The Belgian way. Kris Van Der Haegen Director Coach Education

The Belgian way Kris Van Der Haegen Director Coach Education

Kris Van Der Haegen ( 1964) Director of Belgian Coach Education School (since september2012) Master in the Roman Philology (University of Leuven) Technical coordinator Coach Education Department of the Flemish Football Association (2008-2012) Teacher at the Coach Education Department (R.B.F.A.) for all level of courses Holder of the UEFA-Pro licence (2012) Grassroots youth coach (U12 U19) : 15 years experience Adult coach: 10 years of experience at top of amateur level (4th and 3rd division) Assistant coach national team U15 U17 (2008-2011) 1 season U19 coach Zulte Waregem (1 st League) 1 season coach at the 2nd division (2010-2011) Head coach Women National team Belgium U19 (since 05/2013) Member of the UEFA JIRA Panel (since June 2015)

The road to the golden generation Introduction

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission We started a big project: the Belgian vision of youth development. The architect was Michel Sablon (former technical director)

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission We had a whole group of people around a table in the technical department and we decided to make a plan for three target groups. First of all was the clubs, secondly the national youth teams and third the coaches of the elite schools and of the coach education school (the coach educators).

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission So we adopted the same vision for all three groups. We went to the clubs and asked them to play a certain way below Under-18 levels. We asked them to play 4-3-3 with wingers and three midfielders and a flat back four. In the old days, it was always a flat back three (playing man marking), so this was brand new to them.

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission It took more than five or six years before everyone could bring themselves to accept it. Because for most of the coaches and the clubs, all they cared about was winning the game. Nothing else. ut that was absolutely wrong for the development of all the players. Totally wrong.

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission It wasn t easy. In the beginning it was terrible. They needed a coaching SWITCH: stop thinking about your team and the results start thinking about THE INDIVIDUAL PLAYER! But step by step they were convinced. They went with us because they saw that what we told them worked. It made players better.

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission At youth international level, promising young players were moved up to the next level as quickly as possible, even when it meant weakening the chances of qualification for European championships. INDIVIDUAL development > results in tournaments Preparing the players for the A team >> results with the youth teams TO PROGRESS >>>>> to win

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission How to develop better players? Focus on 4 aims: 433 Profiles of players Creativity The individual player

The road to success Focus on the individual develoment A tailor-made youth competition

Competition format What s the best format to develop the individual players? A lot of ball contacts (small sided games) A lot of scoring opportunities Stimulating environment for creativity The best against the best

Competition format 2 v 2 : duel + 2 GK (20m to 12m) DUEL

1 v 1 : duel (20m to 12m)

Competition format 5 v 5: single diamond (35m to 25m) SINGLE DIAMOND

Competition format 8 v 8 : double diamond (60m to 40m) DOUBLE DIAMOND

From 60m to 40m into 100m to 60 m

11 v 11: 100m to 60 m

Competition format 11 v 11 : 1-4-3-3 (100m to 60m)

U12-U13: tailor made 8v8 pitch U12 and U13 U10 and U11 Use the existing lines

Tailor made youth competition They like it to be on the bench.

Adapted youth competition I want to play on the pitch! Do they like the bench?

Adapted youth competition 4 quarters + time out (after 1st and 3rd quarter) After a quarter, all the substitute players come on the field Till U17 : all the players play actively at least 50% of the playing time!!!

COACH EDUCATION the best TOOL FOR CHANGE and for DEVELOPMENT!

1 plan, 1 vision, 1 mission How to develop better players? Focus on 4 aims: 433 Profiles of players Creativity The individual player

Playing style? Profiles? Skills? Creativity? Insight of the game Crop image to the box size

Zone football in 433 shape Quick ball circulation with 3 strikers and maximum of creativity and movement There is only 1 ball in the game!!! Let s get that ball and don t lose it! 100% possession of the ball (4-3-3 1 holding midfielder) building-up from behind (short, half long and long) aggressive high pressing GOALS!!! Efficiency in the zone of truth (more players in better positions) Runs : create space and exploit space (how?)

