Coaches can only train when all else has been explored and mastered. Training fixes the existing knowledge. Too often players are being trained when they still need to be taught, but teaching takes time and teaching is hard work. There is little time to teaching midweek when the entire focus of the coach, club, parents and players is on the weekend s game. That is why the academy focuses on the learning process.
Results are only significant if our teams show retention of knowledge.
The phase of preparation may be individual or team in nature but it will take much more attention than two 90-minute sessions per week. In this the coach is cheated, knowing that he has more things to practice than he is allowed time between games to accomplish. With five days to prepare, we have the luxury of time at the soccer academy. But it is what each player does with this time that is essential. For if he does not play and practice with a maximum of expression the information provided by coaches will not transfer.