EliteSoccer44.pdf

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SOCCER

COACHING PRACTICES FROM THE WORLD’S

LEADING

MANAGERS AND

COACHES

LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR BARNSLEY BARNSLEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MATTHEW

BISHOP

Pressing

masterclass

MARK

W

AR

BU

RT

ON

Forward

runs

DAVID

PLEAT

Triangular w

ing

contributions

LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR BRENTFORD BRENTFORD

GRAHAM

TAYLOR

Possession and

scoring

DANNY

WI

LS

ON

Defending

from the front

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW:

NORWICH CITY MANAGER CHRIS HUGHTON

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MANUEL

PELLEGRINI

DEADLY TRANSITIONS:

TECHNICAL •

T

ACTICAL • PHYSIOLOGICAL

• PSYCHOLOGICAL

MANCHESTER CITY MANCHESTER CITY

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Elite Soccer is published by: Elite Soccer is published by:

Green Star Media Ltd Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UK GU5 0AB, UK Tel: Tel:+44 (0) 1483 892 894+44 (0) 1483 892 894 Fax: Fax:+44 (0) 1483 894 148+44 (0) 1483 894 148 Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] Publisher: Publisher: Kevin Barrow Kevin Barrow Editor: Editor: James Evans James Evans Contributing Editor: Contributing Editor: Matthew Amos, LMA Matthew Amos, LMA Design: Design: Jimmy Egerton Jimmy Egerton Illustrator: Illustrator: Richard Palmer Richard Palmer Customer Services: Customer Services: Duncan Heard Duncan Heard Marketing Manager: Marketing Manager: Paul Mortimer Paul Mortimer Operations Director: Operations Director: Toby Curthoys Toby Curthoys Managing Director: Managing Director: Andrew Grifﬁths Andrew Grifﬁths

Photos: Action Images Photos: Action Images

Published in partnership with: Published in partnership with:

League Managers League Managers Association Association St George’s Park St George’s Park National Football Centre National Football Centre Newborough Road Newborough Road Needwood Needwood

Burton upon Trent DE13 9PD Burton upon Trent DE13 9PD Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Email: Email:[email protected]@lmasecure.com President: President: Roy Hodgson Roy Hodgson Chairman: Chairman: Howard Wilkinson Howard Wilkinson Chief Executive: Chief Executive: Richard Bevan Richard Bevan

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reserved

ISSUE 44/MAR

ISSUE 44/MARCH 2014:CH 2014:FROM THE CHAIRMANFROM THE CHAIRMAN

Elite Soccer

is a monthly publication

for professional, semi-profes

sional

and aspiring soccer c

oaches and is

available by subscription

only

.

£97 for 12 issues.

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33 MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT

MATTERS

Our review of the past month Our review of the past month

1166

EXTRA-TIME:

... with Chris Hughton ... with Chris Hughton

1188

BOOKED

Elite sports book review Elite sports book review

Brilliant training gr

Brilliant training ground

ound

practices fr

practices from the best in the

om the best in the

game

Dear Coach, Dear Coach,

Welcome to the March issu

Welcome to the March issue of Elite Soccee of Elite Soccerr.. We’r

We’re gearing up towards those tense final e gearing up towards those tense final months of the months of the campaigncampaign when dreams are fulfilled, ambitions are shattered, and one or two when dreams are fulfilled, ambitions are shattered, and one or two coaches will be looking around despe

coaches will be looking around desperate to ﬁnd that bit of rate to ﬁnd that bit of inspirationinspiration that will carry their

that will carry their players over the line.players over the line.

Certainly, we’re hoping such inspiration might come in the form of one Certainly, we’re hoping such inspiration might come in the form of one (or more) of our six

(or more) of our six engaging soccer practices, delivered for us by someengaging soccer practices, delivered for us by some of the very best names in the game.

of the very best names in the game.

Right now, they don’t come much bigger than Manuel Pellegrini. The Right now, they don’t come much bigger than Manuel Pellegrini. The Manchester City coach has galvanised his side this term, with the Manchester City coach has galvanised his side this term, with the club playing arguably some of the most attractive football in its entire club playing arguably some of the most attractive football in its entire history

history. Certainly, the session on deadly transitions . Certainly, the session on deadly transitions that the that the ChileanChilean has presented for us in this

has presented for us in this issue offers some pretty strong clues as toissue offers some pretty strong clues as to how City have developed a gameplan that turns defence into attack with how City have developed a gameplan that turns defence into attack with such devastating effect. We hope it works for

such devastating effect. We hope it works for your side as well.your side as well. Elsewhere

Elsewhere, and from the , and from the Sky Bet Championship, Barnsley boss DannySky Bet Championship, Barnsley boss Danny Wilson presents a practice that looks at defending from the fro

Wilson presents a practice that looks at defending from the front in ant in a 4-3-3 formation; while Brentfor

4-3-3 formation; while Brentford boss Mark Warburton explains how ad boss Mark Warburton explains how a bespoke ses

bespoke session on forward runs has guided his side into the automaticsion on forward runs has guided his side into the automatic promotion positions in League One this

promotion positions in League One this term.term. And we’re delighted to repro

And we’re delighted to reproduce two sessions from two of the duce two sessions from two of the mostmost experience

experienced British coaches in the d British coaches in the modern game: former Englandmodern game: former England manager Graham Tayl

manager Graham Taylor answers our Coaching or answers our Coaching Consultation pieceConsultation piece by offering a solution to a coach whose players don’t survey options by offering a solution to a coach whose players don’t survey options effectively, while charismatic former top-level bos

effectively, while charismatic former top-level boss David Pleat is David Pleat isolatessolates the threat of the wide attack in

the threat of the wide attack in a number of position-led set-ups.a number of position-led set-ups. Finally, LMA Ambassador Matthew Bishops delivers for us

Finally, LMA Ambassador Matthew Bishops delivers for us a pressinga pressing masterclas

masterclass that’s as s that’s as relerelevant for attackers as vant for attackers as it is it is defenders.defenders. It all adds up to another fantastic cross-section of sessions, and as It all adds up to another fantastic cross-section of sessions, and as usual, we hope you ﬁnd

usual, we hope you ﬁnd them interesting and stimulating.them interesting and stimulating. Good luck for the month ahead, and we’ll see you all again at

Good luck for the month ahead, and we’ll see you all again at the end ofthe end of March,

March,

Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman

COACHING COACHING CONSULTATION CONSULTATION

44 MANUEL

MANUEL

PELLEGRINI

MANCHESTER CITY MANCHESTER CITY

Deadly

transitions

88 MARK

MARK

WARBURTON

BRENTFORD BRENTFORD

Forward

runs

66 DANNY WILSON

DANNY WILSON

BARNSLEY BARNSLEY

Defending

from

from the

the

front

1100

DAVID PLEAT

LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR

Triangular

wing

contributions

1122

GRAHAM TAYLOR

Possession

and scoring

1144

MATTHEW BISHOP

Pressing

master-class

class

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MANAGEMENT MATTERS MANAGEMENT MATTERS

