The German (DFB) Solution to Young Player Development

This post covers an article written in the FA's coaching journal.  Not everyone is a member of FACA so may not have seen this and I have decided to show parts of it here as I found it to be an excellent read.  It is also something people on twitter have recently been discussing around the link between developing players in the grassroots and the elite level of the game.  Many believe there is space for some kind of regional development role in England and this is something covered extensively in the article.  It certainly contains food for thought on the FA's latest review of young player development.


UEFA Study Visit - Germany 2010
Joachim Low's Germany side won plaudits from across the game for their impressive performance at last year's World Cup.  Playing a brand of football based on intelligent use of possession, clever movement and incisive counter-attacking play, Germany shed many of the stereotypes with which their playing style has been traditionally associated.  Many of the key performers in this side were young players promoted from their 2009 U21 European Championship winning side.
To learn more about the changes that have taken place in German football, delegations from the English, French and Spanish Football Associations recently visited Cologne in Germany, for an Elite Young Player Development seminar hosted by the German Football Association (DFB).  The three-day visit, part of UEFA's study visit scheme, allowed the exchange of best practice ideas between these prestigious football nations and an opportunity for the DFB to outline the restructure of their coaching and talent identification programme.


Study visit content:
- Overview and analysis of DFB talent identification programme
- Seminar series on the rationale, history and success of DFB's Youth Development Programme.
- 1 day visit to Cologne FC of the Bundesliga for a review of their Youth Development Programme

German football: background and context

Following poor performances at the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships two years later, German football was, as the DFB describe: "at an all time low".  With the age of the European Championship squad standing at thirty-one and few signs of a promising generation to take their place- only one player in the Euro 2000 squad was aged Under 21 -it was agreed that a review and restructure of the elite youth development programme was imperative to ensure future success.

Proposal for change

The review process concluded that 'increased opportunity' for all young German players irrespective of their background, geographical location or educational arrangements was necessary.  Recruitment had to be nationwide; and the talent net had to be cast much wider than the, already exhausted, areas in close proximity to the professional clubs.  The DFB professed that at that time the recruitment system was something akin to a "lottery", with professional clubs running their Academy systems as individual entities.

The proposal amounted to a daunting task; one which was dependant on the DFB, the Professional clubs and amateur (grassroots) game working closely together.  Clear leadership was required.  Cautious of the potential bureaucracy the proposals may trigger- in particular the issues of finance and staffing - the DFB simply established and implemented a new youth development structure, meaning that the clubs had to conform.

In addition, it was also agreed that the DFB's vision and philosophy - detailing how the game should be played - was to be communicated to all those involved in Young Player Development.

Widening Opportunity
The approach adopted by the DFB was structured around four pillars:
- DFB Support Bases
- DFB Regional Centres
- Elite School Programme
- Professional Club Academy programme


Support Bases
In 2001, the DFB introduced 120 support bases to increase opportunities for scouting and coaching young players in the amateur game.  In 2002, following the success of the first batch of support bases, this number increased to approximately 360.
- The Support Base coaching programme focuses on players in the U11-U14 age-groups, with one session per age-group provided each week.
- Each base is staffed with 2 or 3 UEFA B qualified trainers along with a regional organiser/coach.  The coaches who work part-time, earn approximately 300 Euro per month.
- Each base supports approximately 40-60 clubs, with DFB coaches providing CPD for clubs in their region.
- Support bases in non-academy regions ensure young players with potential have the same opportunity of entering into the talent structure as those players in the proximity of professional academies.
- All the trainers involved in the programme, approximately 1,000 in total, scout for potential talent amongst the 2 million young players who play the game at amateur level each weekend.


Regional Centres
Promising players identified at the Support Bases are invited to attend a Regional Centre.
- The DFB have 29 regional centres -each employing a full time director.
- Coaching is provided for players in the U12/13 and U14/15 age-groups.  The programme is open for both boys and girls.
- Players train once a week at the Regional Centre in addition to regular coaching sessions at their amateur club.  The development programme followed at the regional centre is controlled by the DFB.
- Quotas on attendee numbers are not imposed; if a player displays talent they are given a place at the centre.
- Under 12 and Under 13 players train together, as do those aged Under 14 and Under 15.  This structure hopes to provide any 'late developing' players with the time and support needed to reach their potential.


