In the training lesson skills are trained, which should transformed into actual match play. Unfortunately many neglect this idea. The players look forward to the actual play after the "boring" exercises and forget to use what they have trained. They just play in the way they want because the things, they have trained doesn't really works and they starts using the skills they are familiar with. The reason for this is that the trainer is hesitant and unsecured towards this part of the training. It is not easily planned.

That is exactly the reason why guiding of the game is a very important part of the training planning.

The skilled trainer might deal with the above situation, because he has the general view. Others have to learn to obtain the general view. It is a part of the same skills, which are required of the replacement leader. Use of video is in this connection a good tool. Too many just use video to analyse the opponents. By watching the training situation on the screen and maybe repeat the sequences, the trainer has plenty of time to consider errors at how to correct these. In the beginning the trainer is also has the time to consider how to interfere. By this the ability to see details during the game is trained. At the same time the trainer will be aware of wrong details and the training can be organised accordingly.

For the sake of the player's motivation and mind for competition it is also important to play a math, where the trainer takes the role as a referee.

Remember to separate the two situations.

Guiding of the game takes starting point in the planning of training and the technical/tactical elements which must be improved and therefore can be partly planned. The play will be stopped only if the main principles related to the trained technical/tactical elements are not followed.

There can be 3 main reasons for a stop and additional explanations:
1. because a good detail has been made by a player or players
2. because the game does not work in the direction of the trained elements
3. because serious errors or sloppiness occurs.

How must the play be guided?

1. Explain to the players before the game starts what you want the game to contain. Even if it is obvious. It sharpens the players' motivation and ability to follow a tactic.

2. Stop for a very few details within these areas. If you stop the game constantly because of all errors the game will be messy and could very much give the impression that you will show off your own capability.

3. Following a stop let the players bring up their own solutions to improve the area in question. But make sure to start again quickly, as it must not turn out to be a night of discussion.

You must have a solution proposal yourselves. This proposal might be explained, but many times a slow demonstration of the correct detail is required in order to obtain a satisfactory effect. After that the players can try de execute the detail in a normal situation. The trainer could take a player's place to make the solution proposal clear.

4. Attach importance to the main principle under collective stops. That means especially rhythm of the play, running paths, play without ball etc.

5. Individual corrections ought to be made during the play. You avoid blocking the player, which must be corrected. Progress will happen faster and the motivation will be kept better.

During the guidance of the game different formations and premises can be chosen or altered, so the possibility for the wanted situation occurs. If the trainer want to improve the wing-game, it could be a good idea to let the defense be one player short.

Even under free game, where the trainer is the referee, different restrictions/assumption can be taken. On this way the relative strength between a 1st team and 2nd team may be counterbalanced. Put attention to the players' reaction. The 1st team might feel themselves punished, if they often must play with one player short or restrictions in their play.

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