General style

The first match for Kay as a coach had already finished on the advanced chapters on p@treon:

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When Kay and Gil entered the classroom, they noticed three other people already seated.

The room was quiet, the anticipation palpable as they waited for their instructor.

After a few minutes, a man in his forties entered the room. He had a confident demeanor and a kind smile. "Good morning, everyone," he began. "I see we have an important number of students in the General Style option this year. That's wonderful to see."

He glanced around the room, his eyes resting momentarily on each student. "My name is Professor Hamilton, and I'll be guiding you through this comprehensive program. Over the next year, we'll cover all aspects of coaching, from attack and defense to team management and strategy."

Professor Hamilton continued, "I know some of you have chosen this path because you believe in a well-rounded approach. It will be challenging, but the rewards will be worth it. By the end of this year, you'll have a deep understanding of all facets of the game, making you versatile and effective coaches."

Kay felt a surge of confidence. Despite the mockery from his peers earlier, he knew he had made the right choice.

Professor Hamilton looked at each of the students with a serious expression. "Every year, we receive one or two students, and sometimes nobody chooses this option despite its importance," he began.

"The administration has considered discontinuing it due to low enrollment. However, this year, with five of you choosing the General Style, they've decided to keep it for now."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "It's crucial for all of you to seize success in your career. Your achievements will encourage future students to consider this comprehensive approach. That's why the administration has called me to be responsible for this class."

He smiled warmly, his eyes shining with determination. "I believe in the value of a well-rounded coaching education, and I believe in each of you. Together, we'll prove that this path is not just viable, but vital for the future of soccer coaching."

Kay took a look around the room, and his eyes widened in surprise. Among the five students were some well-known names, including Sergio Busquets.

Seeing such a legendary player choosing the General Style made Kay feel a bit more confident in his own decision.

Sergio Busquets noticed Kay's gaze and gave him a nod of acknowledgment. It was a small gesture, but it carried a lot of weight.

Kay realized that even those who had achieved great success on the field recognized the value of a comprehensive coaching education.

The other students seemed equally dedicated, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the table.

The instructor looked at the group and said, "Let's start with introductions. Remember, your career as a player doesn't matter much here. Focus on who you are now and what you hope to achieve as a coach."

Kay took a deep breath and began. "My name is Kay. I haven't had a professional career as a player, but I have a passion for the game and a strong desire to become the best manager I can be."

He didn't hear any mockery as he was expected it seems that all the people on the room are respectful people.

Next was Gil. He stood up, his demeanor as cold as ever. "I'm Gil. I played professionally in Spain and Italy. I'm here to learn the art of coaching comprehensively."

Sergio Busquets followed, his presence commanding the room. "I'm Sergio Busquets. I want to gain a deep understanding of all aspects of coaching, not just what I've experienced on the field."

The fourth student, a man with a serious expression, stood up. "I'm Javier. I've spent years playing in various leagues, but now I want to transition to coaching and bring a holistic approach to my methods."

Lastly, a young man with an intense look in his eyes spoke up. "I'm Luis. I believe that to be a great manager, one must understand every facet of the game. That's why I'm here."

The instructor nodded, satisfied with the introductions. "Good. Now that we know each other, let's get started.Remember, your success in this program will help ensure its future."

The instructor continued, "This program is divided into six parts, each lasting two months. We'll spend the first month on theory and the second month on practical application. Here's the breakdown":

First part: Learning the basics - We'll cover fundamental principles that every coach must understand.

Second part: Famous tactics - We'll study well-known tactical approaches and their implementation.

Third part: Physical conditioning and training - You'll learn how to develop and maintain peak physical fitness for your players.

Fourth part: Goalkeeping techniques - This section focuses on training and strategies specific to goalkeepers.

Fifth part: Game management and psychology - We'll delve into the mental aspects of coaching and game management strategies.

Sixth part: Scouting and talent identification - You'll learn how to identify and nurture talent."

The instructor paused, letting the information sink in. "This comprehensive program is designed to equip you with all the tools you need to become exceptional coaches."

The instructor continued, "Each part of the program will consist of multiple sessions designed to cover the topic in depth. To enhance your learning experience, we have arranged for a guest speaker, an expert in each field, to join us at the end of every part. These guests are seasoned professionals who will share their knowledge, insights, and experiences with you."

He glanced around the room, ensuring everyone was following. "These sessions will provide you with valuable perspectives and practical tips from some of the best in the industry. Their expertise will help you connect theory to practice and prepare you for real-world coaching challenges."

The instructor moved to the whiteboard and began writing, "The Basics of Coaching."

He turned to the class and started his lecture.

"Coaching isn't just about tactics and strategies. It's about understanding your players, motivating them, and creating an environment where they can thrive. The basics of coaching encompass several key areas: communication, leadership, tactical knowledge, and player development."

He wrote each of these areas on the board as he spoke.

"First, let's talk about communication. A good coach must be an excellent communicator. This means not only giving clear instructions but also listening to your players. Can anyone tell me why listening is so important in coaching?"

Kay raised his hand. "Listening is crucial because it helps you understand your players' needs, concerns, and perspectives. It builds trust and ensures that the team feels heard and valued."

The instructor nodded, pleased. "Exactly, Kay. Communication is a two-way street. Next, leadership. A coach must lead by example. This involves being decisive, maintaining discipline, and inspiring your team. Leadership is about setting a vision and guiding your players towards it."

He continued, "Tactical knowledge is another fundamental. A coach must understand the game deeply—formations, strategies, and in-game adjustments. But remember, tactics are only effective when your players are well-developed."

"Finally, player development. This is where you focus on improving each player's skills and fitness. A good coach identifies the strengths and weaknesses of their players and works on them individually."

The session went on, covering each aspect in detail.

Kay listened intently, even though he was familiar with the material from the system's books.

The instructor occasionally paused to ask questions, and Kay consistently had the answers.

"For instance," the instructor said, "what is the primary goal of player development?"

Kay answered promptly, "The primary goal is to maximize each player's potential, making them not only better individually but also more effective as part of the team."

The instructor smiled. "Precisely, Kay. Player development is about helping each individual reach their full potential, contributing to the overall success."

The session felt long for Kay, given his prior knowledge, but he remained engaged, eager to absorb any additional insights.

The instructor's passion for coaching was evident, and despite the repetition, Kay appreciated the depth of discussion and the emphasis on foundational principles.

After two long hours, the session finally came to an end. Kay stretched his legs, feeling both mentally exhausted and invigorated by the new knowledge. As the students began to file out of the classroom, Kay packed up his things and made his way outside.

Stepping into the fresh air, he looked around and quickly spotted his father, Max, waiting by the entrance. Max waved and walked over, a smile on his face.

"How was your first day, Kay?" Max asked as they started towards the car.

"It was good," Kay replied, his voice a mix of enthusiasm and fatigue. "We covered a lot of basic stuff I already knew from my readings, but it was still interesting to hear it from the instructor."

Then Max turned to face Kay and said" Kay I have some bad news to tell you".

See you in the next chapter ...

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