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Benefit from New Changes in Training

Written by 807BDF16-B389-45FE-8D4C-024B754C6ACB

In case you’ve been asleep the whole of this season, you would know that “general” training which for form will be removed from the game. Often used as a quick fix to boost team form ahead of important matches, it is surprising to see that as many as 26% of Malaysian teams opt for this.

The basic problem with training general is that there is no training improvement per se. Form as they say, is temporary. Skill rises on the other hand equates an increase in the commercial value of a player. As much as it is important to win cup or league games, we need to learn that economics is the real name of the game. True, tactics go a far way in deciding the outcome of matches, but as the recent “divine trick” runs by NS Wanderers and Ipoh Old Town Kopi shows, the team with the most-est wins.

Now back to the percentage of Malaysian teams opting for general training. Compared to more successful teams like Sweden, we are double the average! For the record however, when it comes to international competitions like the Hattrick Masters, World Cup or U-20 World Cup, our chances are nil.

Personally, I see this as a positive change.
Yet, to fully benefit from this, we need to craft a national agenda. I am fortunate to have this view in my capacity as the NT Manager for Malaysia… so please “hear” me out.

The match and training engines are constantly changing. Generally though, the intention is to enhance the importance of training and using multi-skilled players. The accelerated training speed below outstanding levels is designed to help teams on a multi-skilled agenda.

From a team owner perspective, I can think of 2 immediate benefits of focusing on a multi-skilled regime:

1) A general reduction of salaries – due to less emphasis on highly skilled primary-type players; and

2) An increase in the returns from selling a multi-skilled player

So where do you start? Good question. If you are subscribed to the Supporter package, you will be able to see the training statistics. First and foremost, focus on the primary skills – goalkeeping, defending, playmaking, crossing (winger) and scoring. Identify the % of trainers vs. the average of countries like Sweden. Remember the old rule of “buy low, sell high”? Opt for those with the lower than average.

Do bear in mind that your choice should also be determined by your appetite for the game. Fast paced players may want to opt for scoring and winger training which yield faster returns, while patient ones will find defending very rewarding.

For those looking at training NT players, survey the same. Each position has its own importance. If need be, HT-mail your NT/U20 manager and get some advice on the direction of the team. I am sure he/she will oblige with some useful suggestions.

Once you have identified your player (and make sure you fill ALL your primary training slots to begin with – i.e. those with 100% training potential) start on a training regime. At lower levels, players should pop on a quite regular basis – between 3-4 weeks. This will slowly increase as their skill levels elevate. Primary skills should take precedence at the beginning until at least supernatural level. In some cases where you are not able to utilize your primary training due to tactical formations, go for secondary training like passing or set piece which will go well with any training type.

Remember that the best multi-skill players sometimes have 2 primaries. You can either max out your trainees and compromise your team position somewhat, or stagger your trainees. To stagger your trainees, identify those with multi-skill potential vs. those that are only single skilled. At the point of changing to the second primary training, sell off the single skilled trainees. Add the current players who are using the second primary skill into the training regime. In this way, you can make some money; continue building your multi-skill talent while boosting existing players at the same time.

We may be a small country, but that doesn’t mean we cannot beat the competition. It all starts with a game plan and the nerve to stick with it!

Majulah Sukan Untuk Negara!