Former English FA national player development coach, John Allpress:  how to ensure player learning starts before kick-off on matchday

Practice | Games | 9.09.2022

Matches are a great opportunity to practise and learn and the process begins before the game starts, says former English FA National Player Development coach, John Allpress Image: Getty images

Learning:

-   Creating a positive learning environment through leadership

-       How to link training and games to maximise player learning

-       The importance of showing empathy to players on matchday

In the first of a three-part series focusing on matchday, former FA national player development coach, John Allpress, looks at how coaches can create a positive learning environment for players before the game starts.

With matchday being especially emotionally charged, it is the day of the week where the leadership role of the coach must come to the fore. Both players and coaches know that the tariff involved in matchday mistakes is far higher than those made in training. However, if managed correctly by the staff, matches are a great opportunity to practise and learn and this process begins before the game starts.