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MP Coaching Visits New York City

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Mon, 12 May 2025 08:58:20 GMT

A Dynamic Week of Soccer Development Across Two Prestigious Programs

For the third time in what has already been an action-packed 2025, the MP Coaching team returned to the United States—this time landing in the iconic New York City .

Over the course of seven high-energy days, our team engaged with both new and familiar audiences, delivering elite-level coaching to two standout programs:

Field sessions, classroom-based learning, and coach/player-focused development made for a full and rewarding itinerary.

Fairleigh Dickinson University Knights: High-Intensity, Premier League Standards

Our first stop was with the FDU Knights , led by Head Coach Jaymee Highcock . Mike Phelan led a Premier League-caliber training session focused on:

Attacking play
Creating goal-scoring opportunities
Midfield-to-striker link-ups
High-tempo small-sided games

Players trained at full intensity for 90 minutes and showcased impressive discipline and performance.

Off the Field: Cognitive & Psychological Development

After training, players participated in a classroom session with David Horrocks , former Head of R&D at Manchester United FC.
The session focused on:

Performance analysis
In-game decision-making
Scanning and processing in real-time play

This powerful blend of physical and cognitive development emphasized the holistic approach we bring to modern player coaching.

SC Gjøa: Elite Player Camp & Advanced Coach Education

Next, we visited SC Gjøa , a club known for its progressive mindset and commitment to excellence.

Evening Elite Player Camp

Led by Mike Phelan, his team, and special guest Steve Guppy (former Premier League, SPL, and MLS player/coach), players trained with intense focus on:

Technical precision and refinement
1v1 attacking situations
Tactical decision-making
Possession and game control (periodisation)

Daytime Coach Education

During the day, Gjøa coaches—many of whom already hold C and B licenses —participated in a robust education program, covering:

Coaching methodology and session design
Performance analysis and science
Sports psychology and player learning models

Coaches were also challenged to design and deliver sessions back to Mike Phelan—a high-pressure opportunity that was fully embraced and executed at a high standard.

“True learning happens outside your comfort zone—and SC Gjøa’s coaches were 100% committed to getting better every day.”

A Club on the Rise: Why SC Gjøa Stands Out

In our view, SC Gjøa is one of the most forward-thinking and committed clubs we’ve encountered in the U.S. Their growth mindset is evident at every level, and their players are the ultimate beneficiaries.

If your child is passionate about soccer and development, we highly recommend considering SC Gjøa as part of their journey.

Stay Connected

Follow us for more updates on our international coaching tours, insights from elite coaches, and the next steps in global football development.

MP Coaching New York City

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:31:05 GMT

So here we are on a 7 day stint of social events, player camps, coach education workshops, university and corporate visits as the team work their way around NYC, New Jersey and Brooklyn.

Our first stop on Sunday evening was an elite team player camp with the players and staff from The Football Academy New Jersey. https://www.thefootballacademynj.com

Over two hours the athletes enjoyed a multitude of challenges, learning experiences and gameplay problems.

The session started with the discipline of the football basics in terms of technical quality, standards, consistency and diligence in passing the football using both feet where possible, operating in multiple directions, and taking care of the football so as to ensure the receiver can get their head up and play.

The first progression was then set to bring in team functionality and the appreciation of space and the players management of the areas they are working in to be able to control possession and dominate your opponent.

The coaches then stepped up the competition and intensity by the addition of multiple small sized goals as can be seen in the video footage to give the players a target and facilitate the switching of play and changes of direction as the team works their opponent using the entire playing area.

The final session saw the introduction of full size goals in a small sided area with supporting perimeter players in a 3 team game ( 2 teams on field 1 team on the perimeter for bounce passes ). The pitch is tight in size and diamond shaped in order to channel play towards the goal and facilitate goals and of course enjoyment for all involved.

Ultimately Mike and his team produced a snapshot of a day in the life of a professional soccer player and an experience of what is required over two hours on a daily basis for those with aspirations of reaching the top of the game or securing a scholarship and the key to sporting and academic progression.

All in all a fantastic evening enjoyed by coaches, players and parents alike and of course Mike and his team.

