222 - Justin Richards - The death of number 9

4:56 - Reflections on Childhood Sports Memories and Influences

In a conversation about childhood sports memories, Justin Richards shares his experience of winning a Youth Alliance Cup at Wembley, highlighting its significance. He cites Ian Wright as his childhood idol, noting how Wright's confidence and style resonated with him as a young black player. Michael Wright adds that Ian's personality has made him a national treasure.

13:09 - The Evolution of the Number Nine Role in Football

Justin Richards explains that the traditional number nine role has diminished due to a greater emphasis on build-up play and the versatility of modern attackers. He highlights how players who once played as strikers are now taking on roles as wingers or attacking midfielders, which allows them to utilize their skills in different ways. This shift has resulted in a decrease in the importance of goal-scoring for those players, as they can contribute in various positions without the pressure of being a primary scorer.

25:14 - Understanding and Assessing Killer Instinct in Players

Michael Wright and Justin Richards explore the definition and assessment of "killer instinct" in football. Justin describes it as a player's selfish drive to score, highlighting the need for coaches to recognize players' intent to shoot when they receive the ball. He also notes the importance of allowing players to experience decision-making in game situations to learn from their choices.

32:12 - Session Design for Striker Development

Michael Wright and Justin Richards explore effective training methods for strikers, highlighting the need for tailored session designs based on player profiles. Justin suggests using unopposed drills to enhance finishing skills and discusses the importance of creating game-like scenarios to help players make instinctive decisions during matches. They also touch on the significance of understanding pitch geography and goalkeeper positioning.

41:48 - Coaching Techniques for Strikers

Michael Wright inquired about the coaching experiences of Justin Richards, particularly regarding the teaching of striking techniques. Justin shared that while he received limited individual coaching during his professional career, he found value in learning various finishing techniques from a goalkeeper coach. He highlighted the importance of understanding what defenders dislike, which can inform practice design for strikers.

48:58 - Insights on Coaching Philosophy

In a discussion with Michael Wright, Justin Richards highlighted the qualities he values most in his coaching approach: energy, empathy, and knowledge. He explained that fostering enthusiasm and understanding players' backgrounds are essential for effective coaching and player development. Richards also noted that empathy allows him to reflect on his sessions more constructively.

52:26 - Training Methodologies for Strikers and Goalkeepers

Michael Wright emphasizes the need for a detailed training regimen for strikers, inspired by Bielsa's method of breaking down training into specific sections. He proposes a rotation system for training days that includes analysis, gym work, and targeted pitch practice. Justin Richards agrees, suggesting that Mondays could be dedicated to individual learning plans (ILPs) to enhance practice efficiency.

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