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Using a games based approach within the professional phase

Tim S
Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:05:45 GMT

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone had any good examples of how you can use a games based approach with older players? I've recently been made head of coaching at our club and I am trying to change the mindset of all the coaches from a 'command' style culture to a 'trial & error' type culture. This is easy with the foundation stage coaches and even the development stage but i'm finding it harder with the older age group coaches who are a bit stuck in their ways. I am a holder of the Youth Award so am well versed in TGFU and constraint led sessions but i'm just wondering if anyone has anything in particular that might be able to 'sell' the concept to the older groups? I appreciate that TGFU is more effective for younger players and there may be a sizeable shift up the practice spectrum for older players but would you suggest that I leave them to their blocked practices or convince them that 7v7 constraint based games is potentially more beneficial for them?

Dave Wright
Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:05:38 GMT

> @Tim S > how you can use a games based approach with older players? Tim, welcome to the PDP community. An excellent question and clearly you are in an exciting role with plenty of challenges in front of you! My belief is that regardless of age, players want to play the game, and whether it's SSG's, phases or functions, working in opposed scenarios stimulates problem solving, improves technique, develops tactical understanding and ideally includes realistic pitch geography, therefore has value. It seems there is a cultural issue which needs addressing among coaches at your club working in this phase. It's concerning if they have a closed mind to new ideas, but hopefully with reason, honesty and an end goal in mind, you can encourage them to take a few risks in how they work with the players. I have used TGFU methods with players up to U18 level and don't see why there should be resistance to this from coaches with players right through to first team level. Player enjoyment is a big factor here too, I know as a player I never enjoyed anything that didn't involve a g oal and the game, but that of course is an individual view. Similarly to Mario's question below, Dan Wright and I thought this was an excellent question and have recorded a PDP Q&A Video on this topic which will come out in coming weeks, so hopefully this helps! Good luck with the club and would love to hear others views on this question.

Tim S
Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:37:57 GMT

Thanks Dave and I look forward to the Q&A session

James Vaughan
Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:38:19 GMT

Hi Tim, playing for the Futsal-whites the most enjoyable sessions and the sessions I felt I learnt the most always involved game scenarios and changing task constraints. The older I got the less I could accept standing around or unrealistic situation. I think its harder for coaches to skilfully manipulate constraints within a game to achieve relevant learning opportunities but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try. Once they understand how to do it they'll find its a far more engaging experience that allows more flexibility.

Tim S
Wed, 01 Mar 2017 21:04:18 GMT

Hi James, yes I fully agree. I think I'll just have to run a few sessions with their teams to try and get them on board. I've used some game based sessions for pre season where teams have to switch between pitches (attacking, score, then switch pitches to stop another team scoring) which have gone down really well and had the multiple benefits of high intensity work, attacking creativity and defending out of balance etc. etc. Thanks for coming back

James L
Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:22:02 GMT

Tim I often use Game based approach, in a given week I will coach Under 11s to Under 20s with versions of the same game being used for both. It depends on what the game is design on but with my older players I will ask for their explain the design and ask for their input. My Under 20s are well developed players, Joeys and Young Socceroos who have a solid understanding of the game so getting their views for me is important. Definitely they much prefer this type of training, I tend to design the games around player Actions but all have principles of team possession built in. James L