West ham by Eli Cohen

West Ham United

Youth Academy Coaching Manual

West Ham United Youth Academy Coaching Manual

Contents Foreword & introduction

Syllabus for the academy

Warm up & cool down protocols

Techniques and drills A Beating opponents

B Short passing

C Ball manipulation & control

D Turns & shielding

Combination plays

Long passing & crossing

G Defending

H Heading

Shooting

Conditioned games

K Team organisation

106 118

First published in the United Kingdom in 2009 by West Ham United © West Ham United Design and layout © Hayden Media Ltd, 2008 Photography © Jonathan Hayden / HML Media Back cover photography courtesy of West Ham United All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Produced by Hayden Media Limited, Middlesex, UK Designer Marcus Nichols Reproduction by PDQ Digital Media Solutions Ltd, Bungay, England Printed and bound by Butler Tanner and Dennis www.whufc.com

Gender: Throughout the manual individual players have been referred to as ‘he’. This is simply for convenience and to avoid awkward he/she constructions. It in no way reflects an opinion that football (soccer) is a male-only game. Safety and Equipment: Coaches should take care to follow manufacturers’ instructions when setting up training equipment. In particular portable goals should always be properly erected and anchored firmly to the ground. Physical Exertion: Coaches should be aware that, contrary to traditional wisdom, players can be worked too hard. Prolonged sessions, particularly those involving plyometric exercises, should be kept short and tailored to meet the needs and abilities of the players.

SECTION I FOREWORD

Foreword The Academy of Football is rightly renowned the world over. All involved should be proud of the strong reputation the club has for constantly producing homegrown players and developing them into world-class performers.

“I was eleven when I was scouted from school and Sunday league football by West Ham and I certainly made the right decision when I came here. The club really plays football the right way; it’s the way the club has always played football. And if you are good enough and when you are ready – at this football club you are given your chance. “I was never pressured into anything that I didn’t want to do myself. I’d come home from a school game and all my friends would be going over the park playing and my dad would say: ‘Go on, go over the park and play. You’re young, you’ve got to enjoy your life first before you start getting bogged down.’ That paid dividends. I wanted to come here because it was fun: the Academy made it into a fun thing for a young kid. “It’s not just the football either. Young players here are brought up the right way: how to talk to people; how to be around people and how to play football. That’s the most important thing. “We get taught how to handle the media, we go through the college system. I’m from West Ham, two minutes away from the ground, and I think the fans appreciate a local boy who has come through and grew up the way they did. “To be a top player is something you are born with, but you still have to really want it and plan on succeeding. Lots of kids have the talent, but just don’t to seem to want it badly enough. I’ve seen loads of them with massive talent and ability – but with no heart. At the end they simply drop out. “It’s still fun, being a Premiership player, but sometimes the pressure takes over and you can’t enjoy it because so much is riding on the three points. That said I still love my football; I want to play every day.” Mark Noble Graduate of the Youth Academy. Made 28 appearances for the first team in the 2007/08 season. 4

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

A club like West Ham United relies on a passionate and loyal fan base which has been developed over generations. The affinity a supporter feels with a Mark Noble or Freddie Sears will usually be greater than the connection to a multi-million pound signing from England or abroad, whatever the reputation. The ‘West Ham way’ has, and continues to be, to blend such exciting big-name arrivals with talented teenagers nurtured on the club’s training pitches over many years of painstaking practice. Often these youngsters have been at the club since childhood and, thanks to the hard work of our coaches, they are given every chance to rise through the ranks with full licence to achieve all they can. No barrier is put in their way and every effort is made to prepare them for life on and off the pitch. From Bobby Moore to Rio Ferdinand, Martin Peters to Frank Lampard and Trevor Brooking to Joe Cole to name just six – generation after generation has produced players regarded the world over. Young players want to sign for West Ham United. They can see a path to the first team as demonstrated by these past Academy graduates and they can see they will get a football upbringing that is second to none. Even those that do not make it are given a grounding that makes them more rounded as individuals and ready for whatever life throws at them. We are investing heavily in our coaches, support staff and facilities to make sure we develop this commitment to education and excellence. This is reflected particularly at senior level too. When they make it to the first team, we are doing all we can to ensure the Academy products flourish in an environment that is among the best that English football has to offer. The club is embracing new approaches to coaching and sports science – utilising the best of British and foreign innovation and expertise – and constantly monitoring new developments and best practice. Like the West Ham way that sees the club strive to complement local youngsters with foreign flair, this state of the art approach would be nothing without the sheer hard work from all within the Academy. Whatever the weather, the coaches are always out there hunting for the club’s next superstars. When they find them, we have to make sure these stars of tomorrow are able to shine as brightly as they can for West Ham United. Scott Duxbury Chief Executive – West Ham United

[JC] “When I was approached by the West Ham United Youth Academy I thought this is fantastic. I knew it was known world-wide for bringing young players through.

The Aim of the Academy The aim of the West Ham United Youth Academy is to recruit the best players possible, to nurture and develop them technically and physically using the best methods possible and to produce players good enough to play for the West Ham first team. Whatever we do as coaches, scouts, sports scientists or physios, it must be player-led. The needs of our players must always come first. We must always remember the only objective of our Academy is to produce technically proficient, tactically aware and creative players good enough to play first team football. This will require dedication, hard work and no little skill on our part. We must all embrace new ideas and methods to achieve these aims. F.A. courses, the Internet, books and study visits are just some of the ways to improve our knowledge and expertise. We have a proud tradition to uphold and it is only by following the above principles and adding our own expertise will we be capable of adding our own mark and making things better for the next generation of players. While setting targets for your players, set yourself targets as well. Demand high standards of behaviour as well as performances. Always be punctual and above all else give the players sessions that stretch them tactically, technically and physically – and make sure they want to come back for more! Tony Carr Youth Academy Director I would like to thank the many contributers to this book from the West Ham United Youth Academy. The drills, practices and coaching ideas are drawn from all the coaches at the Academy. I would also like to thank Eamon Swift for help with the Warm Up & Cool Down section.

“What immediately struck me was the big difference in terms of facilities (compared with Cambridge United) and the standard of opposition. I guess I was surprised really how professional it was and what a great club it was.” [JT] “During my time at the Academy you first take each year as it comes, but then you start to set yourself targets. The overall aim is to get into the first team and play for West Ham United. “There are lots of one-on-one sessions that help to identify your weaknesses and strengths – what you’ve got to work on. Tony Carr and I set targets; Tony says where he wants you to get to and that helps motivate you – it’s something to aim for.” [JC] “When you get the opportunity to train with the first team it really is a massive thing. You improve as a player; you are learning things because there are so many good players here. Playing with Craig Bellamy who has played at the very top level for pretty much his whole career in football makes you want to do something really good to beat him, but it’s also the potential to do something bad which keeps you on your toes, keeps you switched on in training.” James Tomkins (left) is a product of the West Ham Youth Academy and is a ballplaying central defender already involved in the England Youth set up. Jack Collison (right) made his senior Wales international debut at the age of 19. A tall central midfielder, Jack was spotted playing for Cambridge United and offered a scholarship in the summer of 2005. He made his West Ham first team debut on 1 January 2008.

FOREWORD

Syllabus for the Academy The success of any academy will only be as good as the recruitment programme it adopts (its scouting network and operation) followed by the facilities, the coaching and training programme and, finally, the coach. As coaches we must regularly revisit previous work to remind players and to develop good habits in them. The more a player practises, the better a player he will become. It is a fallacy to think players improve by playing lots of matches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; improvement comes from work and more work on the training pitch focusing on skills, technique and attitude. We must also encourage our players to practise away from the academy environment by setting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;homeworkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The following coaching suggestions are just a guide to help you formulate a coaching programme. Use your own experience and ideas to complement the syllabus.

SYLLABUS FOR THE ACADEMY ACTIVITY

Academy syllabus 8-11 years

A Beating Opponents

f At this early stage the forming of good habits through

f Don’t over coach; they are too young to understand

f This is the ideal time to develop both left and right

f It is not too early for ‘combinaton play’ practice. Keep

f Practise in small groups of twos, threes and fours.

f Correct basic technical faults.

f Don’t overly complicate drills, techniques or games.

f As a general rule, the simpler the practice or drill the

guidance, repetition and practise. side techniques.

f Let the young player discover how to ‘play’ under your

guidance.

f Coach correct body shape when performing techniques.

and absorb too much information. it simple and repetitive.

better and avoid putting too much into one coaching session. Keep to one topic per session and only progress when you are satisfied the players understand what it is you are trying to get across. At the end of the session reinforce the topic in small sided games.

turning and playing the ball forward; developing the ability to see the whole pitch, i.e. when to pass long or short; making forward runs; shooting from a distance; understanding defensive responsibilities.

f For forwards: turning and beating defenders;

turning defenders without the ball; linking with midfield support; heading for goal; quick finishing (1-2 touch); turning and shooting.

f Speed-agility-fitness and flexibility for all players.

f Encourage speed and urgency during training and

A6 Dribble into end zone

B Short Passing

B6 3 v 1 (keeping possession)

B7 Passing to a target to ‘score’

B8 Overlapping

f Introduce organisation at set plays (basic).

B9 Combined passing drill

f Competition becomes progressively tougher and this

B10 Passing under pressure (find the spare player)

in all situations.

rd f Combined passing moves – 3 man runs, overlaps

etc.

can be highlighted during training sessions.

f Coach players to create space.

C Ball Manipulation & Control C1 Keep the ball up – one touch and bounce

C2 A simple step over

f Less rotation and more positional selection for the

C3 Step over and accelerate

C4 Roll the ball with the sole of the foot (side to side)

f Improve players’ tactical understanding. f Are we challenging the best players?

C5 Controlling the ball with chest and thigh or foot

C6 Controlling the ball on the move

C7 Keep the ball up

f “Coaching the team” – organisation of the defence,

midfield and forwards (attacking and defending). role required.

D Turns & Shielding

f Match play effectiveness – transferring training into

competitive.

A5 Dribble and shoot

f Develop better tactical understanding.

f Develop strong mental attitudes as games get more

B5 Third man runs

f Don’t stop dribblers but encourage effectiveness.

f Identify talented effective players and fast track them.

A4 Beat a player to score

B4 Check away and set

f Understanding their role within the team.

coaching).

Academy syllabus 15-18 years

f Improve specific weakness in individuals (one-to-one

A3 Beating your man without the ball

B3 Pass And Move 2

f Use realistic practice (opposed or unopposed).

f For midfielders: receiving the ball under pressure;

f Develop player understanding of the game with

being comfortable marking 1 v 1; distribution from the back (long and short); working in a unit (covering responsibilities); defending set plays.

A2 Wrong-foot your opponent

B2 Pass And Move 1

f Decision making and awareness are vital components

f For defenders: heading skills (height and distance);

f The development period (adolescence and growth

position-specific practice.

A1 Free dribbling

B1 Passing in sequence

Academy syllabus 12-14 years spurts).

