Jerome Fernandez, a former top French player, now the coach of Pays D’AIX Universite Club, answered quite interesting questions from the French media and thus shared his experience in running and working with the team.
If you didn’t have time to prepare for training, how will you „get out“?
- When I plan trainings for the next week, I set topics for each training unit (attack / defense / inferiority / superiority / small space / large space …) and when my team warms up, I create training according to the number of players available, so I can constantly adjust to the present moment. My experience as a player allows me a wide range of exercises that I can hold in my training sessions, depending on the topic of the individual training.
How do you ensure the attention and focus of the group you lead?
- I like to speak calmly (quietly), to make sure my players don’t make noise. (without handling the ball or dribbling as I speak)
What is your favorite introduction to training? The one that directly introduces the player?
- After warming up my joints and muscles, which is very important to me, I always try to get to the game. I think this is the fastest way to get into training and get the same positive things for the players as in the game. I think it is important to balance the group in collective confrontations and make levels for individual work in the form of workshops.
How to manage „individualism“ within the group?
- I manage all the players according to their character, but no player should influence the others.
Which exercise do you use the most because it is very effective?
- I like to use more balls so that players understand that it really matters
What is the challenge you are happy to give to your players?
- I like to make a promise to the whole team except the player in question, because then he realizes that his failure puts the whole team in danger.
How long does your pre-match speech last? What about your speech at halftime?
- Before the game, about 10 minutes. I am talking about what we have prepared to play against today’s opponent and I am trying to end my speech on a positive and motivational note. At half time, no more than 3/4 minutes for the players to return to the field. I’m talking about what we did and what caused us problems. I analyze and try to find solutions.
What is the main (first) thing you do when your team loses a game? And which one when he wins?
- When we lose, I usually try to build confidence and get back to my short-term goal depending on the time left until the next game. When we win, I have a speech to relativize the victory, but also to encourage the team, because victory is gained only at the end, not before.
How to help a player who has problems during the game?
- I think you have to try to communicate with him first. After the conversation, mostly things work.
