Michael Paule-Carres

After over a month since releasing a new podcast episode, we’re back with a conversation straight out of the top drawer. Michael Paule-Carres shares his journey into coaching, from youth club soccer and a player at a division 3 college in the U.S. to the city of Barcelona where he now serves as the head of F7 methodology at La Liga club RCD Espanyol.

Michael brings a wide perspective to his work at Espanyol, from sports science, player psychology, tactical and technical development, and pedagogical theory in support of progressing young athletes through the U8 to U12 stages and preparing them for 11-a-side football. Our conversation goes deep on how Montessori methods can be applied to academy football, with Michael marrying teaching theories with practical and specific examples for coaches of all levels.

Whether you aspire to coach at a professional youth academy or are looking for perspective and insights to develop your players at the grassroots level, this conversation is as information-rich as you’ll find.

Takeaways

• Coaches should create environments that foster player autonomy.

• Montessori methods can enhance player development in football.

• Understanding players as human beings is crucial for effective coaching.

• The transition from 7-a-side to 11-a-side presents unique challenges.

• Coaching methodologies should adapt to the individual needs of players.

• Values and culture play a significant role in a club's identity.

• Observing and learning from the best teams can inform coaching practices.

• Avoiding rigid coaching philosophies allows for greater flexibility.

• Creating specific contexts for learning can enhance player decision-making.

• Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for coaches.

Selected Links and Resources

• RCD Espanyol de Barcelona

• Winchester, Virginia (Michael’s hometown)

• Kalamazoo College

• LaLiga Business School

• Montessori Method

  • "The Montessori Method" by Maria Montessori

• Fabian Otte (Liverpool FC goalkeeper coach)

• "Ball-rolling time" concept in training sessions

• Ecological dynamics and constraints-based approach to exercise design

• Mixed-age training principles in player development

• Marcelo Bielsa

• Simone Inzaghi

• “El Entrenamiento Represantativo en el Futbol Base” by Joaquin González Rodenas

• “El Entrenamiento Sistémico Basado en las Emociones” by Isaac Guerrero and Xavier Damunt

• “When and How to Provide Feedback and Instructions to Athletes?—How Sport Psychology and Pedagogy Insights Can Improve Coaching Interventions to Enhance Self-Regulation in Training” by Fabian W Otte, Keith Davids, Sarah-Kate Millar, and Stefanie Klatt

• “Perceptual-cognitive processes underlying creative expert performance in soccer” by André Roca, Paul R. Ford, and Daniel Memmert

• “Developmental activities in the acquisition of creativity in soccer players” by André Roca and Paul R. Ford

• “Talent selection in youth football: Specific rather than general motor performance predicts future player status of football talents” by Roland Sieghartsleitner, Claudia Zuber, Marc Zibung, and Bryan Charbonnet

• “The English Game: A Journey of Discovery in the Home of Football” by Ivan Ambrosio

• “Finishers” by Sammy Lander

• “Legacy. What The All Blacks Can Teach Us: What The All Blacks Can Teach Us About The Business Of Life” by James Kerr

• “Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error” by Kathryn Schulz

• "Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior" by Phil Jackson

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