Method
Thanks to our diverse coaching background—based on, inspired by, and adapted from training methods for children and youth used by the English and Portuguese football associations and clubs, "Promoting creative players through the game"- KBK has a clear vision of how we want to develop our players. This includes both our playing style and how we shape individuals and teams to play the KBK way.
Today’s football is no longer almost exclusively based on physical aspects nor on the idea that improving physical fitness is the key determinant in achieving good results in competition and training, neither is it solely focused on technical aspects, under the notion that a player's or team's success is tied to excessive technical training in analytical situations. At present, football is not almost exclusively based on physical and technical aspects, it is a very fast-paced game that demands greater intelligence, insight, reflection, analysis, and speed of action, requiring quick and accurate decision-making.
The game is based on variability and unpredictability, which must be trained. We believe that the KBK methodology is crucial for improving the development of young football players through training. Football is a complex, dynamic, and unpredictable sport. For young players to learn the principles of the game and the skills required to play, they should always have the opportunity to explore, discover, and adapt while playing football. Therefore, it is common for us to teach football through game- or play-based activities, where the player's cognitive and psychological abilities—such as decision-making, attention, concentration, understanding, reasoning, tactical intelligence (creativity), and emotional intelligence—are fundamental elements.
Our method is characterised by a strong offensive focus, technical quality with ball possession and dominance, as well as creativity in creating goal-scoring opportunities. It is a playing style that values fast, attractive, and exciting football, a strong team spirit, and the understanding that individual development and quality are not only improved by giving individual attention to a player's needs, but also by playing and succeeding as a team.
Therefore, teaching the game at KBK focuses on engaging players through fun and motivating game-based activities and problem-solving situations that incorporate the fundamental elements of the game: the ball, opposition, cooperation, decision-making, and finishing. From this perspective, we avoid situations that lead to one-sided analytical training of technical aspects such as passing, receiving, ball control, dribbling, and shooting in isolation from their context. Carrying out training in this way creates situations that differ from those that occur in the game's unpredictable and dynamic environment.
At KBK, training is not focused on a single goal; instead, continuous improvements are considered across the technical, tactical/cognitive, physical, and psychological/social areas, while maintaining a coherent relationship between these variables. Our method is based on a four-zone model aimed at developing both the player and the individual, where each zone is equally important and interacts rather than functioning in isolation.
Technical
The development of specific skills and techniques related to the sport. For example, technical development might include dribbling, passing, shooting, and controlling the ball.
Tactical/Cognitive
The development of the ability to make effective decisions on the pitch. Tactical development might include learning how to read the game, making effective runs, and understanding how to create and exploit space.
Physical
The development of overall fitness and athleticism. Physical development might include improving strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility.
Psychological/Social
The development of mental skills and attitudes that support success in sport. Development might include building confidence, developing focus and concentration, learning how to handle pressure and setbacks, fostering effective communication and positive team dynamics. Players learn to work together and support each other for collective success.
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By incorporating both small-sided games (e.g. 1v1) and exercises in larger groups, this method allows coaches to identify and meet the individual needs of players – whether they require extensive technical guidance or support in the physical aspects of the game. The model's adaptability ensures a balanced and structured development, where players can refine their skills through a carefully designed training programme tailored to their age and level.