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Modern Soccer Coach Podcast

The Potential Drawbacks of Play-Practice-Play Methodology with Ian McCall

Jan 16, 2025
Ian McCall, a former Queens Park academy coach, discusses the Play-Practice-Play methodology and its potential drawbacks. He argues for a balance between free play and structured training to align with player development. McCall critiques the risks of rigid exercises and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in session design. He also explores how limited resources can drive creativity, contrasting experiences in youth soccer. Additionally, he advocates for a long-term, thoughtful coaching curriculum tailored to evolving needs.
44:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Beginning and ending training sessions with free play enhances exploration, but structured practice is necessary for skill development.
  • Coaches should integrate competitive scenarios in training to foster mental toughness, resilience, and a positive approach to failure.

Deep dives

The Play-Practice Play Approach

The podcast discusses the concept of 'play, practice, play' in coaching youth soccer, emphasizing how sessions should begin and end with play for optimal learning. Starting with free play allows players to explore and understand the game; however, structured practice is essential to develop specific skills more effectively. Coaches are encouraged to consider the balance between free play and guided practice, using constraints to stimulate desired behaviors. This nuanced approach helps avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on unstructured play, ensuring that players develop both technically and cognitively.

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