Game Like

From Episode 91.

Game like is often misunderstood, I think. It leads to the argument of training methodologies, versus layering in game demands.

I’m not preaching that one methodology is better than another - your role as the coach is to determine that through expanding your coaches toolbox.
However, I am preaching that you need as much game reality in your training to help players transfer their learning to the game.

So what does game like look like?
Competition. Invasion - attack and defense. An opponent. Winners and losers. Positions and profile matching behaviors.
This all leads to intensity. Is there a fight for the ball? Is there an incentive for players to win? (I don’t ‘punish’ losers)
Then further - are your players experiencing demands like they would in a game? IE. 1v1’s. Does every player play the same 1v1? Do defenders dribble 1v1 to goal against your striker, and if so, is that game like?

So my challenge to you.
Regardless of your preferred methodology, how can you replicate the game demands for your players?