MANAGER OF THE MON

TH AW

ARDS

CAR

EE

R P

A

TH

... with Neal Ardley, manager of Sky Bet ... with Neal Ardley, manager of Sky Bet League Two side AFC Wimbledon League Two side AFC Wimbledon Q. This is your ﬁrst managerial job – it Q. This is your ﬁrst managerial job – it must be a special one as well given your must be a special one as well given your time with the now defunct Wimbledon? time with the now defunct Wimbledon? A. Y

A. Yes it is special. Obviously thees it is special. Obviously the surroundings are diffe

surroundings are different, but the oldrent, but the old Wimbledon spirit is deﬁnitely here, and Wimbledon spirit is deﬁnitely here, and it’s a pleasure to come to work each day. it’s a pleasure to come to work each day. What has been achieved here over a short What has been achieved here over a short

period of time is incredible, but it’s for us period of time is incredible, but it’s for us now to carry that on.

now to carry that on.

Q. That must bring a considerable Q. That must bring a considerable pressure with it?

pressure with it?

A. It does, but it’s not any different to the A. It does, but it’s not any different to the pressu

pressures experienced by managers upres experienced by managers up and down the country. No matter what has and down the country. No matter what has gone on in the past, we have a

gone on in the past, we have a duty to onlyduty to only look at what we do as a

look at what we do as a club now, and everyclub now, and every other manager and player is probably other manager and player is probably thinking the exact same thing.

thinking the exact same thing. Q. You were pr

Q. You were previously Academyeviously Academy Manager at Cardiff City. Was that good Manager at Cardiff City. Was that good

preparation for this role? preparation for this role?

A. Managing teams is the same no matter A. Managing teams is the same no matter how old the players are, but starting at how old the players are, but starting at Cardiff was fantastic for me.

Cardiff was fantastic for me. It was somewhere I could It was somewhere I could really l

really learn my trade, andearn my trade, and cement a few ideas in my cement a few ideas in my mind as to how I would like mind as to how I would like to be as a manager. The to be as a manager. The big thing will always be the big thing will always be the team – that’s at the heart of team – that’s at the heart of everything we do, and is a key everything we do, and is a key philosophy. philosophy. 3 3MARCH 2014MARCH 2014 Manchester Manchester City manager City manager Manuel Manuel Pellegrini Pellegrini scooped a second successive scooped a second successive Manager of the Month gong Manager of the Month gong when picking up the award as when picking up the award as his table-topping side coasting his table-topping side coasting through January, winning all through January, winning all four of their league matches. four of their league matches. It is

It is City’s goalscoring proweCity’s goalscoring prowessss that has really impressed this that has really impressed this term, and

term, and AlvarAlvaro Negredoo Negredo continued his

continued his excellexcellent recentent recent run with eight strikes in all run with eight strikes in all competitions during the month, competitions during the month, as the Blues set themselves up as the Blues set themselves up immaculately for a concerted immaculately for a concerted title push thi

title push this years year.. City beat Swansea City, City beat Swansea City, Newcastle United, Cardiff City Newcastle United, Cardiff City and Tottenham Hotspur. Please and Tottenham Hotspur. Please turn to page four to see Chilean turn to page four to see Chilean Pellegrini’s

Pellegrini’sElite SoccerElite Soccer coaching session. coaching session. MANCHESTER CITY: P4 W4 D0 L0 MANCHESTER CITY: P4 W4 D0 L0 (LEAGUE ONLY) (LEAGUE ONLY)

In the Sky Bet In the Sky Bet Championship, Championship, Leicester City Leicester City boss

bossNigel PearsonNigel Pearson collected collected the divisional award after the the divisional award after the Fox

Foxes won all ﬁve es won all ﬁve matchesmatches to move clear at the top of the to move clear at the top of the table.

table.

While their title rivals have While their title rivals have struggled to maintain struggled to maintain

consistency, Leicester cruised consistency, Leicester cruised into top gear in January to into top gear in January to conﬁrm their tag as title conﬁrm their tag as title favourites.

favourites.

It’s a decade since the club It’s a decade since the club last graced the Premier last graced the Premier League, but victories over League, but victories over Millwall, Derby County, Leeds Millwall, Derby County, Leeds United, Middlesbroug

United, Middlesbrough andh and Birmingham City ensured the Birmingham City ensured the East Midlands club would end East Midlands club would end the month with a sizeable lead the month with a sizeable lead at the top of the table.

at the top of the table.

LEICESTER CITY: P5 W5 D0 L0 LEICESTER CITY: P5 W5 D0 L0 In Sky Bet In Sky Bet League One, League One, Russell Russell Slade

Slade’s Leyton Orient side’s Leyton Orient side continued to mount a serious continued to mount a serious title challenge with four wins in title challenge with four wins in January.

January.

Many expected the East Many expected the East London club’s challenge to London club’s challenge to fade away in the second half of fade away in the second half of the season, but experienced the season, but experienced boss Slade has maintained boss Slade has maintained momentum in his troops, and momentum in his troops, and with victories in January over with victories in January over Shrewsbury To

Shrewsbury Town, Carlislewn, Carlisle United, Crewe Alexandr United, Crewe Alexandra anda and Coventry City, the Os are well Coventry City, the Os are well placed to take their promotion placed to take their promotion challenge right to the season’s challenge right to the season’s close, despite the attentions close, despite the attentions (and bigger playing budgets) (and bigger playing budgets) of Wol

of Wolverhamptoverhampton Wanderersn Wanderers and Brentford.

and Brentford.

LEYTON ORIENT: P4 W4 D0 L0

And ﬁnally to Sky And ﬁnally to Sky Bet League Two, Bet League Two, where honours where honours go to

go toGraham AlexanderGraham Alexander,, the manager of Fleetwood the manager of Fleetwood T

Town. In only their secondown. In only their second season as a Football League season as a Football League club, the Lancashire outﬁt club, the Lancashire outﬁt continue to impress, playing a continue to impress, playing a brand of expansive, attacking brand of expansive, attacking football. And in January, they football. And in January, they saw off Accrington Stanley, saw off Accrington Stanley, Dagenham & Redbridge, Dagenham & Redbridge, Hartlepool and Burton Albion Hartlepool and Burton Albion on their way into the

on their way into the division’sdivision’s automatic promotion places. automatic promotion places. It has proved a pleasing start It has proved a pleasing start to life in management for to life in management for Alexand

Alexander, who occupieser, who occupies his ﬁrst post after a 21-year his ﬁrst post after a 21-year playing career that saw him playing career that saw him make over 100 appearances make over 100 appearances for each of Scunthorpe United, for each of Scunthorpe United, Luton Town

Luton Town, Preston North, Preston North End and Bur

End and Burnley.nley.