Visit and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more coaching tips and drill for FREE

Games For Goalscoring (Session 2)

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:03:32 GMT

Following on from session one in the games for goalscoring series ( inside the penalty area ) Mike and MP Coaching now take the original drill a little further. 

In this second of the series we incorporate link play with team mates, increase the distance from goal, and also add in a variety of angles and orientations to the goal making things a little more technically challenging for all those prospective goal scorers out there.

Equipment Needed:

1 x Full size goal

10 x Bibs

20 x Samba Match Balls

3 x Samba Mannequins

2 x Goalkeeper Gloves

2 x Corner Flags

1 x Half of Full Size marked Pitch

1 x VEO camera

This particular drill involves multiple technical and tactical aspects from the subject player (Striker). They have to make contact with a midfielder or a wide player and initiate the sequence and intention to move and to play, they have to both pass and receive, correct timing of the run is essential and this in turn is determined by the weight, trajectory and smoothness of all passes from start to finish and from both connecting players throughout the move.

So, although the drill is still unopposed and involves mannequins as opposed to defenders this is the first stage before we might think about live defensive situations and will form the building block of technical (passing, striking) and tactical (movement and timing) competencies required in a first class forward player and the session forms a solid base for your coaching to progress from as your players mature.

Without being overly extensive the drill tests the strikers ability to receive from behind themselves via a central midfielder, play out wide and connect with a crossed ball, put shape on their movement to cater for defenders and ultimately face a live goalkeeper who will be anticipating their every move.

To further enhance the drill you may wish to put the strikers on the clock, set up a competition between several players and formulate a scoring mechanism for each individual.Examples could be, successful assists, goals scored while at the same time also scoring your goalkeepers on saves made. This adds an element of psychology and pressure management / goal setting to your training.

Further and supporting detail on striker movement can also be found here in our youtube session with Paul mcGuinness where he utilises a clock face analogy as an example.

Enjoy and don’t hesitate to subscribe to our FREE YouTube channel (INSERT LINK TO COACHING DRILLS HOMEPAGE) and please do leave feedback. Your continued interaction helps us to provide more free of charge coaching tips and advice to coaching communities across the world.

Thank you to QUEEN ETHELBURGAS COLLEGIATE and Head of Football and Curriculum Leader Tom Newey for the use of both players and facilities in the creation of these resources.

#Finishing #Goalscoring #Ronaldo #Goals #Rooney #Kane #UEFAChampionsLeague #Strikers #SoccerTraining #FootballTraining #Coaching #FootballCoaching #SoccerCoaching #TrainingDrills #Samba #PenaltyBox #Goalscorers #TrainingSessions #Footballdrills #MikePhelan #ManUtd #HarryKane #WayneRooney

Games For Goalscoring

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:15:30 GMT

In this training session Mike Phelan addresses the art of goalscoring and working inside the penalty area.

Equipment Needed:

4 x Samba Aluminium Goals

20 x Samba Training Balls

2 x Samba Flat Markers

2 x Samba Mannequins

2 x Samba Hurdles

1 x Veo Camera

Contact us for the best prices on the above products

“I see a lot of so-called finishing sessions in and around clubs as I travel and it astounds me at times how many are allowed to continue while players are spending most of their time missing. To help perhaps remedy this and pass on some of my experience I have recorded a series of games for goalscoring starting with a narrow focus and a small area. The idea of the initial narrow focus and small area is to help learn and then cement the basics and fundamentals before we can progress to the bigger field.”

Most goals in modern football are scored inside the penalty box and inside of the penalty spot, this is illustrated in the below graphic courtesy of OPTA which details Harry Kanes UEFA Champions League goalscoring, one of England’s and modern day footballs finest exponents of the art of goalscoring.

The example training session in the enclosed youtube video would be a typical practice someone like Harry or Mikes former colleagues Wayne Rooney or Ronaldo would engage in to maintain their skills in this prime danger zone.

The first thing to focus on is the movement of the striker onto the ball, losing a marker and arriving in the danger zone, this subtle but fine detail is of paramount importance to get into goalscoring positions.

Secondly you then need a connection with your team mate who should be looking to play the assist at the right time and at the right weight and height to give their teammate maximum goalscoring conditions and opportunity.