Elite school overview:
- Each elite school is no more than a 10 minute journey to the Academy club.
- Whilst most children leave school at 16, the gifted and talented may extend until 17 if they need extra time out of school to pursue other talents.
- As part of the agreement all pupils, including footballers, must finish their final exams.
- The DFB pay the schools approximately 30,000 Euros to participate in the scheme.
- The school, club and government work together to ensure both the football and academic strands develop cohesively.  The government assist by funding the employment of additional staff for player education and tuition.


Professional Game
All 36 German professional clubs provide an Academy programme focusing on the development of young players - this is done with the guidance of the DFB.  In addition, ten amateur clubs have been granted academy status having met the necessary criteria.  The minimum requirements include: 3 football pitches, 3 full time trainers, a development programme and a strategy to cooperate with neighbouring schools to develop the Elite School programme.  Every three years each Academy is subject to an independent audit.  The audit, utilises 250 criteria and is linked to a financial bonus drawn from UEFA solidarity funding.


Measures of success
In 2001, only 8% of the players playing regularly in the Bundesliga were under the age of 21.  This figure now stands at 16% (76 players).  The DFB directly attribute this increase to the changes made to the coaching and scouting programmes.  Within the group of 76 players, 27 were developed in Support Bases and were transferred to an academy club between the ages of U13 and U16.  35 players progressed through the Academy system from the age of U11.
Resultantly, German national teams have enjoyed resurgence.  One of the most encouraging aspects of the World Cup 2010 tournament was the successful integration of a number of U21 players into the senior squad.  Furthermore, in the two years previous to the Finals, the German National Youth teams had all achieved success becoming UEFA champions at U17 and U21 (2009) and U19 (2008) level.
The status of coaching as a profession has also been heightened.  With over 1,700 part-time coaches working across the country - 700 in the Bundesliga and 1,000 in the Support Bases - as well as 271 full-time staff in professional club academies, there are more qualified coaches employed in the German game than ever before.

Playing out from the Goalkeeper

In my work I get to see many games through the season.  This usually means watching grass-roots teams in the age range of Under 9 to Under 14.  These players are starting to move from skill acquisition into skill implementation through games.  One disappointing aspect of these games is the lack of encouragement for teams to play short from the goalkeeper.  I regularly see (9 times out of 10) the goalkeeper kick the ball long into the bedlam and clutter of midfield (where most players already know the ball is going). Unfortunately this does not seem to be recognised by coaches/managers/parents as the kick from the goalkeeper regularly goes without notice or comment.


When coaching a group of players in small and larger sized games, I try to emphasise the number of times possession is kept when kicking long against rolling out to say the full-back.  This can easily be achieved by initially playing a small game with equal numbers with a Goalkeeper being asked to play a long kick on 5 separate occasions, see which team gains possession and then start again. More often than not it will be 50/50, sometimes better or worse.  Then ask the goalkeeper to roll to the full-back 5 times and ask the players how many times out of 5 possession is retained.


To move this on I now use the session shown below (5 v 3) which represents a game realistic overload when the goalkeeper has possession and both teams are 'in balance'.  Have two target goals on both flanks representing the movement of possession from defence to midfield.


With the younger players you can have two coned off areas in the right and left back positions that act as both a visual marker for the position they can take up and a zone in which the attacking team (blues) cannot enter to encourage comfortable possession for the initial roll or pass from the goalkeeper.

