Nikefootball Malaysia

Inside the Pro with Guus Hiddink

BLOG_MY — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:15:05 GMT

A team of teenagers from all over Johannesburg received the rare chance to train for Master Speed with a master coach.

New (Nike)RED ambassador, Guus Hiddink, trained the group of 30 young footballers at the home of South African football in Soweto.

Absorbing unique insights from the elite coach in a once in a lifetime training and Q & A session, the kids learned drills designed to increase speed through technical conditioning.

With Hiddink in control, it became all about speed and writing the future through hard work and intense focus. "To be the best," Guus told the kids, "you have to train like the best".

Go to Nike Football Twitter and search #insidethepro for all of Hiddink's insights and check out Guus's response to some of your questions below.

Andrew 'Duey' Du: "Hey Mr. Hiddink, what's your personal favourite speed drill?"
Guus: "You have to analyse speed. You can improve speed but it is also given by nature. There is not so much to do to improve it drastically, but there are of course drills to improve. You can try to improve speed on a track or artificial surface, but in football you have to relate it always to technical exercises."

Adam Thomas: "Guus, what overall percentage of a player's ability is a direct result of his physical condition?"
Guus: "Football today is becoming more and more of an athletic game, but we must not go just to the physical part of the game. Technical skills of players always have to be dominant. But it must be a balance of physical skills and technical skills."

Gabriel J Luna: "Guus, when you face fast teams, with players like Rooney, Nanni, Dani Alves, CR9 is the off-side trap not the first option? How do you counter their speed tactically without compromising the team's offensive mindset?"
Guus: "Mostly you must try to get them to play in their weak zone, not in their comfort zone. For Rooney, you must try to get him tired by making him do defence work as well. That's difficult because the reason he is so good is because he is usually controlling the situation. You must try to get them on their weak spots."

Hiddink on: Recovery

Nikefootball_malaysi — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:02:45 GMT

Famed national and club manager Guus Hiddink returns to Asia June 20th to 27th. His mission, to spread his knowledge and philosophy to players, coaches and parents alike. During his visit, Coach Hiddink will host on-pitch clinics as well as off-pitch seminars focused on the development of winning footballers and winning teams. But you can get a head start right here.

In these videos, Coach Hiddink shares his advice on getting noticed, attitude, teamwork and more. Check back daily or subscribe to the feed for your chance to get insights from the master. Then follow his tour of Asia at Nikefootball.com

A winner can sense when their opponent is weak. Hiddink says an ability to recover quickly lets you take advantage of those moments.

Hiddink on: Hard Work

Nikefootball_malaysi — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:58:26 GMT

Famed national and club manager Guus Hiddink returns to Asia June 20th to 27th. His mission, to spread his knowledge and philosophy to players, coaches and parents alike. During his visit, Coach Hiddink will host on-pitch clinics as well as off-pitch seminars focused on the development of winning footballers and winning teams. But you can get a head start right here.

In these videos, Coach Hiddink shares his advice on getting noticed, attitude, teamwork and more. Check back daily or subscribe to the feed for your chance to get insights from the master. Then follow his tour of Asia at Nikefootball.com

Even top professionals have aspects of their game that can be improved. Hiddink wants you to be honest about where your game can improve, and then put in the hard work to make the difference and win. To emphasize this point, Hiddink describes what happens when players show discipline and have respect for their bodies, and what happens when they don’t.

Hiddink on: Teamwork

Nikefootball_malaysi — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:43:02 GMT

Famed national and club manager Guus Hiddink returns to Asia June 20th to 27th. His mission, to spread his knowledge and philosophy to players, coaches and parents alike. During his visit, Coach Hiddink will host on-pitch clinics as well as off-pitch seminars focused on the development of winning footballers and winning teams. But you can get a head start right here.

In these videos, Coach Hiddink shares his advice on getting noticed, attitude, teamwork and more. Check back daily or subscribe to the feed for your chance to get insights from the master. Then follow his tour of Asia at Nikefootball.com

The opponent always has a weakness. Hiddink describes how his Holland national side excelled at spotting it, and how tactical sharpness allowed them to take advantage. But even the finest team play can’t guarantee victory. Hiddink describes how individual excellence contributes to the kind of teamwork that allowed the Holland side to play so well.

Hiddink on: Getting Noticed

Nikefootball_malaysi — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:09:53 GMT

Playing within yourself. Being comfortable on the ball. Taking in the situation around you and making the decisive play. This is the mark of a winner and its how you get respect from teammates, opponents and even coach Hiddink. But just being noticed isn’t enough. Hiddink says that great players are ready to make their mark at any time. Will you be ready when you get the nod?