FLEETWOOD TOWN: P5 W4 D1 L0

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What do I get the

players to do?

Setting up as shown Setting up as shown

(1a)

(1a), the ball starts with, the ball starts with

the two wide players the two wide players – we will alternate – we will alternate which of these starts. which of these starts. Only one player from Only one player from each team is allowed in each team is allowed in the end zones – these the end zones – these are the target players are the target players and must remain in and must remain in that space. No other that space. No other players can

players can enterenter.. It’s 5v5 in the middle It’s 5v5 in the middle with the aim of the team with the aim of the team in possession working in possession working space so as to flight the space so as to flight the ball into the target player ball into the target player

(1b)

(1b), who must finish, who must finish

one-touch one-touch(1c)(1c)..

Should the ball go Should the ball go out of play, a new ball out of play, a new ball comes back in from the comes back in from the wide player as quickly wide player as quickly as possible.

as possible.

In addition, the two In addition, the two wide players and the wide players and the target men can offer target men can offer support to the 5v5 support to the 5v5 and can be passed to and can be passed to if needed, but unless if needed, but unless a pass is played in a pass is played in the air a target man the air a target man cannot make a scoring cannot make a scoring attempt.

attempt.

Each game should last Each game should last three minutes with 45 three minutes with 45 seconds rest before seconds rest before thethe next one begins. We next one begins. We repe

repeat this at this eight times,eight times, ensuring the two target ensuring the two target players and two wide players and two wide men are rotated for men are rotated for each game. each game. MANCHESTER CITY MANCHESTER CITY

Manuel

Pellegrini

Deadly

transitions

Overview: Overview: This session This session examines how we examines how we condition a player condition a player technically, tactically, technically, tactically, physiologically and physiologically and psychologically psychologically when attacking and when attacking and defendin

defending g transitionstransitions in a small-sided in a small-sided competition-based competition-based game. game. It’s

It’s importantimportant to practise this to practise this because it improves because it improves our mastering of our mastering of a scenario that a scenario that appears regularly in appears regularly in matches – namely matches – namely the attacking team the attacking team regaining possession regaining possession and aiming to create and aiming to create space, passing the space, passing the ball quickly, then ball quickly, then playing to a target playing to a target player in a zone to player in a zone to score. score.

The session is also The session is also good for defenders good for defenders – their task is simply – their task is simply to organise well, to organise well, stay aler

stay alert and aim tot and aim to regain possession as regain possession as quickly as possible. quickly as possible. DEADLY TRANSITIONS DEADLY TRANSITIONS

SET-UP

AREA AREA Up to 60x40 yards Up to 60x40 yards EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

Cones, goals, bibs Cones, goals, bibs

NUMBER OF PLAYERS NUMBER OF PLAYERS

5v5 plus two targets 5v5 plus two targets and two wide players and two wide players

SESSION TIME SESSION TIME

Main session 30mins, Main session 30mins, Progressions 20mins Progressions 20mins

“It’

s important

to pract

ise

this beca

use

it improv

es

our

mastering

of a scen

ario

that appea

rs

regularly

in

matches.”

1a

1b

1c

Ball Ball movement movement Player Player movement movement Dribble Dribble KEY KEY We set up with 5v5 in the We set up with 5v5 in the middle, two target men, middle, two target men, and two wide players and two wide players

The team in

The team in possessionpossession passes and successfully passes and successfully makes space, preparing makes space, preparing for a ball to be ﬂoated in for a ball to be ﬂoated in towards the target player towards the target player

The target man The target man scoresscores in the goal with a in the goal with a one-touch ﬁnish

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www.elitesoccercoaching.net www.elitesoccercoaching.net Manuel Manuel Pellegrini Pellegrini MANCHESTER CITY MANCHESTER CITY

Manuel Pellegrini has Manuel Pellegrini has enjoyed an incredible enjoyed an incredible ﬁrst six months in ﬁrst six months in charge of Manchester charge of Manchester City, taking the club to City, taking the club to the top of the league the top of the league standings with some standings with some of the most expansive, of the most expansive, attacking football attacking football witnessed in the witnessed in the Barclays Premier Barclays Premier League. League.

The club has also The club has also impressed in this impressed in this season’s Champions season’s Champions League and has League and has breezed through both breezed through both FA and Capital One Cup FA and Capital One Cup campaigns.

campaigns. Chilean Pellegrini Chilean Pellegrini joi

joinened d MaMancncheheststerer City with a wealth of City with a wealth of managerial experience managerial experience accumulated in both accumulated in both South America and South America and Europe. Amongst those Europe. Amongst those clubs was Argentine clubs was Argentine side River Plate where side River Plate where in 2003 he led his in 2003 he led his team to the Clausura team to the Clausura Championship. Championship. In Spain he has In Spain he has

managed Villarreal and managed Villarreal and reached the semi-ﬁnals reached the semi-ﬁnals of the Champions of the Champions League.

League.

Three years later his Three years later his abilities were rewarded abilities were rewarded when he secured one when he secured one of the biggest jobs in of the biggest jobs in world football with Real world football with Real Madrid. Madrid. In 2010, Pellegrini In 2010, Pellegrini guided Malaga to a guided Malaga to a fourth-placed ﬁnish in fourth-placed ﬁnish in La Liga, an

La Liga, and securedd secured the club Champions the club Champions League football for the League football for the ﬁrst time in their history. ﬁrst time in their history. As a player, he made As a player, he made 451 appearances for 451 appearances for Universidad de Chile. Universidad de Chile. DEADLY TRANSITIONS DEADLY TRANSITIONS 5 5MARCH 2014MARCH 2014

What are the key

things to look out for?

Maintaining a high tempo Maintaining a high tempo is very important so as is very important so as to ensure pressure is to ensure pressure is placed on transitions placed on transitions for both defenders for both defenders andand attackers.

attackers.

