How to help players adapt to game state, phases, and moments

How coaches can help players at training

Imagine it's matchday with just ten minutes left to play. Your team is losing 1-0. What's your plan?

Your priorities and plan are likely very different to if you were winning, right? And the way you approach that challenge may differ depending on the opponent you’re facing.

That’s the beauty of football – the game is played differently depending on so many variables. To prepare your players for that, expose them to a variety of game scenarios in training that mirror real-life situations on the pitch.

Here are some ideas to try:

• Split your players into two teams and give each side a different strategy to execute. Ask one side to press high while the other sits in a low block and looks to counter quickly.
• Play small-sided games where one side is overloaded and the other is underloaded.
• Try a match scenario. Or play a game but keep the score. After a while tell them they’re into the final five minutes of a big match and need to try to secure a result. Have a short break to allow teams to rest and create a plan for the remainder of the game. Then see how the two teams approach it. This could make the scenario feel less staged as the players have actually taken part in it.

Make sure you give players tough challenges in training. You need to stretch your team and provide experiences of winning, losing and adapting plans outside of matchday.

How coaches can help players on matchday

Want your players to be able to handle and influence game state, phases, and moments on matchday? Try these techniques:

Brief the team

Before the match and at half-time, discuss the game plan and link it to what you’ve done in training. Keep it simple so players have a clear message to refer to as the action unfolds.

Make an impact

As the match nears its end, substitutes can make a big impact. Are they being brought on to protect a lead? Or are they coming on to shake up the attack? Make sure each 'finisher' – or ‘game changer’ – knows their role and how they can help the team.

Make sure everyone gets equal and fair game time throughout the season. All players need to experience starting and getting the opportunity to come on as a game changer.

Control emotions

Players can get frustrated and lose focus when the game doesn’t go their way. Boost their confidence by being encouraging and supportive. Be a role model by staying calm yourself.

How the environment can impact players’ decision-making

To deal with game states, phases, and moments, players need to make good decisions. But that doesn’t happen in a bubble. Pressure from parents and spectators can affect that. And, as Dan says in the clip above, where you’re playing and who you’re playing against can influence decision-making skills, too.

Here are some common challenges and the strategies you can try to overcome them:

• Lost a few games in a row? Think about your language. Stay positive and focus on player development. A ‘win’ for your team can be something other than the end result.
• Got some players with matchday nerves? Many situations can cause extra anxiety on matchday. Talk to your players to find out why they’re feeling that way. See what you can do to reassure them. And be calm. Players will notice your behaviour, and it can put them at ease.
• Are supporters being a distraction? Work with your players to zone out the crowd. Focus on what you’ve worked on in training – and your game plan. If needed, gently explain to parents and carers that excessive noise can put players on edge.

How good communication helps players adapt to game state, phases, and moments

To adapt effectively as the game unfolds, clear communication is crucial – for both players and coaches.

Explain to players that, by talking, they can influence everything happening on the pitch. Give tailored support to those who struggle to speak up in a crowd.

Depending on age, you could work with players to create a shared vocabulary for the pitch. That way, everyone is quickly on the same page. For instance, if someone shouts ‘hunt’, the team knows to press and win back the ball.

As a coach, keep your messages during team talks clear, concise, and frustration-free. And let your players discuss their thoughts too. Set measurable targets but stay patient if things don’t go to plan.

Finally, avoid constant commentary from the sidelines. The less you say, the more impact it has when you do speak. Staying calm under pressure can be tough, but it sets the tone for your team.

What to consider when working with different age groups

Talking about game states, phases, and moments might not be the best approach for younger players. Instead, focus on what you’re asking of them – like staying on the ball – and keep your instructions simple.

As players move into their teenage years, you can start introducing concepts related to game states, phases, and moments. Expose them to varied game scenarios and give them experience playing in different positions.

If your team or a particular player is experiencing consistent success as they grow, add new challenges to stretch them. Testing players in high-stress situations is great preparation for when things get tough.

Things to remember to help you with game state, phases, and moments

Further learning

If you’re interested in this topic, check out these resources to learn more:

• Coachcast: game states, phases, and moments explained
• How to work on tactics, strategies and systems
• How to use match scenarios in training
• What is a matchday game plan?

You can also take the key information from this article away with you by downloading this PDF.