PAGE

matches.

f As player fitness and strength become evident,

introduce the importance of both aspects to the players.

f Winning becomes important.

D1 Outside or back foot turns

D2 Two turn movement

D3 Pass-turn-pass relay

D4 Turn and shoot

D5 Shielding: protecting the ball

D6 Shielding and turn

f Set players targets.

match play.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

SYLLABUS FOR THE ACADEMY

SYLLABUS FOR THE ACADEMY ACTIVITY

PAGE

E Combination Plays

PAGE

I Shooting

E1 Diagonal and overlapping runs

I1 Run and shoot

E2 Two in a circle

I2 Touch and shoot

E3 Forwards combining

I3 Turning and shooting

100

E4 One touch pass and move combinations

I4 Shield, dummy, turn and shoot

101

E5 Combination play in wide areas

I5 Dribble, pass, shoot

102

I6 Volleys

103 104

F Long Passing & Crossing F1 Chipping the ball

I7 Shooting under pressure

F2 Chip to a target

J Conditioned Games

F3 Crossing drill

J1 Below head height – 3 v 3

108

F4 Set up: hit long

J2 One touch to finish

109

F5 Crossing into the box

J3 Rebounds to score

110

F6 Hitting space

J4 Only score from a cross and finish

111

J5 One touch in own half

112

G Defending G1 Defending 1 v 1 in each half

J6 Man-to-man marking

113

G2 Closing down the opposition

J7 All in attacking half to score

114

G3 Going with runners

J8 4 v 4

115

G4 Closing down the opposition/defending from the front

J9 Head – catch/throw – head

116

G5 Squeezing play

J10 Three zone game (playing out from the back)

117

G6 Two defenders v three forwards

K Team Organisation

G7 Marking on crosses 1 (1 v 1)

K1 Defending corners 11 v 11

122

G8 Marking on crosses 2 (2 v 2)

K2 Defending corners 8 v 8

123

G9 Attack vs defence (6 v 6)

K3 Team formations 11 v 11 (4-4-2)

124

G10 Defending as a team

K4 Team formations 11 v 11 (4-3-3)

125

K5 Team formations 8 v 8 (2-3-2)

126

K6 Team formations 8 v 8 (2-2-3)

127

H Heading

ACTIVITY

H1 Throw to head

H2 Continuous heading

H3 Learning to jump

H4 Heading for goal

H5 Attacking the ball

H6 Heading for distance

H7 Defensive heading

H8 Heading in the box

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

SYLLABUS FOR THE ACADEMY

Warm Up & Cool Down Warming up is something that is taken seriously throughout the professional game and even players as young as seven should go through a thorough warm up. You can use any or all of the warm up exercises described in this section for a period of 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15 minutes. Very young players usually need no more than ten minutes of warm up. Using structured warm ups with all age groups prepares the players physically and mentally for the practices that follow. At West Ham we encourage and demand high concentration levels during the warm up period as we would of any other part of training. The warm up period can often set the tone for the ensuing training session. Warm up routines can be varied by using your imagination as long as the content includes exercises that prepare the body for the movements that will occur later on in the training session. You do not need any special equipment or even balls to prepare the body for a football session. However, with our younger groups of players we use balls and technique practice as much as possible.

WARM UP & COOL DOWN

Warm up and cool down protocols Both the warm up and cool down are essential parts of day-to-day training and match-day competition. The warm up ensures players are prepared both physically and mentally for the exercise they are about to undertake and the cool down encourages the most efficient and fastest recovery postexercise. Both sets of activities have the potential to reduce the risk of player injury.

effectively and shower after training, not just for reasons of hygiene but because of the beneficial effect of warm water on muscles. To avoid the players rushing off after training nominate one of the more senior players to manage the cooling down session.

encouraged to drink up to one litre over the next one to two hours. However, it should be noted that all players differ and these are suggested guidelines; actual amounts will vary depending on how much fluid a player feels comfortable consuming.

An appropriate cool down session results in among other things:

Re-hydration

●

An appropriate warm up brings about: ●

●

● ●

Increased heart rate and core temperature Decreased muscle and joint stiffness, increased range of motion and flexibility of muscles Increased nerve conduction rate and, therefore, faster contraction rates of working muscles Increased thermoregulatory responses Greater economy of movement due to lowered viscous resistance (within warmed muscles) Increased blood flow to active muscles (and consequent improved energy metabolism) Increased mental preparedness The warm up must be of sufficient intensity to prepare the body for the activity it is about to perform, and done in a progressive manner.

The cool down Cooling down after intensive physical activity is as important as the warm up. Apart from the physical benefits, it provides an opportunity for a mental debrief and the chance to start the recovery process from a fluid and nutritional perspective. A gentle jog, often linked with putting away the equipment that has been used during the training session and a few gentle stretches are all that are usually needed. Make sure the players cool down

●

Reduced blood pooling in active muscles (pooling can lead to a dizzy, sick feeling) Dissipation of waste products (e.g. lactic acid) Possible potential for reduced delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) Opportunity for stretching/flexibility work to relax muscles, maintain/restore optimum muscle length and range of movement Opportunity for replacing fluid and nutrition (e.g. milkshakes)

Hydration Dehydration symptoms generally become noticeable after 2% of one’s normal water volume has been lost. Scientific studies show conclusively that players will suffer a significant loss of performance, exhibit low endurance, elevated heart rate and body temperatures and the rapid onset of fatigue when they become dehydrated. To avoid the consequences of dehydration we encourage the players to drink frequently with the aim of each player consuming between 2 and 4 litres of water per day. In the hour before either a training session or match, players are encouraged to drink 3-500ml of sports drink. During training and matches small, frequent sips are encouraged.

If the fluids lost through sweating are not replaced the body becomes dehydrated in response to which a person will feel thirsty and the body will try to conserve the fluid that it has left, reducing the production of sweat and urine. The effects of dehydration are cumulative and can have a knockon effect with regard to a player’s mood, concentration and fatigue levels that may impact on his perfomance during subsequent football sessions - i.e. the next day.

1. Jogging (forwards/backwards) Start with a slow and steady pace that can be speeded up as the intensity of the warm up increases. The motion, both forwards and backwards, is designed to encourage blood flow to the working muscles and raise core temperature.

2. Skipping (+ upper body rotations or chest/shoulder mobility) A rhythmic skipping motion with the weight light on the forefoot and good posture. Can progress to include upper body motions including upper body rotations or alternate arm raise straight in front or across the body to encourage activation of the calf muscles and mobility around the ankle joint.

3. Hamstring heelbuttock flick An exaggerated running technique: the opposite arm drives and the heel flicks the buttocks simultaneously whilst maintaining good upright posture to encourage activation of the hamstrings and stretching of the quads.

Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration. By the time you feel thirsty the body is almost certainly dehydrated and a player’s performance is beginning to suffer. Monitoring the amount of urine excreted and its colour can provide an indication of an individual’s hydration status. Generally, the darker the colour of the urine and the less an individual urinates, the more dehydrated they are. Ideally, the urine should be a pale straw colour. However, please be aware that other factors can also affect urine production and colour. Urine colour is only intended as a general guide to levels of hydration.

4. Hip flexor knee drive

5. High knee out drive

6. High knee in drive

An exaggerated running technique: the opposite arm drives and the knee drives simultaneously, whilst maintaining good upright posture to encourage activation of the hip flexors and stretching of the gluteal muscles plus mobility of the hip joint.

A skipping type motion with knees turned out to the side as apposed to in front to encourage mobility of the hip joint and action in the inner thighs.

A skipping type motion with knees driving up and in across the body to encourage mobility of the hip joint and action in the outer thighs and gluteals.

At half time during matches players are again encouraged to drink up to 500ml of fluid. After the match they are

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

WARM UP AND COOL DOWN

WARM UP & COOL DOWN

7. Side shuffle Players perform a sideways shuffle keeping their hips square with a lowered body position and ensuring their feet don’t touch in the middle when shuffling to encourage quick efficient movement laterally and to activate abductor, adductor and gluteal muscles.

10. Opening and closing the groin As the players jog forwards, the knee is brought up to the front of the body and over to the side. Make sure both sides are worked.

8. Upper body/lower body twists Players make quick short contacts with the floor as the lead foot comes across the front of the body rotating the lower body, then the trail leg comes in front and does the same and so on in rhythmic fashion. Simultaneously the upper body, with arms out in front, is working in the opposite direction. To encourage hip and trunk action and mobility.

11. Lunge and rotate The forward walking player lunges taking a large step in front so that the front and back legs are at 90° angles. This will work the ankle and knee proprioceptors and also work the quads and hip flexors. Controlled upper body rotations to either side when in the deepest part of the lunge encourage activity of trunk stabilisers.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

9. Hurdle walk This can be performed in slow controlled manner – walking or rhythmically on the move, either using high hurdles or imaginary hurdles! The knee is raised in front and leg straightened out stepping over a hurdle. With the heel tucked under buttock, the trail leg is turned out to the side raised high and closed back in clearing the hurdle. Repeat on other leg to encourage mobility of the hip joint and work hip flexor, groin, hamstring and gluteal muscles.

12. Forward and across the body leg swings Whilst on the ball of the foot the opposite leg is taken as far back as possible and kicked through as high as possible both in front of and across the body to encourage increased range of motion and mobility around the hip and to work the hamstrings and gluteals dynamically.

13. Simulated side foot volley

14. Jumping and landing technique

Players bring their right foot across the body in a rhythmic fashion to simulate side foot volleys to the left and vice versa. Prepares the body for football-specific movements.

Players using single leg take offs (which are encouraged by coaches when heading the ball) are attempted off both feet alternatively. Proper landing technique should be observed with the hips back (rather than knees forward) to absorb impact. Promotes activation of ankle, knee and hip stabilisers.

16. Curved runs

17. Cut and drive off

18. Sprinting

Snake like curves are run with good running technique to encourage readiness for changes of direction and work the hamstrings, the inner and outer thighs particularly.

Zig-zag patterns are run with good running technique, where bodyweight is planted on outer leg, impact is absorbed by sinking into the position slightly, dropping the shoulder and then transferred quickly and strongly in the opposite direction. The opposite leg then becomes the outer leg and performs the same action to encourage readiness for quick efficient changes of direction.

Progressing through the previous exercises the intensity increases and the warm-up is completed with maximum paced running in multiple directions prior to practice or match situation to ensure body is fully prepared for high intensity action.

15. Quick feet Bursts of rapid foot contact with the floor, small quick steps pumping the arms and knees to encourage total body, high intensity activity.

WARM UP AND COOL DOWN

Section A

Beating Opponents The skill of beating an opponent is probably the most important skill of all; the coach should encourage at every opportunity even the youngest players to ‘take players on’, especially when they are confronted with a 1 v 1 situation. Try to build up the confidence of your players to go past the opposition – even youngsters of five to six-years-old should experiment with a trick or two to help wrong foot an opponent. Ultimately players can be taught the right attitude and develop sufficient belief in themselves to routinely takes opposition players on in a game situation. The drills and practices in this section are about developing the techniques and skills needed to beat defenders. As coach you must judge when to increase the tempo and degree of difficulty of each session. As the players develop the skills and confidence move on to coaching when and where it is appropriate to try to beat ‘his man’ or to pass the ball. This is the vital skill of correct decisionmaking, but begin by getting your players to the point where they are confident in their skills and technically comfortable in all 1 v 1 situations.

