Player Development Framework

In every playing style, certain actions are repeated more than others.

Over time, this repetition shapes a certain type of player.

“We are what we repeatedly do” - Will Durant

So, your playing style is your player development framework.

Here’s my approach:

1 - Possession vs. Non-Possession Football

Vertical Possession is not “kick-and-rush”.

Kick'n'Rush is chaotic.

It’s hectic.

And in hectic football, actions happen to the players.

Players just react to what happens - and eventually, build bad habits over time.

We don’t want that.

We want the ball to be ours.

By controlling the ball, our players can make intentional decisions.

With every touch we can refine our decisions and technique.

Possession is a tool.

A tool for the players to understand the game.

It gives them freedom.

It lets them focus on their actions and be creative.

And let’s be honest—it’s more enjoayble to have the ball than not.

"There is only one ball, so you need to have it."

Johan Cruyff.

2 - Vertical vs. Sideways

We play forward.

As little sideways as possible.

If necessary we pass back to find a new vertical path.

This means we want to attack through the middle.

"It's impossible to play well unless you pass the ball through the middle"

Guardiola.

In the middle, the spaces are tighter.

Less space. Less time.

This forces players to make faster decisions and execute with greater precision.

The more vertical our possession, the better the players have to become.

We took this idea from futsal.

Research shows that futsal players make faster decisions and more precise passes.

They adapted to the tight spaces of the futsal pitch.

We apply that concept to our playing style.

3 - Simple vs. Complex.

We build everything on one simple idea.

This has several benefits:

1. We don’t waste time on team tactics.
   We can focus on the player, not the system.

2. Players don’t have to think about dozens of instructions.
   They get a clear framework, but also the freedom to express themselves within it.

3. Simple doesn’t mean easy.

   Mastery is doing simple things at a higher level (less time, less space).

   “Playing simple is the hardest thing there is” - Cruyff.

4 - You don’t have to be tall.

A playing style focused on pressing and transition favors the early maturers—the fastest, strongest, tallest.

But those aren’t always the players with the most potential.

Many talented but small players get lost in this style and can’t develop.

Of course, you can't completely eliminate the aspect of physicality.

But you can choose a playing style that prioritizes technique and game intelligence.

That way, every player can develop—no matter their physical stage.

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P.S. Want to learn more?

You can learn my coaching methodology here: link