RBFA Vision of development: 2015-2016 4. Actor = PLAYER 3. Method = GAME METHOD 2. Program = LEARNING PLAN (basics - teamtactics) 1. Philosophy = ZONE Youth Player Senior Player

THE GAME: COMPONENTS Individual Technical and Tactical skills BASICS GAME Action Pattern Collective Perspective TEAMTACTICS X X X X X X X X X X Every football action has a Tactical Technical Physical Mental Context

The Belgian way The philosophy of youth development of the Belgian FA 1. The FUN-aspect

FUN = learning while playing! As a tribute to the once so popular street football To offer many fun moments of learning during the education From playing pleasure to training pleasure and competition pleasure The pleasure to play and the pleasure to learn = to play football!

FUN = learning while playing! Fun for everyone: from 5 year old to professional player Even adults come to the training session to play a game Fun for every player, the less talented included!

FUN = learning while playing! EACH PLAYER plays football almost all the time touches the ball frequently gets many scoring occasions can play freely is encouraged by his coach is supported by the parents

FUN = learning while playing! We lost, we won, either we have fun!

FUN = crucial (also in Pro football) MEDIA PRIVATE LIFE MY JOB

The Belgian way The philosophy of youth development of the Belgian FA 2. The EDUCATION aspect

THE MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT IN FOOTBALL Technical and tactical objectives within the learning plan TEAMTACTICS BASICS Perfection 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21j me and the ball (phase 1 : 2-2) collective game nearby (phase 2: 5-5) collective game 2 degree (phase 3: 8-8) collective game far away (phase 4: 11-11) Game dimensions / phases of development

THE MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT IN FOOTBALL Mental objectives within the learning plan Use of mental skills in competition Use of mental skills in training sessions Teaching of mental basic skills 1. Motivation 2. Self controll and self discipline 3. Concentration 4. Self confidence 5. Inter-personal and team relations 6. Lifestyle Vervolmaking 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21j me and the ball (phase 1 : 2-2) collective game nearby (phase 2: 5-5) collective game 2 degree (phase 3: 8-8) collective game far away (phase 4: 11-11) Game dimensions / phases of development

THE MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT IN FOOTBALL Physical objectives within the learning plan (taking into account the biological age) Endurance Flexibility Speed General Power General Coordination Specific Power Specific coordination 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21j me and the ball (phase 1 : 2-2) collective game nearby (phase 2: 5-5) collective game 2 degree (phase 3: 8-8) collective game far away (phase 4: 11-11) Game dimensions / phases of development

EDUCATION = learning step by step (development plan) EXPLORATION = to get used to the ball (5 7 years) INDIVIDUAL development based upon (7 17 years): Basic skills and tactics = BASICS Functioning in team = TEAM TACTICS COMPLETION = Integration in adult football (from 17 years on)

The EDUCATIONAL aspect PERFORMANCE PLAN Model of play Principles of play Sub principles of play MP PP SPP Complete football team organization: how we play The whole team in the 5 moments of the game Team tactics : organization in the 5 moments of the game Methods of play - Strategies Collective technical-tactical actions and tasks Group tactics : interactions Sub-sub principles of play SSPP Individual technical tactical actions and tasks Attitude of the player

Educational principles The main methodological and pedagogical principle behind the Tactical Periodization is that the football game has to be trained/learned respecting its logical structure. REALITY BASED TRAINING: train exactly the same things as what you want to do in the game Principles of the game (generals & specifics) are the behaviours and patterns that we want to see reflected in our players and teams during the different moments and phases of the game. These behaviours and patterns articulated together are going to make our identity signs or TEAMTACTICS (=Functional Organization). The Belgian playing style

Educational principles We exercise our game model, we exercise our principles and subprinciples of play. The players have to adapt their ideas through a common goal, in order to establish the same behavioral language. We work exclusively on game situations related to our way of play. We do our weekly planning to create habits in order to maintain high levels of performance, which often translates into a playing well

