Prior to Erik Ten Hag's first #MUFC game, their last training session got televised and recorded for all fans to see. In this thread below I will offer some insight on the new staff, their training structure and didactics.
Before the first module, players were brought onto the grass and were introduced to the second session of the day. In the morning the players had already gone through a physical training session, which was not open to fans as usual.
MODULE 1: Activation
As outfield players and goalkeepers are separated, the outfield players run around the pitch one time at a low speed. GK's start a light warm-up, but will participate in less physical exercise this session. Their exercises are rarely in view.
As outfield players and goalkeepers are separated, the outfield players run around the pitch one time at a low speed. GK's start a light warm-up, but will participate in less physical exercise this session. Their exercises are rarely in view.
In the second part of the Activation module, the players perform dynamic stretching. These warm-ups are designed to stretch the muscles to prevent tears. The players spend 4'30" on this exercise. Second picture shows how the intensity and amplitude increase throughout the drill.
In the last part of Activation, the players compete in a fun & rapid drill. For 3' they perform "left/right" movements, turn around, jump etc. on command of the coach. Apart from reaction speed, also the muscles get trained here. The players are up to temperature.
In the second module, a low-intensity rondo in the centre circle awaits the players. No more than one touch is allowed, and three chasers intercept the ball. As this is mainly a team-building exercise, there is little coaching focus on third-man combinations or breaking lines.
After ~9 minutes of this static rondo, the players take a break, passing the ball loosely in pairs for 5' while the coaches go over the second part of the session.
Before that second, more tactically-oriented part, the players hydrate sufficiently.
Before that second, more tactically-oriented part, the players hydrate sufficiently.
In the third module:
A 3v7+1 positional rondo with a few rules:
3 players chase the ball being kept in a small space. Defenders can score in both goals - in line with the principle of moving the ball after winning it.
A 3v7+1 positional rondo with a few rules:
3 players chase the ball being kept in a small space. Defenders can score in both goals - in line with the principle of moving the ball after winning it.
Defenders must ensure the ball is not kept in play for a set amount of time. If they fail, they must do push-ups. This strict rule which appears in lots of Ten Hag's sessions add incentive and a competitive edge.
This intense drill lasts 6 full minutes. Split in two sides, 3 coaches assist each set-up. The focus is also on tactical work; this is a drill which will return in more training sessions this season. The tactical goal is to break lines and find the third man beyond the lines.
During the drill, you can hear Ten Hag say:
"Put an extra player in the middle. Two in the middle. Then we can make triangles, that's football. Always the same principles".
"Put an extra player in the middle. Two in the middle. Then we can make triangles, that's football. Always the same principles".
This gives a little insight into Ten Hag's footballing philosophy, but also that the coach is not afraid to alter his drills during sessions. This is a good didactic competence to possess.
Lastly, the fourth Module involves a 8v6+GK exercise. This is not a small-sided game, as there are a few differences here. This footage was not shared on the Manchester United website, hence the worse camera angle.
One difference is that the ball always restarts on one end, in order to simulate a real match scenario. This, next to Ten Hag's tendency to interrupt play and explain tactical principles makes it clear that this is not a game module.
This gives insight into the didactics of Ten Hag, and considering the players mention this approach, it likely means the previous coaching staff of OGS or Rangnick did not use this same style. I'm not saying either style is better, but it's positive the players get a new method.
The 5th and final COOLING DOWN module does not get shown, but is very important in pre-season, as this is next to a tactical behaviour camp, also a time for injury prevention. What is shown, however, is a coach announcing a winner (the yellow team) after which everyone applauds.
That final footage shows how even at the top level, fun is also important. This too adds a competitive edge to #MUFC's training.
This concludes the thread on Ten Hag's coaching didactics and methodology. Feel free to share! Now let's see what the new coaches can bring to this set of players...
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