Boxers and wolves: the art of relatable imagery

The U20s Women’s World Cup last year, held in Colombia, was a fascinating watch, particularly for me.

 

Early on in my post-playing career, I coached Canada’s U15s, and then served as assistant coach for Canada’s U20s, so youth development is close to my heart. I always keep a close eye on developmental in leagues all over the world. 

 

At the tournament, the hosts had a great run to the last eight, but it was the quarter-final match between USA and Germany that caught everyone’s eye. 

 

USA came from two goals down, striking twice in stoppage time to level, and eventually prevailing 3-1 on penalties. 

 

That game summed up not just the exciting talent that the US women’s national team (USWNT) has in its future, but also the amazing potential around the world. The key, now, is for coaches to unlock that. 

 

In tournament situations, especially, it is critical, when working with younger players, that communication is clear, absorbable and easily applicable from training to game scenarios. 

 

It sounds simple in practice, but is one of those minor details that can make a huge difference. 

 

It can be easy to forget the ages of the players we are working with when you are so focused on introducing elite-level practices and standards, especially at a tournament. 

 

From early on, I made sure we were creating a professional environment, introducing analysis and a routine that would help them through their development pathway. 

 

But then I also made sure that the information they were taking on was going to be absorbed in the best way possible. 

 

One of the simple adjustments I made for my group of U15s and U20s players was the language I used. 

 

I knew that I needed to use language and imagery that would excite players and get an emotional reaction from them, something maybe they hadn’t experienced before when learning about mindset and tactical behaviours. 

 

To explain the decision-making behind attacking transitions, I remember using a boxing analogy. 

 

If I needed my players to go for a direct, explosive and precise move (the least number of passes to final action) I explained it like a knock-out punch in a boxing fight. We had to be quick and catch our opponents off guard. 

 

If the priority was to secure the ball from a team’s counter-press, and forward progression was not possible, I compared it to a blocking move in the ring, when a fighter needs patience to defend themselves and wait for the right moment to attack. 

 

I also showed them footage of wolves hunting, to illustrate how we had to hunt to get the ball back as soon as we lost it. 

 

I wanted my players to feel just like those wolves; like there was no other thought in their mind other than getting that ball, and channelling the intensity and determination of those animals into their play. 

 

It was always about teaching football concepts in the simplest way possible, especially when you are not getting a lot of time with the players in a national team camp.

 

I instantly saw the benefits. When reviewing match film with individuals, units, or the team, I could see the analogies come to life in games. 

 

We could see how their football actions were channelling the mindset of those wolves, or the actions of the fighters in the ring. 

 

For anyone working with young players, either in youth teams or within senior teams, my advice is simple - make sure your sessions, instructions and preparations are truly accessible to your entire squad. 

 

It isn’t always easy to put yourself in the boots of much younger players – but small changes can make a huge difference to your team.