ATTACK TRANSITION into attack Moments of the game TRANSITION into defense DEFENSE

ATTACK 5th moment: Set pieces TRANSITION TRANSITION DEFENSE

Belgian Football DNA How we play OFFENSIVE PRINCIPLES:

Belgian Football DNA How we play TRANSITION: from ATTACK to DEFENSE:

Belgian Football DNA How we play DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES:

Belgian Football DNA How we play TRANSITION: from DEFENSE to ATTACK:

Classification of the 50 teamtactics «teamtactics» of the learning plan (RBFA) Possession of the ball (B+) Controlling the zone of construction availibility of the players circulation of the ball Infiltration to the zone of truth Domination in the zone of truth Opponent in possession of the ball (B-) Controlling the zone between the ball and the goal formation of the block avoiding a dangerous deep pass Regaining the ball Domination in the zone of truth Transition B- B+ Transition B+ B- Starting a dangerous counter attack Countering the dangerous counter attack

RBFA VISION INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL X X X X X X X X X X tactical technical physical mental context NEW Demands Review

REVIEW: 2008 and 2014 Formation (U13/U14 U17) 2 Holding midfielder 1 Attacking midfielder < 2008 4 6 1-4-3-3 with defensive triangle

REVIEW: 2008 and 2014 Formation (U13/U14 U17) 1 Holding midfielder 2 Attacking midfielder > 2008 5 5 1-4-3-3 with offensive triangle

REVIEW: 2008 and 2014: Base Philosophy TEAM OUT OF POSSESSION Strive for regaining the ball immediately (=as quick as possible) Physical demanding environment for team in possession Extra focus on quick transition Modern football = Defend to attack! The will to defend Fast thinking Fast action speed Quick Transition moments Quick ball circulation

REVIEW: 2008 and 2014 Block and Pressing < 2008 Ball Recovery: Middle Block + Pressing

REVIEW: 2008 and 2014 Higher block and Pressing > 2008 Ball Recovery: High Block + High Pressing (SPRINT)

Defensive block, pressing and TRANSITION

Playing style adapted to new trends in international football TEAM IN POSSESSION 4-3-3 with offensive triangle stimulates -the high speed circulation of the ball -the high aggressive pressing Objective: 100% ball possession Basics in ball possession are omnipresent (Ball mastery) More fun if the team has possession

REVIEW: 2008 and 2014 : building up TEAM IN POSSESSION: BUILDING UP PLAYERS + GOALKEEPER: Learn to build up under pressure (higher demands) Quick decision-making in positional play and ball circulation GOALKEEPER Short build up Situation driven construction = decision making: short-half long-long depends on defensive strategy of the opponent (marking?) decision own team reading the game more decision making in the game more intelligent players!! (PUT THE BRAINS IN THE MUSCLES!!!)

B+ 1 3 4 6 2 8 Tapez une équation ici. 10 5 7 11 9 PROGRESSION in possession quick ball circulation (forwards create scoring chances - weak zone opponent)

B+ 1 3 4 6 2 8 10 5 7 11 9 PROGRESSION in possession quick ball circulation (forwards create scoring chances - weak zone opponent)

Playing style adapted to new trends in international football IMPACT ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Focus on the development and the integration of mental and physical qualities Infiltrations and high aggressive pressing require higher mental and physical demands Building from behind : focus on self-development LEARNING PROCESS It s all about making new mistakes (learning = new challenges!) = BALANCE: PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT (EFFICIENCY) WINNING = It s all about making no more mistakes

Infiltrations / Runs RUN BY CENTRAL DEFENDER

B+ 1 3 4 6 2 5 8 10 7 9 11 Infiltration by central defender (3/4): CHALLENGE!

