MATT WHITEHOUSE

After working in the US for a few years I saw the focus and importance of 1-1 training and realized that this wasn’t an area used effectively enough in the UK. For me 1-1 coaching can really enhance a players skill-set which is essential for the level of technical excellence required in the modern game. I don’t believe that conventional team/group sessions can enhance these qualities sufficiently, which is why 1-1 training should be part of a players development program.

Now it shouldn’t come at the expense of team sessions, as it is important players use their skills in team environments; practices and games, in order to improve their understanding of the game. What 1-1 coaching seeks to do is enhance the players quality with the ball, their skills and control. If they are better in these areas then you will see more confident, composed and effective players. The reason I do 1-1 training is because I believe it is important for a player’s development.

It is slowly becoming more popular, however there are very few coaches offering this type of training. Parents are starting to see the need and importance of getting their young players the extra training required to aid their development. However the limited amount of coaches who offer this training is limited. I can see it becoming a growing business in the coming years as it does appear 1-1 training has become more popular. In previous years you wouldn’t hear about 1-1 football training, now that is changing. The key however is that parents/players find good coaches who care about the player’s development and who aren’t in it solely for making money.

I wouldn’t say technical deficiencies, perhaps more tactical in line with the technical. We have some very skillful, creative players in England yet perhaps these players aren’t intelligent enough to use these skills effectively in games. Their understanding of space, movement and positioning seems lacking in many players. This may be because of the separation between technical and tactical coaching, instead of focusing on both to achieve the objectives from both sides.

Technical development has become more about ball mastery and skills in unopposed practices rather than using these skills, and passing and receiving is a skill neglected by many it seems these days, in real game situations. This will only help enhance the players ability to impact games. What I would say is lacking with English players is the ability to move the ball and receive at speed. Pass speed is too slow and 1st touch on receiving needs to be further enhanced. When I watch top young foreign players they move the ball with such speed and quality.

The key to our success has been education. We have worked with the coaches and parents to help educate and inform about the philosophy and methods we have introduced. Because of this people in the club are aware of what we seeking to achieve and how we are seeking to do this. Through workshops we have explained the structure, organization and long term development plan which we believe will help produce a top quality footballer.

I was recruited to introduce a philosophy and program for the 9-16’s which would develop technically excellent players who possessed skill and creativity. The problem before I arrived was that there wasn’t any real structure to the coaching program. This led to a lack of focus in the work each age group was working towards. Because of this there had been a culture previously of a ‘free for all’ type approach where coaches would decide what to do each session. This lacked the structure and development plan required for what I believe young players require to build a continued understanding of the game. By having greater structure you can have a greater focus on a players development. Instead of reacting after each game there is now a plan in place where each weeks focus is planned. It is a proactive way to develop players which for me improves learning and development. If this sounds restrictive it is not, our coaches and philosophy seeks players to express themselves within the structure.

We want to produce thinking players, who are intelligent, who can solve problems and who have the skill-set at their disposal to deal with the demands of the game. Our coaching program seeks to enhance the technical, tactical, physical and psychological elements required to aid their development. Each age group and phase has distinct learning objectives which are built upon and enhanced as the players moves up the Academy pathway.

The Coerver method has become something which is a key part of my training. Through all age groups we have players develop their ball mastery and skills, putting an emphasis on ‘effective use of skill’. We promote 1v1/2v2 practices in all our sessions to help improve a players attacking and defending ability. The Coerver method is seen in the majority of my sessions. I seek to produce exceptional individuals who can also be part of a coherent and cohesive team. The Coerver method for me is the best tool for developing the technical side of the game. As well as this is it enjoyable and energetic. It is not overly complex which allows for positive development.

I would advise a young player to do everything they can to enhance their game. To do more than any of their peers. Go and study the game, watch games and take notes. Watch the best players and see what they do in games. Research the work top pro’s did when they were young, the sacrifice, the extra work. Become a student of the game, analyze and learn the game and then go practice it. Do the extra work to improve on your game, enhance your strengths and improve your weaknesses.

Find a 1-1 coach who can help your development, find a personal trainer who can improve your athleticism and core strength. Understand psychology and seek to become a master of your mind and be great with your mindset. And above all, enjoy the challenge of improving, embrace the challenges, push yourself to get better and do it with a smile. Too many young players fall into their comfort zone, they stop doing the extra work, they get comfortable. But to become a top player you need to keep pushing yourself, constantly seeking to do more and get better.

I’ve been writing the blog ‘The Whitehouse Address’ for several years now. It has become an important part of my coaching as it gives me a chance to formulate my ideas and thoughts on all elements of the game, both youth and pro’s and allows me to get a logical perspective on my thoughts. It has been great to see how well received the blog has been and it’s great to receive correspondence from people who have found it useful for them.

Through the success of the blog has come two books also, ‘The Way Forward’ and ‘Universality’. ‘The Way Forward’ allowed me to put together all my thoughts on youth development and coaching and gave an opinion on why English football has fell behind other nations. ‘Universality’ is where I see the game moving towards both in a tactical and technical sense. These ideas shape my present coaching of young players as I believe the game is moving towards this ‘universal’ type of player. Therefore what we do with young players is key for the future. Both books give my opinion and ideas on where the game is heading and what is required for us as coaches to develop players who can succeed in the future game. Again, it has been fantastic to receive such glowing feedback from both books, it does seem the books have struck a chord with many coaches, parents and fans of the game in general.