In the drill set up there are two small target goals for each striker and the logic to these goals being slightly offset is to promote good finishing practice and to always be diverting the ball slightly away from the trajectory of your run and arrival and to the left or right of any potential goalkeeper.

The striker should move sharply in the initial instance and then slow down and be composed upon contact, these inside the penalty spot type finishes are all about technique and the connection as opposed to power.

The game should be fun and it is also good practice to promote competition between the two teams to replicate pressure and achieve a target (maybe first to ten before the drill changes).

The training session has two further progressions to ultimately achieve a game stage and lifelike scenario.

The first progression is to bring in a defender and then the second progression is to change the drill to a two versus two attack v defence inside the penalty box competition where the opponents play to a finish or dead ball and all four goals are in use.

These progressions bring in real life cognitive scenarios, decision making, combination play and test composure under pressure in goalscoring situations in crowded penalty box situations. As the drill progresses you will also see many other fine detail skills are now being worked, composure, drag, dodge, hold the ball, movement, blind side runs, dummy runs, timing to stay onside among others, inside of the foot finish, outside of the foot, toe poke finish etc.

Further and supporting detail on striker movement can also be found here in our other youtube session with Paul McGuinness using a clockface as an example for forwards connections, a pair of players understanding each other and creating space in advanced areas in and around the danger zone. LINK HERE

Enjoy and don’t hesitate to subscribe to our YouTube channel and leave feedback, your interaction helps us to continue to provide free coaching advice to worldwide football communities.

Thank you to Queen Ethelburgas Collegiate and Head of Football and Curriculum Leader Tom Newey for their facilities and players in the creation of these educational videos.

Connecting Play & Advancing Field Position (Coaching Through Chaos)

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:40:09 GMT

In a recent interview with our director and co-founder Mike Phelan, the MPC media team discussed the realities of coaching, how when working with players to get the best you possibly can out of them, and also the importance of maintaining enjoyment and the love of the game through your sessions by keeping them relative to the game.

“Since I founded the company, I’ve looked a lot in the coaching and coach education space and I have to say a lot of what I see is just not reality, the internet and social media is, …. however long I scroll for, …. is full of sanitised and perfect scenario sessions”

Even numbers, perfect grass, solvable and expected problems, stop it correct it start it and so on, but the game doesn’t look like that, you’re not coaching in reality as the game is going to be different in so many ways

This world (digital) isn’t real, I’m telling you now, I’ve worked with some great players, world class players (Ronaldo, Rooney, Beckham, Keane) and at times it was chaos and we were winning everything in sight as well.

You’ve got to deal with it, you’ve got to see it and you’ve at times got to correct or advise within the environment as it is, you don’t want the hustle and bustle and needle to leave your session, that’s football, …. you’ve to learn to coach in chaos as its what’s required at times, footballers don’t want the stop start, they want the heat of the moment, they want the battle, they want to play and ultimately that’s what you’re going to get in your matches, that’s how it is.

That’s the reality, be it at grassroots, college or trying to win The Premier League, learn to embrace the chaos, learn to love it and learn to work with it and I believe you will become a sharper and a better coach for it.

I saw a clip recently of elite Rugby Player George Ford which prompted me to attempt to bring such a scenario to life for coach education purposes, VIEW CLIP HERE , and he, I feel encapsulates exactly what I’m trying to bring to your attention here. Sometimes players need the here and now, they need solutions in the moment.

In the following video, albeit perhaps a bit leftfield and raw compared to what’s out there this is what I am trying to capture for you. How to coach (effectively) in chaos.

There are mistakes in there, there is good football in there, there are coaching points where I step in there are questions and comments along the way, on and off the field but I never let the game dip in its intensity and raw unpredictability. Coaching is often, for me refinement of an existing picture and an existing environment to allow everyone’s best self-come to the surface.”

The film was shot with USYS https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/ on a recent coach education tour of The USA and we thank director of football Aaron Heffernan for the opportunity and collaboration.

Enjoy, subscribe, share (I’m told it helps us create more) and by all means comment.

Thanks to USYS and Aaron Heffernan for their time and hospitality

EXPLAINER

www.mikephelancoching.com recently visited USYS https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/ and delivered a coaching masterclass and Q and A at the 2025 ODP trials.

