Speed Is The Standard: Building Around Player Identity With John Wall
- Gary Curneen
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
We are thrilled to share our latest Modern Soccer Coach podcast episode featuring John Wall, a long-time friend of the podcast and an expert in practical, high-impact coaching. John has previously shared insights on his Marcelo BLSA book and his work with rotations and interchanges—but this time, he takes us behind the scenes of his role as assistant coach for the Jamaican National Team (2022–2024).
This interview is packed with insights that every coach—whether at youth, club, or professional level—can apply to their sessions and player development philosophy. From practical strategies to player management, John explores the realities of coaching at the international level: balancing structure and freedom, maximizing player strengths, and creating a repeatable, high-performance environment despite limited resources.
What You’ll Learn in This interview
Maximizing Player Identity: Learn why John believes “speed isn’t a style—it’s the standard” and how he structured the Jamaican team around the natural strengths of the players.
The Power of Observation: Coaches will appreciate his insight: “Observation is a skill—sometimes the best coaching is noticing more and saying less.”
Simplifying Complexity: John explains how focusing on just three key priorities—transitions, defensive organization, and set pieces—can transform a team.
Creating Structure with Freedom: Discover how predictability and player autonomy can coexist, with John noting “Preparation is about creating predictability so players can play with freedom.”
Working Within Constraints: Learn the philosophy of “guerrilla football” and how to turn resource limitations into competitive advantages.
Key Quotes from John Wall
“We didn’t try to do everything. We picked three strengths: transitions, defensive organization, and set pieces.”
“Speed isn’t a style for Jamaica—it’s the standard.”
“Players don’t need 40 scenarios. They need four repeatable actions they can trust under pressure.”
“Guerrilla football is about being resourceful—using constraints as competitive advantages.”
“You can’t impose a model; you have to align with the identity of the group in front of you.”
“Structure provides predictability, but freedom creates responsibility.”
“Coaching isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about clarity, humility, and alignment.”
You can watch the full interview below:
