What an incredible trip - I had been looking forward to it for months and it didn't disappoint. I think one of the best aspects of the trip was the flexibility and spontaneity of our day-to-day itineraries. Our schedule was constantly evolving thanks to the connections we made, and thanks to Borja. On multiple occasions one of our presenters would invite us to watch his next session, whether it was that same day or later in the week. It was great to see coaches who had presented to us strap on their boots and transform their words into actions. In that same vein, it was incredibly valuable to be able to spend time at multiple clubs with different philosophies, methods, and resources. Similarly, it was interesting to see how the training varied among different age groups - we saw everything from U8s to 1st Team sessions. It all helped me to compare and contrast styles and methods and gave me more clarity on my own coaching style and my own beliefs about the game and how it should be taught and played. We saw how different clubs have differing development models. Position-specific vs. Complete-player ? Possession games vs. Phases of play ? Unopposed repetition of technique vs. Teaching in the game ? Just at the 4 clubs we visited we were exposed to both sides of all these questions, plus plenty more. I do not think there is a 'right way' of doing things - just like how I dislike when people describe a team as one that plays the 'right way'. [What is 'good' football?] There are different ways, all of which are valid. The real question is how well you really know your way and how well you can you communicate it to your players and get them to share your vision of the game - that seems to me to be the decisive factor (along with talent). I do think that, as a coach (or director), you need to first have 100% clarity in your own mind about how the game should be taught and played. That sounds a lot simpler than it really is, you need to work at it. Soccer is a complex game until you really, truly understand it. Once it seems simple to you, you need to make it simple for your players - again not as easy as it might sound. You must be consistent and dedicated to your ideas - take the time to figure out 'your way' and then stick to it. A final highlight of the trip (in addition to the food) was the group of coaches. There was such a diverse representation of the North American soccer community - everyone from college coaches to parent coaches to club directors to educators and everything in the middle. The discussions and debates were superb and everyone who presented to us got hit with a barrage of great questions. There was so much discussion on the sideline during every session we watched together and everyone was truly passionate about the game and improving their understanding of it. I really enjoyed getting to know the rest of the group and hope to stay in touch with everyone. A few final observations about the soccer and the coaching in Spain: > The best sessions contained 5 or 6 sharp exercises done at maximum intensity, and transitioned almost seamlessly. > Most sessions were closer to 75 mins than 90 mins. > They head the ball - the coaches looked utterly bemused when we told them about the U.S. heading rules for youth players. > The players understand the game, they grow up with it and watch it. You could see this even in the youngest players, in their spacing, composure, and defending. Players in the U.S., in general, are starting out with a lower soccer IQ, making the coaches' job harder. > They don't wear shinguards at training. > There wasn't much coaching! I can hardly think of a time where a coach froze the action and painted a picture of exactly what he wanted to see or how he wanted something done. They introduced the exercise, pushed the tempo, and timed it. > The coaches did not demo. > Even Spanish coaches can struggle! > The players have to enjoy it, no matter what level Thanks for reading my blog - find me on Twitter and LinkedIn using the icons below. - Jeremy
3 Comments
Hector
12/21/2016 07:30:51 am
Thank you for sharing this Jeremy
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Jeremy
12/21/2016 04:59:16 pm
Thanks for reading, Hector! Glad you enjoyed it. The trip was definitely a unique experience, got a lot out of it!
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Mario
1/22/2017 03:40:50 pm
Great Stuff Jeremy! Thanks for sharing!
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Jeremy HurdleSoccer coach from Philadelphia traveling to Madrid for 10 days with a group of 15 coaches to experience the coaching and soccer culture at some of Spain's finest clubs.
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