England DNA

Last weekend I made my first visit to St Georges Park for the annual licensed coaches conference; where coaches from all levels of the game can come together and gather information directly from the FA. This years theme was the based around the England DNA, looking specifically at "connecting the game". Informing us how we can make a difference by beginning to input the DNA into our clubs at grassroots level.

England DNA - Foundation Age (5-11) 

For the past couple of years the majority if my coaching has been in this age bracket, so I will be looking at what the DNA means to me and how I can encompass it into my coaching.

"Love the ball, love the game"

Is the sort of slogan of the DNA, to me a sends out quite a powerful message as a foundation age coach. Love the ball: it is essential that we build the technical ability and confidence for players to be good on the ball. To be able to keep it under pressure and make good decisions in possession. Throughout my own playing time I have been subjected to the "2 touch"  school of football, even from a young age i remember playing 2 touch in our training games. Obviously this doesn't get players to love the ball. No risk taking, no decision making, just pass it off - job done. I'd like to think that the majority of coaches have moved away from this, but we still put so much emphasis on passing. I hear regualry at our u8s games comments from coaches/parents to players who lose the ball "should have passed it earlier" "easy option" "if it doubt kick it out" etc. this is killing of risk takers, exciting players and the opportunity to develop decision making skills, but it has very much been our English way. Love the game: should be the highest priority of coaching this age (and probably all ages), we have the responsibility of getting players to love the game. Keep it fun, close to the game and build a good environment for players to play in. Lets not pick up on all the mistakes players make and subject them to drill based practices.

How often are we guilty of this?

Reflecting on this personally I will be changing how I coach in the new year. Whilst I spent a lot of time working on individual ball mastery I feel like I have slipped into focusing on passing a bit too much and neglected encouraging dribbling and individual possession. I also need to make practices even more enjoyable for the players, now I don't run drill based games and unrealistic practices but one thing I have been guilty for in recent weeks is stopping practices too much to get my points across, i need to use other, more efficient intervention methods.

I'm sure we can all be more encouraging of risk taking, enjoying the ball in training. But this message has to be carried over to our games as well. Are we willing for our players to make their own decisions and take risks in games? At the expense of results? Even at mens level I see so many players that in training can do spectacular things but fail to do it in game due to taking less risks, playing "safe" all the time.

Pete Sturgess (head of foundation development at the FA) certainly had a few quotes to take away from the weekend, one that I have tried to stand by in the past that I think we should all try.

"At your next game, don't say pass it"

We need to build decision makers, no make decisions for players.

Each age phase breaks the DNA down into 9 components (3 in possession, 3 out of possession and 3 in transition).

The emphasis really was on building players who are confident on the ball and to help build their decision making skills. I have really bought into this DNA idea and will look to build my sessions in the new year around these priciples.

This may not be for everyone but may just be some food for thought as we go into our Christmas break.