The session involved our two vastly experienced coaches Mike Phelan and Paul McGuinness and looked at the theme of possession and progressive play. Paul giving tips from his under the microscope concept of game relative fine detail and Mike dealing with the reality of large group live coaching and making progression through chaos to produce front foot, positive and attacking football.

Overall and among other things (As the session is not staged or fixed) the session covers the following at micro and macro levels in terms of key content.

1. Connecting play and advancing field position

2. Timing, when to hold and entice the opponent and when to release the ball

3. Quality (smoothness) of passing

4. Supporting and blind side runs

5. Creating overloads in opposition territory

In the initial stages we see McGuiness simply demonstrating a midfield player linking with a forward player to progress play. However, the microscopic detail often missing from many session plans and demonstration is, the when, the how and the why.

When (The defending player (White 6) has turned their head)

How (By making your movement blind side (Red 8 and red arrow), whichever side this may be of the opponent (White 6) who has turned their head)

Why (To dictate the flow of the game, to gain an advantage as the overload now appears in your favour Red 8,9 and 10 are now faced up against White 4 and 5 in the final third area)

This is just one example of the many details players require to be able to accumulate football intelligence and is a cornerstone of Pauls under the microscope concept delivered and pieced together into eventual gameplay by the www.mikephelancoaching.com team.

As with all good coaching, player Q and A and checks of understanding are carried out both during and post session and as we can see from our USYS ODP trialist the concept on display and new game intelligence is absolutely received and understood.

The session is then progressed to a larger scale possession based 6 v 6 where former Manchester United first team coach Phelan takes McGuinness concept into the chaotic environment of a live game scenario. Key points in the free play are how to use the space to create the best scenario for your team, when to connect and how to connect with your team mates and when sometimes to perhaps be patient and stay on the ball as the picture before you develops and changes.

Example start set up

Although the session is 6 v 6 Phelan is rotating players on and off due to the workload involved and a match being played later that day. As the footage progresses Phelan can be heard talking about timing (referring to McGuiness earlier detail) and how only the player can decide when the time is right, has the scenario prompted the connection and movement of the ball, are the conditions (details) right.

Although the play is frantic at times and to a degree with limited success in the circle (In terms of connections) Phelan is letting the game flow as opposed to stop start coaching and consistently and subtly praising all the good bits of play, decisions and technical aspects as they come out even though they may be unconnected at this point.

At 4 minutes Phelan decides to intervene with a coaching point but note the language and how he starts this particular point, “Stop, You’ve done ever so well, this is good, but it also could be better “He opens up the environment for learning instantly with his praise and positivity as he enters the field to clarify a little detail to help the grey team.

In the demonstration McGuiness concept is now appearing in the live game the grey player on the ball has been patient and brought the defending yellow onto him, he has invited the pressure (gets himself close to the fire, another ‘Under The Microscope’ detail) and the grey has then played the pass into the forward (the connection is made) however the added “good to better” detail is now the discussion in relation to the blind side run as earlier broken down by McGuinness.

As free play now resumes Phelan while allowing play to continue now engages (5 mins 30) with the players on the side with regard to the congested play and where the space may be and asks the question, how long will it take them to work it out.

Here we are seeing a coach adopting different teaching and learning styles by working with the observers as well as the participants and ensuring the best possible environment and operational culture is constant throughout the exercise while maximal learning is taking place for all.

On 5:55 minutes Phelan then engages in a Q and A with the participant player style coaching to check the understanding of what the player in possession had done (not released the ball, and why, the run wasn’t there) a different type of positive praise as he has recognised and checked the player had seen something but not been able to execute and the reasoning why. This particular educational intervention point is now bringing in extended but related details required for connections.

The session then ends with a relaxed and informal bidirectional discussion while coaching points are still subtly placed into the learning environment. McGuiness now brings in the detail of the technical quality of the pass and once again demonstrates in a emphasises yet clear fashion the consequences of poor passing and the advantages good passing brings to a game in relation to connections for a team in possession of the football.

In summary an example of two coaches working together at micro and macro levels and taking training in to match style reality while maintaining a coaching and development focus through intensity and at times chaos.