A1 Free dribbling / A2 Wrong-foot your opponent A3 Beating your man without the ball / A4 Beat a player to score A5 Dribble and shoot / A6 Dribble into end zone

SECTION A BEATING OPPONENTS

A1 Free dribbling Preparation: Any number of players. The illustration shows six players in an area of 20 x 20yds and a ball for each player. Description: Each player with a ball at his feet runs freely avoiding contact with other players or balls. The coach should demonstrate and teach turns, small changes of pace and tricks – that is a body movement or ball manipulation to wrong foot an opponent. It is important to emphasise a change of pace for about five yards after beating an opponent.

A2 Wrong-foot your opponent Coaching points: Players must keep the ball within playing distance when running with the ball using the outside of the foot to move the ball. Encourage players to go left and right. Progression: Now have four players with balls and two without who will act as defenders. Throughout the drill the two ‘defenders’ try to take the ball from the four ‘attackers’. Begin passively increasing pressure on the ‘attackers’ as the players’ skill and confidence grow. All players take turns to become defenders.

Preparation: Pairs of players both with a ball facing each other 10 yards apart. Description: The players run towards each other at a gentle pace and on one player’s signal, ‘yes’, they both perform the same drill: step over with the right foot and push away with the left foot. You should note that if they mistakenly perform ‘opposite’ step-overs they will end up running into each other.

Once both players have completed the right foot stepover, they turn round and, making sure they are 10 yards apart, repeat the drill. As proficiency grows the better players will begin to add speed. At this point we can introduce the double step-over: the technique is much the same: the player steps over with his left foot, but instead of pushing away with the right foot he then steps over with his right foot, comes back and pushes away with his left foot.

Help to develop decision-making by asking players to either ‘beat’ the opponent with a dribble or to pass to a free player. You will need to add two free players on opposite sides of the area for this option.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

BEATING OPPONENTS

SECTION A BEATING OPPONENTS

A3 Beating your man without the ball (using a wall pass) Preparation: This drill uses six players and a mannequin. The opposing players begin 20-25yds apart. Description: Player A runs with the ball up to the mannequin and passes to player B using the outside of the right foot or the inside of the left. Player B passes first time, using the inside of his right foot, behind the mannequin back to player A who has continued his run. Player A now passes the ball to player C who repeats the drill in the opposite direction using player D as the ‘wall’.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

A4 Beat a player to score Coaching points Once the drill is underway try to get the players to develop a good quick tempo. The player running with the ball must use the outside of his foot when moving. The execution of the wall pass must be done quickly with the ‘wall’ player using only one touch. Speed and accuracy, weight of pass and surprise are the key coaching points. Once the players are comfortable performing the skills, encourage them to feint to play the wall pass and beat the mannequin with the ball. Disguise is a key skill here.

Preparation: You will need an area of 30 x 40yds, eight players who are set up as 3 v 3 with two ‘floaters’. The ‘floaters’ are players who play for whichever team is in possession of the ball. Description: This practice encourages each team to either dribble past or use a wall pass to beat an opponent to ‘score a point’. The team in possession of the ball can use the two floating players effectively making it 5 v 3.

Coaching points Players must choose the right time to beat an opponent by either executing the wall pass or quickly dribbling past him. Let the players make the choices and encourage and praise success. Progression: Take out the floaters and play 4 v 4 and make the area bigger 40 x 40yds. Insist on a good quick tempo and rest the players every three or four minutes. This practice highlights the importance of decision-making, which is key to most aspects of the game: when to dribble, when to pass and so on.

BEATING OPPONENTS

SECTION A BEATING OPPONENTS

A5 Dribble and shoot Preparation: Ten to twelve players plus a goalkeeper situated in half of a pitch and penalty area set up as shown. Section off the central area with cones. Description: Player A (defender) passes the ball to player B (attacker) then follows the ball and closes down player B’s space, trying to stop player B getting a shot at goal. Player B meanwhile tries to beat player A and shoot to score.

A6 Dribble into end zone Coaching points The attacking player should try to wrong foot his opponent: slow him down; wrong foot him with a feint or a change of pace. He should move forward quickly and get a shot on goal as soon as he is in range. Quick feet movements, change of pace and speed on the ball are the desired skills. Don’t forget to coach the player’s shot at goal. ‘Hit the target’, ‘make the goalkeeper work’ are the essential end product.

Preparation: 12 players and an area of 40 x 10yds including two end zones of five yards each. Description: The set up is as shown with the players 4 v 4 and four side players who are allowed only one touch (although you can give two touches for the 7-11 year olds) The object of the game is for players in possession to dribble or play a wall pass in order to run into the end zone with the ball – thus scoring a point. A player must have control of the ball when he enters the end zone to score the point. Defenders can only enter the end zone to track a forward player.

Coaching points There are no limits on the number of touches of the ball a player is allowed (with the exception of the side players as noted left). Player decision-making will now become obvious to the coach: when should I dribble, pass and so on? Encourage positive forward play; emphasise and praise creativity.

Interchange the three groups of four, with one team ‘resting’ on the sidelines.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

BEATING OPPONENTS

Section B

Short Passing In its essence short passing is exactly what the game of football is all about, and drills and practices to improve the skill of passing the ball are widespread and relevant to all levels of the game. It is vitally important for the development of young players (5-11 years old) that they are coached to play a short passing game – that is up to 20 yards. The longer pass comes later and the players are not physically capable at a young age in any case! Players must be taught how to receive a pass, how to get it out of their feet and how to pass it with the right part of the foot. Then, eventually, what to do after they have passed the ball. So we build up to ‘receive, pass and move’. Then to pass and move. Movement is a key element in effective team play and with quick accurate passing combined with intelligent well timed runs (movement) we are on our way to producing effective intelligent players. Practice is the key, and challenging meaningful progression is a must.

B1 Passing in sequence / B2 Pass And Move 1 B3 Pass And Move 2 / B4 Check away and set B5 Third man runs / B6 3 v 1 (keeping possession) B7 Passing to a target to ‘score’ / B8 Overlapping B9 Combined passing drill B10 Passing under pressure (find the spare player)

SECTION B SHORT PASSING

B2 Pass and move 1 1

Preparation: Six to eight players in a circular area of 15-20 yards across.

C B

Description: Player A passes to player B, player B passes to player C. Player A follows his pass into the centre of the circle and player B likewise follows his pass to the player C’s position who passes the ball to player A (now at the centre of the circle). The sequence is now repeated.

6 2

Allow two touches on the outside and in the middle for 6-9 year olds, progressing to two touches on the outside to one touch in the middle then one touch all round.

Coaching points 5

Look for and encourage good first touch, getting the ball out of the feet and the weight and accuracy of the pass. Every player should be on their toes anticipating a pass. Make the drill flow by insisting that the ball does not stop moving.

B1 Passing in sequence

B3 Pass and move 2

Preparation: Six to ten players in an area of 20 x 20yds.

Preparation: Eight to ten players in an area 20 yards across.

Description: The players are numbered one to six (or up to ten) and must pass the ball in sequence: one to two; two to three; three to four and so on. With very young players (5-8 year olds) allow as many touches as they need, but as they improve and become more efficient try to progress to two touch and eventually one touch with the older players (13+) or younger if they are technically capable enough – the players will guide you!

Coaching points All players are on the move and receive the ball on the half turn. They must look to face their target player. The receiving player should move to support the passing player. Players must communicate with each other. Encourage good movement and support and don’t let the players get too close to each other.

Description: Player A starts in the middle with the ball and passes to player B and immediately runs to the position occupied by player C who on seeing player A approach runs quickly into the middle to receive player B’s returning pass.

When using two touches, encourage the outside receiving player to get the ball out of his feet to the side to avoid the middle player who is running towards him.

Player C now repeats the sequence by immediately passing the ball to another outside player and running to another player’s position who runs (at pace) into the middle to receive and play the returned pass.

Coaching points All players are allowed two touches. Demand good communication between players and watch the timing and accuracy of the passes, encouraging the use of the inside of the foot passing. All the players must concentrate and stay alert and the ball should not stop moving.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

SHORT PASSING

SECTION B SHORT PASSING

A A

B4 Check away and set Preparation: Six to eight players in a circle 20 yards across. Description: Player A starts with the ball. Player B checks away one yard and comes back to receive player A’s pass. Player B ‘sets’ the ball back to player A who then comes forward to support player B. Player A then passes to player C who has checked away and come short as player A passes him the ball. This time player B turns to support player C, player C ‘sets’ the ball back to player B who passes to player D who now repeats the sequence of ‘check away and set the ball up’.

B5 Third man runs Coaching points Timing is the key for this drill to become a smooth continuous sequence and you should expect to spend time with the players offering encouragement as they perfect it. Get the players to set the ball back using the inside of the back foot. Two touches may be needed to get it going with younger players (under 11s), but try to move to one touch as quickly as the players understanding of the drill and developing skill levels allow.

Preparation: An area of half a pitch with four or five groups of three players. Description: Player A starts with the ball. Players B and C make the triangle with player C at the apex. Player A passes the ball to player C who has checked away and come short. Player C sets the ball back to player B who has given player C support by calling for the pass and making an angle. Player A makes a forward run beyond player C and player B passes first time into player A’s run. Player A receives the ball and passes back to player B to repeat the process with player A at the apex of the triangle. Progress to player A passing square to player B. B passes first time to C. B runs across C to support as A makes his forward run behind B and beyond C. Player B passes into A’s run.

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Coaching points After player A’s first pass, player C must receive the ball with the back foot (in this case his right foot) and pass first time to player B. Player B must support quickly and pass first time into players A’s run. The pass must be weighted so the ball arrives just in front of player A’s run. The pass and move sequence must be performed quickly to capitalise on the element of surprise of players A’s ‘third man run’. Over the years this practice and type of move has become synonymous with the West Ham style of forward movment and quick accurate passing.

SHORT PASSING

SECTION B SHORT PASSING

B6 3 v 1 (keeping possession) Preparation: Mark up an area 15 x 10yds. Three players with the ball and one defensive player to upset the rhythm. Description: The ‘attacking’ players pass the ball to each other coping with the pressure of a defender trying to disrupt the rhythm of their passing. The ‘defending’ player needs to make realistic challenges, either intercepting the ball as it is passed or tackling the player with the ball.

B7 Passing to a target to ‘score’ Coaching points Players in the early stages of their development may need several touches to control and pass the ball successfully, so give them the freedom to feel comfortable on the ball. More experienced players should be limited to one or two touches and the area can be reduced to 10 x 10yds.

With a defender snapping at the passing player’s heels, disguising the nature of the intended pass and its eventual accuracy and weight becomes increasingly important.

