Portsmouth’s James Barlow: how to link performance data to a game model and style of play

Player | Journey | James Barlow | 5.08.2022

Helping young players understand how performance data links to a club game model and style of play is a key part of the development process, says Portsmouth’s Head of Academy Coaching, James Barlow. Image: James Barlow/Portsmouth FC

Learning:

-   How to link performance data with a game model and style of play

- Educating young players to better understand and apply their performance data

- Finding the balance between ownership and support when working with young players

Helping young players understand how performance data links to a club game model and style of play is a key part of the development process, says Portsmouth’s Head of Academy Coaching, James Barlow.

“All the players in the professional development phase want their stats after the game,” says Barlow, who was promoted from Assistant Professional Development Phase coach to Head of Academy Coaching earlier this year.

“They want to know if they have run 10km and if they have completed 500m high-speed distance, but often these numbers in isolation are meaningless.”