In terms of technical In terms of technical proﬁciency, speed and proﬁciency, speed and accuracy of pass is accuracy of pass is important

important, , particularlparticularlyy the pass made in the air the pass made in the air to the target man. to the target man. T

Tactically, each teamactically, each team of ﬁve must rotate of ﬁve must rotate positions so as to create positions so as to create space for players, space for players, whilstwhilst maintaining awareness maintaining awareness of defensive

of defensive balance.balance. For the defending team, For the defending team, we’re l

we’re looking at theirooking at their ability to press quickly ability to press quickly and be compact. and be compact. Physically, repeated Physically, repeated sprints, continued sprints, continued movement and movement and high-intensity activity is intensity activity is important

important. And . And we’rewe’re looking for players looking for players to understand to understand thethe psychological aspects psychological aspects of the practice as of the practice as well, to include good well, to include good communication communication with team mates to with team mates to coordinate attacks and coordinate attacks and ‘the press

‘the press’, whilst also’, whilst also being alert to deal with being alert to deal with fast transitions, even fast transitions, even withwith little recovery time.

little recovery time. How do I progress the

How do I progress the

session?

T

To progress, we cano progress, we can reduce the number of reduce the number of touches allowed,

touches allowed, changechange the number of passes the number of passes required

required (minimum of(minimum of three), or condition the three), or condition the pass to the target man to pass to the target man to come from a

come from a ﬁrst-timeﬁrst-time pass.

pass.

We can also cre

We can also create specificate specific areas on the pitch where areas on the pitch where the attacking team must the attacking team must move the ball to before the move the ball to before the final pass

final pass(2(2))..

2

�

� Aguero controls Aguero controls and moves the ball and moves the ball forward forward � � Alvara Alvara Negredo plays Negredo plays a long pass into a long pass into the feet of Sergio the feet of Sergio Aguero

Aguero

�

� He cuts back and He cuts back and threads a pass into the threads a pass into the path of David

path of David SilvaSilva

�

�Silva’s shotSilva’s shot beats John Ruddy beats John Ruddy

Proving the practice

In our 7-0 Barclays Premier League victory over In our 7-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Norwich City this season, we saw the

Norwich City this season, we saw the elements ofelements of this session played out

this session played out brilliantly as David Silvabrilliantly as David Silva scored our second goal.

scored our second goal.

Manchester City v Norwich City

Barclays Premier League Barclays Premier League November 2, 2013 November 2, 2013 Ball Ball movement movement Player Player movement movement Dribble Dribble KEY KEY In the progression an In the progression an attacking player may attacking player may only pass the ball from a only pass the ball from a designated area

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What do I get the

players to do? players to do? We set up as shown, We set up as shown, 11v11, on a full pitch, 11v11, on a full pitch, with teams lining up in with teams lining up in 4-3-3 (reds) and 4-4-2 4-3-3 (reds) and 4-4-2 (blues) formations. (blues) formations. The opposition keeper The opposition keeper starts play by thr starts play by throwingowing the ball out to his the ball out to his right-back.

back. What follo

What follows is thews is the gradual learnin gradual learning ofg of a bespoke

a bespoke coachingcoaching

set-up, with players set-up, with players understanding understanding their roles, both as their roles, both as individuals and banks individuals and banks of players.

of players. By following By following thisthis outline closely, we can outline closely, we can successfully defend successfully defend from the front in a from the front in a 4-3-3, as well as still 4-3-3, as well as still reta

retaining the ining the positivepositive attacking elements attacking elements that are so prevalent that are so prevalent in this offensive in this offensive formation. formation. A common problem A common problem is when the striker is when the striker allows the full-back to allows the full-back to play the pass into the play the pass into the wide man, enabling wide man, enabling the opposition to start the opposition to start their attack. To prevent their attack. To prevent this we put in place a this we put in place a key part of defending key part of defending from the front – from the front –

namely that our striker namely that our striker has to arc his run so has to arc his run so as to cut off the line as to cut off the line from the full-back to from the full-back to the wide man, forcing the wide man, forcing

BARNSLEY BARNSLEY

Danny

Wilson

Defending

from the

front in

a 4-3-3

situation

Overview: Overview: This session This session coaches players coaches players on understanding on understanding defensive defensive positioning positioning. It. It enables us to teach enables us to teach how to channel how to channel oppositio

opposition n passespasses into areas of strength into areas of strength for us, where we for us, where we can attempt to turn can attempt to turn possession

possession overover.. Furthermore, it gives Furthermore, it gives players an idea of players an idea of which passes we which passes we can allow and which can allow and which should be prevented. should be prevented. As a result, the As a result, the sessio

session will helpn will help prevent us from prevent us from beingbeing overstretched, or overstretched, or exposed to

exposed to positionspositions of vulnerability. of vulnerability.

DEFENDING FROM THE FRONT DEFENDING FROM THE FRONT

SET-UP

AREA AREA Full pitch Full pitch EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

Balls, cones, goals Balls, cones, goals

NUMBER OF PLAYERS NUMBER OF PLAYERS 11v11 11v11 SESSION TIME SESSION TIME As long as required As long as required

“This sess

ion

gives playe

rs

an ide

a

of whi

ch

passe

s we

can all

ow

and whi

ch

shou

ld be

prevented.”

Ball Ball movement movement Player Player movement movement Dribble Dribble Optional pass/ Optional pass/ run run KEY KEY

1a

1b

When the ball is When the ball is played out from played out from the back the back The ﬁrst wide The ﬁrst wide striker moves to striker moves to block a pass wide block a pass wide The other wide striker

The other wide striker covers the threat of a covers the threat of a cross-field pass cross-field pass The holding The holding midfielder covers midfielder covers the central area the central area

The left full-back should The left full-back should move forward to cover move forward to cover the wide player in the the wide player in the event of the ball going event of the ball going in to him

in to him

Defending full-backs Defending full-backs can hold the line, but can hold the line, but must stay aware of the must stay aware of the winger

winger

The back four The back four moves across to moves across to cover

cover The defending full-back

The defending full-back moves to challenge moves to challenge

The holding midfielder The holding midfielder moves in to block a pass moves in to block a pass infield to the strikers infield to the strikers

Cross-ﬁeld ball Cross-ﬁeld ball

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www.elitesoccercoaching.net

him to play inside or him to play inside or backwards

backwards(1a)(1a)..

As soon as the striker As soon as the striker locks into the locks into the right-back, that is the trigger back, that is the trigger for his team mates for his team mates to move forward and to move forward and press. The

press. The centralcentral striker is aware of the striker is aware of the other centre-back, or other centre-back, or is in a position to stop a is in a position to stop a cross-ﬁeld pass to cross-ﬁeld pass to thethe left-back.

left-back.

Two Two centre-midﬁelder

midﬁelders mark ‘balls mark ‘ball side’ and press

side’ and press insideinside the ball. The deeper the ball. The deeper centre-midﬁelder centre-midﬁelder stops any long ball into stops any long ball into the strikers

the strikers(2(2))..