To see more of our YouTube coach education videos click here and don’t forget to subscribe.

The Mike Phelan Coaching Team

Mike Phelan Coaching at USYS National Showcase in Florida

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:49:29 GMT

MP Coaching took part in the US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program’s boy’s interregional event at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida over the weekend working with top youth and college coaches and talented young players from across the United States.

Mike and his team were brought in to support the work of the coaching staff gathered at the impressive sports facilities at the Omni ChampionsGate bringing their Premier League experience and perspective to hands-on, demonstration sessions with the talented group of players.

The focus of Mike and the coaching team, Paul McGuinness and David Horrocks was delivering on individual detail for elite performance.

McGuinness oversaw a session on the fine details that make Premier league footballers and provided insight of what it takes to be the best of the best and win the ‘game within the game’. The session was well appreciated by the coaches present.

Gordon Miller, Technical Director of Virginia Youth Soccer said: “The detail that Paul brings out with the kids and coaches is what is needed with our players. He does a good job of communicating what he wants, he paints a picture. He does a really good job and it was very enjoyable”.

Mike Phelan then took this into the team environment regarding what this may look like in more dynamic and pressured situations when the score of a real soccer game is at stake.

A Q and A then followed with the youth athletes themselves where the players were able to discover what lessons Mike and Paul gained from coaching with and against some of the worlds greatest players such as Ronaldo, Vidic, Rooney and Messi.

The contribution was concluded on Sunday evening with a presentation from David Horrocks ( downloadable here ) detailing the wider career opportunities available across the multi discipline team environments in modern day elite soccer and other sports.

It was a first class event overseen by Aaron Heffernen, USYS’s Senior Manager ODP, and his team and was a credit to the ever growing and developing landscape of youth soccer in the USA.

“Every year, we try to do something for our oldest group of players to give them something, a different look, whether it's a college or a professional coach and we also try to do something in coaching education with our coaches,” said Heffernen.

“So having Mike Phelan and his coaching staff here is right up our alley in terms of what we're looking for with the coaching education side of things.

And then we're also going to give our kids a different look, a flavor of the different style they have,” he said.

As always Mike and his team spent plenty of time in conversation with coaches away from the formal setting, learning from the coaches’ experiences and challenges while opening up their banks of knowledge and providing examples of best practice to their colleagues.

The event was the latest in a series of MP Coaching commitments in the USA where the company is developing strategic partnerships, particularly in youth soccer.

If you want to know more or are interested in your club, league or organisation working with MP Coaching then don’t hesitate to contact Matt@mikephelancoaching.com or WhatsApp on +44 7779777735

Deliberate Play

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:48:44 GMT

Deliberate play is a key aspect of learning within any talent development pathway and is arguably a fundamental piece of the jigsaw puzzle when it comes to athlete progression in a harmonious and enjoyable manner.

In this short clip, we see MP Coaching’s Paul McGuinness deliver a session as part of the recent www.surfsoccer.com Leadership Conference at the impressive Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, with the Girls' 2008 Select Squad.

In the video, McGuinness describes how, during his time at Manchester United Academy, the environment was designed to replicate street or pick-up football. This approach placed ownership on the athletes and implicitly fostered leadership qualities and autonomy in players from an early age.

Players were encouraged to take the initiative, creating unstructured games before training sessions. As more athletes arrived, the group naturally grew, with energy and fun being the sole criteria.

There was no coach-driven interaction, no aims or objectives – the mantra was simply: "Let’s relax, play football, and see what happens."

Players were free to make up the rules as they went along, decide the numbers and pitch sizes, and play football as they envisioned it.

This approach clearly demonstrates the importance of putting the child and the fun back into football, while allowing players to experiment with skills they may have learned in more formal settings, all within a non-judgemental environment. Taking risks, making mistakes, and bringing energy and a smile are encouraged.

Research suggests, through retrospective studies of professional athletes’ lives, that deliberate play is a key factor influencing the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development of athletes.

Many professional environments worldwide are designed with this pre- and post-training free-play philosophy in mind. A fine example can be seen in David Horrocks' visit to Dortmund in Germany.

