Coaching Techniques

Send us Fan Mail (https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new) Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance. The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development. It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! Connect with our guests • Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett • Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet • Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos • Ray Power – X: @power_ray Podcast Information X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast Email - [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance. The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development. It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! Connect with our guests Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos Ray Power – X: @power_ray Podcast Information X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast Email - [email protected] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ Thanks for watching and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Send us Fan Mail Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. Th...

Check Out MSC High School Course Here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/challenge-page/46214942-e036-4f32-afa6-8383d4608e2d Check Out Zone14: https://zone14coaching.com/ This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast. In this episode, Gary Curneen sits down with Joop Oosterveld, transition coach at BK Häcken and former PSV coach, to break down what it actually takes to prepare players for the highest level of the game. We get into why most training environments are too easy, how underloaded pressing (3v7, 4v6) can accelerate development, and why the best players often stop improving if they are not constantly stretched and challenged. Joop shares insights from his time in Holland, Sweden, and learning from environments like Liverpool, giving a clear picture of what elite player development really looks like. This is a must-watch for any coach serious about developing players who can perform at the highest level. A big thank you to Zone 14 for supporting the podcast. Their coach and player journals are built around intentional development, helping coaches plan, reflect, and stay organized while giving players a structure to take ownership of their progress. If you are serious about improving your environment on and off the pitch, check them out and use the code modernsoccer20 for 20% off. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share with another coach.

Access full webinar here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/pro... Check out Duktig Brand here: https://www.duktigbrand.com/ In this episode, Gary Curneen is joined by Luis Swisher, U18/U19 coach at St. Louis City SC (MLS), to break down one of the most undervalued attacking moments in soccer: throw-ins. Most teams get 25–45 throw-ins per match, yet very few coach them with the same detail as build-up play, goal kicks, or corners. Luis explains why throw-ins should be treated as controlled attacking restarts, not throwaways — and how teaching intentions, space, and decision-making can lead to more possession, progression, and goal-scoring opportunities. We discuss: Why there are more throw-ins than corners — and why that matters Coaching the thrower as the “quarterback” Intentions vs predictable set routines How to train attacking throw-ins without killing session flow Scaling throw-in detail from youth to professional level Access full webinar here: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/how-throw-ins-can-create-goals-free-webinar Check out Duktig Brand here: https://www.duktigbrand.com/ In this episode, Gary Curneen is joined by Luis Swisher, U18/U19 coach at St. Louis City SC (MLS), to break down one of the most undervalued attacking moments in soccer: throw-ins. Most teams get 25–45 throw-ins per match, yet very few coach them with the same detail as build-up play, goal kicks, or corners. Luis explains why throw-ins should be treated as controlled attacking restarts, not throwaways — and how teaching intentions, space, and decision-making can lead to more possession, progression, and goal-scoring opportunities. We discuss: Why there are more throw-ins than corners — and why that matters Coaching the thrower as the “quarterback” Intentions vs predictable set routines How to train attacking throw-ins without killing session flow Scaling throw-in detail from youth to professional level Why risk, bravery, and learning matter in player development 🎥 Free attacking throw-ins presentation (no login required): https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/how-throw-ins-can-create-goals-free-webinar ⚽ Modern Soccer Coach Insider — full webinar library, sessions & weekly bonus content: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions 🤝 Podcast sponsor: Duktig Brand Duktig produces premium notebooks and accessories for soccer coaches and players, featuring waterproof stone paper and professional designs. https://www.duktigbrand.com/ If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, and if you’re listening on audio, a quick rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify really helps support the show.

Read Slawomir Morawski's Article FREE Below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/guest-article-the-art-of-first-touch-collecting-information-in-football Gary is joined by Analyst at Bolton Wanderers Football Club and coach Slawomir Morawski to discuss the first touch in football. Slawomir argues that first touch is not just a technical action, but instead a cognitive one where decision making dictates so much. He discusses the most effective ways to teach this and also some traditional coaching methods that may be out-dated with this approach. Join MSC Insider Below: https://modernsoccercoach.mimentorportal.com/subscriptions

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another jam-packed show! This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with Darius Shirzadi, Founder and Director of Project Goal in RI, "Coaches Corner" features Don Norton where the topic is- "10 Tips For An Effective Training Session", "News and A...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Season 12 Kick Off show of the GP Soccer Podcast! Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting season of soccer conversation! This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with John Barata, coach of the MIAA State Championship winning Oliver Ames HS; their third in a row! "Coaches Corner" features Paul Robinson where he talks about integrating new soccer coaching habits into your routine. "News and Analysis" will feature Gio...

