In an innovative twist to his training methods, Wydad Casablanca coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed why he has been incorporating the use of goggles in his team's training sessions. The unusual sight of the players wearing goggles during drills has sparked intrigue, with many wondering about the purpose behind this practice.
Known for his forward-thinking approach to coaching, Mokwena took to his official LinkedIn page to explain the reasoning behind this training tool. According to the South African tactician, the goggles are a part of a method known as "differential learning," a concept that Mokwena believes helps his players enhance key skills for match situations.
"Many people have asked me why we wear goggles at training. It's part of the concept, differential learning. It's nothing new, we haven't reinvented the wheel," Mokwena stated. The goggles are not just a visual oddity but are specifically designed to obstruct the players' vision, challenging them to rely on alternative sensory cues while making decisions.
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Mokwena went on to elaborate that the goggles are used to enhance perceptual-cognitive skills by forcing players to adapt to impaired vision during training. With their sight partially obstructed, players must depend on their other senses, such as hearing, touch, and spatial awareness, to navigate the field and make quicker, more accurate decisions. This form of training aims to improve reaction times and anticipation, key aspects of any successful footballer's game.
"Training with goggles can also enhance aspects such as spatial awareness, anticipation, and reaction time," Mokwena continued. "Ultimately, it's about making the training sessions harder than the game. This is one of the many different ways you can do this."
The use of goggles in football training is not entirely new, but Mokwena's innovative application of this method further underscores his commitment to pushing boundaries in player development. By challenging players to perform in visually restrictive conditions, he aims to create an environment that simulates the unpredictable nature of match situations, ultimately helping the players to react faster and make more effective decisions when on the pitch.
As Wydad Casablanca battles for supremacy in the Moroccan Botola Pro league, currently sitting in fourth place, 11 points behind leaders RS Berkane, Mokwena's training methods may give the team an edge as they look to close the gap.
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