Tactical thoughtfulness and the effective coach

For “tactics”, read “decisions”.

In any 1 v 1 activity, there a number of decisions available to both the player in possession, and the opponent.

When the ball is turned over, there are decisions to be made on both sides of the moment. Expand the player numbers to 2 v 2, all the way through to 11 v 11, and the possible decisions scale exponentially.

Appreciating the complexity of the full- sided game helps the coach in development. Small-sided play makes a lot of sense in the technical development of players.

It makes equal sense in terms of cognitive development and supporting their recognition of significant game moments, through repetition in training with immediate and deliberate feedback.

A coach will be similarly challenged to develop their approach as they develop.

Formation choice can seem a relatively modest decision for a coach to make. It does not require great experience or insight to list four numbers in a row that add up to 11, like (1)-4-4-2, or (1)-4-3-3 - where the 1 is, of course, the goalkeeper.

The apparent added sophistication of an additional number - like (1)-4-3-2-1, or (1)-4- 1-4-1 does not, on its own, stem from much more significant thought.

Once the formation becomes the duly stated basic tactical approach of the coach, deeper questions must be addressed.

• Is the formation based upon your personal preference and knowledge base?

• Is the formation based upon your available talent pool?

• Is the formation in response to perceived challenges of the next opponent?

• How does your formation become a system employed as the game progresses?

The answer to this last question, especially, is central in identifying the thoughtful, intentional and progressive coach, be that at grassroots or senior professional level.