Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter!

Things have been a little quieter here over the past few weeks. The reason is simple. I’ve been working intensively on a new tool for coaches. In addition to the training videos, there is now a second module designed to help you with match preparation.

The tool is finally live and that also means the newsletter will now return to its regular schedule.

In this edition we focus on the following topics:

Football over the last decade has become above all else more physically demanding. Matches are played at a higher tempo and under greater pressure, and the statistics clearly support this trend.

According to research published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, players today perform 28% more high-intensity running and 58% more sprints compared to a decade ago. Professional players now cover 10–13 kilometres per match, including 2–3 km at sprint intensity, while performing 150–250 explosive actions such as accelerations or changes of direction.

These numbers highlight just how physical the modern game has become. Even highly technical players struggle to survive at the top level if they cannot run, press and repeat high-intensity actions. The result is something of a paradox. Despite the incredible technical ability of modern players, the game can sometimes feel less magical simply because there is less time and space on the ball.

The improved physical conditioning of players has also influenced defensive tactics. In many leagues, man-to-man defending has become more common again. This type of defending significantly increases the physical demands of the game.

Research on man-marking shows that it raises the overall physical load. Players cover more distance, reach higher average speeds and perform more sprints. Matches become faster and more intense, leaving attacking players with far less time to find solutions.

So how do teams respond?

Positional rotations and fluid movement in possession have become increasingly important. This does not mean players running around randomly. It means occupying spaces in a structured and coordinated way. The four key reference points in the game are opponents, teammates, space and the ball.

If the distances between players are too large, pressing after losing possession becomes difficult. If they are too small, the structure becomes easy to break. Successful teams move collectively across the pitch, maintain proper spacing and interchange positions naturally to create space.

This type of dynamic positional play helps generate numerical advantages against man-marking and gives the player on the ball more options.

At the same time, dribbling is making a comeback.

We may see fewer street-style players in the mould of Ronaldinho today, but one-v-one ability remains one of the most effective ways to break down man-to-man defending.

A good dribbler can attract multiple defenders, open spaces and disrupt defensive structures. Analysis from the platform Zone14 highlights the importance of dribbling in tight spaces and during transitions. Well-timed changes of direction and changes of pace allow players to beat defenders and destabilise the opposition.

Dribblers also create space for teammates by drawing defenders out of position. This opens passing lanes or shooting opportunities.

In systems that rely on man-to-man pressing, these individual qualities often become decisive.

As the game becomes faster and more compact, large tactical revolutions are increasingly rare. Instead, small details often decide matches.

One of the clearest examples is set pieces.

More and more clubs now employ dedicated set-piece coaches, often drawing inspiration from other sports. Research from the Sport Science Agency describes how football has started to adopt ideas from American sports. Set pieces are now designed using carefully rehearsed routines similar to play-calling in the NFL or basketball.

These developments are heavily supported by data analysis and have turned corners and free kicks into highly organised scoring opportunities.

During the 2022/23 Premier League season, more than 15% of all goals came from corners, with Liverpool converting roughly one out of every seven corners into a goal.

England’s famous “Love Train” corner routine at the 2018 World Cup is a good example of this approach. Gareth Southgate later explained that the routine was inspired by NFL tactics and developed together with coaches from the Atlanta Falcons.

These situations now resemble screen plays from American football or pick-and-roll actions from basketball.

Modern football requires more than ever a combination of elite athleticism and tactical intelligence.

Players who cannot sprint, counter-press or constantly adapt their positioning will struggle at the highest level, regardless of their talent.

But the magic of football has not disappeared. It simply appears in different ways.

Dribbling remains a crucial weapon against tight man-marking structures, and decision-making has become even more important. Players must recognise the right moment to run, pass or take on an opponent.

Big tactical revolutions are rare. Instead, matches are decided by small margins. A well-rehearsed corner routine, a clever positional rotation or a player capable of beating an opponent under pressure can make the difference.

For coaches, this means focusing less on constantly changing systems and more on the fundamental principles of the game. Physical preparation, intelligent spacing, creative dribbling and well-organised set pieces are key.

In a game where space is becoming increasingly limited, the details make the difference.

Alongside the training videos, the platform now includes a second module called the Match Planner.

The idea behind it is simple.

As coaches, we spend a lot of time preparing matches. Thinking about the line-up, planning substitutions, organising set pieces or sending the squad list to players. This tool was created to make that process simpler and more structured.

With the Match Planner you can prepare your game step by step.

First, enter your squad once. After that you can select your formation and choose your starting eleven for the match.

Select your substitutes, add match information and send the squad list directly to your team as a PDF or via WhatsApp.

Prepare different match scenarios before kick-off.

Plan A – Everything goes to plan
Pre-plan your substitutions.

Plan B – Secure the result
Adjust the formation and prepare tactical substitutions.

Plan C – Maximum risk
Push forward, change the formation and go all-in if your team is chasing the game.

Players can be freely moved around the pitch, allowing you to visualise tactical adjustments quickly.

Position your players across the three pitch zones to show how your team should behave both in possession and out of possession.

Define:

• Corner kick setups
• Free-kick takers
• Corner takers
• Penalty takers

At the end you can export the entire match preparation as a PDF and share it directly with your team on matchday.

With one subscription you now get both modules.

Access to all training videos and full use of the Match Planner.

I’m constantly working to improve the platform. If you try it out, I would really appreciate honest feedback from fellow coaches.

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