Dan Micciche: the ‘how to get the best out of me’ exercise helping Arsenal academy staff work more effectively with individuals

Player | Needs | Peter Glynn | 19.07.2021

Arsenal U18 head coach, Dan Micciche (pictured), explains how the club’s academy staff get to know each player as a person in order to work more effectively with individuals. Image: getty images.

Learning:

-         The benefits of understanding each player as a person

-         How to use player information to create a positive coaching environment

-         Using a goal-tree and regular reviews to guide the development process

At the start of each season, Arsenal’s academy staff complete a ‘how to get the best out of me’ exercise with each of their U15 and U16 players. By learning more about each individual in the group the coaching staff can tailor their approach to the needs of each player.

“First and foremost, you have to understand them as a person,” explains Dan Micciche, who was promoted from lead phase coach for the U15 and U16 age-groups to U18 coach in July.

“The first thing we do before we start a new season is a ‘how to get the best out of me exercise’ – which is basically building a connection.

“It will cover things like: who are your favourite players, who are your influences, what are your hobbies and what else are you passionate about outside of football.”