Centr

Centre-backs hold ae-backs hold a deeper line so as not deeper line so as not to be turned around. to be turned around. The right-back doesn’t The right-back doesn’t have to go tight to the have to go tight to the winger or right-back winger or right-back on cover, but remains on cover, but remains

aware of the diagonal aware of the diagonal ball. The keeper ball. The keeper sweeps up any longer sweeps up any longer ball

ball(3(3))..

What are the key

things to look out

for?

The set-up succeeds The set-up succeeds or fails on the basis or fails on the basis of players knowing of players knowing their roles and their roles and responsibilities responsibilities when defending from when defending from

the front. Through the front. Through intense and repeated intense and repeated coaching, each player coaching, each player can cement his part can cement his part in the process and, as in the process and, as a result, can create a a result, can create a definite team principle definite team principle of suffocating the of suffocating the threat that comes threat that comes when the opposition is when the opposition is in possession. in possession. Danny Wilson Danny Wilson BARNSLEY BARNSLEY Barnsley manager Barnsley manager Danny Wilson has now Danny Wilson has now enjoyed 38 years in enjoyed 38 years in professional football professional football – his first involvement – his first involvement in the game being as in the game being as a player for Wigan a player for Wigan Athletic in 1976. He went Athletic in 1976. He went on to make over 100 on to make over 100 appearances each for appearances each for Chesterfield, Brighton Chesterfield, Brighton & Hove Albion and & Hove Albion and Luton Town

Luton Town, as well , as well asas enjoying successful enjoying successful spells at Bury, spells at Bury, Nottingham Forest, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley. and Barnsley. As a manager, his CV is As a manager, his CV is similarly impressive, in similarly impressive, in 1997 taking Barnsley 1997 taking Barnsley into the Premier League into the Premier League for the first time in the for the first time in the club’s history, as well as club’s history, as well as also earning promotion also earning promotion for Hartlepool United for Hartlepool United in 2007, before taking in 2007, before taking Swindon Town to the Swindon Town to the League One Play-Off League One Play-Off Final in 2009.

Final in 2009. The 54-year-old has The 54-year-old has also managed Bristol also managed Bristol City, MK Dons and City, MK Dons and Shefﬁeld United. Shefﬁeld United.

DEFENDING FROM THE FRONT DEFENDING FROM THE FRONT

7

7 MARCH 2014 MARCH 2014

“Through

intens

e and

repeated

coaching,

each play

er

can ceme

nt

his part in th

e

process.”

Ball Ball movement movement Player Player movement movement Dribble Dribble Optional pass/ Optional pass/ run run KEY KEY

2

3

The defending The defending full-backs recover, full-backs recover, being aware of the being aware of the winger overlapping winger overlapping The keeper collects

The keeper collects _{Central defenders}_{Central defenders} cover the runs of the cover the runs of the strikers

strikers The attacking full-back The attacking full-back moves inﬁeld to make moves inﬁeld to make room for the pass room for the pass

The attacking full-back The attacking full-back moves inﬁeld to make moves inﬁeld to make room for the pass room for the pass

The defending The defending full-back moves full-back moves up to cover the up to cover the winger winger The holding midﬁelder The holding midﬁelder covers the run of the covers the run of the striker

striker The back four moves

The back four moves across and out across and out

The ball is passed The ball is passed inﬁeld

inﬁeld

The long ball forward The long ball forward

The holding midfielder The holding midfielder drops back to cover drops back to cover late runs by attacking late runs by attacking midfield players midfield players

(8)

What do I get the

players to do?

Passing drill Passing drill This drill prepares This drill prepares players for playing players for playing forwar

forward, with an d, with an offsideoffside line showing the need line showing the need for good timing of for good timing of movement movement(1(1))..

Players move Players move thethe ball around the area, ball around the area, following their passes, following their passes, with receivers c

with receivers comingoming off their poles to create off their poles to create space to control space to control thethe ball and send it on. ball and send it on. What are the key

What are the key

things to look out

for?

Players must show Players must show a good weight and a good weight and accuracy of pass accuracy of pass and excellent and excellent communic communication -ation -verbally and through verbally and through eye contact. A positive eye contact. A positive first touch by the first touch by the receiving player receiving player isis crucial, as is the timing crucial, as is the timing of the final player in not of the final player in not break

breaking the ing the offsideoffside line before the pass is line before the pass is played. The last man played. The last man runs with the ball to runs with the ball to the back of line as the the back of line as the move restarts. move restarts. How do I progress How do I progress the practice? the practice? T

To progress, we ask foro progress, we ask for players to make a players to make a quickquick one-two at the top end one-two at the top end of the grid, as shown of the grid, as shown(2(2))..

Next, another one-two Next, another one-two can be added at the can be added at the start of the practice start of the practice(3(3))..

Then, as a final Then, as a final progression, the last progression, the last man can move in to man can move in to play an early touch play an early touch before the ball is before the ball is moved up the wing. He moved up the wing. He then needs to reset then needs to reset quickly, making a blind quickly, making a blind side run around the side run around the pole to collect the ball pole to collect the ball and finish and finish(4(4)).. BRENTFORD BRENTFORD

Mark

Warburton

Forward

runs

Overview: Overview: The session f

The session focusesocuses on forward runs and on forward runs and encourages positive encourages positive forward movement forward movement linked to patient linked to patient buildup play and good buildup play and good pitch geography. pitch geography. The session can be The session can be adapted depending adapted depending on squad size, and the on squad size, and the focus is on the timing focus is on the timing of movement and

of movement and anan

end product being end product being achieved eithe achieved either byr by passing or running passing or running with the ball. with the ball. We will always We will always

highlight the need for highlight the need for good lines of passes good lines of passes and team shape. and team shape. Irrespective of what Irrespective of what drill we run, we like drill we run, we like to emphasise good to emphasise good pitch geography pitch geography with key areas of with key areas of thethe area always being area always being occupied.

occupied.