Start the practice

• Goalkeeper looks both ways to see best option for initial roll or pass
• Full-backs create width by moving into cone zone
• Centre backs try to occupy two of 3 blues

Encourage the red 2 & 3 to:

• Be in a half turn body shape, look before receiving, first touch forward, can I run with or pass the ball?
• Support Play of  GK, 5 and 6 if forward run or pass denied
• If forward run or pass denied can I switch to opposite safe zone? (via the GK if necessary)

Game Realistic

Not one team one theme - Coach what you see!  So in transition phase encourage:

• Positive quick transition if blues win the ball - shoot, keep possession, movement to create space for further shooting opportunity.
• Positive, quick transition to defend for reds - win the ball back, block tackle, delay, deny and divert.

Progression

• If success - remove cone zone and encourage same style or increase to 5v4
• If success - encourage goal scoring in limited time
• If no success - change numbers to 5 v 2 or give time limit before blues can 'engage'
• If no success - modify size of area and/or cone zone
• Move to full SSG and encourage both teams to play short from GK (re-emphasise the theme of the session)

Next Session

• Linked to the previous session and progressive for the next session
• Development and retention of possession
• Use of centre backs to progress the play through mid-third (overload into midfield)

Recommended Reading - The Soccer Goalkeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide for Players and Coaches by Alex Welsh
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soccer-Goalkeeping-Handbook-Essential-Players/dp/0713666781/ref=dp_ob_title_bk


Quote of the day - I've failed over & over & over again in my life & that is why I succeed. -Michael Jordan


Video of the day - Arsenal possession

Why do you want to be a Football Coach? Continued....

5. Do I stop learning once I am qualified?
As I mentioned previously this is a personal opinion but the answer is a definite no for me.  I should strive to maintain, improve and be ambitious about coaching and qualifications for coaching.  The internet is a great resource whether it be for simple skills practices for your next coaching session or when the next course is on that will take you up your own coaching ladder.

6. How would I like to see the game played?

Do you have a coaching philosophy?  This was one of the most enlightening experiences for me when I was first asked the question.  My first attempt at this was on one my coaching courses a number of years ago and I was pleasantly surprised at the end result as follows:

To influence players:

• Technically, physically, mentally, skill acquisition and personally

To be:

• Positive, enthusiastic and empowering

My goal is to:

• Develop skilled, confident and creative players
• Make the game fun and realistic to practice and play
• Encourage good sportsmanship and respect for all
• Value and recognise winning but not at the expense of character & development
• Utilize the latest methods and technologies
• Create a professional environment in which players develop 
• Provide a safe and educational experience for players

Coaching method

• An extensive passing, skilful and technical game
• Plenty of free play – learn from game realistic play
• Encourage expression, creativity and innovation
• Play in different positions
• Freedom to make mistakes

7. Which team(s) inspire you as a supporter of football?

Some may accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon with this but I can honestly say it was before the World Cup in South Africa that I said I admired the Spanish style of play.  However it was the Under 19 Spanish team that I initially admired and not the senior squad that went on to win the World Cup in 2010.  I have since realised that this style is all pervading through the Spanish game and is particularly present in Barcelona's style of play and that of Barcelona's academy at La Masia de Can Planes.  This team, providing most of the national team's players.

The Football Association have since gone on to attempt to describe the style, or DNA of the English game in the 'Future Game' the technical guide for young player development.  Unfortunately, we are now playing catch up with countries such as Spain and Germany who recognised the lack of a national association template a number of years ago.  The results since? Spain have won 6 UEFA youth tournaments in the last 10 years and Germany 3.   England, thankfully have had recent success at U17 beating Spain in 2010 and the signs are good, particularly at the U16 to U21 level for England.

Recommended Reading - Coaching Soccer - Bert Van Lingen.  Some parts of this book are a little dated now (1997) but shows the KNVB were light years ahead of most national associations.  Another excellent read with a lot of great information.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coaching-Soccer-Official-Dutch-Association/dp/1890946044

Quote of the day “I can accept failure – everyone fails at something.  But I can't accept not trying”.

Michael Jordan – Basketball Player

Video of the day - superb - Messi & Maradona

Why do you want to be a Football Coach?

