The Sports Initiative Podcast Podcast Por Michael Wright arte de portada

The Sports Initiative Podcast

The Sports Initiative Podcast

De: Michael Wright
Escúchala gratis

Acerca de esta escucha

A podcast that aims to dissect the experiences and philosophies of practitioners working in sport and academia from around the globe.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wright
Episodios
  • 207 - Tim Stegman - How Xabi Alonso changed the game with Leverkusen
    Jun 12 2025

    1:32 -Personal Sports Memories and Influences

    Tim recounted his early sports experiences, highlighting the joy of scoring his first goals and earning a bronze medal in cycling, which motivated him to train harder. He discussed his admiration for players like Ulf Kirsten and Michael Ballack, and how his support for Bayern Munich shaped his childhood. Tim also reflected on emotional moments in football, such as the 1999 final, which left a lasting impression on him.


    6:53 -Discussion on Sports Values and Role Models

    Tim expressed his appreciation for the playing style of the Spanish football national teams and emphasized the significance of values in sports, referencing athletes like Michael Jordan and Giannis. He also acknowledged Lance Armstrong's journey, noting the importance of hard work and respect in sportsmanship. Michael added that he values the 2013 San Antonio Spurs for their skillful play and team-oriented approach.


    11:29 -Overview of German Football Academy System

    Tim Stegman provided an overview of his career in football, detailing his transition from assistant coach to coach educator in Hamburg. He emphasized the importance of preparing youth players for scouting tournaments and national team selection, while also mentioning his educational pursuits, including master's courses in Spain. Tim humorously noted the challenges of language proficiency he faced while learning Spanish during his studies.


    27:57 -Evolution of Youth Football Development

    Tim Stegman outlined changes in youth football organization, focusing on smaller formats like 2v2 and 3v3 to allow more children to play regularly. He noted that this approach fosters player development by providing more touches on the ball and reducing early pressure to compete at higher levels. Michael Wright added that similar transitions are occurring in England, where competitive structures have been adjusted to prioritize long-term development.


    27:27 -Youth Academy Regulations and Player Development Strategies

    Tim explained that while there are no formal rules preventing clubs from recruiting younger players, the financial implications make such transfers costly. He emphasized the importance of strategic decisions in youth academies, as clubs must balance local talent development with the economic realities of signing players from other regions or countries. The conversation also touched on the differences between German and English academy systems.


    39:31 -Exploring Perception and Decision-Making in Football Coaching

    Tim Stegman elaborates on the significance of perception in football, advocating for a focus on players' ability to scan their environment and make informed decisions. He notes that coaching should involve providing guidance on the decision-making process rather than enforcing rigid techniques. Michael Wright raises concerns about the current emphasis on tactics over perception in coaching practices.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 16 m
  • 206 - Craig Thompson - How to travel down a track at 80mph
    May 29 2025

    1:50 -Craig's Journey Back to Football

    Craig discussed his transition back to football, highlighting his long-standing interest in the sport. He thanked Michael for connecting him with Sean, which allowed him to watch games and evaluate talent. Craig expressed enthusiasm about potentially continuing in football after his current career in skeleton.


    6:18 -Childhood Football Idols and Their Impact

    In a conversation about football, Craig reflects on his admiration for Alan Shearer, which was sparked by his father's excitement when Shearer signed for Newcastle. He describes Shearer as a complete player who embodied the qualities he valued in football. Michael adds context about the era's wealth of striking talent in England, highlighting how players like Shearer would still be top choices today.


    9:26 -Discussion on Sports Philosophy and Influential Teams

    Craig discussed his fascination with rugby, particularly the New Zealand All Blacks, noting their collective spirit and dedication to the team and country. He referenced the book "Legacy" by James Kerr, which outlines the importance of leaving a positive impact. Michael added his thoughts on the San Antonio Spurs, reflecting on the influence of coach Greg Popovich and the strong relationships he built with players over his 26-year career.


    13:06 - Understanding Skeleton Bobsleigh

    Craig detailed his experience in skeleton bobsleigh, highlighting the sport's unique headfirst position and the speeds of 70 to 80 miles per hour. He discussed the different types of corners on the track, which can have varying pressures and characteristics, and how these affect the athlete's navigation and strategy during a run.