We run this session We run this session at least twice each at least twice each week as it’s seen week as it’s seen as a vital part of as a vital part of our overall match our overall match strategy, with the key strategy, with the key attacking principle attacking principle being to create space being to create space and receive.

and receive. ThisThis demands regular demands regular practice time and the practice time and the key factors should be key factors should be constantly r

constantly reiteratedeiterated and highlighted. and highlighted. FORWARD RUNS FORWARD RUNS

SET-UP

AREA AREA Up to 60x32 yards Up to 60x32 yards EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

Balls, cones, ﬂat Balls, cones, ﬂat cones, goals cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to 9v9 Up to 9v9 SESSION TIME SESSION TIME

Passing drill 15mins Passing drill 15mins plus 3mins per plus 3mins per progression, progression, Small-sided game 4v4mins sided game 4v4mins with 90secs recovery with 90secs recovery

1

2

3

Ball Ball movement movement Player Player movement movement Dribble Dribble KEY KEY

In the Passing Drill, the ball is In the Passing Drill, the ball is worked around the area for the worked around the area for the last man to run onto, ensuring he last man to run onto, ensuring he times his run so as to

times his run so as to stay onsidestay onside as the pass is played

as the pass is played

In the progression, players make a In the progression, players make a one-two before the ﬁnal pass goes one-two before the ﬁnal pass goes forward

forward

Now, a second one-two is made at Now, a second one-two is made at the start of the passing move the start of the passing move

(9)

www.elitesoccercoaching.net www.elitesoccercoaching.net Small-sided game Small-sided game We use 18 players on We use 18 players on a 60x32-yard area, as a 60x32-yard area, as shown

shown(5(5)). Being long. Being long

and narrow, it focuses and narrow, it focuses players on the need for players on the need for good forward pas good forward passingsing and movement. and movement. Each team allocates Each team allocates two attackers and three two attackers and three defende

defenders. A point isrs. A point is scored by one of the scored by one of the attackers r

attackers receivingeceiving the ball under control, the ball under control, or running with the or running with the ball, into the relevant ball, into the relevant end zone. They are end zone. They are the only players who the only players who can go into that end can go into that end zone. Likewise, for the zone. Likewise, for the opposing end zone, only opposing end zone, only the allocated def

the allocated defendersenders and attackers can enter and attackers can enter the ‘scoring area’. the ‘scoring area’. A further point can be A further point can be scored by the team in scored by the team in possession compl possession completingeting eight consecutive eight consecutive passes. This prev passes. This preventsents the defending team the defending team simply sitting back simply sitting back and protecting their and protecting their respective end zone. respective end zone. A progression of the A progression of the game can see an game can see an additional point scored additional point scored if a forward closes if a forward closes down a defender and down a defender and steals posses

steals possessionsion in the end zone. This in the end zone. This encourages the strikers encourages the strikers to maintain focus and to maintain focus and concentration .

concentration . What are the key

What are the key

things to look out

for?

Forwards

Forwards shouldshould never be level or ‘ﬂat’. never be level or ‘ﬂat’. Instead we want to see Instead we want to see ‘opposite’ movement, ‘opposite’ movement, so one forward going so one forward going short and the other short and the other long. And the team in long. And the team in possession must not possession must not ‘force the pass

‘force the pass’, instead’, instead carefu

carefully securing ally securing a point through eight point through eight successful passes. successful passes. Mark Mark Warburton Warburton BRENTFORD BRENTFORD

There aren’t many There aren’t many current Football current Football League managers who League managers who can boast a career in can boast a career in London’s unrelenting London’s unrelenting banking district, but banking district, but Brentfor

Brentford managerd manager Mark Warburton Mark Warburton worked for two decades worked for two decades as a trader, both in the as a trader, both in the UK and in Chicago and UK and in Chicago and Charlotte in the United Charlotte in the United States.

States.

Launching the Launching the Under-19s European cup 19s European cup competition NextGen competition NextGen Series offered Mark an Series offered Mark an interesting route back interesting route back into the game having into the game having played part-time for played part-time for Enfield. Enfield. He established the He established the Harefield Academy at Harefield Academy at Watfor

Watford before movingd before moving on to become Assistant on to become Assistant Manager then Sporting Manager then Sporting Director at

Director at BrentforBrentford.d. And when former And when former manager Uwe Rosler manager Uwe Rosler left to join Wigan Athletic left to join Wigan Athletic in December of last in December of last year, the 51-year-old year, the 51-year-old moved into the Grifﬁn moved into the Grifﬁn Park hotseat, guiding Park hotseat, guiding the Bees to the top of the Bees to the top of the Sky Bet League One the Sky Bet League One table. table. FORWARD RUNS FORWARD RUNS 9 9 MARCH 2014 MARCH 2014

“Within t

his

sess

ion, we

will alw

ays

highlight

the need f

or

good lines

of

passe

s and

team shape.”

Striker psychology

Before the practice commences, we Before the practice commences, we willwill remind players how a striker can

remind players how a striker can construct aconstruct a scoring situation. This may be from running in scoring situation. This may be from running in behind, from ‘pinning’ his defende

behind, from ‘pinning’ his defender in r in the endthe end zone, or perhaps receiv

zone, or perhaps receiving on the half-turning on the half-turn and dribbling into the end zone. The key aspect and dribbling into the end zone. The key aspect though is the creation of space to allow

though is the creation of space to allow suchsuch opportunities.

opportunities.

A player in possession needs to ask

A player in possession needs to ask himselfhimself ‘can I play forward?’, ‘can I play square?, ‘can ‘can I play forward?’, ‘can I play square?, ‘can I pass back?’, all the time looking to ‘tempt’ I pass back?’, all the time looking to ‘tempt’ defenders away from their own end zone, thus defenders away from their own end zone, thus creating space for the forward movement. creating space for the forward movement. How do I progress

How do I progress

the game?

T

To progress, we cano progress, we can res

restrict touches, playtrict touches, play one forward

one forward againstagainst two defender

two defenders, ors, or allow any team in allow any team in possession to score possession to score in the end zone. in the end zone.

4

5

And in the

And in the ﬁnal progressﬁnal progression,ion, the ‘last man’ joins the move the ‘last man’ joins the move early to offer an

early to offer an extra passingextra passing outlet, before returning to outlet, before returning to his starting position and his starting position and completing the move completing the move

In the Small-sided game, the In the Small-sided game, the principles are played out in principles are played out in a 9v9 set-up, with the blue a 9v9 set-up, with the blue striker evading the attention of striker evading the attention of his red defender and scoring a his red defender and scoring a point by collecting a pass made point by collecting a pass made into the end zone

into the end zone

(10)

What do I get the

players to do? players to do? Three players Three players Setting up as shown, Setting up as shown, a pass by the no.2 is a pass by the no.2 is played into the feet of played into the feet of the no.7. Simply, he the no.7. Simply, he takes the full-back takes the full-back

away with a sharp away with a sharp burst of 10 yards or burst of 10 yards or less, checks, then less, checks, then returns to receive the returns to receive the ball to feet in front of ball to feet in front of his marker

his marker(1(1))..

Alternatively, if there Alternatively, if there is space behind, the is space behind, the no.7 can run towards no.7 can run towards his own full-back to his own full-back to receive, then race receive, then race beyond his marker beyond his marker(2(2))..

