A Rotational Player Development Model
This blog explores the benefits and implications of a rotational player development model. This type of model involves young footballers having the opportunity to explore multiple positions within a team, for as long as realistically possible, i.e. until they reach ‘competitive’ football, depending on the coach’s opinion on when the teams’ focus switches to competition and results.
In youth football at a grassroots level, some coaches very quickly pigeon-hole players into set positions based on their characteristics at a very young age, i.e. speed, strength, and whether they are perceived as a good or bad player.
A rotational player development model gives players the opportunity to experience a wide range of positions, and there are a number of benefits which come along with this;
Playing in a range of positions, players can gain an insight into opposition players’ roles. For example, if a young player has ambitions of playing as a centre-half in the future, then playing in a multitude of positions can help with their development. Knowing how a striker thinks, and what they are trying to achieve can aid in calculating how to counteract these actions. By gaining experience playing as a striker, the individual will begin to think as a striker, and understand the decisions they have to make, and what results may come as a result of those decisions. Upon returning to playing centre-half, the individual may have a better understanding of how to defend against a striker, as they now know a small amount of what they are thinking and trying to achieve.
Developing a wide range of skills and techniques is another large benefit of a rotational system. Some positions on the field have to use certain techniques far more regularly than others. For example, a centre-half will be required to carry out many more defensive headers (height and distance) than a winger would during a game. Although it may be argued that a winger will never need to perform a defensive header, there may be a small amount of occasions when this is required of the winger. By having the winger practise at centre-half then they will gain experience of practising defensive heading, and develop their technique and level of execution. A rotational system will give young players a much more well-rounded set of skills and techniques, and when placed under pressure and difficult circumstances will be more likely to be capable of executing the skills that are required of them.
As well as the two benefits which are noted above, the rotational player development system can also heavily contribute towards creating a balanced team environment. Mutual respect will be enhanced as players know each of their team mates are capable in multiple positions, and may therefore be regarding as better and more versatile players. Players’ levels of trust between each other may also increase as they know that their team mates can cover them if they need to, and can trust that they are capable of carrying out a wide range of skills. Also, this system will not result in the perception of some players being ‘favourites’ with the coach, and being allowed to play in their preferred position every week, as they will be being regularly rotated.
To counteract the positive points raised, there are also some possible implications of introducing a rotational player development system. The main negative implication is that players have a lack of specialism in a single position. Some coaches may argue that it is better to ‘throw all your eggs into one basket’ and focus on developing a player in a single position in order to become excellent in one position, as when they reach competitive football, the likelihood is, is that they will generally be playing in a single position for the majority of their competitive careers.
Although I totally understand this concept and opinion, I cannot help but believe that as grassroots football coaches, we have a lot of responsibility and impact on a young players’ career. To gamble on focusing the whole of a young player’s development on practising in a single position, potentially at the consequence of being able to play in other positions in the future. Especially as coaches we could quite easily misjudge a player’s characteristics at a young age, and we are almost totally unsure of how a player might grow and develop.
A rotational player development model is most certainly worth considering for grassroots football teams. Perhaps you may have misjudged a player in the past? Or a player’s morale may be boosted by being given an opportunity in a new position? You will never know until you’ve tried, so take a leap of faith, and see what the effects of this type of model are with your players.
It's time to think, Think Coaching.
This blog explores the benefits and implications of a rotational player development model. This type of model involves young footballers having the opportunity to explore multiple positions within a team, for as long as realistically possible, i.e. until they reach ‘competitive’ football, depending on the coach’s opinion on when the teams’ focus switches to competition and results.
In youth football at a grassroots level, some coaches very quickly pigeon-hole players into set positions based on their characteristics at a very young age, i.e. speed, strength, and whether they are perceived as a good or bad player.
A rotational player development model gives players the opportunity to experience a wide range of positions, and there are a number of benefits which come along with this;
Playing in a range of positions, players can gain an insight into opposition players’ roles. For example, if a young player has ambitions of playing as a centre-half in the future, then playing in a multitude of positions can help with their development. Knowing how a striker thinks, and what they are trying to achieve can aid in calculating how to counteract these actions. By gaining experience playing as a striker, the individual will begin to think as a striker, and understand the decisions they have to make, and what results may come as a result of those decisions. Upon returning to playing centre-half, the individual may have a better understanding of how to defend against a striker, as they now know a small amount of what they are thinking and trying to achieve.
Developing a wide range of skills and techniques is another large benefit of a rotational system. Some positions on the field have to use certain techniques far more regularly than others. For example, a centre-half will be required to carry out many more defensive headers (height and distance) than a winger would during a game. Although it may be argued that a winger will never need to perform a defensive header, there may be a small amount of occasions when this is required of the winger. By having the winger practise at centre-half then they will gain experience of practising defensive heading, and develop their technique and level of execution. A rotational system will give young players a much more well-rounded set of skills and techniques, and when placed under pressure and difficult circumstances will be more likely to be capable of executing the skills that are required of them.
As well as the two benefits which are noted above, the rotational player development system can also heavily contribute towards creating a balanced team environment. Mutual respect will be enhanced as players know each of their team mates are capable in multiple positions, and may therefore be regarding as better and more versatile players. Players’ levels of trust between each other may also increase as they know that their team mates can cover them if they need to, and can trust that they are capable of carrying out a wide range of skills. Also, this system will not result in the perception of some players being ‘favourites’ with the coach, and being allowed to play in their preferred position every week, as they will be being regularly rotated.
To counteract the positive points raised, there are also some possible implications of introducing a rotational player development system. The main negative implication is that players have a lack of specialism in a single position. Some coaches may argue that it is better to ‘throw all your eggs into one basket’ and focus on developing a player in a single position in order to become excellent in one position, as when they reach competitive football, the likelihood is, is that they will generally be playing in a single position for the majority of their competitive careers.
Although I totally understand this concept and opinion, I cannot help but believe that as grassroots football coaches, we have a lot of responsibility and impact on a young players’ career. To gamble on focusing the whole of a young player’s development on practising in a single position, potentially at the consequence of being able to play in other positions in the future. Especially as coaches we could quite easily misjudge a player’s characteristics at a young age, and we are almost totally unsure of how a player might grow and develop.
A rotational player development model is most certainly worth considering for grassroots football teams. Perhaps you may have misjudged a player in the past? Or a player’s morale may be boosted by being given an opportunity in a new position? You will never know until you’ve tried, so take a leap of faith, and see what the effects of this type of model are with your players.
It's time to think, Think Coaching.