No matter the level, a question coaches always have is:
“How Long Until My Vision for How I Want My Team to Play Comes to Fruition?”
Whether you’re coaching U10, U15, High School, College, Pro, or a National Team … every single coach around the world has this question and is thus in pursuit of the best and quickest way to get there.
Here, let’s narrow the context to coaches in the US asking me this question in relation to the Possession-Based methodology in the Premium Program.
Obviously the answer further depends on your particular context, but from my experience and the experiences of countless success stories from coaches in the program, I’ve converged to generally say 6 months.
Today, let me show you a case study that’s unravelling as we speak.
Our co-founder, Brian Kleiban – who is the coach everyone learns from in the Premium program – is currently having a pioneering year leading the newly formed professional USL club AV Alta FC. His first head coach gig at the pro level, btw.
Forget for the moment that the team is already competing to be at the top of the table (currently in 2nd).
What’s remarkable and most important to note is how long it took to become the possession-dominant team and eventually get to winning matches.
Possession dominance as the team identity was established immediately on Day 1 (see the table below).
Even playing away against MLS’ FC Dallas in the Open Cup, Brian did not yield the identity to bunker and counter and ended splitting the possession 50-50.
After that match (merely 2 months into the campaign) it looks like results started to come along with a 10 game unbeaten streak.
As you all know, results are never guaranteed in this sport and there’s numerous factors outside coaching which also matter – especially at the pro level.
But thought I’d share at least how things are going, and help provide what may turn into yet another case study that helps answer the question:
“How long until my team can be successful implementing the program?”
