Teams Don’t Learn - Individuals Do
In the modern world of football coaching, there’s a growing trend towards emphasizing tactical systems and team strategies over developing individual players. From youth academies to top-tier professional clubs, coaches seem increasingly focused on getting players to fit into predefined roles within a system, often at the expense of honing their technical skills and decision-making abilities. While tactics are undoubtedly an important aspect of the game, the overemphasis on them can have long-term consequences for a player’s growth.
Killing Creative Players
While systems are undoubtedly important, they’ve led to a troubling trend where individual player development often takes a back seat. The trends of the modern game has evolved into a “manager-first” approach, where the system dictates how players are expected to perform. In doing so, many coaches are neglecting the core principle of football: developing players who can think for themselves, solve problems on the field, and express their creativity. When players are coached to fit into a system first and foremost, their individual growth suffers. The focus on team roles and structures often limits their technical and decision-making skills. Take, for example, a young player who is pushed into a rigid position within a system — they may excel at carrying out specific tasks within that framework, but their ability to innovate or adapt when the situation calls for it might be underdeveloped.
In essence, the more time players spend mastering specific roles within a system, the less time they have to refine their core individual skills. Players who focus solely on following tactical instructions are also less likely to develop the kind of vision that allows them to make split-second decisions on the field — something that is crucial to being a top-level player.
Think Long Term
A tactical system that brings short-term success may look appealing, especially when it yields immediate results. However, this can come at the cost of long-term player development. Players trained to fit into one specific system may struggle when they face teams that play a different style of football. Moreover, should they move to a different club or find themselves in a new system, their inability to adapt can hinder their career progression.
In contrast, players who have developed a strong foundation in individual skills are far more adaptable. They can slot into various tactical setups with ease because they’ve learned how to read the game, make decisions, and express themselves on the ball.
Fear to Express
One of the most glaring problems with over-prioritizing tactics is that it stifles a player’s creativity. Football, at its core, is about unpredictability and flair. It’s the moments of individual brilliance — the stunning dribbles, clever passes, and spontaneous goals — that capture the imagination of fans and set the best players apart from the rest.
Unfortunately, systems often demand a level of predictability and control that reduces space for these moments of magic. Players are given strict instructions on where to be, when to move, and how to execute specific tasks within the system. This can lead to a mechanical, rigid style of play where players are too afraid to take risks or try something new.
How to Approach Coaching?
Coaching should strike a balance between systems and individual player development. While tactics are crucial, they should never overshadow the need to nurture individual talent. Coaches must prioritize teaching players not only how to fit into a team structure but also how to make decisions, improve their technical skills, and express their creativity.
The best coaches understand the importance of developing players as individuals. They work on refining core skills like ball control, passing accuracy, and shooting while also helping players improve their tactical awareness. This dual approach — focusing on both individual and collective development — is the key to producing well-rounded players who can thrive in any system.
In the end, it’s not just about fitting players into a system — it’s about creating well-rounded, adaptable, and innovative players who can thrive in any situation. This should always be the priority in football coaching.
