How to ensure you really do 'train how you play'

So now we have more understanding of the physical demands of the game, how do we apply this in training?

The most important thing to say is that, first and foremost, this should not be the sole aim of any training session.

The skill and craft of the coach is to work out how to make sure there are moments in training that allow the players to exert themselves to peak game pace based on the technical and tactical requirements of the sessions.

It is vital that we explain why we are doing a specific activity and why it is important that, in certain moments, physical outputs will be high - and not just make players feel like you are working them hard for the sake of it.

To allow your teams to work at an appropriate level of intensity, you firstly need to understand what this is.

 

"The skill of the coach is to ensure players can exert themselves to peak game pace..."

If you are lucky enough to have GPS then this is easy - if you don’t, it is still possible just through observation of your matches. 

It may require some data collection but, generally, by observing the number of sprints players do in one minute and the number of runs a player makes across an area of the pitch in three minutes, you will have a guide to whether you are replicating this in training. If not, then you need to look at the following aspects when planning.

Firstly, what is the moment of the game you are trying to replicate in training? An example for intensive running is the high press - consider the following:

•  Session outcome: What are you trying to achieve from a tactical perspective? To win the ball back quickly by forcing play centrally.

•  Player-to-pitch-size ratio: Does the number of players involved allow you to achieve your session outcomes in a realistic area to the game, as well as allowing players to cover realistic distances?

•  Session timings: Do you set time periods that are realistic to the game, so players can exert themselves to a level that is the same as the hardest moment in the game? Create blocks of practice where players know they will work intensively for 90 seconds and then recover for 90 seconds.

•  Evaluate effort: Use a simple Rating of Perceived Exertion scale (RPE). If players are saying it’s an 8 or 9, then you are probably working at a good level. As a coach, you will recognise the levels based on match observations.

•  Adaptations: Tweak the session based on observations. If you require more intensity, make the area smaller, reduce the number of players, create constraints so that players reach the physical needs but don’t lose sight of the technical and tactical elements of the session.

•  Coach behaviours: It is crucial that coaches vary their tone, manner and approach. If you want intensity, then be sharper and more direct with your words - be motivational, encouraging and louder than normal. This doesn’t mean be horrible!

 

While I have a sport science degree and have studied coaching and training for more than 25 years, I’m no expert in the science behind peak game pace training.

What I do know is that, as coaches, it is our job to prepare players for the game - and, as it develops, the ability to perform technically at a high intensity will be the difference between winning and losing games. 

I would encourage any aspiring coach to take time to understand what the demands of the game are and how we train to make sure our female players are prepared for the hardest, most intense moments in any game so they can be the best they can be.