While the ‘attackers’ are trying to build up their sequence of passes, it is the defender’s position that largely determines how and to where the ball is passed.

When an ‘attacking’ player loses possession of the ball, he becomes the defending player who as the sole ‘defender’ will have to chase the ball (hard work!) – so there is an incentive to become a more skilful passer of the ball. The ‘attackers’ should try to build up a sequence of passes.

Awareness of other players’ movement, quick feet, quick decision-making and accuracy of passing are the keys to success.

If the defending player fails to win the ball, there must be a time limit (usually two minutes or twenty passes) otherwise he will just run himself into the ground and soon lose all enthusiasm for the drill.

Progress to 4 v 2 and 5 v 3 for older or more proficient players increasing the size of the playing area as appropriate.

Remember to change the defender regularly if he can’t win the ball.

Preparation: Mark out an area of 15 x 40yds. Organise groups of eight players. There will be one target player at each end line of the area and three groups of two players identified by bibs: two red, two yellow and two white. Description: Before the drill starts designate two defending players – in the diagram we’ve shown them as red-bibbed players. The coach also determines which target end the two red-bibbed players are defending (in the diagram they are defending the area to the right). The four attacking players (two in yellow and two in white bibs) attempt to pass the ball through and around the two defenders into the target player at the right hand end of the area. Each time the attackers get the ball into the target player they ‘score’ a goal. The ball is then returned to the four attackers who begin a fresh set of passes aiming to ‘score’ at the opposite end this time. Set a time limit of approximately two minutes and count the goals the attacking players have ‘scored’. (The defenders might have a target of say four ‘goals’ against them. The fewer the better.) Now swap the players over so that the two yellowbibbed players become the defenders and start the stopwatch again. Keep a record of how many ‘goals’ each pair of defenders concedes. With a ratio of four attackers to two defenders, there should be a fairly

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

high rate of successful passing play and ‘scoring’. Add another ‘defending’ player as they become more proficient.

Coaching points It is important that you set skill-level standards for this drill; for example make it clear that for a goal to be given, the end-zone target player must receive and control the final ball. In other words the final ball must be an accurate pass, not a loose pass making control difficult. This drill imposes a game form on a passing drill and is designed to develop movement and improve player awareness. Conditions can be applied to the drill: all passes must be below head height so that the attackers have to play around and through defenders rather than over them and, if the players are of a good standard, limit the amount of touches each attacking player is allowed and only allow a goal when passed from the attacking half of the pitch to encourage them to pass from defence to attack.

SHORT PASSING

SECTION B SHORT PASSING

D 3 C

2 3 1

1 A

B8 Overlapping Description: Three players stand in a slight arc ten yards across. The middle player 1 passes to the player on his right (player 2), player 1 follows the pass running behind player 2 on the overlap. Player 2 collects the ball, passes the ball left in front of player 3. Player 2 now overlaps around the back of player 3 who continues the sequence by passing to player 1 who has become the wide player. Increase the tempo and ultimately aim for your players to perform the practice using one touch.

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Coaching points

B9 Combined passing drill (set up and support)

Younger players should start slowly using two touches. All passes must be made with the inside of the foot: when passing right to left player must use the inside of the right foot; when passing left to right they use the inside of the left foot.

Preparation: Six to eight players separated by 30 yards. You will need cones to mark player positions.

The weight and accuracy of the pass are vital. Tell players to sprint quickly into the next position after every pass – pass the ball and accelerate.

Player A now passes first time to player C, who has checked away and come short. Player C passes first time to player B, who has turned to support C.

Description: Player A pushes the ball away and passes to player B, who has checked away and come short. Player B sets the ball back to player A, who has moved to support on the opposite angle.

Player B passes the ball to the end man player D. Player B follows his pass and joins the end of the queue. Player A takes up players B’s original position and the sequence is repeated with player D passing to player C.

Coaching points The timing, weight and accuracy of every pass are essential. Middle players (B and C) receive the ball on the half turn and pass using the back foot. The practice should develop into a quick and accurate exchange of passes. Build it up slowly for younger players. The practice is repetitive, so it’s important to set high standards in order to develop good habits.

SHORT PASSING

SECTION B SHORT PASSING

B10 Passing under pressure (find the spare player) Preparation: You will need an area of 10 x 10yds for each group of four players with two balls. Description: The set up is as shown. Players A and C have the balls and player D is the working player. Player A passes to player D who finds the spare player with his pass (player B). As soon as player D has passed the ball, player C passes to player D who finds the spare player (A) with his pass.

Coaching Points Players A, B and C must stay apart (at least five yards) and player D must stay at least ten yards away. Accuracy and weight of pass are the key, with quick movement of the feet to change direction of the ball. Each player should be given 12 attempts to find the spare man. The coach keeps a record of how many times the working player misses the target player. Speed it up as technique improves. Slow it down for the very young.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

SHORT PASSING

Section C

Ball Manipulation & Control Mastery of the ball is at the very heart of the game. The skill to make the ball do what you want it to do, to be able to place it exactly where you want it to go, to be comfortable with it in your possession; these are the foundations of the game and the basic building blocks for future successful players. To master the ball will take hours of practice and should begin at the earliest possible age. Encourage young players to watch the great masters of the ball and copy them on the training pitch. That said, practice at coaching sessions alone will not perfect the art of ball mastery; you must send players home with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;homeworkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Challenge them to improve their ball juggling; learn a trick or a new skill and make them demonstrate it at the next training session. It is important to instil in players responsibility for their own development. Once they have mastered the ball it will never leave them, so we must start young and persevere through repetition.

C1 Keep the ball up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one touch and bounce C2 A simple step over / C3 Step over and accelerate C4 Roll the ball with the sole of the foot (side to side) C5 Controlling the ball with chest and thigh or foot C6 Controlling the ball on the move / C7 Keep the ball up

SECTION C BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

C1 Keep the ball up – one touch and bounce Preparation: A ball for each player of which there can be any number and any open space. Description: This is all about improving your players’ touch and developing their feel for the ball. Every player should improve his ability to sustain this drill over the course of the season. Each player starts with the ball in his hands and throws it into the air about head height before letting it bounce. As it does so he tries to kick the ball in the air again to about waist height, lets it bounce again and repeats the kick.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

Players should use either foot – at this stage we simply want them to develop a touch and a feel for the ball.

Progress to – one bounce and continuous with one foot

The ball should go straight up in line with the player’s body (not to the side), and climb no higher than the head.

Again each player starts with the ball in his hands, throws the ball into the air about head height and lets it bounce.

Coaching points The whole squad can take part in this drill at the same time, and the coach should offer encouragement and advice as necessary. Don’t be afraid to stop the session if you identify a common mistake like kicking the ball ‘offline’ or kicking it too high or low.

This time before the ball drops to the floor for the second time, the player tries to get several touches on the ball using one foot. Once the player loses control of the ball, he picks it up and repeats the exercise using his other foot. Then – keep up continuously with both feet Repeat the start of the drill, but this time players must keep the ball up continuously alternating the right and left foot.

Here we are looking for the player to get as many continuous touches of the ball as possible and if, from time to time, the player has to play the ball by using the same foot, don’t stop the drill – as long as the weaker foot is being used throughout the drill.

Coaching points The player should be relaxed and impart just enough energy so the ball reaches no higher than chest height. The arms and shoulders should be relaxed with the arms out to the side to aid balance. With enough repetition players will soon develop a ‘feel’ for and a good ‘soft’ touch on the ball. Encourage the players to count the number of touches before the ball bounces. BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

SECTION C BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

C2 A simple step over Preparation: Any open space and a ball for each player. Description: Any number of players. The ball is placed on the ground in front of the player who begins by bouncing on his toes. The player throws the outside of his right foot over the ball and places it firmly just beyond the ball. All his weight is now on his right foot and side. The shift in bodyweight means that the left foot is released allowing the outside of the left foot to push the ball to the left and into space. During this practice we do not require the players to move with the ball but to feel and understand the mechanics of what their feet are doing. The player retrieves his ball and repeats the practice several times. Now swap feet and repeat several more times. Repetition is the key.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

C3 Step over and accelerate Coaching points A static exercise designed to help players sort their feet out, which must be practised on both sides – remembering that one side is always going to be favoured and even something as simple as this will feel a little awkward on the weaker foot. You must encourage players to persevere.

Preparation: Groups of three players and a mannequin. Two players start ten yards from the mannequin with the ball and the third player is ten yards on the opposite side of the mannequin. Description: We now add movement to the previous practice. The performing player moves the ball towards the mannequin to about one yard from it and performs a step over movement as described in C2. The difference here is that we ask the player to accelerate past the mannequin before passing to the end player who now repeates the drill.

Coaching points It is important that at the point the player makes his ‘move’ he performs it with speed and precision. Drills and exercises that simulate feints, dummies and turns need to be practised repeatedly and often so that these essential techniques and skills become habit, and are used instinctively and effectively in matches. Move up to the mannequin slowly using the inside of the foot. Once the player makes his move by ‘stepping over the ball’, he moves away with speed pushing the ball with the outside of the foot.

BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

SECTION C BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

C4 Roll the ball with the sole of the foot (side to side) Preparation: Any number of players in an open space with two cones set 10 yards apart. Description: Each player uses the sole of their right foot to manipulate the ball left across his body. He continues to perform the technique with his right foot until he reaches the left cone. The player immediately repeats the exercise in the opposite direction using his left foot to roll the ball across his body towards the right cone. Players should progress to a dummy roll of the foot over the ball and using the outside of the same foot, pushing the ball in the opposite direction – that is dummy roll of the foot to go left and plant the foot over the ball and go right.

WEST HAM UNITED COACHING MANUAL

C5 Controlling the ball with chest and thigh or foot Coaching points Encourage a feel for the ball, which means light touches and good balance. Make sure each player demonstrates the technique to you in each direction and increase the speed of the exercise as the players’ competence improves. Quick feet, speed and control of the ball are the key elements of the skill. The ball must always be within playable distance. Portuguese and Manchester United player Ronaldo is an example of player who has totally mastery of this type of ball skill.

Preparation: Groups of three players set up in a triangle formation 10 yards apart or closer with one ball between each group of three players. Description: Player A throws the ball underarm, two-handed to player B. As he does so he shouts out the name of the part of the body that he wants the receiving player to control the ball – ‘thigh!’, ‘chest!’ and so on – carefully aiming his throw. Assuming it is the thigh in this case, player B offers his thigh to the ball and, as the ball hits that surface, withdraws it a fraction, cushioning the ball, which should now be left playable for a pass to player C. Player C picks the ball up and, repeating the drill, throws underarm to player A.

Coaching points The underarm throw ought to guarantee consistency of service to the controlling player who, in turn, must control the ball and leave it playable. As each player attempts to control the ball, he should try to drop it to the side and in the direction of the next pass. The finish of the sequence is a firm accurate pass to the receiving player. Each player performs ten practice controls for each area of the body. Alternatively, for the youngest players the coach should dictate which part of the body the receiving player must use, and make the triangle of players smaller. Increase the difficulty as players improve, putting pressure on the performing player by speeding the practice up.Your players’ improved performance will let you know when you can challenge them by moving them further apart and using kicking skills in place of throws.

BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

SECTION C BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

C6 Controlling the ball on the move Preparation: Groups of six players with three balls in an area 20 x 20yds. Description: Three players act as servers with balls in their hands while the other three players perform the controlling technique. The servers remain stationary as the others jog around the area. The receivers, when they are ten or so yards away from a server with a ball, make eye contact and shout for the ball. The ball is served with an underarm throw to the receiver’s body – at random to the thigh area, the foot or the chest. The receiving player must control the ball and return it to the server’s hands; he keeps jogging around the area and receives a ball from another player.

C7 Keep the ball up Coaching points The movement brings into play timing and the need to judge distance. The receiving player gets his body in line with the throw of the ball. Server and receiver should not get too close to each other when the ball is thrown otherwise it will look messy and the ball will be uncontrollable; nine or ten yards is the minimum distance needed from the server to the receiver.

Preparation: Six to eight players in an area 10 x 10yds. Description: Player A starts with the ball and gently volleys the ball to player B. B controls the ball with any surface and, before it touches the ground, volleys to player C. C must control the ball before it hits the ground and pass it to any other player.

Coaching points All the players must be fully alert and on their toes throughout the exercise as the passes are entirely random. Each group of players counts how many passes are completed before the ball touches the ground. Players will need a good first touch and make a controlled pass to the next player. There are no limits on touches, but initially set a minimum of two and later a maximum of two for the more proficient players.

The drill can be progressed by asking the players to run randomly to any server and by adding more players.

Swap servers and receivers after two minutes.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

BALL MANIPULATION & CONTROL

Section D

Turns and Shielding Turning and shielding the ball are skills used predominately by forwards and midfield players; turning defenders when in possession of the ball is an important technique for all players but is particularly valuable in the attacking third of the pitch, allowing attacking players to make penetrating passes or shoot at goal. A playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awareness of the oppositionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marking is essential when he makes a decision whether to turn, shield or pass the ball. The wrong decision can surrender possession in vital areas and put the opposition on the attack. Continual practice, as with all techniques, is vital to develop these skills, but so is player awareness of the situation on the pitch and an ability to act quickly. Both will help a player make the right decisions. The coach must allow the players to develop these skills and should encourage turns and shielding, especially in the attacking third of the pitch. Trial and error combined with regular practice and encouragement by the coach will help players develop the confidence and skill to master these techniques.

D1 Outside or back foot turns / D2 Two turn movement D3 Pass-turn-pass relay / D4 Turn and shoot D5 Shielding: protecting the ball / D6 Shielding and turn

SECTION D TURNS AND SHIELDING

D E

B F C B C B A A

D1 Outside or back foot turns Preparation: Seven or more players in an area of 20 x 20yds + cones. Description: Player A starts by passing to player B, B turns with the ball to face player C and passes the ball to him. Player C turns to face player D and passes the ball to him. Player D passes to player E who repeats the sequence passing to player F. All players follow their passes and the practice continues by repetition. Use markers to help keep the shape of the drill.

D2 Two turn movement Coaching points Particular attention must be paid to the technique of the turns. Players must check away before coming short to receive the pass; open the body on the half turn and perform the turn with the inside of the right foot (the left foot if practising in the opposite direction). Ensure that players keep their turns as ‘tight’ as possible using as little time and space as possible.

Preparation: Six players in an area of 30 x 30yds.

Coaching points

Description: Player A passes to player B (who is in the centre of the circle). Player B comes to meet the pass and performs a turn and runs five to ten yards with the ball. Player B then performs another turn of his choice and passes the ball out to player C. Player A has become the performing player after passing to player B. B follows his pass and joins the outer circle.

Don’t use more than six players in the circle otherwise there will be too much inactivity within the group.

Depending on age and skill levels of the players, the turns should be performed quickly and efficiently. Players should keep the turns tight and the ball must always be under control.

The same practice can be used to perform a turn with the outside of the foot, in which case the technique differs as follows: the receiving player steps outside the line of the pass and by using the outside of the foot rolls the ball to the side and behind so that he ends up facing the next receiving players. This means that in both techniques all the player’s weight is on the non-kicking foot.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

TURNS AND SHIELDING

SECTION D TURNS AND SHIELDING

D B B A

D3 Pass-turn-pass relay Preparation: Groups of four players in an area of 20 x 20yds with a mannequin. Description: Player A passes to player B, B performs a turn of the coach’s choice (i.e. back foot, outside of foot or free choice of the player). Following his turn player B passes to player C. C controls the ball and passes into player A who has taken player B’s place. The routine is repeated.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

D4 Turn and shoot Coaching points The coach should watch and appraise the approach to the ball by the receiving player and encourage early choice of the type of turn he performs. Players must exhibit quick feet to manipulate the ball for correct placement. Increase speed as confidence and skill levels permit.

Preparation: Six or more players in an area made up of half a pitch including the penalty area. You will need two mannequins. Description: Player A passes diagonally to player B who turns and shoots. Player A replaces player B. B joins the line. Player C repeats by passing to player D. Mannequins are used to mimic defenders and for the players to manoeuvre around.

Coaching points Allow a maximum of three touches progressing to two touch (turn and shoot) as skill levels improve and permit. In a match situation in and around the penalty area is the most crowded part of the pitch – so the speed and efficiency of a player’s turn is crucial to success in this area.

TURNS AND SHIELDING

SECTION D TURNS AND SHIELDING

D C B

A A

D5 Shielding: protecting the ball Preparation: Players in groups of three in areas of 10 x 10yds. Description: The set up is as shown with player B as the performing player, player C as the defender and player A as the server. Player A passes to B who shields the ball away from defender C. After player B has successfully shielded the ball for 20 seconds, player C becomes the server, B becomes the defender and A becomes the performing player. The practice is repeated.

D6 Shielding and turn Coaching points The performing player must get his body between the defender and the ball, controlling and moving the ball with the foot furthest from the defender. The shielding players must try to ‘feel’ the defender with his body so that he can react to the defender’s attempts to win the ball.

Preparation: Players in groups of four in areas of 30 x 10yds. Description: The set up is as shown. Player A passes to player B who is marked by player C. Player B protects the ball using shielding technique and then tries to turn the defender C and run with the ball into the end area, finishing by passing to player D. Player D becomes the attacker, A the defender, B and C go to the opposite end and the exercise is repeated.

Coaching points The shielding player must keep his body between the defender and the ball while trying to ‘feel’ his opponent. He must choose the right moment to turn and run the ball into the end area. A player’s instinct plays a part and quick movement and a change of pace to get away are key elements. Encourage the players to be creative and to develop their ‘own’ turns.

Increase the time the performing player has to protect the ball up to a maximum of 30 seconds. Be careful in this type of practice not to mismatch the players physically.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

TURNS AND SHIELDING

Section E

Combination Plays Once a young player has mastered the basic skills and techniques of the game, he must combine them with other players to become an increasingly effective player. Combination play is about the ability of two or more players to link together effective movement, hopefully resulting in the creation of space or an effort on the opposition’s goal. As coaches we must try teach players to recognise developing situations in matches – whether it is a one/two, reading a flickon or supporting and passing early into a running player. These moments and evolving scenarios have to be endlessly replicated on the training pitch and the appropriate responses of the players coached and diligently practised so that, in time, they become second nature. On match day players should act instinctively: their responses and technique honed by hours of well-directed rehearsal. These practices could easily be described as ‘passing’ exercises and would fit into that section of the manual. However, under the heading of ‘Combination Plays’ we will put more emphasis on the timing of runs and encourage movement off the ball.

E1 Diagonal and overlapping runs / E2 Two in a circle E3 Forwards combining E4 One touch pass and move combinations E5 Combination play in wide areas

SECTION E COMBINATION PLAYS

Coaching points You are looking for the timing of the runs, first time passing, tempo/speed of passing and movement. It is important that performing players do not release the ball too early; look for a ‘tight’ exchange of passes. Players should be restricted to a maximum of two touches, preferably just one when technique and proficiency allow.

B C B

A C

E D

D E

E1 Diagonal and overlapping runs

Description: 1 Player A passes to the central player C. Players A and B make diagonal runs beyond C. Player C passes to player B as he runs into support.

2 The set up is as for the previous practice.

Preparation: Eight or more players in an area of 30 x 10yds.

Player B passes to the end man player D and the practice is repeated.

Player C now passes to A or B and they in turn pass to either players D or E and the practice is repeated.

Player C stays as the ‘middle man’ and is changed from time to time.

Player A plays square into B. Player B plays first time to player C. Players A and B make diagonal runs.

3 The initial set up remains the same. Player A passes square to player B who runs diagonally with the ball towards player C who acts as a passive defender. Player B passes the ball past player C into A’s run. Player A passes out to player E. The practice is repeated. Change player C from time to time. The player running with the ball can sometimes feint a pass to his partner and beat player C with a dribble. This will keep the player C guessing where the ball will go. With more proficient players let ‘defender’ C become more active. Don’t forget to rotate the ‘defender’ on a regular basis.

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COMBINATION PLAYS

SECTION E COMBINATION PLAYS

D B B

X B

E2 Two in a circle Preparation: Eight or more players in an area of 20 x 20yds. Description: Set up the players in a 20-yard circle with two players in the middle. One player is ‘point’ (farthest from the ball) and the other is support (nearest the ball). In the diagram player B is point and player C is the support. Player A passes to B (point), player C supports and receives B’s pass. Player C passes out of the centre to player D. Player A comes into the centre of the circle and becomes point, player B now becomes support. Player D passes to A, B supports and passes out of the centre and the process is repeated.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

E3 Forwards combining Coaching points Start slowly so that the players have time to ‘work it out’. When they have all grasped it, limit play to two touches on the outside and one touch in the middle. Weight of pass and accuracy combined with good timed runs to support are key. Timing and speed of pass are the essential targets to aim for.

Preparation: Eight or more players in pairs. An area of half a pitch including the penalty area. You will need two mannequins. Description: The set up is as shown in the diagram. Player A runs with the ball (no more than five yards) and passes down the side and behind mannequin X. Player B has turned and run in anticipation of A’s pass. As player B arrives at the ball he plays a square pass for A who has made a run between the mannequins. Player A shoots at goal using a maximum of two touches.

Coaching points The things to watch for are the timing of B’s run and the timing and weight of A’s passes. Ensure that B’s pass to A is in front of A and his pass does not travel too close to the goalkeeper. Use the ‘line’ of the two mannequins to judge if the turning player’s run is too early and he has therefore run offside. Coach the timing of the run.

Player A becomes B, B joins the line and player E, waiting in line, becomes A. The left side featuring players D, C and F repeat the practice next.