Gary travels to Spain to talk to Bernat Mosquera again. Bernat currently works in Austria with LASK and has also worked at two Spainish tiers and in China, as well as the aspect of individual development. He discusses the complexity of Positional Play, along with ideas on how coaches can teach it more effectively in their own environments. Check out Bernat's new Final Third Course here: https://modern-coach-hub.teachable.com/p/final-third-actions You can follow Bernat here: www.linkedin.com/in/bernat-mosquera/

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience with an overview of today's show and shares more push back from listeners regarding his American Soccer Revolution. This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with TJ Kostecky, noted expert in the area of vision training. TJ is on to talk about his latest trip to China implementing his methods regarding improving a player's vision. "Coaches Corner" will feature TJ Kostecky and the ...

Gary is joined by Bernat Mosquera, a coach and analyst who has worked at two Spainish tiers and in China, as well as the aspect of individual development. He discusses the complexity of Positional Play, along with ideas on how coaches can teach it more effectively in their own environments. You can follow Bernat here: www.linkedin.com/in/bernat-mosquera/ Please check out the MSC Pre-Season Offer: www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page…eason-bundle

Gary is joined by Habersham Central HS head coach, Ric Wallace, to discuss teaching tactics at high school level. From game model fundamentals to leadership development, Ric discusses the unique and complex world of high school coaching and also provides tips on connecting and engaging that age group. Check out the MSC High School Coaches Special Offer Below: https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/special-offer-msc-high-school-coach-bundle

Jon Mackenzie is joined by Sammy Lander to explore the idea of a substitution coach and the general concept of substitutes. What does the day in a life of a substitution coach look like? What are the edges that can be found in coaching substitutes? Why do certain players succeed as substitutes? What are the things that make coaches good at making substitutes? This episode of the Tifo Football Podcast is presented by Jon Mackenzie, produced by Mike Zimmermann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary is joined by Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute9 where he specifically advises sports teams and coaches on how best to structure and manage the half-time period. Eamon discusses the art and science (research based) half-time insights and answers if they are they under-utilized? Ineffective? And how do coaches improve that critical 15 minutes? Our friends at Veo have kindly asked us to test the new Veo Cam 3 and also sponsored a recent MSC Breakdown where we will took a look at a session that is recorded using the new camera. That session with Santiago Castillo is on our YouTube page and on our website. Please take a look at it and check on this new camera. https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/post/veo-3-cam-session-attacking-in-final-3rd Veo Cam 3 is basically designed to give AI-powered tools automatically break down your game, so it’s ready for you to watch and analyze. - Automatically follows the action on the field and creates a broadcast-like experience. - Live-stream your game, watch the recording immediately, and bookmark the game’s crucial moments for later – all this and much more with Veo Cam 3. - FASTER UPLOAD SPEED!!! Please contact Gary Curneen with any questions on the software: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail Episode 96, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 96 - The 3 A's to Maximising Player Game Impact In this episode Scott responds to several listener questions asking for more information about the 3 A’s that he uses to underpin his coaching syllabus and training sessions. Scott talks us through the 3 A’s (Attitude, Ability and Application), what is included in each one and how they are used in practice. H...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 80, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) The Power of Personalised Coaching, a conversation with Dion Von Moltke and Mike Semenza from Blayze. In this episode we talk with Dion Von Moltke and Mike Semenza from Blayze. We discuss their background, their approach to coaching, their shared passion for personalised coaching and their work at Blayze We look at how coaching transcends individual sports...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the benefits of adopting a constraints-led approach to player development with Ben Bartlett, Head of Academy Coaching at Fulham Football Club. Ben talks to us about his coaching journey including time at Colchester FC, Chelsea FC, The FA and now Fulham FC. Ben also explains what a constraints-led approach to player development is, how coaches can adopt it and the benefits for the players. We also discuss Ben’s new book, Constraining Football - a vis...

