3 Ways “Top” Coaches Are Using Analytical Tools Completely Wrong!

Mistake 1: Presenting Useless Information (Information Lacking Context)

Today we see screens along the touch line of training pitches, multiple coaches in dressing rooms, and more resources for gathering data and presenting information than imaginable. These are all unbelievably beneficial tools, but I see much more potential for these resources than what is currently in practice.

First, the use of tactics diagrams is essential. Showing a player their general positioning with animated diagrams can allow them to see things more clearly and gain a better understanding on why they are doing something. The second huge piece of this is the coaches have to present these diagrams in a way that uses reference points. Space, Teammates, Opponents, and the ball are the four widely accepted reference points. A diagram should show this.

For example, when explaining a concept to your team DO NOT take up the entire board. In no phase of the game should your CB and defensive line be in their box and the front three be in the other. (See Diagram below)

Too often coaches at the youth level, university level, or even higher scatter their pieces throughout the field as seen above and then talk about “pressing” or “build-up”

This is a complete disregard for the spatial reference point in any phase of the game. On top of this, when making a diagram coaches should always include the ball. Without the…