Making learning stick: The art and impact of the coaching debrief

This is the second article in our series on coaching competencies. In the first, we introduced the Coaching Competency Framework and explored how coaches can structure their sessions more effectively by layering information. In this edition, we explore one of the most powerful, yet often underused, tools in a coach’s arsenal: the debrief.

A debrief is more than just a wrap-up at the end of training. When done well, it consolidates learning, encourages open communication and helps players take ownership of their development. This article features FIFA Technical Expert Rob Csabai, who demonstrates how structured debriefs, combined with memorable terminology, can make training stick.

Why Debriefs Matter

A debrief is an intentional process that helps players reflect on what they experienced. Research across education and coaching shows that reflection accelerates retention — when players verbalise and revisit what they have learned, the learning “sticks.”

In football, where training is full of dynamic and complex situations, this reflection is critical. Without it, important tactical or technical insights can fade quickly. With it, players develop the ability to recall, recognise and reapply key principles in future matches.

Debriefing is part of a broader set of coaching competencies that underpin effective training. These competencies are organised into five key domains.

The power of naming concepts
One way to amplify learning and, therefore, the impact of a debrief, is by giving tactical concepts clear, memorable names. Naming creates a shared vocabulary — a shorthand that makes abstract ideas concrete and game-relevant.

In the featured session, the coach introduces the principle of “doing one and a half jobs.” The phrase describes a defensive behaviour: controlling your direct opponent while also positioning to block a passing lane to another attacker. It’s simple, sticky and instantly actionable, giving players a mental anchor they can recall in training and during matches.

A Structured Debrief in Action

The example brings these ideas to life, showing how a coach can guide players from reflection to understanding through a clear, structured process. Each step builds on the previous one:

Step 1: Prompting reflection

The coach begins by asking players what “one and a half jobs” means to them. This encourages multiple perspectives, prompts reflection and allows players to express their own understanding.

Step 2: Making it explicit

Using cones to recreate a match situation, the coach asks a player to show how she would position herself to perform one and a half jobs. This “show me” technique makes the principle concrete and avoids the ambiguity of words alone.

Step 3: Summarizing and priming

The coach closes by summarising the concept, emphasising its importance and priming players for future work: this matters, remember it, and we’ll build on it next time.

This structured sequence — reflection, demonstration, summary — ensures players grasp the principle immediately and understand its ongoing value.

Key Take-aways

An effective debrief helps players reflect, connect and remember.
When paired with guided questioning and memorable terminology, it turns fleeting training moments into lasting development.
For coaches, mastering the art of the debrief isn’t an add-on. It’s a core competency that ensures training has a real impact.

Could you apply this?

The phrase “one and a half jobs” works because it’s clear, descriptive and memorable. Naming concepts like this creates anchors players can recall instantly during games and future sessions.

By building a shared vocabulary, coaches make abstract ideas concrete, strengthen recall and connect learning directly to the game.