Structuring Football Training Sessions to Drive Player Motivation & Accountability 

‍Structuring Football Training Sessions for Maximum Efficiency

When it comes to structuring training sessions for maximum efficiency, we must emphasise the importance of creating a conducive learning environment in the gym. We need to guarantee clear instructions and explanations that ensure the players understand the purpose and execution of each exercise. We have to be really clear with our communication, so players understand what they're doing, why they're doing it, and how to do it well.

As coaches, we should also be providing feedback during the learning process. By providing immediate feedback and correction, players can refine their technique and optimise their performance. To structure training sessions effectively, we must choose exercises that yield maximum output. We're looking for exercises that target the muscles and actions that are going to have the greatest demand placed on them during the game. Furthermore, exercise selections means nothing without applied progressive overload. By gradually increasing the intensity or difficulty level over time, players can continue to challenge themselves and stimulate adaptation. In essence, we want to find exercises that we can gradually progress. So, starting with exercises that are at an appropriate level and then progressing them over time.

When structuring training sessions, I advocate for incorporating various levels of competition to promote engagement and accountability. 

Levels of Competition to Drive Motivation & Accountability 

Me vs. Me: This form of competition involves players aiming to improve their own performance over time. This self-driven approach fosters a sense of personal growth and motivation. We want players to compete against themselves. So, we're trying to improve on what they've done before and set targets for themselves.

Leaderboard: Introducing a leaderboard system allows players to compete against each other while maintaining a friendly and supportive environment. If it is a general leaderboard with everybody on it, the intensity is great for the top 5-6, but if you are not in that top 5-6, interest drops. Output is really good because you can have multiple groups and leaderboards for the same activity and just group them differently. This can account for differences in skill level, body weight, etc.

Me vs. You: This type of competition adds an element of challenge and intensity to the training sessions where players go head to head. We can set up drills where players are competing against each other. It adds another layer of intensity and competitiveness to the session.

Individual vs Individual in a Team vs Team: If I win I get a point for my team, if you win you get a point for your team. This is highly effective in creating competition. The intensity of effort is very high and the accountability is extremely high given that the players are performing to their best for the good of the team.

Here's how the England squad use Output to drive intent in their training sessions:

Source: England FA YouTube channel.

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