The TST development philosophy.

   

Please read through this and if you need anything clarifying please get back to me.

Stages of technical development

 
Firstly remember: When you have to think through a new technique it feels uncomfortable. (Footwork patterns do initially for example). Young kids don't mind this too much as all techs are like this for them so what's the difference, but the older a player gets, and the more their ways of doing something feels more and more comfortable (whether it is done right or wrong) and the more they resist this feeling, and identify the uncomfortableness as a sign that the new technique (or way of doing it) is wrong.
 
Do not connect comfortableness with right. If it requires thought, it will feel uncomfortable. This does not make it wrong. Players with natural ability get through this phase really quickly, and also these players more often than not, naturally get the technique right. Child prodigies!
 
However, some players may take 10 years to get there, but they do get there. They work it out eventually. How many players don't really start to find that their touch and technique is at a high level until their late teens. These players had the potential but not enough natural ability to get it quickly.....these are the players we want. Players who need more guidance than their natural ability offers. We accelerate their technique and touch, so that they reach a high level of touch and technique much earlier than the other wise would. So we help them push through the uncomfortable phase and get that technique nailed in the subconscious so it requires no conscious thought to use. The problem exists, the solution is worked out, and the appropriate footwork just happens. the brain just picks it out.
 
However, this is only the first phase of the technical development process (although often it is seen as the only phase). The second phase is the phase that adds the most to the acceleration of development. The second phase is about developing the ability to execute the right technique, at maximum speed, under high levels of pressure, in minimal space, and with the a precision and dexterity of touch that an elite artist has when they paint (except footballers need to do it with their feet whilst getting pressed - and not with the hands whistling sitting on a stool). This is true technique (or skill). It is not whether you can do it, but how instinctively you choose the right technique for the 'problem solution moment' and how well you execute it under intense pressure.
 

Why the emphasis on footwork is a major component of TST.

 
  1. TST needs to do what team coaches can't do well. Teams coaches will always do control drills, passing drills, and running with the ball exercises, play big sided games (5v5s etc)....so we need to add something different which adds value to a players development bubble. We do want to look like a team training session. It needs to be a 'small group, almost individual in parts', always technical, intelligent and a challenge.
  2. Also it is really hard for coaches to do footwork well, if at all, at team training. Remember most coaches promote 2 touch football and pragmatism. So TST might be the only chance players get to learn good footwork.
  3. Good footwork means efficient and effective ways to move the ball around your body (based on the 6 relative directions model and pressure problem assumptions - see curriculum pages), and that includes the steps around the ball - not just the touches of the ball. Cones offer time and space constraints, as well as variety of practice, and it is critical footwork gets quicker, and developed to the point it is done without looking directly at the ball.
  4. All TST footwork is 100% game functional (except with beginners)  and we never make anything more complicated than is necessary. (We don't do scissor, elasticos - these are just additional outside fakes techniques and we only teach a basic outside fake (fake behind the ball) - if players want to take this further they can do this themselves).
  5. Footwork can be part of a pass and receive exercise. That;s ok. There are examples of this in the coaches curriculum pages. But tech games (like pass and press (see curriculum pages)) can be a good time to work on passing tech, and for getting the feet and brain prepared for a first touch moment. I prefer this to static passing practice.
  6. Footwork is just a problem solving tool. No different to using the right 'drill bit' when doing some DIY. So in games footwork isn't important. Solving the problem is what matters. But if you have good tools then the problem is much easier to solve.
  7. Footwork patterns we teach can also be used in first touch moments, so although we develop them as running with the ball skills, there is nothing stopping players using them in tight spaces as first touch techniques. Most patterns are 1 or 2 touch patterns, can be used to manipulate time and space and can very quickly lead into a better passing angle.
  8. TST uses the feedback cycle to coach. Introducing a technical challenge, practice, player gets internal and external (coach /cones) feedback, has another go, improves a little, gets more feedback, gets success, then a new challenge is introduced and the cycle repeats. Team training  does not do a good job of helping players through this cycle. Training is more of a sink or swim environment.
  9. Footwork practice offers loads of touches and conditioning, foot dexterity, touch, balance, coordination etc and is not dependent on another player passing the ball (and maybe stuffing it up) and can be taken home and done at home without the need for another person.
So that's why we work hard to develop Fundamental Footwork Patterns.
 
But some players might not be ready for FFPs and cone work: At a young beginner level : You would look at foot flexibility and strength, do 'hop and tap' exercises and 'ball mastery exercises which develop fundamental foot shapes'. All this is on the curriculum pages.
 
So the standard TST sessions model is :
  • Footwork :
  • Tech games :
  • Small sided games.
 
You are free to play with this order : You may start with a game for example. Or you may do 10 minutes on footwork, then play for 10mins, Then go back to footwork, then play.....this is about working out what works best for you  and the players you are helping.  As long as players are exposed to FFPs (and pushed to improve them) and are given the opportunity to use them as a tool in a problem solving environment then I am happy.  I do not micro manage this. I trust you get it. Note, if a session does not match this model, parents normally let me know pretty quickly.
 
A final and very important element of TST is : In terms of preparing for a session and working out what could be worked on in the session look at like this:
 
'What can I develop which will make them play better in a 3v3'.
 
The 3v3 needs all aspects of the Individual technical cycle of football (ITCF)(curriculum pages). Using footwork and tech games, surely all aspects of the ITCF can be taught and developed.
 
ITCF :
  • First touch moment to manipulate time and space to improve the position of the ball.
  • Ball moving moment to manipulate time and space to improve the position of the ball.
  • Release the ball to improve the position of the ball.
  • Movement/position : Find a new position which if passed to would improve the position of the ball, both to you and away from you.
  • VAAD (Vision awareness analysis decision) and Communication and constants throughout the cycle.
  • Repeat.
The above applies to groups who are still playing lots of 3v3s at TST. The oldest group for example doesn't do much footwork in their session. Although we do expect them to do at least 1 footwork session a week at home.
 
So hopefully this clarifies things :
 
I am always keen to learn from you, so if you want to share your thoughts, then happy to receive them.