COACHING “PHASE PLAY TRANSITION” IN FOOTBALL

Phases of the Game – Practical (on field session), presentation, networking and discussion

Coach leader

Ernie Merrick, OAM, FCA Ambassador

Venue:

KGV Soccer Ground, 18 Grove Road, Glenorchy https://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/kgv-park

Times:

6.00 pm Registration

6.15 pm PD session commences

Dress Code:

Tracksuits/ Runners or Casual wear

Session Plan

Introductions 5 mins

Power-Point Presentation & discussion 45 mins

On-field session 1 hour

End session discussion 10 mins

Registration Fee

$ 20 Non FCA members

$10 FCA Members – Eventbrite Discount Promo will be forwarded to members

FA/AFC Accredited Coach Licence Re-Validation CPD Points Session Outline

Accredited coaches who attend the workshop will be eligible for 15 CPD POINTS as determined by FA Coach Education in line with the AFC Coaching Convention.

Session Outline

FCA Ambassador Ernie Merrick, will deliver coaching session which aims to assist coaches and players to develop transitional game skills.

The coach, in attempting to build a winning team, must improve attacking team play whilst relying on a strong defensive foundation. Successful play in both attack and in defence is often dependent on the efficiency of transition between these two domains.

There is a difference in the mindset required of players in possession play and forward ball movement to a ball-winning and tackling mentality. The transition phase lies between the two. The coach must develop this aspect of transitional play by incorporating integrated ball-centred practice activities which requires cognitive effort and control when switching from attacking movement patterns to a specific defensive structure.

It is critical that practice sessions replicate actual game events and phases of play with coaches ensuring players are educated concerning key information sources that emerge as a result of the training activity. Transfer of practice to the game environment depends on the extent to which practice or training resembles the game.

Ernie Merrick OAM Profile

Premiership and Championship-winning A-League Men’s coach, Ernie Merrick's ongoing legacy in Australia football is assure. To date, he has left an indelible imprint on Australian football, and those he has worked with.

FCA, on behalf coaches, is in a unique position of being to be able to tap into Ernie’s considerable football experience and expertise. Ernie also provides us with valuable commentary and insights on FCA issues relevant to coaches in Australia.

Ernie was a PE teacher, as well as an amateur football player, before entering the head coaching ranks.

Ernie’s most recent A-League role was as Newcastle Jets FC Head Coach taking the Jets to the Grand Final in his inaugural 2017/18 season. He is the former head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport, Hong Kong national football team, A-League Football Club’s Melbourne Victory FC and Wellington Phoenix FC.

Under Ernie's leadership Victory won the 2006–07 A-League Premiership, finished second in the group phase of the 2008 Asian Champions League and in the 2008–2009 season, won the treble; the Pre-Season Cup, the Premiership and the Grand Final.

During the 2009–2010 season, despite severe season-ending knee injuries to key players Victory once again reached the Grand Final.

In committing to the FCA Ambassador role Ernie stated “When asked by FCA to become an Ambassador and Technical Advisor to FCA I felt privileged and honoured. I hope to be able to mentor and work with the FCA in providing ongoing professional development to aspiring coaches.”