Pre- and post-training play was reported by staff and players alike as commonplace and even encouraged earlier starts and later finishes, as players enjoyed being at the training facility.

In addition to McGuinness’ example of street football, other examples witnessed at Dortmund included head tennis courts, 2 v 2 and 3 v 3 cages, Teqball tables, and, of course, the revered Footbonaut facility.

We all fell in love with football for one reason or another during those early years. If we can foster and encourage that free spirit through our environments, we will provide the fuel needed for both longevity and high performance.

The finer details in the art of defending (Stopping the Cross)

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:25:12 GMT

In this video our elite coaches Paul McGuinness and Mike Phelan break down the subcomponents of stopping the cross.

Crosses have been data characterized as the assist source of in the region of 23% of Premier League Goals (15% of these arriving from open play) and a highest recorded peak of 28% of assists in the 2002 FIFA World cup.

A phenomenon clearly worth paying attention to in any defensive training especially in a world of individualised coaching and personalised development plans.

In this article and associated video footage the www.mikephelancoaching.com team deal with the ground and feet type of crossing opportunity. In further associated videos we again give credence to detail at the individual level regarding defending the ariel delivery which on its own merits features different detail and minutiae.

So, lets go under the microscope and take a real detailed look at how to stop the cross.

The coaches take into consideration, body position, feet plantation and movement, eyeline and distance between player, ball, and opponent relative to context.

All these technical and physical essentials enhance a defender’s likelihood of success in these often-perilous wide positions.

As Paul looks at defending crosses as a concept under the microscope, we can see in the footage how such above detailed minutiae are of paramount importance in an aspiring soccer players quest for expertise.

In addition to the above we also learn how the detail in terms of being in line with the opponents’ crossing foot should be considered. How stamping down a foot in line rather than simple foot placement will allow allow rapid change of direction or turning motions if required and why you should not be leaving legs dangling or stretched in mid-air.

Former Premier League defender and coach Mike Phelan discusses the eyes and their connection with the ball and why mentally and visually remaining in the present as opposed to what may happen next is important and how this skill works in conjunction with any foot placement.

Paul adds further clarity on the level of difficulty and why the skill is a reactive and transitional skill as you aren’t in charge of the ball and how these minor details facilitate dealing with such a loaded against situation in the attacker’s favour.

What are we waiting for coaches, get out there and give it a go and if you’re a player then pair up with a winger and simply throw them a bag of balls and ask them to beat you.

Deliberate and purposeful practice at its finest

Game Knowledge, Scanning and Information Processing

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 21:12:09 GMT

A much-discussed topic in modern coaching is scanning. But why do players need to do this? and Why are coaches asking players to check their shoulders and lift their heads up prior to and as they receive the football?

The art of scanning is the prerequisite to good decision making and the execution of smart, correct and prime choice actions within a game of football. If you can see what’s ahead of you and predict the future, then decision making and eventual outcomes are much more fruitful towards any process objective or goal.

But . . .

Its not quite so simple, scanning is of no use without game intelligence.

As stated in our downloadable presentation by the great Johann Cruyff, the game is played with the brain not the feet. The best midfielder around right now and current ballon d’or holder Manchester City’s Rodri is described as the best player in the world by his club manager Pep Guardiola and a supercomputer by his national team boss Luis de la Fuente.

Put simply the greatest players know a hell of a lot about the game of football, what is likely to happen and why things are likely to happen and when and how things may happen. Therefore, the much-lauded art of scanning is only of use to those players who know the game its not just a simple head rotation and gaze exercise

The below diagram is an example of how scanning and game knowledge interact as a football player goes about their business.

But where does this knowledge come from, is it nurture and the fabled 10,000 hours of football or deliberate practice (Academic studies suggest 15,000hrs + in this particular sport) or is it nature and therefore something certain athletes are born with, and these innate superpowers happened to be present before baby Messi walked or talked.

Both anecdotal first-hand quotes from elite players and academic studies suggest that a significant part of the magical number of hours are hours of a thoughtful (cognitive) nature.

While being on the grass and kicking a ball around in training and matches is of vast importance, so is analysing, discussing, questioning and theorising about the game and its what’s, ifs, and maybes.

