Dr David Turner

Differential learning (DL) is an alternative approach to training design which emphasises the exploration of movement patterns through experiencing extreme variations during practice, rather than through traditional repetition, and without any accompanying coaching corrections provided. Over the last decade several research papers have been published on the effects of DL interventions undertaken in football contexts, highlights of which I provide below. Furthermore, two prominent figures in football coaching have emerged whose professional practice has been influenced by the DL approach, and I will outline these examples later. Finally, I will draw together the theory and the practice to make some recommendations on the potential role of DL in the development and coaching of footballers.