Infiltrations / Runs RUN BY WING DEFENDER

B+ 1 3 4 6 2 8 10 5 7 Inside overlapping 9 Outside overlapping 11 Infiltration by wing defender (2v1 situations)

Infiltrations / Runs > 2008 RUN BY THE ATTACKING MIDFIELDER (without ball)

B+ 1 ed 3 4 6 2 8 10 5 7 9 11 Infiltrations in the back of the defense (subtile pass in depth penetrating passing)

Infiltrations / Runs > 2008 RUN BY THE WINGER

Infiltrations / Runs > 2008 RUN BY STRIKER: Offensive anticipation depth on moment of ball recovery

B- 1 B+ 2 3 6 4 5 8 10 7 11 9 Counter attack offensive anticipation + think and play in depth (with and without ball) after regaining the ball

Defensive block, offensive anticipation (=TRANSITION)

Rest defense < 2014 Rest Defense: K+4 (Defensive T)

Rest defense: influence of new trends (WC 2014) Number of balancing players when attacking: 3 / 4

WC 2014: Evolving role of FB, CD & HM Full backs are playing as wingers!

WC 2014: Evolving role of FB, CD & HM Full backs -> wingers Defensive task: how to deal with that space? Central Defenders and holding midfielders have to defend that space!!!

Rest Defense > 2014 Rest Defense: K+3 or K+4 (Defensive Triangle)

Rest Defense TEAM OUT OF POSSESSION PLAYERS: Defensively thinking players Less defenders to defend the space in the back Quick transition needed after loss of the ball Immediate regaining of the ball GOALKEEPER: Bigger space Less defenders to defend the space in the back Role for Goalkeeper Coaching Interception

Occupation of the box in attack < 2008 1-4-3-3 with defensive triangle = Occupation of the BOX (cross ball)

Occupation of the box in attack > 2008 1-4-3-3 with offensive triangle = Occupation of the BOX (cross ball)

Occupation of the box in attack TEAM IN POSSESSION More players in front of goal: First post Second post 11 m 16 M More chances to score Defensive transition

B+ 1 2 3 6 4 8 10 5 7 9 QUALITY+ TIMING OF THE CROSS + POSITIONS IN FRONT OF THE GOAL : 1st and 2 nd post, 11m and 16m (out of vision) 11

Belgian football DNA?

VISION OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE BELGIAN FA More games More fun And more brains!

The road to success INDIVIDUALIZATION Focus on the individual player (and NOT on the team!)

The Belgian way The philosophy of youth development of the Belgian FA FOCUS ON THE PLAYER

What do you add as a coach?

How can you get in connexion with the individual player?

IF you add something IF you get in connexion with the individual player. THEN THERE WILL BE A MULTIPLICATIO N EFFECT!

The futurs project Create an environment that makes talent flourish! The key question is NOT: What can you do today PERFORMANCE The key question becomes: What can you learn tomorrow and what are you willing to do for it POTENTIAL

The futurs project Performance Potential BIOLOGICAL VS CHRONOLOGICAL AGE The coach has to be patient (What can that player become tomorrow?)

The futurs project Unequal battle between early and late mature players! U16 ( 1998, september 2013) Jorn (28/10/1998) 180,5m / 78 kg KV Mechelen U17 Ashley (19/02/1998) 1,60m / 44 kg KV Mechelen U15

The futurs project Unequal battle between early and late mature players! U17 ( 1998, september 2014) U16 ( 1998, september 2013) Jorn (28/10/1998) 180,5m / 78 kg KV Mechelen U17 Jorn (28/10/1998) 180,5m / 76,7 kg RSC Anderlecht U17 Ashley (19/02/1998) 1,60m / 44 kg KV Mechelen U15 Ashley (19/02/1998) 1,67m / 53 kg KV Mechelen U17

The futurs project Unequal battle between early and late mature players! U16 ( 1998, september 2013) U17 ( 1998, september 2014) Jorn (28/10/1998) 180,5m / 78 kg KV Mechelen U17 Jorn (28/10/1998) 180,5m / 76,7 kg RSC Anderlecht U17 Ashley (19/02/1998) 1,60m / 44 kg KV Mechelen U15 Ashley (19/02/1998) 1,67m / 53 kg KV Mechelen U17

U17: Belgium - Spain

Unequal battle between early and late mature players!

