11 Questions with Matt Dorman

The pursuit of wisdom in any walk of life quickly reveals that what you think you know is not nearly enough to get you to where you want to go. As I'm starting out in my football scouting journey I challenged myself to reach out to those already working in various roles in football to answer a short list of questions. My goal wasn't to get answers but relevant perspectives on the game within the game.

Here is Matt Dorman, video analyst at @OLReign and DA Head Coach U15/U17 @thereignacademy:

How did your first opportunity in football come about?

I initially coached multi-sport training sessions whilst attending college in the UK. For this, coaching knowledge needed to be diverse and it was important to be creative. Began coaching in the USA soon after graduation full time working with a variety of ages and levels. This really provided a great foundation on structuring progressive training sessions, organization of session layout (less movement of cones/resetting new activities) & planning.

What attracted you to coaching? What’s more intriguing now, winning or developing players?

Initially attracted through enjoyment of the game, the competition, working as a group, being part of a team. Enjoy building those team relationships with players, seeing growth, seeing players rewarded for hard work.

What has kept me involved in the sport is seeing improvement as a direct result of effort and time spent. In coaching, the more time you put into individual development, education and increasing your own knowledge, the more effective coach you will be. Same with players, planning sessions, structuring tactical periodization plans and long term curriculum for player improvement. Seeing an area worked on be successful in competition. Testing yourself against other high level coaches. Seeing players effort be rewarded.

I don’t think winning and developing players needs to be discussed separately. A coach has a philosophy, an idea, a way of playing and looks to improve each player. If each player improves the team will have a greater change of winning. Teams should attempt to win all games, difference between this and winning at all costs, which I don’t agree with.  

Who is the first coach/teacher that resonated with you? What stood out?

One of my initial directors of coaching, Pat Macary was a good first influence. Very organized throughout the session, very progressive and structured. The first coach educator that stood out for me was Laura Kerrigan with the NSCAA (now United Soccer Coaches). This was an instructor that didn’t just let you know how much they knew about coaching but wanted to help you learn. Her instruction during sessions was very simple and clear. It seemed as though players would understand the concepts and want to play for her. I have been VERY lucky to have fantastic mentorship throughout my own (short) career in soccer. Mentorship has been one of the biggest influences on my own coaching journey.

What is the biggest misconception in football? Why?

Misconception? That’s a tough one. I would say that ‘not having the players to be able to build out attacks from the defensive third’ or to ‘play a possession based game’. I disagree with this, its down to the coaching, if you coach it, believe in your philosophy, teach players when, where, who, why and what, they will have a chance of implementing. If you coach one way in training and play different in games, its down to the coaching.

A misconception in terms of coaching is that its only the field for 1.5 hours an evening. Each training cycle is planned, the weeks training sessions are planned – both in terms of a long term tactical periodization plan and the physical periodization plan and loading based on competition/rest etc. Games are evaluated, clipped and reviewed post game. Opposition are scouted, clipped and review pre game. Evaluations and consistent feedback is produced. Self-reflection and altering of plans occur. The list of tasks is enjoyable but to be successful in takes A LOT of time. We cannot just show up at the field without planning and hope the session will be successful in achieving any objectives.

If you could start over what skill would you build on first?

I would be an assistant coach for as long as possible. Supporting (& learning) from a head coach whilst consistently improving individually. I would watch more sessions, most coaches/teams/programs are happy to have observers and share (some) insights. Don’t rush, development of players takes time, but so does that of a coaching staff. Better to be prepared WHEN the role arrives, than have it arrive early and not be ready.

Do you see player development more of an art of a science? Which would you start with?

I enjoy planning and I am very structured in both training sessions and periodization. I would say this is more science? Coaches must be organized and meticulously detailed in terms of player development. I also appreciate the analytical side of the game. Looking much deeper than subjective opinions. I also think that a team should have certain KPIs that they are aiming to hit and thus take the ‘luck’ out as much as possible. Video review is very important, we only remember a fraction of what actually happened out on the field, both in games but also in training sessions.

What is your favorite sports moment? Why?

One of my favorite memories is Germany 1-5 England from 2001. I was 16 at the time and remember jumping so high on the 2^nd goal that I hit my hand on the ceiling light. Another great memory was David Beckhams free kick in the 2-2 draw against Greece in the same year.

What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?

Ronaldinho was always my favorite player. His technical ability receiving, dribbling, turning looked effortless. He played with a smile, didn’t ‘appear’ to feel any pressure, enjoyed what he did. He expressed himself on the field, dominated games and took the attack to the opposition. I remember watching him live in the Camp Nou against Valencia. I have been inspired by the current US head coach Vlatko Andonovski, he always had time for questions and feedback, seemed generally interested in helping someone else improve. A player I really am inspired by is Bev Yanez, I love the way she plays, the space and calmness in possession, the technical approach. I love how she asserts herself and you would not want to mess with her on the field, BUT off the field is the most positive, supportive role model for younger players.

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into coaching/scouting/analysis?

Take as many different varieties of opportunities as you can initially. Become diverse and well-rounded. Having a background in analysis will help you with coaching, and vice-versa. Try and gain experience in all facets of the game, as you become more experienced can begin to specialize. Network with as many people, observe as many sessions as possible, treat all people you meet with respect and dignity. Share your knowledge and experiences to those going through different stages of the journey. Enjoy, don’t envy the success of others.

What is you favorite app/tool to use (for fun not work?)

Podcasts are great, not just for coaching but in many different areas. Freakonomics radio has very diverse topics, I would never have thought to be interested in. In terms of apps I have started using the Duolingo app, although recently lost my streak on Spanish.

What other sport/hobby/discipline improves your work? Why?

As a parent of a one year old, time for hobbies is severely limited, in a positive way. Time spent with the family is the most enjoyable part of every day. Being a parent changes your perspective, makes you appreciate time, the experiences you have and develops a greater sense of patience. I also enjoy reading, different varieties of books both coaching tactical and non-tactical, leadership and also non-sporting based.