The Soccer Coaching Podcast

Episode 127 - Coaches Voice (episode 2) - Half-time Team Talks, Opposed v Unopposed, Player Centred

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 127, Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 127 – Coaches Voice (Episode 2): Half-Time Team Talks, Opposed v Unopposed, Player-Centred Coaching In this episode we bring you the second instalment of our Coaches Voice series, recorded with Ray Power, where we share thoughts, experiences and reflections on key topics within the game. This episode is shaped around questions and contributions from the coaching community. Zack kicks things off by asking about half-time team talks, Jonathan explores the use of opposed versus unopposed practices, and Adam, alongside a couple of his awesome young players, provides a brilliant real-life example of what player-centred coaching can look like in action. We discuss how half-time can be used effectively to support players without overloading them, focusing on clarity of message and helping players to reset and refocus. We also explore the balance between opposed and unopposed practices within training sessions, looking at how each can be used to support both technical development and game realism, and how coaches can design sessions that maximise transfer into match situations. Finally, we reflect on player-centred coaching, highlighting the importance of creating environments where players are encouraged to think, solve problems, and take ownership of their development. Adam’s example, supported by his players, really brings this concept to life. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 126 - Training Session Round Table, a conversation with Ben, Craig, Peter and Ray,

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 126 – Training Session Round Table, with Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett & Ray Power In this episode we bring together an outstanding panel for a Training Session Round Table discussion, focusing on what is arguably the most fundamental part of player development – the training session itself. Joined by Ben Andreos, Craig Birtwistle, Peter Prickett and co-host Ray Power, we explore how coaches approach the design and delivery of training sessions. The conversation dives into session structure, how sessions connect to a wider coaching plan, and the importance of ensuring transfer from the training ground into matchday performance. The panel share their experiences, ideas and practical approaches to creating engaging, purposeful and effective sessions that truly support both player and team development. It was an absolute privilege to be joined by such an awesome group of coaches, each bringing their own perspective, insight and expertise to the discussion. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! Connect with our guests * Peter Prickett (The Bearded Coach) – X: @PeterPrickett  * Craig Birtwistle – X: @CraigBirtwistle / @SessionShareNet  * Ben Andreos – X: @ben_andreos  * Ray Power – X: @power_ray  Podcast Information X - The Soccer Coaching Podcast - @SoccerCoachCast Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 125 - How AI can be used in football coaching, a conversation with Kevin Middleton

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 125 Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 125 – How AI Can Be Used in Football Coaching, a conversation with Kevin Middleton In this episode, Ray and I are joined by the awesome Kevin Middleton to explore the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in football coaching and beyond. Kevin shares his journey and provides a fascinating insight into his work with FootballGPT, highlighting how AI is beginning to shape the way coaches plan, analyse, and deliver their sessions. We dive into the practical applications of AI in coaching, as well as the opportunities and challenges it presents for coaches at all levels of the game. We also discuss: *  What AI actually means for grassroots and academy coaches  *  How tools like FootballGPT can support session design and planning  *  The role of AI in analysis, feedback, and player development  *  The balance between technology and the human side of coaching  *  What the future of coaching might look like with AI continuing to evolve  Ray and Kevin are also running an AI course for coaches who want to explore this space further. You can find out more and book your place here:  AI for Football Coaching Course [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/raypowercoacheducation/2093668?utm_source=chatgpt.com] This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how coaches can embrace innovation while staying true to their coaching philosophy and values. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast  The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 124 - Deep Dive 2: Playing a HIGH BLOCK

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 124 Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 124 – Deep Dive Episode 2: Playing a HIGH BLOCK In this episode, Paddy and I take a deep dive into the concept of playing a high block, using a fascinating tactical example from the Carabao Cup Final where Manchester City surprised Arsenal with a bold and aggressive approach. We explore how City implemented a high block structure, committing four attacking players high up the pitch to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up and create immediate pressure in advanced areas. Through analysis of match footage, we break down how this tactical adjustment impacted the game, the positioning and roles of the players involved, and why it proved so effective. We also discuss: *  What a high block really looks like in practice  *  The benefits and risks of committing players high  *  Key coaching points for implementing a high block with your own team  *  How coaches can adapt this approach across different age groups and levels  This episode is packed with practical insights for coaches looking to develop a more aggressive out-of-possession strategy and better understand modern tactical trends in the game. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast  The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!

Episode 123 - Being A Confidant To Elite Football Managers

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/247200/fan_mail/new] Episode 123 Brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly (@SoccerCoachWeek) Episode 123 – Being a Confidant to Elite Football Managers, a conversation with Ray Power In this episode, Ray and I explore a fascinating and often unseen aspect of his coaching business, his 1-2-1 work with elite, top-flight football managers. Ray shares what it means to act as a trusted confidant at the very highest level of the game, and why even the most experienced managers need someone they can speak to openly and honestly. We dive into the types of conversations they have, from handling pressure and decision-making, to managing relationships, maintaining clarity, and navigating the complexities of modern football. We also discuss why top-flight managers reach out in the first place, what they’re really looking for in that support, and how Ray creates a space that is both challenging and psychologically safe. This episode offers a unique insight into the human side of elite coaching and leadership. Please do leave a review, like and share the episode! The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Twitter - @SoccerCoachCast  The Soccer Coaching Podcast, Email - thesoccercoachingpodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly.  Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/] Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode! This episode was brought to you in association with our friends at Soccer Coach Weekly. Established since 2006, Soccer Coach Weekly is a leading source of inspiration and advice for all grassroots coaches. Join thousands of youth soccer coaches, just like you, saving time and effort in their goal of having the most effective, enjoyable and successful coaching journey for them and their players. – https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/ [https://www.soccercoachweekly.net/]   Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoyed the episode!