The futurs project Unequal battle between early and late mature players! U16 Futurs Belgium ( 1993) (late mature players) Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (U21 Belgium, AS Monaco)

The futurs project Unequal battle between early and late mature players! 2015-2016 - Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (A team Belgium, Atletico Madrid) 2014-15: Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (U21 Belgium, AS Monaco)

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (U21 Belgium, AS Monaco)

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (A team Belgium, 2015)

Future teams = players for the future

The road to success TOPSPORT SCHOOLS =INDIVIDUALIZATION Focus on the individual player

PROJECT TOPSPORT RBFA UNIQUE PROJECT IN EUROPE : 18 years (1998) RBFA (VFV-ACFF) GOVERNMENT OF EDUCATION - BLOSO Objective : Topsportschools PLAYER IS CENTRAL

UNIQUE PROJECT IN EUROPE : 18 years (since 1998) Collaboration! Topsportschools Coach Education Clubs THE PLAYER National youth teams Regional Detection System

There are no shortcuts to success!

Hours of practice and play 10.000 hours!? Age

PROJECT TOPSPORT RBFA Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 Extra training sessions (focus on individual development!) 2 degree = 4 hours 3 degree = 6 hours Football Individual training Football Individual training Football Individual training Theory integrated 2 Football Individualized training Football Individualized training Football Individualized training Theory integrated 3 PE integrated Football Teamtactics PE integrated Football Teamtactics

PROJECT TOPSPORT RBFA - Basic competences According to us a future top player requires 6 basic competences : 1. Winner s mentality 2. Emotional stability 3. Personality 4. Explosivity 5. Insight in the game 6. Ball and body control These basic competences are equally important!

PROJECT TOPSPORT RBFA PROFILES: Which qualities and which deficits? (Basics-teamtactics, Clusk, Mentale-Lifestyle) POSITION BALL + BALL - BALL - to BALL + BALL + to BALL - GOALKEEPER???? WINGDEFENDER???? CENTRAL DEFENDER???? HOLDING MIDFIELDER???? OFFENSIVE MIDFIELDER???? WING STRIKER???? CENTRAL FORWARD????

Project Topsport VFV 227 students topsport 190B-37G 15 NL Football coaches (12h/w) 5 NL goalkeepers coaches (6h/w) 5 Physio thearpists Total : 302 students topsport (40 girls) Women s Football Academy Leuven ->Favourable geographic distribution Projet Foot-Elite ACFF 77 Élèves Foot-Elite 6 FR professeurs footbal (8h/w) 3 FR goalkeeper coaches(3h/w)

5 crucial keys of success The objective of the Topsport Project To offer a supplementary quality education of 4 additional training sessions a week, which is complementary to the education in the club (the HELP-FUNCTION)

5 crucial keys of success 1. All talented players have the opportunity Early and late mature / born in January and in December Players mainly from 1st division clubs but also from lower divisions and girls from national selections Optimal geographical spread (no problem of transport) 2. Strong learning environment Training sessions with and against talented players 300 up to 400 extra training hours a year, based upon the development vision of the Belgian FA.

5 crucial keys of success 3. A specific educational "topsport"-management offering the possibility to graduate successfully Teachers of football (experience as player and coach, diploma UEFA-A and pedagogical diploma) Smaller class groups, study guidance, specific regulations during exams 4. Guarantee for continuity and expertise Continuity in staff of coaches and in learning plan Expertise after 15 years of know-how

5 crucial keys of success 5. 100% oriented to individual development Not based upon creating a team A modular system with BASICS and TEAMTACTICS objectives (per training, week, year) and qualitative evaluations 3x Modular evaluations 2x Training Stage evaluations 4x Self Assessment of Objectives, discussed with teachers (SDT) At day, players of the 3th grade may train in their club (A or B squad) when the learning environment is stronger compared to the LE of the topsport school

