Dutch Soccer Training

The Netherlands is well known for producing some of the most gifted soccer players in history, as well as some of the most successful coaches. Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit are just three of the many Dutch players who have gone on to become successful coaches. Both Cruyff and Van Basten are renowned for specific moments of technical brilliance as well as for their career achievements. Dutch soccer training methods have been used around the world with great success.

  1. Theory

    • The Dutch style of soccer is very technical and focuses on individual skill and close control of the ball. Short, simple passes that enable a team to retain possession are integral to the Dutch style of football; the Dutch style rarely involves long-range kicking. Because of the focus on individual skill and intricate passing, smaller players who would struggle to physically compete in other nations often thrive playing the Dutch way.

    Method

    • Players are identified as future professionals at around 7 years old. From that point on, they are trained to develop their individual ball control skills--game tactics doesn’t become relevant until much later in a player’s development. Daily training sessions that include 4-on-4 games played on a small pitch develop young players' vision for passing and ability to retain the ball.

    Technique

    • Players are discouraged from favoring their stronger foot when training. The Dutch style of soccer requires a player to be comfortable controlling and striking the ball with either foot. This approach allows a player to receive and distribute the ball in any area of the pitch without the need to readjust to get the ball onto his or her stronger foot. Training matches do not use set pieces when the ball goes out of play--instead, the ball is bounced straight back in. This encourages players to remain alert even during breaks in play.

    Total Football

    • The model of total football was pioneered by Dutch soccer coach Rinus Michels in the 1970s. Total football allows for any player, apart from the goalkeeper, to play in any position at any time. Players are expected to defend and attack with equal proficiency and are free to move out of position to facilitate this. Each player is expected to fill in for a teammate when a position is vacated. Michels used the concept of total football to coach the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final; he was also named coach of the century by FIFA in 1999.

    Success Stories

    • The Netherlands has produced numerous players who have become champions outside of their home nation. Ronald Koeman won the European Super Cup with Barcelona in 1992, Ruud Van Nistelrooy was voted Champions League most valuable striker in 2002 and Wesley Sneijder won the Champions League trophy with Inter Milan in 2010.