Avsnitt
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What separates the best from the rest
Why psychology—not talent alone—is the real differentiator at the top level. Dan Abrahams shares his origin story, key influences, and the misconceptions about “mental toughness” that still dominate the conversation.
Inside the practitioner’s toolkit
How sessions actually work with athletes, earning trust mid-season, and the common pressure patterns that derail performance—overthinking, rushing, and playing it safe. Includes a practical breakdown of what to do in the 60 seconds before a high-stakes moment.
Identity, confidence and resilience
The danger of tying identity entirely to sport, helping athletes who look confident but doubt themselves internally, and building routines that survive travel, injuries and selection uncertainty. A candid discussion on whether resilience comes from mindset, skills or environment.
Advice for coaches and parents
How to respond to mistakes in a way that builds learning instead of fear, creating psychological safety without lowering standards, embedding mental skills into training naturally, and navigating post-game conversations with young athletes.
Performance habits and goal setting
The one habit elite performers share that most amateurs overlook, how to stay consistent when motivation dips, and the real trade-offs between outcome, performance and process goals. Plus: which mental skills can actually backfire if used the wrong way.
The book
A deep dive into the Dans new book: who it’s for, the core framework, the chapter that was hardest to write, and the single principle they’d want every reader to apply. The episode closes with one actionable takeaway listeners can try this week.
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The podcast explores Danny Barham’s coaching journey into Birmingham City’s U21s, the influences that shaped his philosophy, and how he defines his coaching style. It examines the role of the U21s within the club’s pathway, key differences from the U18s, and when players begin to feel the demands of senior football. Danny is asked about alignment with first‑team principles, the structure of a typical training week, and the non‑technical qualities he prioritises at this level. The conversation looks at how individualised development becomes, how he balances winning with long‑term growth, and what he expects from players out of possession. It also addresses challenges in transitioning to senior football, what separates nearly‑pros from those who make it, and how he prepares players mentally for setbacks like injuries or non‑selection. Further topics include the importance of loan moves, his involvement during them, and the impact of data, performance analysis, and sports science—plus how to use technology without overwhelming players. Finally, he offers advice for young players, parents, and aspiring coaches, before finishing with quick‑fire insights on non‑negotiables, underrated skills, habits, and moments of player readiness.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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This week on the Tactical Thinker podcast
I’m joined by Michael and David from Tactx to break down modern football tactics through a practical coaching lens.
We discuss how Tactx started, the gap they saw in online coaching content, and the experiences that shaped their coaching philosophies. The conversation explores misunderstood tactical concepts, influential coaches and teams, and current trends they believe are overrated in today’s game.
Michael and David also share how they grew the Tactx platform, how they decide which tactical ideas are worth posting, and how they deal with criticism and debate online — all while keeping their content practical for real coaches on the grass.
We finish with a rapid‑fire round covering formations, favourite practices, respected analysts, the future of football tactics, and advice for young coaches starting out.
- A must‑listen for coaches, analysts, and anyone interested in the tactical side of football.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tactica1thinker.substack.com -
This afternoon on the pod I spoke to Craig Birtwistle as he discusses his journey into football coaching, his core coaching philosophy, and favourite training techniques. He shares insights on player development, overcoming challenges, and preparing teams for big matches. Craig also talks about adapting to changes in football, building team cohesion, handling conflicts, motivating players, and developing leadership within the squad. The episode ends with practical advice for aspiring coaches.
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In this insightful episode, I sit down with an experienced football coach Rob Porter to explore the journey, philosophy, and strategies that shape a successful coaching career. From grassroots development to game-day tactics, we uncover what it takes to lead, inspire, and build winning teams on and off the pitch.
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Tonight’s podcast with Ray; Ray, shares his journey into football coaching, inspired by his passion for the game and a desire to mentor young players. He describes his coaching philosophy as player-centric, emphasizing core principles such as discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Ray discusses his favourite training techniques, which include dynamic and engaging sessions designed to keep players motivated and effective. He highlights the importance of player development, focusing on nurturing young talent and looking for qualities like dedication and adaptability. Ray also shares the challenges he has faced in his coaching career, along with memorable success stories that have shaped his approach. He talks about game strategy, preparation for big matches, and the methods he uses to inspire and motivate his team. Additionally, Ray emphasizes the need to stay updated with the latest trends in football coaching, adapting his leadership style to different situations and players, and building strong team cohesion. He also discusses handling conflicts, selecting team captains, and the importance of communication and empowering players. Finally, Ray offers advice for aspiring coaches, encouraging them to be patient, persistent, and always willing to learn.
Lastly can you pick out the quote he says?
Thanks for listening as always!!
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Tactical Thinker The Podcast features Dan Abrahams discussing the psychological aspects of football, including player engagement, learning methods, competition improvement, confidence, concentration, self-control, motivation, well-being, mental health, and coaching session design focused on attention, activation, action, and execution.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tactica1thinker.substack.com -
Tactical Thinker The Podcast episode features Ben Pennington discussing his coaching and teaching experiences, including his roles with Co-CoachUK, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea Foundation, University of Chichester, Portsmouth FC Academy, Pompey FC Women, and his UEFA A license, focusing on coach mentoring, professional development, and career support for football coaches at various levels.
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Scotts' podcast presents the importance of coach-player relationships, future aspirations in football coaching and development, the overlap between teaching and coaching roles, the experience of being a coach developer for the FA, coaching progress, building coaching reputations, player autonomy, and the significance of team cohesion at various levels of the game.
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Tonight I had a comprehensive discussion with Ben Andreos on various football-related topics. Here are the key points for each topic based featured on the pod.
Season Highlights
· Your Plans for Next Season
· Top Club Transfers
· England Under Tuchel
· KdB and Muller’s Performances
· Coaching:
· Session Design – Planning Rationale and Considerations
· Club Philosophy
· Personal Football Philosophy
· Favourite Formation in Training
· Reflecting on Sessions, During and After
· Photography as a Side Quest?
So yeah an unscripted part 2 pod but a rather more scripted one?!?
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