    26:29 -Introduction to Skeleton Sport Journey

    Craig recounted how he discovered the sport of skeleton through a talent ID program after his father encouraged him to apply. He described the initial trials, which included a series of physical tests, and his excitement during the final stage in Lillehammer, where he experienced sliding for the first time. Despite his initial apprehension, he found the experience exhilarating.


    33:32 -Craig's Journey in Sports and Overcoming Challenges

    Craig recounted his positive experience with a sports initiative, expressing his eagerness to participate again after initially trying it. He noted that out of ten participants, only one athlete was adamant about not returning, highlighting the varying reactions among athletes. Craig pointed out that many pursue athletics out of determination rather than passion, which can lead to challenges in adapting to the lifestyle.


    37:31- Memory Recall and Technique in Sports

    Craig explained the gradual process of training in sledding, starting from slower corners and building up speed while wearing a race suit. He emphasized the significance of memory recall for athletes, as coaches may not always be present to provide feedback on every corner. Michael contributed by discussing how similar gradual training methods could be applied in other sports, noting the unique challenges sledding presents.


    48:08 - Team Communication and Collaboration in Sports

    Craig highlighted the collaborative nature of training within a competitive sports environment, where athletes share insights about their performance on specific corners of the track. He noted that this open communication helps athletes unlock solutions to improve their runs. Michael contributed by questioning how similar communication practices could be implemented in football.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 11 m
  • 205 - Keiron Conway - Why 1v1 dribblers should play in defence.
    May 15 2025

    0:14 -Fondest Sporting Memories and Idols

    Kieron Conway reminisced about his first football match experience, where he was surprised with tickets to see Manchester United play against Spurs. He expressed admiration for Gaelic footballer Kieron Conway, noting his significant contributions to Team Armagh's success and leadership. Michael Wright engaged in the conversation, reflecting on the influence of Gaelic football in their discussions.

    6:04 -Discussion on the Golden State Warriors and Team Dynamics

    Kieron Conway discussed the Golden State Warriors, noting their unique playing style and the significant role of Steph Curry in shaping the team's ecosystem. He praised Coach Steve Kerr for fostering a supportive environment that allows players to take ownership of their preparation, contributing to both joy in play and success on the court.

    9:35 - Insights on Technical Actions in Youth Football Development

    Kieron Conway discussed his journey in youth football coaching and the research he conducted on technical actions among players aged 9 to 11. He found that smaller game formats, such as 5v5, led to a substantial increase in 1v1 interactions and technical actions, which can significantly impact player development. This research not only aids in coaching practices but also helps educate parents about their children's development.

    16:54 - Skill Gaps in Youth Football Development

    Kieron Conway and Michael Wright examined the skill gaps in youth football, particularly the ability to receive and pass under pressure. Michael noted that while many players are skilled dribblers, there is a deficiency in players who can effectively operate in the four and six positions, such as Busquets or Javi. Kieron added that the balance between repetition and representative learning is crucial for developing these skills in younger players.

    25:39 -Discussion on Coaching Strategies and Skill Development in Youth Football

    Michael highlights the challenge of implementing game models in youth football, particularly regarding player development and skill gaps. Kieron adds that understanding the environment and pitch dimensions is crucial for fostering the right skills, such as passing and receiving under pressure. They both agree on the necessity of providing players with diverse experiences to enhance their overall skill set.

    32:49 -Analysis of Goal Scoring Development in Youth Football

    Kieron Conway emphasized the need for better goal-scoring practices in youth football, criticizing the prevalence of small goals that hinder players' development. He noted that elite finishers possess specific characteristics, including strong ball striking and perceptual ability, which are not adequately nurtured in current training environments. Kieron also pointed out the lack of specialized coaching for goal scorers compared to goalkeeper training.

    36:33 -Exploring Finishing Techniques in Football Training

    Kieron Conway emphasized the importance of refining finishing techniques in football, suggesting that training should focus on specific actions and scenarios to develop players' skills. Michael Wright agreed, noting that many players struggle with finishing due to a lack of varied practice opportunities. They both acknowledged the need for training environments that encourage players to practice different types of finishes under pressure.

    44:46 -Futsal Rules and Skill Development Perspectives

    Kieron Conway highlighted the importance of futsal for skill development, emphasizing the need for players to experiment with different finishes. Michael Wright criticized a recent rule change regarding goalkeeper play, stating it has diminished the incentive for teams to play short passes, leading to a more direct style of play. Both agreed that futsal is underutilized in its potential for developing football skills.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup
Todavía no hay opiniones