Development Destroyer? Does the Thirds of Play Model Impact Creativity in Football Development with Jake Pickles
Apr 14, 2025
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Jake Pickles, a former Premier League Academy Coach, challenges conventional football tactics in a thought-provoking discussion. He argues that the thirds of play model stifles creativity and personal expression among players. The conversation delves into the balance of structure versus individual flair, advocating for a coaching shift that prioritizes player autonomy. By fostering a flexible training environment, Jake emphasizes the need for nurturing creativity and adaptability, ultimately aiming for a more engaging and expressive approach to football development.
The conventional thirds of play model may stifle creativity by enforcing rigid structures instead of promoting individual expression in players.
Coaches should create dynamic environments that encourage improvisation, allowing players to make decisions based on the game's context rather than positional roles.
Recognizing qualitative superiority in player skill and creativity is essential to develop talent, fostering a more inclusive tactical approach is crucial for growth.
Deep dives
Questioning Positional Models
The effectiveness of traditional positional models in youth football is scrutinized, highlighting a shift in focus from rigid structures to the unique qualities of individual players. Coaches are encouraged to foster creativity by allowing players to express themselves beyond the constraints of a prescribed game model. Observations from working with exceptionally talented youth players showed that they often broke conventional game models in favor of their instinctive play. This led to a realization that successful coaching should prioritize personal development over adherence to a specific tactical format.
Empowering Player Decision-Making
It is emphasized that players' decisions should stem from the dynamic context of the game rather than their positional designation on the field. Coaches are challenged to create environments that encourage improvisation and allow players to engage with the game organically. The example of adapting training sessions to accommodate various pitch configurations demonstrates how tailored environments can enhance player understanding and tactical awareness. Ultimately, this approach positions players as decision-makers, increasing their ability to respond to game situations with creativity and confidence.
Redefining Tactical Superiority
The conversation extends into the notion of superiority in football, proposing that coaches should consider multiple dimensions beyond just positional and quantitative analysis. Qualitative superiority, such as individual player skill and creativity, must also be acknowledged to enable players to excel in their unique ways. Restricting talented players within a narrow tactical framework limits their potential, which can hinder their development and enjoyment of the game. By fostering a more inclusive tactical approach, coaches can empower players to explore and utilize their strengths.
Alignment vs. Agreement in Coaching
A distinction is drawn between alignment and mere agreement in coaching philosophies within clubs. Alignment refers to a shared vision that promotes player adaptability and creativity, whereas agreement often imposes a rigid adherence to a predefined style or structure of play. This rigidity can diminish the individuality of players and may prevent their unique talents from flourishing. Emphasizing the development of unique skill sets within players encourages a more holistic approach to training that prepares them for various game situations.
Creating an Engaging Football Culture
A fundamental aspect of football is its capacity to inspire joy and foster human expression, both on and off the field. Coaches are encouraged to cultivate an environment that allows players to express themselves freely and engage fully with the game. The current emphasis on structured training can stifle creativity and lead to disengagement among youth players, who thrive in dynamic and playful settings. By prioritizing an engaging culture that values individual expression, the future of football can become richer, leading to the development of exceptional talent.
Coaches: You can read Jake's full article here:
https://theraumdeuter.sport.blog/2024/12/14/boxed-in-how-the-thirds-of-play-impact-creativity-in-football-development/
Gary is joined by former Premier League Academy Coach, Jake Pickles, to discuss and challenge a common approach to possession football: the thirds model. Jake believes that, rather than educating players on the tactical principles of the game, it limits creativity and individualism. What are your thoughts? Please let us know!
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