Coaching from a 'First Principles Perspective'
What it means :
Simple put first principles means techniques which form the base of good individual play.
1. Players need to be able to solve the problems they face when playing when they have the ball. This means move the ball around their feet efficiently, effectively and instinctively, manipulate time and space when on the ball, to deal with pressure (in all its forms - face on, angled, side on, aggressive, defensive), and find a good 'release (pass, shot etc)'.
2. Players off the ball support the player on the ball : take up good positions (find the best triangle), open passing lines to receive the ball whilst also thinking ahead to what they will do on the ball (play first time, intelligent 'first touch, ball moving and release').
3. All players play with their head up, and always have a good picture of their surroundings, options and pressure so that making good decisions is easier.
If all players on a team (whether that's 2v2 or 11v11) have a good 'first principles base' then playing good technical intelligent football is possible. Playing out from the back, playing through the lines, midfield possession, getting in behind, and creating chances are all an extension of applied first principles.
Without this 'first principle' base, then players will only be able to play effectively if the technical and intelligence aspects of play are removed from the teams style of play.