Gary is back for a new series and is joined by Programme Leader in Football Coaching & Management at UCFB, Chester City Lead Coach (U9s-U14s) and author of 'The Intelligent Soccer Coach' Carl Wild. Carl discusses how coaches can improve their preparation, execution, and review of training sessions, as well as tips on how to improve connecting with players and designing sessions to suit and challenge every age group. 'The Intelligent Soccer Coach' is available now on Amazon on the link below... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intelligent-Soccer-Coach-Player-Centered-Confident/dp/1782552251 Please check out Gary Curneen's new Ebook on Positional Exercises for Forwards on the link below... https://www.modernsoccercoach.com/product-page/25-positional-exercises-for-forwards Enjoy the Modern Soccer Coach content? Please subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/curneen16 Please follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernsoccercoach/?hl=en

Send us Fan Mail Coaching Positional Soccer, a conversation with Michael Curless, PH.D, USSF A Coach and author of `Coaching Positional Soccer: Perfecting Principles and Skills` In this episode we talk with Michael Curless (@michael_curless) about his playing and coaching background and his new book - `Coaching Positional Soccer: Perfecting Principles and Skills`. Michael explains about the importance of practice design, the eleven coaching elements, playing principles and coaching points. ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss a new concept, `Scoreboard Soccer` with the wonderful David Baird (@CoachDavidBaird). David explains how Scoreboard Soccer can be used as an evolution to SSG's and as part of a general Games Based approach to training. David describes some of the Scoreboard Soccer games hes used, the benefits and how they can work for individual player and team development. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode. T - @SoccerCoachCast E - theso...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we chat to the awesome Paul Barry (PBazza07) about the concept of storytelling in coaching. We discuss how stories can be used as `interventions` to support individual player and team development. Paul is UEFA A licenced , FA Advanced Youth Award coach and a Foundation Phase Specialist who was previously a guest on episode #21 where we looked at an U10 training session. Paul's new book, `Keep the tap on` can be found here. Thank you for listening and we ho...

Gary is joined by former Tottenham Hotspurs defender and professional coach, Dean Austin, to discuss the relationship between head coach and assistant. Dean has worked in both roles in the professional game, as head coach at Northampton Town, and then as an assistant coach with Crystal Palace and most recently with Quique Flores at Watford. Dean kicked off the interview from a head coach perspective. How does he hire an assistant coach? What does he look for? How does he build that relationship? He then looks at the perspective of an assistant coach in how they can deal with certain scenarios, as well as how young coaches can help put themselves in potential opportunities in the future. This podcast is sponsored by SenseBall - www.senseball.com SenseBall is the training soccer ball developed by CogiTraining, the revolutionary soccer training method implemented in soccer clubs and Federations around the world. SenseBall is specifically aimed at young players between 6 and 20 years of age. Practiced individually or in groups, SenseBall improves a players touch and feel for the ball while helping them to become two-footed. As a coach, encouraging your players to practice with the SenseBall in training or at home will bring them many benefits. TRAIN LIKE A PRO. SenseBall is used by the youth teams of AC Milan, Sporting Kansas City, RSC Anderlecht, KRC Genk, FC Nantes, the Belgian Football Federation and many others. ACQUIRE THE ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF MODERN SOCCER. Learn to control, guide and kick the ball perfectly thanks to repetition. BECOME A TWO-FOOTED PLAYER. SenseBall is designed on the principle of bilateral activity. Thanks to the practice of SenseBall, they make an average of 500,000 touches of the ball in one season and use their left foot as many times as their right foot. AVOID INJURIES. Improve their concentration, perception, coordination and synchronization. There are special discounted prices for orders of 10 or more! Shipping is FREE. Get SenseBall now by going to www.senseball.com and become a better soccer coach!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a look at how you can use language and different `props` to get across coaching points and `mix things up`, with the awesome Billy Ready (@BillyR_Coach). Billy is a foundation phase coach at Wycombe Wanderers FC SET and also coaches an open age adult team. Billy shares one of his favourite coaching games, talks about his experiences and we discuss the benefits of having a hobby outside of football, in Billy’s case hosting his own podcast `Not An...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Scott discusses Learning Environments and Games Based Coaching with the superb Jack Rolfe (@JPR_25), founder of The Coaching Lab (@The_CoachingLab). We look at why coaching environments are so important and how they can be influenced. We also discuss how `games based coaching` can be used to increase the effectiveness of a session. Jack is the founder of The Coaching Lab and believes “Coaching should be an adventure which is shared, explored and experim...