This off field phenomena is also now of increasing importance at the highest levels in a world where physical exertion, match and training demands and sheer volume of fixtures is a serious cause for concern and debate. Put simply it is not that easy for managers and coaches to get their playing squads on the training ground as regular as they would like in this age where the game is a hyper commercialised product, and fixtures and travel are never ending.

So, in essence for scanning to take place, game knowledge is required, game knowledge comes from games of course but game knowledge also comes from wider cognitive and lifestyle engagement centred around the game.

As stated here in this video clip involving Jermain Defoe, ‘Young players have to watch more football.’

New PCouple this pretty nailed on necessity with the fact that Generation Z (The modern player and coach) are tech and data savvy, use short form content as a catalyst to further more detailed content consumption, and watch sport on multiple screens while seeking evidence for debate or opinion, are we now at a crossroads where cognitive deliberate practice is overtaking, (in season) or certainly becoming equal to physical practice in the greatest players quest for footballing excellence.

Putting the boots on and getting on the grass will never be replaced, let’s make that clear but even in years gone by, those working/training and playing a 37-hour week still had 131 hours left over.

These spare hours are now part of the high achievers deliberate practice and fear not it can be playful and unstructured if you wish. As long as it stimulates the brain, learning and growth will be taking place, and the art of scanning will start to assist in the realisation of the foundation and structure required for scanning to directly affect performance in in play decision making.

What is the knowledge?

Knowledge or game intelligence takes multiple formats just like in the real game, tactical in terms of movement, technical in terms of the body and the ball, and physical in terms of the bodily requirements when dealing with opponent, space or ball.

All in all the beautiful game and how elite player behaviours are often now reported really does show that it is a myriad of complexity and cerebral precision which only makes you appreciate the greatest players even more.

The enclosed educational download provides a framework for player and coach education with regard to scanning, game intelligence and improving player and coach education.

Examples utilising the likes of Lionel Messi and Rodri are drawn upon along with the pioneering research works of mikephelancoaching.com(David Horrocks), Geir Jordet and Jes Buster Madsen all utilised in terms of evidential support for the concept.

If you would like to know more with regard to player and coach education or training options for the decision-making aspect of the game and how to incorporate these into your pathways and programmes then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

info@mikephelancoaching.com

Forward play, linking the midfield, movement, timing and opportunities in the final third.

steve@mikephelancoaching.com (Steve Hawthorn) — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:40:01 GMT

A fine example of holistic player development from MP Coaching where practical and theoretical, body and mind are all worked for maximal learning and development to take place.

In this example session the MP Coaching team Paul McGuinness and Mike Phelan work on forward players movement, the midfielders link play with the aforementioned forwards and ultimately create goalscoring opportunities for the team.

The session is an under the microscope observation of the concept as opposed to an intense training drill. In essence this is player specific coaching and education not just a football training session and also a small test in terms of coach knowledge of some of the finer processes in attacking forward play.

The session is also supported by supplementary material and comment on the concepts at play by elite forward Jermaine Defoe. Jermaine uses the modelling analogy (Ian Wright) in his quest for detail therefore clearly taking personal ownership of his own development in his quest to be the best he can possibly be.

“Young players need to watch a lot of football” (Jermaine Defoe – 305 goals, 20 International goals) “I’d watch Ian Wright (239 goals, 9 International goals), I would watch the movements and then I would go and practice the movements.”

“I would always want to feel the defender, I wanted to pin the defender, and I wanted to concentrate on my first touch then I can go both ways, I’m only looking for half a yard, can you get into 1 v 1 situations and then can you be strong”

“I would watch goals but for me that wasn’t enough, I was fascinated with movement, how did he get into that position to get the chance” I would practice movement all the time in training.” - Jermaine Defoe

In the above video former Manchester United Under 18s coach and centre of excellence manager Paul McGuinness with support from former first team player and assistant manager Mike Phelan take us through the fine detail required in this particular threshold concept.

Points of note are creating space, receiving the ball, combination play between passer and receiver and the movement of the partnership to outwit the opponent. The session also deals with the detail of working and creating spaces both in front of and also behind the defence therefore aiming to create a telepathic understanding of where your teammate is likely to be. The footage then progresses through the process and beyond the highest forward opening up both sides of the field for progressive attacking play, creating 1 v 1s or clear runs towards a shot at goal.