Considerations for Considerations for your no.7: your no.7: Q. Is there space? Q. Is there space? Q. Is he happy to Q. Is he happy to receive the ball in receive the ball in front of his marker or front of his marker or behind? behind? Four players Four players We introduce a We introduce a midﬁelder to the midﬁelder to the side (no.8), in order to side (no.8), in order to progress into space progress into space behind. Now, a pass behind. Now, a pass is made backwards is made backwards square to the no.8, square to the no.8, whose mov

whose movementement enables him to pass enables him to pass inside of the full-back inside of the full-back and into space for the and into space for the no.7 to run on to no.7 to run on to(3(3)).. Considerations for Considerations for your no.7: your no.7:

Q. Is there space ahead Q. Is there space ahead and a good angle for and a good angle for the passing player? the passing player?

Five players Five players

Now we introduce a Now we introduce a front striker

front striker (no.9).(no.9). The no.7 attracts his The no.7 attracts his opponen

opponent in tight,t in tight, and plays around the and plays around the corner to the no.9 who corner to the no.9 who has moved towards has moved towards him. He plays the ball him. He plays the ball into space behind the into space behind the full-back for the no.7 full-back for the no.7 to run on to

to run on to(4(4)). No.2. No.2

and no.8 can work and no.8 can work togethe

together to change ther to change the starting point of the starting point of the pass pass(5(5)).. Considerations for Considerations for your no.7: your no.7: Q. Has he attracted Q. Has he attracted the full-back in tight the full-back in tight

David Pleat

Wing and

wide man

contributions

Overview: Overview: This is a progressive This is a progressive and precise session and precise session that outlines some that outlines some of the intricacies of the intricacies of smart wing play. of smart wing play. It has been put It has been put together to offer a together to offer a basic wing setup basic wing setup before

before advancingadvancing this through

this through variousvarious stages

stages, and using, and using the involvement the involvement of additional of additional team mates, plus team mates, plus opposition players. opposition players. Good play on Good play on the ﬂanks is a the ﬂanks is a prerequisite of prerequisite of any football team. any football team. YYou cannot beou cannot be succes

successful sful withoutwithout fully utilising the fully utilising the linkup play between linkup play between the r

the receivingeceiving winger (your no.7), winger (your no.7), midﬁelder

midﬁelders ands and other players, and other players, and this session outlines this session outlines the real positive effect the real positive effect that can be gained that can be gained from a concerted from a concerted training exercise. training exercise.

WING AND WIDE MAN CONTRIBUTIONS WING AND WIDE MAN CONTRIBUTIONS

SET-UP

AREA AREA 30x20 yards 30x20 yards EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT Balls Balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to 7 Up to 7 SESSION TIME SESSION TIME

10mins per practice 10mins per practice

“You

canno

t be

successful

without full

y

utilisin

g the

linkup

play

betwee

n the

receiving

winger

(your n

o.7),

midfielders

and ot

her

players.”

1

2

3

In Three Players, the no.7 In Three Players, the no.7 drops then checks back to drops then checks back to receive the ball

receive the ball

As an alternative setup, he As an alternative setup, he comes forward then drops comes forward then drops back to run on to

back to run on to a pass froma pass from his team mate

his team mate

In Four Players, the In Four Players, the midﬁelder (no.8) moves in midﬁelder (no.8) moves in to play the forward pass to play the forward pass

2 2 2 2 2 2 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8

(11)

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

enough to leave good enough to leave good space behind?

space behind? Q. Can he play Q. Can he play left-footed around footed around thethe corner ﬁrst time, so as corner ﬁrst time, so as not to break stride? not to break stride? Seven players Seven players We now introduce an We now introduce an oppositio

opposition no.5 andn no.5 and a defender to mark a defender to mark no.9

no.9(6(6)). The no.9 has. The no.9 has

attracted his marker attracted his marker towards the wide area towards the wide area away from the centre. away from the centre. He receives

He receives and laysand lays back to no.8, who back to no.8, who plays forward, as the plays forward, as the no.7 turns behind into no.7 turns behind into attacking play.

attacking play.

Considerations for your Considerations for your no.7:

no.7:

Q. Can he receive Q. Can he receive

comfortably, and is no.9 comfortably, and is no.9 aware and looking for aware and looking for the ball at a 45 degree the ball at a 45 degree angle?

angle?

Q. Can the no.8 find Q. Can the no.8 find space when marked to space when marked to receive and play receive and play first-time into space? time into space? Q. Has the movement Q. Has the movement of the no.9 dragging the of the no.9 dragging the centre-half towards centre-half towards play helped make play helped make space?

space?

How do I progress the

session?

We can add a marker We can add a marker to the no.8, or have to the no.8, or have the coach feed no.9, the coach feed no.9, who can

who can immediatelyimmediately be approached by the be approached by the oppositio

opposition wide n wide leftleft player (to make a fully player (to make a fully competitive practice). competitive practice). We can also add a We can also add a dribbling eleme dribbling element bynt by instructing team mates instructing team mates to dribble beyond the to dribble beyond the no.7.

no.7.

What are the key

things to look out for?

We are

We are looking for quicklooking for quick passing, precision, and passing, precision, and a maximum awareness a maximum awareness and understanding of and understanding of team mates’ positions. team mates’ positions.

David Pleat David Pleat

David Pleat is a vastly David Pleat is a vastly experienced football experienced football manager, who has manager, who has taken charge of a host taken charge of a host of sides in the top ﬂight, of sides in the top ﬂight, including Luton Town, including Luton Town, T

Tottenham Hotspur andottenham Hotspur and Sheffield Wednesday. Sheffield Wednesday. He guided Spurs to a He guided Spurs to a third-place finish in third-place finish in 1987 and FA Cup final 1987 and FA Cup final appearance – this appearance – this was to be his first of was to be his first of two trips to Wembley two trips to Wembley inside 12 months inside 12 months when, the following when, the following season, he coached season, he coached Luton to League Cup Luton to League Cup final success with a 3-2 final success with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal. victory over Arsenal. Pleat also managed Pleat also managed Leicester City and Leicester City and Nuneaton Borough, Nuneaton Borough, and is now a prolific and is now a prolific name in media punditry, name in media punditry, appearing regularly on appearing regularly on ITV, ESPN and Radio ITV, ESPN and Radio 5Live broadcasts. 5Live broadcasts.

WING AND WIDE MAN CONTRIBUTIONS WING AND WIDE MAN CONTRIBUTIONS

11 11 MARCH 2014 MARCH 2014

“We ar

e

looking f

or

quick pas

sing,

precisi

on, and

a maximu

m

awarenes

s and

understanding

of team mates

’

positions.”