Gary is joined by Dr. Jonathan Fader, a Sport & Clinical Psychologist with 11 years experience in some world class sports environments such as New York Giants and New York Mets. He has just released a new book called 'Coaching Athletes to Be Their Best: Motivational Interviewing in Sports.' Gary wants to challenge his own views on motivation and specifically how it applies to the current state of the game with variables like pay-to-play, scholarships, parent influence, commitment levels, and how they impact our coaching and cultures. November’s Modern Soccer Coach webinar will be on Wednesday November 20 and the topic will be ‘Set Pieces’ We will have a couple of special guests and discuss: - Attacking set pieces - Defensive set pieces - Effective ways to train them - How to scout them in opposition - Zonal v man marking and lots more… The webinar will be FREE to all members of the Modern Soccer Coach Community Platform… you also get access to ALL THE CONTENT on there…a range of webinars, 250+ exercises and weekly content,… go online and take a look… www.modernsoccercoach.com/community

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss taking a `game based approach` for our coaching sessions. We look at the benefits and challenges of having this approach and also discuss how we use constraints to help focus the practices around key themes. We hope you enjoy this episode! Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast Email - [email protected] Website - www.thesoccercoachingpodcast.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly....

Gary is joined Jonas Munkvold, UEFA 'B' holder, BA in Football Studies, and author of player development eBooks. He talks about player development, specifically on 1v1 play, focusing on the model that he has put together and the work he has heavily researched. They cover the following topics: - How should you design sessions to focus on technical work AND game context? - Can coaches facilitate decision making more effectively than saying "do this, do that"? - How do you coach 1v1 moves whilst still allowing the player to be creative? - Why are we not developing as many dribblers any more? - Along with a unique look into early specialization from a European perspective This podcast is brought to you by Sportslab360, an interactive Soccer IQ platform that will help coaches get the absolute most out of their players. Please check them out at https://sportslab360.com/ and listen to the podcast to get a special offer!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the different types of interventions, how they impact on a session and the difference between using them in training and matches. We also discuss the idea of `counter coaching` as well as the benefits of a 2-2 formation at 5 aside, England FA DNA and collaborative training games. This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and a...

Send us Fan Mail In our last episode we spoke about the key ingredients that can make for a fun and effective coaching session. We came up with 10 elements that we felt should be considered and tried to explain why we believed they were important. If you haven’t already done so please do listen to episode one and let us know what you think. As equally important as what goes into the training, is what goes into the match days. So for this episode Mark and I are delighted to have the super tale...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss the ingredients that help make for a fun and effective soccer coaching training session. We explore the ten things to consider for your sessions that may help maximise the learning and development potential of the session, and ensure your players are challenged, enjoy and get the most out of the training. 1) PLANNING – Session plans / Structure / Challenges / STEP / Progression / The Unexpected 2) A CLEAR THEME - Coaching points / Curriculum ...

Gary is joined by Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who spent 10 years coaching in Premier League Academy Football, at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. He is a 1-2-1 coach specialist and works with a number of players on the books of clubs like Fulham, Spurs, Aresenal, QPR, Barcelona, Aston Villa and many more. What does a individual coach do and why do players need one? They discuss the following: Comparison between England and US development model… what did the English DNA do to individual skill development? Creativity and session design… how can we develop better decision makers AND risk takers? What roles do clubs play when it comes to skill development? How can we improve communication with players using technology today?