Personal Development Plan Personal Action Plan individualized guidance SMART-principle (specific, measurable,acceptable,realistic, timing) + challenge Individualized training : individual learn return Basics en Teamtactics Coordination Flexibility Endurance Speed Force Lifestyle Mental aspect 14y 18y

PROJECT TOPSPORT RBFA Focus on individual player/goalkeeper ANALYSIS FROM INITIAL SITUATION EVALUATION OF THE EXECUTION OF THE SOLUTION or CONTENT OBJECTIVES strengths-points to improve TRANSFER THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM INTO DIRECTIVES KEY COACHING during MATCHFORMS

5. 100% oriented to individual development Enhancement of Self Determination: The best coach is the player himself The players foster their own development Intrinsic Motivation = AUTONOMY CONNECTEDNESS COMPETENCE Self Assessment of strengths and points to improve Weekly Agenda From topsport pupil to pro = INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS REPORT

FOCUS ON THE PLAYER AND HIS DEVELOPMENT SCREENING EVALUATION TRAINING SESSIONS The key question becomes: What can you learn tomorrow and what are you willing to do for it? The secret of HARD WORK and CHARACTER! MENTAL, PHYSICAL, TECHNICAL and TACTICAL SKILLS PERSONAL ACTION PLAN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

From topsportschool to international level Dries Mertens (Napoli, 87) Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea, 92) Moussa Dembele (Tottenham 87) Steven Defour (Anderlecht, 88) Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg, 89) 1/17/2016

From topsportschool to international level

The road to success Talent identification => Talent development INDIVIDUALIZATION Focus on the individual player

A rich learning environment In the topsport schools In the clubs (youth academies) In the national youth teams 1 plan, 1 mission, 1 vision: MAKE FLOURISH THE TALENT!

Preparing the next generation New talent :Origi and Januzaj

EDEN HAZARD X11 1, X11 2, X11 3 CHRISTIAN BENTEKE X9 1, X9 2, X9 3 KEVIN DE BRUYNE X7 1, X7 2, X7 3 MOUSSA DEMBELE X8 1, X8 2, X8 3 AXEL WITSEL X6 1, X6 2, X6 3 MAROUANE FELLAINI X10 1, X10 2, X10 3 JAN VERTONGHEN THOMAS VERMAELEN VINCENT KOMPANY TOBY ALDERWEIRELD X5 1, X5 2, X5 3 X4 1, X4 2, X4 3 X3 1, X3 2, X3 3 X2 1, X2 2, X2 3 THIBAULT COURTOIS Competitions X1 1, X1Department 2, 3 141

Preparing the next generation New talent :Origi and Januzaj

Preparing the next generation New talent Musonda and Tielemans

Preparing the next generation New talent : Musonda and Tielemans

World cup 2014: a new experience

Better functioning of the Belgian Coach Education School Better (grassroots + elite youth) coaches in the clubs better functioning of youth academies Better development of youth players MORE quality (= coaches and training session) It all started with 1 plan and 1 VISION: a vision of development! Better youth players Better senior teams Better national A-team (FIFA-ranking HISTORIC MOMENT 1st place!! Versus 4th place in 2014, 11th place in 2013 and 21st place in 2012 and 41st place in 2011 ) Better functioning of the National Youth Teams

Historic moment U17 WC Chili Belgium Korea Ten-man Belgium won their first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup knockout game, defeating Korea Republic 2-0 in a straightforward victory that booked the European side a lasteight date with the victors of Costa Rica and France's clash

We played against Korea Republic, a great team, who had conceded no goals and defended very well so far. But we quickly opened the score, which gave us more confidence and forced our opponents to change their style. My team is also able to stay well organised. This is what we have done well today. My goalkeeper made a superb save on the penalty, and that's something he did during the European qualifiers," Bob Browaeys Belgium coach.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p layer_embedded&v=4fgjbjtgdba

Historic moment WCU17: 3rd place Belgium Mexico

The Belgian way The road to the golden generation Thank you for your attention!

The Belgian way The road to the golden generation

The Belgian way The road to the golden generation Thank you for you attention Kris Van Der Haegen Director Coach Education