1.      For me the first question should be why do I want to coach?

2.      Is it for me, the players or both? 

3.      Should I continue learning? 

4.      Who should I learn from to improve and how can I improve as a coach?

5.      Do I stop learning once I am qualified?

6.      How would I like to see the game played?

7.      Which team inspire you as a supporter of football?

This blog covers parts 1 to 4 shown above.  The next blog will cover parts 5 to 7.  I will also try to include a quote of the day and maybe the odd video and/or session of the day, recommended reading or recommended websites.

You can also follow me on twitter @techniquewins

Introduction
I am a youth coach working in England, UK.  I have had personal views on coaching and the organisation of football in general for some time but my only outlet for the joys and frustrations on my day-to-day experiences have been my family and close friends.  I am sure they are either bored and/or don't quite get where I am coming from sometimes and have found twitter to be a great outlet for my ramblings!  I hope this blog will provide a bit more detail and that those who read it and are involved in coaching find it interesting.

1. Why do I want to coach?

When I started on my current career path I asked myself where I wanted to be and why.  I never had the ambition to work in the senior professional game as a manager.  When asked by my first course tutor I said ultimately I wanted to work in some form for a professional club academy or centre of excellence.  My focus has always been on youth development in whatever form this takes.  This can be working on fundamental movement skills with early primary school children with no football specific element through to a football specific session with talented and accomplished youth footballers.

2. Is it for me, the players or both?

This might seem a simple q&a.  Of course it should be for both but in what order?  I would argue that if you train to become a professional coach then the players are your primary focus but you should not be neglected either.  Unfortunately, there are those who see themselves as the next Jose Mourinho or are living their dream through their son or daughters game, and lets not forget it is their game.  Even professional youth coaches need to question why they are coaching.  If they see it as a stepping stone to the senior men's game I believe they are in the wrong job.  Youth coaches should be just that and not putting on sessions to showcase their own coaching skills.  I will talk about this in future blogs, as the financial rewards for youth coaches might be the reason for this attitude in some.

You as a coach should always strive to be up to date, always learning from others and never assume you have got all the knowledge to coach your team, whether that be your local Under 9's, school team, academy or centre of excellence players or an adult 11v11 team.  The best thing I do in coaching is watch other coaches.  Over time I have seen good, and bad, male and female, all of whom have helped me.

3. Should I continue learning? 

I have great respect for the number of volunteers involved in youth football and the cost and time commitment it can take to become qualified.  However, I believe you owe it to your players and yourself to be a sponge with regard to your coaching knowledge.  Even if you have completed your Level 1 coaching certificate or your youth award module 1 why not set yourself a target to go further?  If you can't afford the time or money then get access to the plethora of information online to improve your coaching.  A lot of this is free if you know where to look and even if you do need to pay, ask your club (it is after all to the benefit of your club's players and potentially other coaches).

The FA have now set in train the licensed coaches scheme so it will be mandatory for licensed coaches to have relevant continuing professional development.  This, of course will only work if it is readily available and affordable but can only be a good thing for youth development in my view.

4. Who should I learn from to improve and how can I improve as a coach? 

I have noticed that in my career so far I have had a number of unofficial 'coach mentors'.  These are people who I have observed coaching in various situations from a Sunday league 'dog & duck' manager, school PE teachers, academy and centre of excellence coaches, course tutors, men's and women's football managers and coaching colleagues.  These have  all been positive mentors for me in so far as I aspire to be like the best of them and try my hardest not to be like the worst of them.

When I say try my hardest not to be like the worst I constantly self evaluate what I have done or said, especially with the youngest players.  I never assume I am perfect and have all the right answers and always try to remember that it is a continual learning process.  Each time I see another coach work I can guarantee I pick up a tip (good or bad).  There is plenty of ego in football already, try not to let yours override the primary objective of improving your players.

Recommended Reading - Football for the Brave By John Cartwright.  I have found this to be one of the most insightful views of football and coaching in England, superb read.

Quote of the day - A team will always appreciate a great individual if he's willing to sacrifice for the group. -Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Video of the day - Andrés Iniesta Luján