Introduction
In the complex world of football, understanding and mastering the Individual Fundamentals by Position (IFP) is crucial for any team to excel on the pitch. These fundamentals are not just basic skills but are an evolution of the universal fundamentals learned during the initiation stage. The IFPs are designed to be position-specific, ensuring that each player can perform optimally within their designated role, independent of the game system employed by the team.
What Are Individual Fundamentals by Position (IFP)?
Individual Fundamentals by Position are the specific skills and concepts that players use in a particular field position. Unlike the broad, universal fundamentals taught in the early stages of football development, IFPs are specialized and tailored to the unique demands of each position. They come into play during the specialization stage, typically between the ages of 14 and 18, when players start to improve their skills and adapt them to specific roles on the field. So, it’s not the same the IFPs we will teach a full-back than the ones we will teach to a holding midfielder.
The beauty of IFPs lies in their independence from the game systems. Whether your team plays a 4-4-2, 3-5-2, or any other formation, the individual fundamentals remain consistent, allowing players to focus on mastering the specificities of their positions.
“INDIVIDUAL FUNDAMENTALS BY POSITION HELP MAXIMIZE PLAYER AND TEAM PERFORMANCE, AS WELL AS OPENING NEW PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO COACHES THAT MASTER THEM”
The Impact of IFPs on Team Success
While team fundamentals — such as structure, block formation, ball circulation, pressing, etc — are vital to a team’s overall strategy, they are not enough if players cannot correctly apply their individual fundamentals. For instance, the type of support a striker needs to offer is vastly different from that of a center-back. Without a deep understanding of these positional demands, even the most well-drilled teams can falter.
Consider a scenario where a team circulates the ball perfectly, creating an opportunity for an advanced midfielder to exploit space behind the opposition’s defensive line. However, if the midfielder hasn’t positioned themselves correctly — behind the midfielder’s line and diagonal from the ball possessor — the team’s advantage is lost. Similarly, in defense, a team may adopt a compact block, but if the center-backs don’t understand when to step forward to challenge or when to cover space behind them, the defensive strategy will fall apart.
The Growing Importance of Player Development Roles in Professional Staffs
In modern football, professional coaching staffs are increasingly incorporating specific roles dedicated to player development. These specialized coaches must possess a proficient command of the Individual Fundamentals by Position to effectively nurture each player’s growth, tailoring their approach to meet the needs of their position.
For aspiring coaches, mastering IFPs is not just beneficial — it’s essential. By becoming an expert in these fundamentals, you enhance your ability to contribute meaningfully to your team’s success and position yourself for advancement in your football career.
Ekkono’s Performance Secrets: Your Path to Mastery
At Ekkono, we have developed the “Performance Secrets,” a series of short videos focused on Individual Fundamentals by Position and Team Fundamentals. Each video includes a theoretical explanation, footage of professional players executing these actions, and a proposed training exercise to help you develop these critical skills.
Ready to take your football understanding to the next level? Join our membership plans at the Ekkono Coaches Academy and start mastering the concepts that will propel your career forward.
By immersing yourself in the Performance Secrets, you’ll gain the insights and techniques necessary to succeed, both individually and as part of a team. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your skills and unlock your full potential on the pitch.
