Forget repetition. Train for chaos.

One of my core beliefs as an amateur coach is the value of flexibility and adaptability. I want my players to be comfortable in multiple positions, able to handle unexpected situations during a game, and calm when things don’t go as planned. Amateur football is inherently chaotic, and I want us to thrive in that chaos.

Here are some ways I try to build this mindset into the team:

• In small-sided games, I almost always choose teams at random. This forces players to figure things out quickly and creates healthy imbalances and challenges that require creative solutions.
• I add unusual conditions to games, like making headers worth two goals and regular goals worth half, or playing 'empathy ball'–a deliberate exercise where every player has to play in a different role.
• I referee poorly on purpose to create moments of conflict and test players’ mental resilience.
• I encourage players to find their own solutions. I’ll step in with guidance if needed, but usually I let them work it out and reflect together afterward.

The trade-off is less repetition and consistency, and you need to decide whether that approach is right for you.

But in the unpredictable world of amateur football, I prefer a team that can adapt when our striker drops out at the last minute, the ref doesn’t show up, or the opposition turns out to be much stronger (or weaker) than the last time we played them.