How to Defend Against a 3-5-2
Tactical trends in football tend to be cyclical, with the notion of playing with three at the back once again in vogue at elite level. Certainly, managers like Thomas Tuchel (primarily with Chelsea) and PSG’s Christophe Galtier have deployed a 3-5-2 formation or...
Has England’s 2012 Coaching Shakeup Delivered Rewards?
Back in 2012, the FA voted through a number of major changes to how youth football was structured in England, in order to place a greater emphasis on the development of technical skills rather than winning in the short-term. Of the 778 votes cast in total, some 87%...
Coaching the High Press – The Key Considerations
In recent times, the so-called “high press” has become synonymous with the world’s leading coaches, including pioneers in this respect such as Ralf Rangnick, Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel. While this is highly rewarding and capable...
Is 4-4-2 Back in Fashion?
While many have talked about the demise of the classic 4-4-2 formation, this is a misconception that doesn’t accurately reveal the nature of football’s tactical evolution since the 1990s. More specifically, while we’ve seen well-resourced teams with creative attacking...
Key Coaching Trends in Youth Football
The Most Important Coaching Principles in Youth Football The ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho has achieved many things in his time as an elite level coach, but outside of his on-field accomplishments, he also arguably ushered in the age of the ‘superstar’ coach. Prior to...
Is Football Better With or Without VAR?
While some trends in football may come and go, the use of the Video Assistant Referee (or VAR) at the sport’s elite level is likely to become increasingly prevalent in the coming months and years. Of course, VAR is also a highly controversial topic for discussion,...
How to Start A Football Team | Setting Up A Grassroots Football Team
How to start a football team is a question we regularly receive, so if you're looking to start a football team you've come to the right place. Football is the most popular sport in the world. Watched and played by millions on a daily basis, there are a number of...
A Guide to Football Pitch Sizes | Pitch Dimensions
Do you need to know the sizes of a football pitch? Our pitch size guide has the answers for you! Football pitches are an integral component within the sport. Not only can a pitch be the difference between winning and losing or enjoyment and...
How to Progress Up the Coaching Ladder: UEFA Pro Licence
Following the acquisition of the UEFA A Licence, you’re then ready to take the final step in your coaching qualification journey to obtain the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence. Course Details The FA UEFA Pro Licence is the mandatory qualification for all first team...
How to Progress Up the Coaching Ladder: UEFA A Licence
After gaining the UEFA B licence on your journey of progressing up the coaching ladder, the next step is acquiring your FA Level 4 Award, or as it’s more commonly known: the UEFA A Licence. As can be seen from the qualification pyramid below, the UEFA A Licence is the...
Guide To Football Pre-Season Training | Football Pre-Season Tips
The most important factors to consider during the first days back at pre-season training?After a long layoff from training and/or competition, the body and mind have had time to recover from the stress and pressures that work in conjunction with competing and training...
How To Get Sponsorship For Your Grassroots Football Team
If you're part of a football club looking for sponsorship for football kits, you've come to the right place. Sponsorship is one of those necessary evils that all low-level football teams must eventually face up to. But economic hardship coupled with a lack of...