The coaches use an educational stabiliser through the analogy of a clockface as a template for the message, this allows mind and body to connect and think and act as they learn the concept. This type of coaching will help to expedite and crystalise player learning in developmental stage players.

A clear example of two elite coaches working in a clear and digestible manner and progressing player development and coach knowledge.

The video below includes the content mentioned by Jermain Defoe which was broadcast on Monday Night Football by Sky Sports

Mike Phelan Coaching Team Head to the US

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:13:03 GMT

The Mike Phelan Coaching team is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago, scheduled for January 8-12, 2025.

United Soccer Coaches Convention

This annual event is renowned as the world's largest gathering of soccer coaches and enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive platform for education, networking, and the latest in soccer technology.

Convention Overview

The United Soccer Coaches Convention provides attendees with access to over 200 lecture sessions and field demonstrations, catering to coaches at every level. The event also features an expansive Exhibit Hall, showcasing the latest gear and technology in the soccer world. Additionally, the convention includes various socials, meal functions, and award ceremonies, fostering connections among coaches and administrators.

United Soccer Coaches Convention

Mike Phelan and Dave Horrocks' Participation

Mike Phelan, former Manchester United player and assistant manager, along with Dave Horrocks, former Head of Research and Development at Manchester United, will be presenting at different times throughout the five-day event. Their sessions are expected to provide invaluable insights into elite coaching strategies and player development methodologies.

Session Highlights

Mike Phelan's Presentation:

Drawing from his extensive experience at the highest levels of football, Phelan will discuss leadership, team dynamics, and managing high-pressure environments. His insights into top-tier football management are anticipated to offer actionable advice for coaches aiming to elevate their teams' performance.

Dave Horrocks' Workshop:

With a background in psychology and performance development, Horrocks will focus on player development at the grassroots level. His session will cover topics such as skill acquisition, mental resilience, and fostering a winning mentality among young athletes.

Additional Information

The convention will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center, located at 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616. Registration is open to both members and non-members of United Soccer Coaches. Attendees are encouraged to download the official convention mobile app for the most up-to-date schedule, presenter information, and resources.

United Soccer Coaches Convention

For more details and to register for the event, visit the official convention website:

Note: Schedule and presenters are subject to change. Please refer to the official convention website or mobile app for the latest updates.

Mike Phelan Presents Award at North West Football Awards

steveh@youforia.io (Steve Hawthorn) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:49:46 GMT

Mike Phelan had the honor of presenting the League One Player of the Year award at the Armstrong North West Football Awards

Mike Phelan had the honor of presenting the League One Player of the Year award at the Armstrong North West Football Awards, held on Monday, 25th November 2024, at The Point, Old Trafford. The annual event, now in its 17th year, celebrates the outstanding contributions of players, clubs, and individuals within North West football, and this year’s ceremony did not disappoint.

The award was won by Sam Tickle, the highly talented young goalkeeper from Wigan Athletic, whose stellar performances throughout the season captured the attention of fans and football professionals alike. Known for his composure, shot-stopping ability, and leadership on the field, Tickle was a standout in Wigan’s League One campaign.

Mike, who has spent decades at the highest level of football as both a player and coach, praised Tickle's maturity and potential. Speaking after the presentation, Mike said, "Sam embodies the kind of talent we all love to see develop in the game. At such a young age, he’s already showing the characteristics of a top goalkeeper—calm under pressure, decisive, and a leader for his team. Recognitions like this show just how bright his future is."

For Tickle, the evening was a chance to reflect on a memorable season. Accepting the award, he expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and the Wigan Athletic fanbase, saying, "This means the world to me. Football is a team game, and I wouldn’t be here without the support of everyone at Wigan. It’s a proud moment for me and for the club."

The Armstrong North West Football Awards is a cornerstone event in the region’s footballing calendar, shining a spotlight on the achievements of players at every level of the game. For Mike, who has dedicated his career to nurturing talent and improving standards in football, being part of the evening was another opportunity to celebrate the game he loves and its ability to inspire the next generation.