4

6

5

In Five Players, no.9 In Five Players, no.9 drops deep to

drops deep to receivereceive and pass on

and pass on

The no.8 and no.2 offer The no.8 and no.2 offer alternative passing angles alternative passing angles for the ﬁnal pass

for the ﬁnal pass

In Seven Players, opposition In Seven Players, opposition players are brought in to players are brought in to make the practice less make the practice less passive, with opponents passive, with opponents closing down attacking closing down attacking players at every opportunity players at every opportunity

2 2 2 2 2 2 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7

(12)

COACHING

COACHING CONSULTATION

CONSULTATION

Each month, we ask one of the game’s leading coaches to answer a question posed by an

Elite Soccer

read

reader

er..

THIS MONTH: THIS MONTH:

Possession

and scoring

My players tend to My players tend to run out of ideas in run out of ideas in the ﬁnal third. How the ﬁnal third. How can I get them to take can I get them to take better advantage of the better advantage of the opportunities around opportunities around them?

them?

Question asked by Stuart Question asked by Stuart Muntain, a community Muntain, a community soccer coach from soccer coach from Liverpool Liverpool ANSWERED BY: ANSWERED BY:

Graham

Taylor

For players to see the For players to see the options in the ﬁnal third, options in the ﬁnal third, simply, they must play simply, they must play with their heads up, and with their heads up, and this is a session that this is a session that has this as its heart, has this as its heart, encouraging them to encouraging them to see the options, respond see the options, respond to them, and conclude to them, and conclude with a positive end with a positive end product, namely a shot. product, namely a shot. In any game of football In any game of football the more

the more accomplishedaccomplished players get at knowing players get at knowing what they are going to what they are going to do before they receive do before they receive the ball, the better they the ball, the better they become.

become.

Look at any game and Look at any game and observe those players observe those players who are continually who are continually looking around them looking around them

SET-UP

AREA AREA 70x44 yards 70x44 yards EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

Balls, cones, goals Balls, cones, goals

NUMBER OF PLAYERS NUMBER OF PLAYERS 24 24 SESSION TIME SESSION TIME 60mins 60mins Ball Ball movement movement Player Player movement movement Dribble Dribble KEY KEY

Set-up of the game

Set up using three teams of eight, as shown Set up using three teams of eight, as shown -two teams going head-to-head in the middle two teams going head-to-head in the middle with the third positioned around the edge of with the third positioned around the edge of the area.

the area.

No player is allowed to sit back and pr No player is allowed to sit back and protectotect his goal by moving into the ‘D’.

his goal by moving into the ‘D’.

Using yellows

When in possession of the ball, reds and When in possession of the ball, reds and blues – who can have as many touches as blues – who can have as many touches as they need – must use yellow

they need – must use yellow players, whoplayers, who make themselves available for a pass and make themselves available for a pass and can, two-touch, pass it on.

can, two-touch, pass it on.

Our main stipulation is that the ball should Our main stipulation is that the ball should never be still. If so, possession passes to the never be still. If so, possession passes to the other team.

other team.

The winning team is the

The winning team is the one that scoresone that scores most goals.

most goals.

The game is set up, 8v8 in the The game is set up, 8v8 in the middle, with a further eight middle, with a further eight ‘neutral’ players around the ‘neutral’ players around the outside of the pitch

outside of the pitch

Reds use yellow players around Reds use yellow players around the outside of the pitch to the outside of the pitch to

construct a slick passing move that construct a slick passing move that ends in a goal

ends in a goal No player is

No player is allowed into the D allowed into the D

(13)

www.elitesoccercoaching.net www.elitesoccercoaching.net Graham Taylor Graham Taylor LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR

Graham Taylor enjoyed Graham Taylor enjoyed over three decades in over three decades in management, having management, having started at Lincoln City started at Lincoln City in 1972. Domestically, in 1972. Domestically, he oversaw the Imps, he oversaw the Imps, Watfor

Watford (twice), d (twice), AstonAston Villa and Wolverhampton Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it is on the Wanderers, but it is on the international stage that international stage that the 69-year-old is best the 69-year-old is best known, with an eventful known, with an eventful three years in charge of three years in charge of England.

England.

He secured qualiﬁcation He secured qualiﬁcation for an ageing squad for an ageing squad when taking them to when taking them to the 1992 European the 1992 European Championships in Championships in Sweden, and although Sweden, and although he couldn’t repeat the he couldn’t repeat the feat two years later as the feat two years later as the Three Lions missed out Three Lions missed out on the World Cup in USA, on the World Cup in USA, he did complete three he did complete three years in charge with an years in charge with an impressive 47% win ratio. impressive 47% win ratio. In domestic f

In domestic football,ootball, T

Taylor has aylor has taken chargetaken charge of over 1,000 matches; of over 1,000 matches; and as a player turned and as a player turned out in the lower leagues out in the lower leagues for Grimsby Town and for Grimsby Town and Lincoln, before having Lincoln, before having to hang up his boots at to hang up his boots at the age of 28 because of the age of 28 because of injury.

injury.

COACHING

COACHING CONSULTATIONCONSULTATION

13

13 MARCH 2013 MARCH 2013

If you have a Coaching

Consultation question

you would like a leading

coach to answer, please

email in at

email in atelitesoccer@elitesoccer@

greenstarmedia.net

prior to receiving the ball. prior to receiving the ball. They are ‘taking pictures’ They are ‘taking pictures’ of the game and not just of the game and not just looking at the ball. looking at the ball.

T

Technical observations and

echnical observations and

progr

progressing the

essing the game

game

We want to see early and quick movement of the ball and as We want to see early and quick movement of the ball and as many attempts on goal as possible from a team that enters many attempts on goal as possible from a team that enters the opposition ha

the opposition half. A common fault is when a team fails tolf. A common fault is when a team fails to use the players around the edge of the area.

use the players around the edge of the area. T

To progress, we can introduce the two-touch o progress, we can introduce the two-touch rule to allrule to all teams. We

teams. We can also increase difﬁculcan also increase difﬁculty by reducing the teamsty by reducing the teams to six-a-side.

to six-a-side.

Coaching considerations

We need to see a high tempo, quick passing, good We need to see a high tempo, quick passing, good

movement and creation of space, and of course, players movement and creation of space, and of course, players surveying space all around them so they can decide on surveying space all around them so they can decide on the right space to play into even before the ball arrives. the right space to play into even before the ball arrives. Why this works

Why this works

This is a

This is a simple yet effectivsimple yet effective method of getting playerse method of getting players to look around and assess

to look around and assess options in matches. Feedingoptions in matches. Feeding outer players (who will for the most part be unmarked) outer players (who will for the most part be unmarked) provides the easiest passing outlet, and this is

provides the easiest passing outlet, and this is

something that will be taken into match day situations. something that will be taken into match day situations.

Blues’ inability to look up and Blues’ inability to look up and use the yellow outer players use the yellow outer players means the attacker runs out of means the attacker runs out of passing options, and reds win passing options, and reds win back possession