"You can prep for a week, but football throws challenges that force you to think on your feet."
This is Rhys Shekle.
He is a Youth Phase Development Academy Coach at Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Here are the 10 actions YOU need to know for your coaching 🧵 x.com
This is Rhys Shekle.
He is a Youth Phase Development Academy Coach at Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Here are the 10 actions YOU need to know for your coaching 🧵 x.com
1. Engagement over everything in grassroots coaching
Grassroots is about maximising limited time with players.
It's not just about teaching; it’s creating memorable, high-energy environments where development and connection coexist.
Grassroots is about maximising limited time with players.
It's not just about teaching; it’s creating memorable, high-energy environments where development and connection coexist.
2. Winning vs. Development
In grassroots, winning often overshadows player development.
Transitioning to academies taught me that sticking to a developmental syllabus shapes players for the long term, even when immediate results are tempting.
In grassroots, winning often overshadows player development.
Transitioning to academies taught me that sticking to a developmental syllabus shapes players for the long term, even when immediate results are tempting.
3. Evolving philosophy: blend and adapt
Academy football demands adherence to a club’s philosophy, but great coaches blend that with personal principles.
Development thrives when your tweaks align with the bigger picture.
Academy football demands adherence to a club’s philosophy, but great coaches blend that with personal principles.
Development thrives when your tweaks align with the bigger picture.
4. The art of adaptation in chaos
No plan survives first contact.
Games often throw unexpected tactical challenges, like unusual formations or player roles.
The best coaches think on their feet and turn problems into learning opportunities.
No plan survives first contact.
Games often throw unexpected tactical challenges, like unusual formations or player roles.
The best coaches think on their feet and turn problems into learning opportunities.
5. Out of possession is underrated
Many coaches gravitate to in-possession work, but mastering out-of-possession tactics creates well-rounded teams.
Success lies in competitive, high-energy training that integrates both aspects seamlessly.
Many coaches gravitate to in-possession work, but mastering out-of-possession tactics creates well-rounded teams.
Success lies in competitive, high-energy training that integrates both aspects seamlessly.
6. The untapped potential of futsal
Futsal transforms players.
Tight spaces, rapid decisions, and technical precision prepare kids for the chaos of football.
We need to normalise Futsal alongside traditional formats to cultivate elite ball handlers.
Futsal transforms players.
Tight spaces, rapid decisions, and technical precision prepare kids for the chaos of football.
We need to normalise Futsal alongside traditional formats to cultivate elite ball handlers.
7. The first touch: A coach’s hidden weapon
A great first touch is a game-changer, it manipulates defenders and sets up opportunities.
Coaches must obsess over this detail because it builds confidence and control under pressure.
A great first touch is a game-changer, it manipulates defenders and sets up opportunities.
Coaches must obsess over this detail because it builds confidence and control under pressure.
8. Collaboration as the backbone of academy success
Coaching isn’t a solo act.
A multidisciplinary team approach, blending insights from S&C, analysts, and fellow coaches, ensures every session delivers maximum value to players.
Coaching isn’t a solo act.
A multidisciplinary team approach, blending insights from S&C, analysts, and fellow coaches, ensures every session delivers maximum value to players.
9. Player hunger: The brightest flame burns within
To reach the top, players must be ravenous for success.
It’s our job to challenge them with high standards while balancing praise and critique to keep them striving.
To reach the top, players must be ravenous for success.
It’s our job to challenge them with high standards while balancing praise and critique to keep them striving.
10. Coaching Is a marathon, not a sprint
Patience and hours on the grass are non-negotiables.
You can’t shortcut experience, it’s built session by session, mistake by mistake, as you learn to navigate the ever-changing demands of coaching.
Patience and hours on the grass are non-negotiables.
You can’t shortcut experience, it’s built session by session, mistake by mistake, as you learn to navigate the ever-changing demands of coaching.
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2. Coach Accelerator Masterclass Community.
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