COMBINATION PLAYS

SECTION E COMBINATION PLAYS

F A A A G

B B C

B A

E D

E4 One touch pass and move combinations Preparation: Groups of six players in an area of 40 x 20yds. You will need two poles and two mannequins for each group of players. Description: The set up is as shown in the diagram. Player A moves the ball out of his feet and away from the pole passing to player B who has checked and come short. Player B passes first time to A who has made a passing angle to receive B’s pass. A passes first time to player C, who has checked away and come short. C passes first time to player B, who has turned and run to support C. Player B passes first time to D and joins the line. Player A becomes B, D repeats the practice: D to C; C back to D; D to B; C turns to support B; B to C; C to F and out to join the line behind F.

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E5 Combination play in wide areas The vital combinations are between the central pair B and C. This can easily be adapted for wall passes, ‘turning the ball around the corner’, blind side runs and so on. The coach needs to use his imagination to create combinations around the mannequins.

Preparation: Groups of ten or more players. An area of half a pitch including the penalty area. You will need two mannequins.

A good exercise when performed at speed!

Player A passes wide to player B. B runs inside with the ball as player A starts an overlapping run behind B. B passes to ‘striker’ C who passes two touch into A’s run. Player A crosses for ‘strikers’ D and G.

Coaching points Stipulate one touch for the two central players B and C. This is all about quick accurate passing with good touch, good timing of support and runs. Above all ask the players to be creative, it will really pay off in the heat of battle when players have perfected these combinations.

Description: The set up is shown in the diagram; you will be working the left and right sides.

Coaching points Demand a match tempo – everything sharp and accurate. After all the work in the ‘combination’, demand a quality accurate cross and good finishing from the strikers. As the practice is unopposed it allows all players to concentrate on perfecting technique.

Player A becomes B, B becomes C and C comes out to join the line as player H becomes A. Player D stays as permanent ‘striker’ attacking crosses from both sides (change at regular intervals). Right and left sides go alternatively. Player C supports D in trying to score, when the ball is crossed from the right.

COMBINATION PLAYS

Section F

Long Passing & Crossing After young players have developed sufficiently their short passing techniques at around the twelve years of age mark, longer passing and crossing balls should become part of their day-to-day game. The transition from small-sided football to the 11 v 11 format opens the pitch up and the players are spread further apart. At this point in a young playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development the physical demands increase and the technical skills change with the introduction of longer passing, more accurate shooting from distance and the vital skill of crossing balls into the penalty box from wide areas. Youngsters develop at differing speeds and it would be a foolish coach who insisted on all his players of 11 or 12 years of age practising the longer game; every individual is different, has different capabilities and the more physically developed player will find it easier than his less physically developed team-mate. Coaches must use their judgement about how and when each young player starts to perform these increasingly demanding practices.

F1 Chipping the ball / F2 Chip to a target / F3 Crossing drill F4 Set up: hit long / F5 Crossing into the box / F6 Hitting space

SECTION F LONG PASSING AND CROSSING

A A

F1 Chipping the ball Preparation: Groups of three players in an area of 30 x 10yds. Description: Organise three players as shown in the diagram. Player A passes to player B. B sets back on an angle to A, who now chips/lofts the ball up to player C. Player A is effectively trying to chip over an imaginary player situated between him and C. A’s chip should land the ball just in front of C (about one yard away). Player C tries to control the ball before or as it bounces. Player C repeats the practice by setting the ball up off player B. Rotate player B at regular intervals.

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F2 Chip to a target Coaching points Make sure the ball back from B to A or C is playable first time. The chipping player must get his toe underneath the ball and kick under and through the centre of the ball. They must keep their eyes on the ball until contact has been made and kick using a follow through, not a stabbing action.

Preparation: Pairs of players in an area of 40 x 10yds. Description: Organise the players in two ten-yard squares with a 20-yard no-go zone in between them, as shown in the diagram. Use cones or markers if no lines are available. Player A pushes the ball out of his feet and chips the ball over the no-go zone to his partner B. Player A must try to land the ball anywhere in player B’s tenyard area. Player B should try to get the ball under control before or as it bounces. Once he has the ball under control, player B repeats the practice.

Coaching points Players must not kick a ‘dead’ ball but make sure it is rolling as they attempt their chip. The chip/loft should be controlled both for height and accuracy. With older players insist on a maximum of only 3 touches – that is control, push to the side and chip the ball.

LONG PASSING AND CROSSING

SECTION F LONG PASSING AND CROSSING

D B

F3 Crossing drill Preparation: Pairs of players in an area of 40 x 20yds. Description: As shown in the diagram organise the players in two 10 x 20yds areas with a 20 x 20yds no-go zone in between them. This practice mimics a crossing from a wide area situation. Player A runs with the ball to his right and attempts to cross the ball to his partner B. The crossed ball must only land in player Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area and not drop short into the no-go zone. Player B controls the ball before or as it bounces and, pushing the ball to his right, repeats the process. Go both left and right as appropriate.

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F4 Set up: hit long Coaching points This is not an easy practice and technique and accuracy are key elements. Players must exhibit technique that demonstrates that the toe is postioned under the ball and the head is down with the eyes firmly on the ball. A good follow through after contact is necessary. Because the target area is to the left of the chipping player, the last couple of strides before contact with the ball should mean that the player is coming around the ball slightly so that the ball is to the left of him and in front of the non-kicking foot (in this case the left).

Preparation: Players in groups of four in an area of 40 x 15yds. Description: Player A passes to player B, B sets the ball back at an angle for player A to strike first time. A strikes the ball high or low into player C. C controls and passes to D for D to set the ball back to C to repeat the practice. After each delivery A and B change roles as do C and D.

Coaching points When driving the ball low, the kicking player needs a tight ankle on contact, keeping the head down and kicking through the centre of the ball. Ask the players to be imaginative when striking the ball: bend the ball, chip it, drive it, use the outside of the foot and so on.

LONG PASSING AND CROSSING

SECTION F LONG PASSING AND CROSSING

A B G

F5 Crossing into the box Preparation: Players in groups of eight in the area around the penalty box. Description: Player A passes to player B who in turn passes to player C. C runs with the ball and crosses into the penalty box for player D. Player A becomes C, C becomes B, B joins the line. Player G becomes A. The practice is repeated on the left with player B as the target striker. This practice can be adapted for 8 v 8 sized goals and pitch, and it may be better to concentrate on low crosses as the 8-11 year-olds may not have the strength or technique to cross high balls.

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F6 Hitting space Coaching points

Preparation: Players in pairs in any open space.

Make sure that all of the types of crossed balls are crossed with pace, the exception being the more delicate chip to the far post.

Description: Player A and B start ten yards apart and, using just one touch, repeatedly pass the ball to each other. When B is ready he sets the ball back to A’s right or left side on an angle.

The striker can then use the pace of the cross to obtain power and may only have to guide it towards goal.

As soon as B sets the ball back he runs away anticipating that the ball will be chipped by A, dropping into the space in front of him. As he runs away, B looks over his shoulder assessing the flight of A’s chipped pass. As player B collects the ball A runs to join him and they repeat the process with B chipping the ball into space for A.

Coaching points A greater degree of accuracy is required for this practice and the ball must be hung higher for the running player. The key is for the chipping player to aim for the space five yards in front of the running player. Again, the chipping player’s technique must feature the toe under the ball, a tight ankle and a good elevation of pass.

LONG PASSING AND CROSSING

Section G

Defending In every team all of the players, even the most creative and the top goalscorers, will be asked to defend for the team at some point during a game. When a team loses possession of the ball every player becomes a defender and must do their bit to win back the ball as quickly as possible. This is what coaches and managers call having ‘defensivelyminded’ players. It means every player in the team thinks and acts defensively when the game situation demands it, and why the best teams defend from the front and midfield; the back players are the second and third line of defence not the first. With forwards and the midfield thinking about and acting on their defensive responsibilities, the ball can be won back in the opponent’s half, which is so much better for the team: it puts the attacking side in a threatening position with an early threat on the opponent’s goal. Defending practices are for all squad members not just defenders, and the coach should encourage every player to participate fully in this important aspect of team development.

G1 Defending 1 v 1 in each half / G2 Closing down the opposition G3 Going with runners G4 Closing down the opposition/defending from the front G5 Squeezing play / G6 Two defenders v three forwards G7 Marking on crosses 1 / G8 Marking on crosses 2 G9 Attack vs defence (6 v 6) / G10 Defending as a team

SECTION G DEFENDING

G H E

A A

G1 Defending 1 v 1 in each half Preparation: Groups of eight players in an area of 40 x 10yds. Description: Organise the players as shown in the diagram. Player A passes into the ‘forward’ player B watched by player C acting as the defender. B should attempt to turn and score in the small goal (i.e. the goal he initially has his back to). B can attack the goal as an individual or use the side player D to play off. Note, D must only be allowed a maximum of two touches of the ball or preferably – with the more technically proficient players – just one touch. Defender C gets tight and tries to stop B turning. C must be aware of the threat of B playing a wall pass with D. If a goal is scored or the defender wins possession, the sequence is repeated with player H passing to the designated forward E and player F assuming the role of the defender. Progress to 2 v 2 making the practice area wider by ten yards.

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G2 Closing down the opposition Coaching points Defenders must get tight if the ball is played to the feet of the designated forward, but not so tight that he is unable to see the ball and can easily be turned. A good rule of thumb is to be touch tight. The defender’s approach to the attacker should be on the shoulder that is on the open side so that he can keep the attacker in the smallest space. Defending players must be aware and react to quick movement and be determined. The first basic principle of defending is to delay the attackers. Be patient and wait for the right moment to win the ball, constantly trying to deny the forward time and space.

Preparation: Groups of six players in an area of 30 x 10yds.

Coaching points

Description: The practice starts when player/server A passes the ball to either attacking player B or C (the player to whom the pass is not directed drops out). Player D, acting as the defending player, reacts to the pass by closing down the pass receiver and trying to stop him passing through to player E.

Defending players have a vital role in stopping the opposition’s attacking build-up by trying to stop the ball being passed forwards. The aim of the practice is to improve the ability of players to win possession of the ball and break up the opposition’s play.

Once the attacking player has made his pass to the opposition server, or the defending player has won the ball or has run it out of play, the practice is repeated from the opposite end. Players rotate positions throughout the practice.

Players will be working on the defending player’s angle of approach to the pass receiver and at the same time the coach should encourage them not to dive in and to stay on their feet. They will have to time their intervention carefully and their aim should be to block the pass, win possession or run the ball out of play. This practice can be advanced by allowing the receiving player to play a pass back to the server who returns the ball as the receiving player attempts to lose his marker through movement. The marker must stay with the runner and not chase the ball.

DEFENDING

SECTION G DEFENDING

D F

C G

B F

D A E

G3 Going with runners Preparation: Groups of six players in an area of 30 x 10yds. Description: The coach acts as the server and begins the drill by passing the ball to attacking player A. Defending player B tries to close down the attacker, while attacker A does his best to beat the approaching defender and run the ball over the end line. The attacking player can use players C and D positioned outside the area as team-mates, playing a wall pass off them. Players C and D should be restricted to a maximum of two touches before releasing the ball and, ideally, just one touch for more technically advanced players.

