9 Benefits of Using the GAG Training Method for Soccer Coaches

I received a question this week about an acronym that is listed in our training sessions on epicsoccercoach.com. A coach asked what ‘GAG’ stands for within our session design. This is a fair question because it’s not intuitive without an explanation. In soccer coaching, GAG stands for Global-Analytical-Global, or what is more commonly known as Game-Activity-Game. It’s similar to the Whole-Part-Whole concept. In this blog post, I’ll explain the GAG training method and highlight 9 benefits that come with using it in your coaching sessions.

1. Immediate Player Engagement
The first step in GAG is the “Game” component, which immerses players in a game or constraint-based activity. This immediate engagement captures players’ attention and enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for the rest of the session. By starting with a game, you’re giving players what they enjoy most—playing soccer.

2. Observation and Assessment Opportunities
Starting with a game allows coaches to observe players’ current skill levels and gauge their understanding of previous training sessions. It’s a low-pressure way to assess individual and team competency, providing valuable insights for shaping or modifying the rest of the practice.

3. Focused Analytical Activities
The “Activity” portion of the GAG method zooms in on specific aspects of the game. Here, coaches can highlight key skills, individual intentions, and tactical references. This analytical focus provides a structured environment for teaching and reinforces learning through specific activities.

4. Reinforcing Learning Through Games
The final “Game” phase returns players to a game-based setting where they can apply what they’ve learned during the “Activity.” This progression from game to focused activity and back to game reinforces learning and helps players make connections between references.

5. High Levels of Player Enjoyment
Players often join soccer to play games, not to stand in lines during activities. The GAG approach prioritizes games, which leads to higher levels of enjoyment and player engagement. This increased enjoyment can positively impact player motivation and retention.

6. Improved Soccer-Specific Conditioning (Football Fitness)
Games require players to stay active and engaged, leading to improved conditioning and overall fitness levels. The GAG method’s emphasis on game-based training means that players are consistently on the move, building soccer specific fitness. The essence of the game-based training is in the players deciding. As players think about their next action and execute that action more often, their overall conditioning improves. With consistent training around their next action thinking, the positive adaptations occur within their body (ie cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal systems).

7. Increased Repetitions Without Repetition
The GAG method provides more game-like repetitions compared to traditional activities. This concept of “repetition without repetition” keeps players engaged while allowing them to experience a variety of game situations. Instead of kicking the ball back and forth with a partner, players’ actions are guided by the environment. These kicks become passes because of the complex situations they are facing within the games. This approach helps players adapt to different scenarios and develop better decision-making skills based on clearer references that coaches can introduce.

8. High Cognitive Engagement
Games inherently require players to think and make decisions on the spot. The GAG method promotes high cognitive engagement, challenging players to solve problems and adjust the references used throughout the session. This can lead to improved game insight and adaptability.

9. Building Team Cohesion
The focus on games in GAG fosters a sense of teamwork and togetherness among players. As they work together to achieve common goals/intentions, team cohesion strengthens, creating a positive and supportive environment.

Conclusion
The GAG training method offers numerous benefits for soccer coaches, from immediate player engagement to improved conditioning and increased cognitive engagement. By incorporating the GAG approach into planning of your training sessions, you can create a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment that builds Communication, Decision Making, Execution, Fitness (CDE-F) and teamwork.

If you found these insights helpful, consider using the GAG method in your next training session and share this newsletter with other soccer coaches. We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this approach, so leave a comment below!

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