Modern Soccer Coach Podcast Principles Over Patterns | Ray Power on Rethinking the Modern Press & Coaching 'Philosophies'
Nov 6, 2025
Ray Power, a coach developer and consultant specializing in pressing and principles-based coaching, joins the discussion to challenge conventional coaching methods. He critiques the reliance on rigid patterns, arguing they stifle player creativity and adaptability. The conversation dives into the importance of training under pressure to enhance skills and decision-making. Ray emphasizes shifting from control to influence for more effective coaching, while also highlighting the need for personalized coach support and building a global elite coaching community.
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Patterns Cripple Player Thought
- Rigid, pre-programmed patterns limit players' decision-making and resilience on the pitch.
- Ray advocates replacing fixed sequences with adaptable principles to foster creativity and expression.
Martinelli Sparked Hybrid Pressing Ideas
- Ray recounts noticing hybrid pressing roles like Martinelli covering multiple responsibilities in a single freeze-frame.
- That observation pushed him to explore more flexible pressing solutions beyond rigid man-marking.
Reverse-Engineer Your Pressing Targets
- Design pressing around where you want to win the ball, not a checklist of sequential actions.
- Create conditions that tempt centre-backs to play into midfield so you can win possession centrally and attack quickly.