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Coaching points Again the aim is to teach defenders to close down attackers in possession of the ball and the importance of getting close to an opponent. If his opponent plays a wall pass it is critical that the defender doesn’t follow the ball but goes with the runner. Repeat the drill with the claret shirted players taking the attacking role and rotate your players. Once everyone is familiar with the drill, progress so that if defender B wins possession he immediately attacks original attacker A and tries to run the ball behind him to the opposite end line. He can use his own support players E and F if required.

G4 Closing down the opposition/defending from the front Preparation: Groups of twelve players in an area of 30 x 50yds with two small goals positioned as shown in the diagram. Description: This practice is another designed to encourage players to close down the opposition – in this case forwards who may not instinctively treat it as part of their game. The goalkeeper throws the ball out to his defender player A. Defending players B and C must touch the ball before they can pass the ball forward to either of their strikers D or E. As the attacking team is passing the ball along its defensive line, red players F and G, who in their advanced position up the pitch are the red team’s strikers, work to close the ball down, win possession and shoot at goal.

If the red team is unsuccessful in closing down the intial attacking team, it can now pass the ball to its forwards D and E who attempt to score. Once a shot on goal has been made and the ball recovered the drill is restarted by red’s goalkeeper who throws the ball out to his defenders. Once again all three defenders must touch the ball before attempting to get the ball up to their strikers.

Coaching points This practice is designed to bring home the responsibility of forwards to shut down the ball when the opposition has possession in the final third of the pitch, and to practise key defensive skills such as angles of approach and reducing opposition passing options. The drill should last for twenty to thirty minutes and, unlike many other drills in the manual, players assuming the role of strikers should stay as strikers.

DEFENDING

SECTION G DEFENDING

A C

G5 Squeezing play Preparation: Groups of 16 players who will be playing an 8 v 8 game. Both teams will adopt a 3-2-2 formation. Mark out an area of 60 x 40yds and then mark two lines five yards either side of the half way line as shown in the diagram. Description: The game is played in the normal way except that for a goal to count all of the scoring team (with the exception of the goalkeeper) must be in both the opposition’s half and beyond their 5-yard line. This encourages the attacking team to push up together. In particular the three defenders will need to maintain a compact unit. All seven outfield players of the attacking side will need to keep team formation and squeeze play into the opposition’s half. If an attacking team’s player does not make it beyond the 5-yard line as his team scores, no goal is awarded. To even things up, any defending player not retreating quickly enough from the attacking team’s half as the attacking team scores causes his team to concede two goals.

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Coaching points The game, apart from being great fun and a good example of the positive value of team togetherness, promotes excellent levels of concentration and injects a desire in the players to work for the team, especially when defending. Good defensive values are shown here by the team being compact, pressing play into the opposition half and encouraging a good team ethic. It is important that the offside rule is rigorously adhered to during the game.You need to reward and praise good defending that captures the opposition offside.

G6 Two defenders v three forwards Preparation: Groups of 12 players in an area of 50 x 30yds with a half way line marked and two small goals as shown in the diagram. Description: Defenders A and B in one half and C and D in the other are up against three forwards each. Each group of five players and goalkeeper are confined to their own half. Because the defenders are out-numbered they have to work as a unit covering each other and good communication is required.

Coaching points Players must not over commit and leave their defensive partner isolated. Defenders must try to guide the forwards to the sides, maintain their togetherness as a unit and not get caught flat. All of the time maintaining good communication, i.e. ‘go with the run, I’ve got the player with the ball’ etc. Above all defenders must show clear determination not to let the forwards score. With older groups you may need to limit the number of touches the forwards can have – i.e. 2 or 3 touches. ‘Press the ball’, angle wide and the covering player drops and slides across to cover his partner. These are the key points to stress.

DEFENDING

SECTION G DEFENDING

F B D A

G7 Marking on crosses 1 (1 v 1) Preparation: One defender (B) and one forward (A) in the penalty area of a full sized pitch with two waiting players (E and F) to the side of the goal. Players C and D are in wide areas crossing the ball using the two mannequins as dummy defenders.

Give each defender six crosses then swap the players in the penalty area for the two waiting by the far post. Make sure that all defenders and attackers receive crosses from both the left and right side.

Description: Player D runs at mannequin Y and crosses the ball for attacker A. The starting position for the defending player B is all-important: he must mark goal side and in front of A. As D begins his run and before the delivery of the cross, defender B must be aware of any movement of attacking A, adjusting his position accordingly. The moment the ball is crossed the defending player must attack the ball with complete determination, heading or volleying the ball clear.

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DEFENDING

SECTION G DEFENDING

1 D

3 E

G8 Marking on crosses 2 (2 v 2) Preparation: Ten or more players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. You will need two mannequins and a bag of balls. Description: The practice is identical to the one on the previous page [G7], but now we add more players in the penalty box and ask the goalkeeper to play his part in coming for crosses. The starting position for the defending players A and B (shown in white) is vital. Both should mark goal side and in front of the attackers and must be able to see the ball and their respective attackers. Progress to three defenders vs three forwards in the penalty box – i.e. two centrebacks and the far full back. Contact is inevitable in this exercise and it is important that players show a desire and willingness to be the first to the ball.

Coaching points Winning the battle to be ‘first to the ball’ when dealing with crosses relies on good positioning on the part of the defender. For young players ‘seeing the ball and the player you are marking’ is a particularly difficult concept to grasp as balls are crossed into the penalty area. The defending player must adopt an open body position and expect the attacker to pull away from the ball, trying to get in behind the defender or trying to pull him away, making a run in front and across him.

G9 Attack vs defence (6 v 6) Preparation: 13 players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. Description: The defending team is made up of six players (A-F) vs the attacking team (1-6). The coach starts the practice by passing the ball to attacker 1. Defender D reacts by closing down the attacker’s space while the entire defending team moves across to balance the formation and deny the attack space.

Coaching points The nearest player shuts the ball down and the back four should stay balanced and together. The two central defenders B and C dictate how high or deep the back line is. The far fullback A should not be deeper than the centre backs’ line. Emphasise all the basics of defending previously mentioned – delay, compactness and good communication. You must drill the group to be organised and determined.

If the defender’s position is correct before the cross arrives, and he attacks the ball it will make it extremely hard for the attacker to get an effort on goal. The aim of the defender is always to be first to the ball no matter how. Be brave!

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DEFENDING

SECTION G DEFENDING

A D

G F

G10 Defending as a team Preparation: The practice requires 16 players plus a goalkeeper on two thirds of a full sized pitch. Description: The defensive set up consists of a goalkeeper, a back four and a midfield three. In fact we ask the midfield three to play as if they had a fourth team member on the pitch. We do this because we actually want problematic defensive situations to arise. Now we put it all together. In this practice we ask the players to defend the middle and defensive thirds of the pitch.

In the diagram the red team is attacking the opposition’s goal. Red player A has the ball and passes it to player B. As the ball is passed defending midfielder H leaves red player C and moves towards red player B; G moves to his left to mark red player C, and F moves over to mark red player D; H takes up a marking position showing red player B back inside.

Coaching points All the critical components of successful defensive play practised earlier now come into play: keeping the team compact; closing down the player with the ball to limit their passing opportunities; tracking any forward runs and constant and good communication between team-mates. Above all players must show real team effort and a habit of working for each other. As a simple guide – the nearest defender presses the ball, showing inside in attacking and midfield zones, showing outside in the defending zone, other players slide across and drop to cover.

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It is important when working the team that the defenders understand that it is the central defenders who dictate how high or deep the back line should be. When they push up or drop off the full backs must follow. As a general rule the full backs should not be deeper than the centrebacks, they should be at least level. If not you won’t have a compact unit of players and mistakes and misunderstandings can occur. More senior players should use four midfield players, rather than three so that the defensive set-up is two lines of four.

DEFENDING

Section H

Heading Being able to head the ball well is a vital skill for every player, no matter what position – and this includes goalkeepers! A wellheaded ball can create and score goals or intercept and help deal with dangerous attacking situations. It can be difficult to coach heading for the very young player so it must be made fun and the coach should adapt games to include it. Slightly under-inflated balls or ‘heading balls’ can be used especially when introducing the technique to the youngest players for the first time. Poor technique and sometimes inflicted pain when heading hard balls can put off young children, so little and often is the way. For the 5 to 8 year-olds heading is not such a vitally important skill, but when you do introduce it into their game try to use the tips above. As players get older heading as part of the game becomes much more important and can make the difference between winning and losing games – especially at re-starts. If we can remove the ‘fear of pain’ among the very young players every time they experience heading, we will see better technique emerge, far less apprehension and match winning headed goals!

H1 Throw to head / H2 Continuous heading H3 Learning to jump / H4 Heading for goal H5 Attacking the ball / H6 Heading for distance H7 Defensive heading / H8 Heading in the box

SECTION H HEADING

H1 Throw to head Preparation: Pairs of players each in an area of 10 x 10yds. Description: Player A throws underarm to player B. B heads back into player A’s hands. As the players’ confidence grows progress to A repeats his throw to B who must now head the ball twice – once in the air and then back to A. This will ensure that the player heading the ball keeps his eyes open and watches the ball on contact.

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H2 Continuous heading Coaching points This simple drill is designed to instil confidence into your players and help develop good technique as they learn to head the ball. Players must watch the ball right on to their foreheads, use their arms in an open position for balance, thrust the neck towards the ball, arch the back and keep their eyes open for as long as possible (they will naturally blink as the ball makes contact with the head).Young players commonly make the mistake of closing their eyes well before the ball arrives. At this stage jumping is not vital.

Preparation: Pairs of players each in an area of 10 x 10yds. Description: Players A and B start by one player throwing underarm to their partner’s head, the players then try to head the ball back and forth.

Coaching points Players should head the ball up in an arc, not a straight line giving his partner time to read the flight of the ball and adjust his position. Ask the players to keep count of how many continuous headers they manage and make it competitive among the squad. Make it fun!

HEADING

SECTION H HEADING

SERVER A

SERVER B

B D

H3 Learning to jump Preparation: Players in groups of three, each group in an area of 10 x 10yds. Description: Player A throws underarm to player C, C jumps to head the ball back to A. Player B acts as a passive defender and does not attempt to intercept or head the ball.

H4 Heading for goal Coaching points The timing of C’s jump and A’s placement of the ball are both vital. Player C must not stand too close to player B (touch tight is the maximum). C must jump from a one foot take off and not stand and jump. The sequence should be A throws over and above B’s shoulder, C should take one step forward and jump off with one foot, heading firmly back to A.

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Preparation: Eight or more players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. You will need two poles or mannequins. Description: The set up is as shown with servers A and B either side of goal. The servers throw underarm across the goal for players to run in and head for goal. The player that has headed the ball continues his run and takes the server’s place. The balls are served left and right alternately.

Coaching points The servers must throw the ball in an arc and into the space the heading player is running to. The heading player should keep his eyes open as he heads the ball and aim for the corner of the goal. Jumping is not crucial during this exercise.

