in beating the defender, think of it as an exercise in opening up the space you want to get to. The defender is just a bit of an annoyance and needs to be moved out the way. If he cant be moved out of one space, then always have an alternative space ready to be used.
• Check out the pressure problems on P2 in the table below.

Tech Game : Game intelligence :

• 1v1s don't address all the technical components on the ITCF.
• So a second type of technical game needs to be played that incorporates 1v1 strategies along side other technical components in the ITCF.
• Check out the 2 square videos .

3v3s

• 3v3s are not a glorified 1v1 exercise. It is not a 'I will do it myself' game. It should not look like a battle.

3v3s should look like a chess game.

• It is a team game with lots of passing and 1v1 opportunities.
• It is a test of a players ability to continually ask the question [Do i pass or do i run with the ball? ] and continually find the best answer.
• Use coaching statements like : Use footwork to get out of trouble - not in to it. Don't look for 1v1s - let them find you. If a 3v3 is turning into a battle, something has gone worng.

Do i pass or do i run with the ball ??