Biggest Mistakes of Coaching Positional Play with Expert Bernat Mosquera
Aug 11, 2024
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In this discussion, Bernat Mosquera, an experienced coach and analyst from Spain, delves into the complexities of positional play in soccer. He emphasizes the importance of understanding team dynamics while encouraging individual creativity. The conversation highlights Spain's success with this coaching style, especially during key tournaments. Bernat also shares insights on developing young players' tactical acumen and contrasts coaching methods in Spain and the U.S., showcasing how cultural differences influence training and player development.
Coaches should emphasize the fluidity of positional play, enabling players to adapt based on their surroundings rather than adhering to rigid structures.
Developing young players requires a balanced approach that intertwines technical skill with tactical understanding, fostering decision-making and confidence on the field.
Deep dives
Understanding Positional Play
Positional play in soccer is about more than just maintaining one's position; it involves understanding the dynamics of the game and exploiting benefits through individual and team interactions. Coaches should focus on helping players recognize the complexities of the sport rather than adhering strictly to a rigid positioning framework. This approach encourages players to constantly adapt their positioning based on their surroundings, including the involvement of teammates and defenders. By emphasizing this fluid understanding over rigid structures, coaches can better prepare players for the unpredictable nature of the game.
Spain's Tactical Evolution and Success
Spain's success in recent tournaments can be attributed to their blend of tactical awareness and individual skills, which has evolved over the years. Iconic players like Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets were crucial in establishing a style characterized by prolonged possession and precise passing, which has now adapted to include both strong midfielders and versatile attackers. Current players, such as Rodri and Dani Olmo, illustrate this evolution, as they combine technical proficiency with an appreciation for movement and positioning. Moreover, the defensive strategies of opposing teams now require players to be even more perceptive and adaptable to create advantageous situations.
Training Young Players for Tactical Insight
Developing young players into tactically proficient individuals requires a nuanced approach that balances technical skill with understanding game principles. While traditional coaching often emphasizes repeating tactical concepts, coaches should focus on simplifying messages to allow players to absorb this information meaningfully. Encouraging younger players to make decisions based on their understanding of play situations fosters deeper tactical insight. By supporting players in recognizing patterns and relationships on the field, coaches can enhance confidence and decision-making capabilities essential for higher-level play.
The Importance of Individual Creativity and Dribbling
In modern soccer, the ability to dribble and create 1v1 situations is essential to break through structured defenses and generate scoring opportunities. Coaches must resist the temptation to overemphasize passing at the expense of individual creativity, as the best players often excel at taking on defenders. Training should be structured to challenge players to utilize their dribbling skills in various contexts rather than restricting them to simplistic drills. By fostering environments that allow young players to experiment and thrive in 1v1 situations, coaches can cultivate a generation of dynamic players adept at finding creative solutions on the field.
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
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