The Method
How It Works
1
Run it about a week before the match. That leaves time to work on anything that comes up, and for players to raise questions with the management.
2
Put the players into small groups, five or six at most.
3
Give each group the headings. You provide the headings, the players provide the answers.
4
Each group works through the four parts below and writes their answers down.
5
Collect the answers, find the common threads, and build them into one presentation for the whole group.
The point is ownership. When the plan is in the players' own words, they buy into it and they hold each other to it.
01
Part One
Intentions
What we intend to bring, and how we intend to play. Keep it to what the players can control and repeat.
What do we bring to this game no matter who is in front of us?
- What standards and energy do we bring no matter who we play?
- What can every player commit to, whatever their form or position?
- Is it something every player can actually deliver on the day?
How do we restart with the ball, and what are our options?
- What is our default, and what are our variations?
- What do we do after a free, when the fast ball is on, and when nothing quick is there?
- Who makes the runs, and who calls it?
Defending Their Puck Out
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How do we set up when they have the restart?
- Do we press, split, or sit, and who picks up whom?
- What do we do if they go short, and if they go long?
- How do we contest the break, and react the moment we lose it?
How do we hold our structure in general play?
- At the back, how many do we keep, and do we play a spare man?
- Up front, do we keep a target inside, and how does the line move?
- What picture do we want to see when the ball is in play?
02
Part Two
Challenges
The things that could knock us off this week and on matchday, named in advance so none of them are a surprise.
What do we need to get right in training and preparation this week?
- What must our energy and standards look like in every session?
- Where do we need clarity on roles and positions?
- What do we get right around nutrition, routine, and keeping things in house?
What could we meet on the day that we should be ready for?
- What conditions or timings could we face, and what is our response?
- How do we read the referee early and adapt?
- What late changes from the opposition should we plan for?
What is the mindset we hold if it does not go our way early?
- How do we respond if a man goes down or a call goes against us?
- Do we set the energy, or wait to see what they bring?
- How do we deal with a problem instead of letting the game drift?
03
Part Three
Lessons
What we already know about this opposition, so we prepare for what they actually do.
How do they like to play, and what are their habits?
- What are their restart patterns and their main threats?
- What runs and movements do they make again and again?
What has caused us trouble against them before?
- When have they got on top of us, and why?
- What is our fix for each of those?
Where do they leave space or give us an opening?
- What space do they vacate, and who can we turn over?
- What situations can we attack if we are ready for them?
04
Part Four
Review
An honest look at ourselves, so we play to our strengths and fix what is costing us.
What are we doing well that we want more of?
- What specific things in our play are working?
- Can we name them exactly, rather than in general terms?
What is costing us that needs to go?
- What decisions or habits are hurting us?
- What do we need to cut out completely?
Vulnerabilities and Fixes
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Where do we get hurt, and what is the fix for each one?
- Where are we most exposed?
- What is the solution beside each vulnerability?
Tap a heading to see the guidance. Print to lay out all four parts on paper.