Magazine

The Boot Room Issue 15
April 2016
62 | 63
England DNA Coaching Fundamentals
Use a positive and
enthusiastic manner
with players at
all times
Deliver realistic
game-related
practices
Use games
whenever possible
in training
England DNA Coaching Fundamentals (see left) used to
support reflection before a session and improve planning
Develop practices
that enable the
players to make lots
of decisions
Connect with the
group before the
session outlining the
aims and objectives
Connect, activate,
demonstrate and
consolidate in
every session
What are the coaching needs of the group/individual
in this session?
• What is the main focus of the session?
• What coaching styles are effective for the player(s)?
• What are the interventions I am planning to use, and
how long will they take?
• What will the benefits be for the players?
So what does this tell me about working with this
group/individual?
• So what research do I need to do before the session
in order to support this group’s/individual’s needs?
• So what types of activities are likely to enable me to
connect effectively in this session?
Value and work
equally across the
FA four
corner model
Use a carousel
approach to practice
design maximising
playing time
Spend equal time
delivering, planning
and reviewing
Use varied coaching
styles based on the
needs of the group
Include elements
of transition in
all practices and
sessions where
possible
Aim for a minimum
of 70% ball rolling
time in all sessions
Steve Lilley
Steve Lilley, FA County
Coach Developer for
Gloucestershire
Dr Jane Rand
Dr Jane Rand, Head of
Department: Faculty of
Education & Theology, York
St John University, York
Now what do I need to consider when planning
this session?
• Now what resources do I need?
• Now what activities should I include to get feedback
from the players on the effectiveness of the session?
…so what is the appeal of this model to coaches in the
context of the crowded market-place, and the range of
existing models coaches are already familiar with? We
think there are three reasons:
• It’s a straightforward three-step process
• It’s easy to remember
• It links clearly to familiar coaching models: What Went
Well (WWW), Even Better If (EBI), Changes for Next
Time (CFNT) but it also enhances them. Used as a cycle
(Figure 2), this model can help coaches both to connect
their reflection with future planning, and maintain an
action-focus in their own practice and in their players’
development