Coaches catch up!
Lockdown coaches catch up on lockdown life
Find out what our coaches have been up to during lockdown. Today's interview is with Jonny.
What have you been up to during this lockdown?
As staff, it's important we try to practice what we preach; therefore, like all of our players I've been trying to better myself. I'm going to ensure I leave lockdown a better coach just like you are all trying to leave it a better player.
Unfortunately, my playing days are over now, so I've been doing a lot of online courses, watching a lot of football, reading coaching books and also listening to a lot of podcasts.
Watching football:
Watching games is a great way for you all to learn. Have a watch of the player who plays in your position next time you watch a game or match of the day. Watch what the player does when their team has the ball and when they don't have the ball, what kind of runs they make etc.
Reading:
I would recommend reading Match magazine or Match of the day magazine for players aged U7-13, and 442 magazine for older age groups, there’s lots you can learn from just reading about football to help you push your game on!
Podcasts:
I would definitely recommend the ‘High Performance’ podcast to any of our 14+ players and parents for some inspiration.
I have also been busy with planning our online programmes and sessions. The attention to detail and information we give you all is key, and we enjoy seeing the benefits of putting such programmes together for you all.
Finally, I have been out running a lot, trying to keep up with all of the scores you have been logging on our running app! Well done everyone you lot inspire me!!!
Best game I've watched this lockdown:
Brighton 1-2 Crystal Palace (for obvious reasons!!).
The best thing I've seen from one of our players this lockdown:
Where do I start?!
Some of the energy seen on our full Academy Zooms has been amazing!! Well done to all of you who have attended. I've also seen our players (supervised) learning how to cook a football diet, as well as dragging their family members outside to exercise and help them train!
I would like to give a special mention to under 8 player William M, who has worked so hard on his keepie ups he can now do over 50! Amazing achievement!
Best piece of lockdown advice I can give to our players:
‘Keep doing what you are doing - Eat, sleep, train, repeat!!’
Jonny Elwood
Academy Manager