HEADING

SECTION H HEADING

SERVER A

H5 Attacking the ball Preparation: Eight or more players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. You will need two poles or mannequins. Description: The set up is as shown with servers A and B either side of goal. Server A passes a controlled volley, head high, across the penalty area. Player D runs past the pole, intercepts the volleyed pass by heading the ball towards the goal. Server B now repeats the exercise by volleying across the box for player C to intercept with a header for goal.

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H6 Heading for distance Coaching points The service from players A and B must be good and well controlled. For less capable players the server can throw rather than volley the ball across the box. The heading players must attack the flight of the ball and head for goal. It is important that there is some pace on the volley or throw.

Preparation: Four players in an area of 20 x 10yds.

Coaching points

Description: Set up the players as shown separated by about five yards. Player A throws underarm for player B to head over A to player C. Player C turns and throws underarm for player D to head back over C to player A. Change player positions from time to time.

Make sure the service is high and slightly short of each heading player. This will enable the heading player to come forward onto the ball and, by heading up and under the ball, get the height and distance required.

The more proficient players can try to maintain a continual heading sequence in place of throwing, with the two central players turning as the ball is in mid-flight.

Adjust the distance between players for different age groups.

HEADING

SECTION H HEADING

C A

C E

B H

D E

Description: Players A, B and C are the defenders; D, E and F are the servers. Randomly, players D, E or F chip high balls to the edge of the penalty area. The nearest defender to the ball tries to head the ball back to the half way line.

H7 Defensive heading Preparation: Groups of six players on half a full sized pitch.

H8 Heading in the box Coaching points Each defender tries to get as much height and distance on his header as possible. Heading players should get under the ball and head the lower part of the ball, which will give the ball height. Timing is essential and you should coach the defenders to take one or two strides to the ball and jump using a one footed take off. Good service is vital, so use players with good kicking skills.

Preparation: Ten or more players in the area around the penalty box of a full sized pitch. Description: The set up is as shown with two defenders marking one forward and two further defenders who are resting. Start with wide players A and B producing a simple overlap and pass â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is player B passes to A as he overlaps. Player A must cross the ball high into the penalty box for defenders C and D to head clear. Attacker E adds realism and pressure to the defenders trying to head for goal himself. Player F will pick up any loose clearances by playing the ball left or right to start another attack.

Coaching points As soon as the ball is crossed it must be attacked at its highest point; players must not wait. The ball should be headed for distance and all players must show commitment and determination.

Keep the defenders moving and adjusting their positions. Alternate defenders I and J with C and D from time to time, as well as E and F.

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HEADING

Section I

Shooting This section is about developing your players’ ability to put the ball into the net. It sounds simple enough, but players that can do it consistently and well are worth their weight in gold! Is it an instinct or can it be coached? It’s probably a bit of both, although great strikers do seem to be born with the knack. When setting up these practices it is important that they present a realistic challenge – don’t make it too easy for players to score or make it so difficult it becomes discouraging. The key elements are not to give the attacker too much space or time. Very few goals are scored with the scorer having more than three touches – there are exceptions, but they are few and far between. So organise your practices with one, two or three touches to finish. The very young player needs more time and space; the 16-18 year-old needs to work on one and two touch finishing. First hone the players’ technique and accuracy – only then add power. Some youngsters go for power before accuracy. Keep reminding them this is the wrong way round. Make sure they also remember to always make the goalkeeper work by hitting the target – that way they will always have a chance of scoring. Goals win games. It’s worth practising!

I1 Run and shoot / I2 Touch and shoot / I3 Turning and shooting I4 Shield, dummy, turn and shoot / I5 Dribble, pass, shoot I6 Volleys / I7 Shooting under pressure

SECTION I SHOOTING

C A A

A B C

I1 Run and shoot Preparation: Up to twelve players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. Description: Pitch size and distances should be age appropriate. Set up as shown (use a smaller penalty area and pitch size for 8-11 year-olds). The coach, who has a bag of balls, rolls one ball goalward as player A runs forward. A shoots for goal, collects his ball (hopefully from out of the back of the net) and returns it to the coach. The coach and player B repeat the sequence.

I2 Touch and shoot Coaching points Players’ kicking skills should be coached so that the non-kicking foot is placed along side the ball, and with the head down looking at the ball, kick through the ball with a pointed toe. Players must concentrate on a good strike and hit the target (accuracy). Just before the player shoots tell him to have a quick look at the goalkeeper’s position.

Preparation: Eight or more players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. Description: Set up as shown. Player A passes the ball firmly to player B. B pushes the ball with the inside of his right foot to the side and forward avoiding the mannequin as shown. The player’s second touch must be a shot at goal. Player A becomes B, B joins the line. The sequence is repeated on the other side with players C and D.

Coaching points Stipulate that players must finish with two touches using the right foot on the left of the goal and the left foot on the right of goal. Players should change sides periodically to practise both right and left foot shooting. Encourage quick feet movement – a ‘ball out of the feet and shoot’ mentality.

With the coach serving the balls, this practice should be a one touch finish. Repeat the practice for left foot shooting on the other side of the penalty box.

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SHOOTING

SECTION I SHOOTING

I3 Turning and shooting Preparation: Eight or more players including a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. You will need two mannequins. Description: Player C passes to player A who ‘comes off ’ the mannequin to perform a back foot turn. Immediately after he turns he pushes the ball forward and to his right and shoots at goal right footed. Speed of execution of the turn and shot are vital. Player A retrieves his ball and rejoins the line as players B and D repeat the drill on the right side of the pitch.

Coaching points This drill is all about the attacking player’s turn. You are looking at the accuracy and efficiency of the turn, especially the placement of the ball for the second touch, which will be all important when it comes to getting the shot away. The less space the forward needs to perform the turn and shot, the more effective he will become. Note that from the left side it is a right-footed turn and shot and vice versa from the right. This drill is an excellent simulation of creating space to ‘come off’ a defender and turning him, which is a vital skill for every striker. Encourage the players to create different turns.

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B D C

I4 Shield, dummy, turn and shoot Preparation: Ten players: six forwards, four defenders plus a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. Description: Attacking player C passes to player A who is being tightly marked by white defender E. Attacker player A positions his body on the half turn and receives the ball with the outside of the front foot, i.e. the foot that is furthest from the defender (right foot in the diagram). At the same time he is holding the defender off with his left side. A now brings the inside of his left foot over the ball and plants it on the ground; with his weight on his left foot, he uses his right foot to push the ball inside the defender, turns and shoots right-footed. In this practice we ask the defender to stay passive after he has initially pressed the attacker as he receives the ball, and not interfere with the turn and the shot. We want the attacking player to learn to feel the presence of the defender.

Player A gets his ball and rejoins the line and the practice is repeated on the other side of the pitch using players B and D. Defenders E and F change with G and H after three goes each.

Coaching point During this drill the attacking players are attempting a classic dummy and its success will depend on the speed of execution and the quality of their turns. Be sure players are comfortable performing the technique before introducing them to this drill.You may need to practise using mannequins before introducing defenders.

SHOOTING

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SECTION I SHOOTING

C A

I5 Dribble, pass, shoot Preparation: Any number of players plus a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. You will need two mannequins and 12 cones. Description: The set up is as shown. Player A, on the left side of the penalty area, dribbles in and out of the cones [shown as blue markers] and passes the ball to player B before going around the last cone. Player B passes first time back to player A who has carried on his run past the mannequin to B’s left. Player A should try to shoot first time but less capable players may need two touches. Player A recovers his ball and joins the line. Players C and D repeat the process on the right side.

I6 Volleys Coaching points The older and better players should be encouraged to perform the exercise quickly, especially the exchange of passes prior to the shot. Ensure players get to practise both left and right foot shooting by changing the players over from side to side, and promote and encourage accuracy before power.

Preparation: Six or more players plus a goalkeeper in the penalty area of a full sized pitch. Description: The set up is as shown with the coach holding the ball and player A standing with his back to goal. The coach throws the ball high over player A’s left shoulder. Player A turns and volleys the ball at goal before it has bounced twice. Player A collects his ball and joins the line. Player B takes his turn.

Coaching points Give the performing player time to adjust by throwing the ball high and away from him. Throw the ball over right shoulder for a left foot shoot. When the player is about to strike the ball he must not hit the ball on the ‘up’, but wait until the ball is dropping and strike it when it is approximately positioned between the knee and the ankle. A pointed toe and a tight ankle joint are needed with a follow through after contact.

Groups should change sides periodically and rotate players into the B and C positions.

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SHOOTING

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SECTION I SHOOTING

I7 Shooting under pressure Preparation: Ten or more players plus a goalkeeper on half a full sized pitch. Description: Set up half a pitch narrowed with markers as shown. The exercise is performed by players in groups of three. One player acts as the defender (A) with B and C performing the role of attackers. Player A starts with the ball and passes to B or C. Players B and C immediately attack A and try to beat him and shoot to score. The defender can use offside as a tactic and the two attackers must be aware of this.

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Coaching points The attackers must attack at speed and be aware of running forward without the ball too quickly (avoiding going offside). Good movement, speed, quality of pass should ensure either B or C end up with a shot at goal. The defender does his best to stop them scoring. Rotate the defending player within the group of three.

Section J

Conditioned Games Conditioned games are an important part of any coaching program. During the course of most training sessions the coach will, at some point, get the squad to play a small sided game usually imposing one or more conditions to emphasise a specific coaching point or to reinforce a team tactic. In its simplest form the coach can merely limit the amount of touches any player can have when in possession (one, two or three touches) or he can overload players, for example 7 v 5, 6 v 4 etc, or have the overload players playing for the team in possession (e.g. 4 v 4 + two floaters). The permutations of imposable conditions are endless: the coach must use his imagination combined with experience and knowing ‘what works’. Plus he must have a clear picture in his mind of what playing and tactical points are to be emphasised during the game and be ready to think up the most useful conditions for each game. The general rule for pitch size for any game is – if it’s too easy make the pitch smaller, or if it’s too hard make the pitch bigger or, ultimately, reassess the condition imposed. Remember, these conditioned games are a means to an end, and must have a technical or tactical emphasis within them to have any lasting coaching value.

J1 Below head height – 3 v 3 / J2 One touch to finish J3 Rebounds to score / J4 Only score from a cross and finish J5 One touch in own half / J6 Man-to-man marking J7 All in attacking half to score / J8 4 v 4 J9 Head – catch/throw – head J10 Three zone game (playing out from the back)

SECTION J CONDITIONED GAMES

J1 Below head height – 3 v 3 Preparation: Playing area – 45 x 15yds with a 5yd ‘no-go zone’ at each end complete with two small goals (poles or cones are fine, placed 1.5yds apart).

Coaching points

Description: By ruling out balls played over the head, players are encouraged to pass the ball among the team to penetrate the opposition: no direct football with high, long passes forward.

The game promotes passing between and around the opposition – not over them. It demands that the players off the ball make good passing angles, it encourages support and movement, and practises passing skills with quick inter-play between team-mates.

This condition is particularly useful with young players who are encouraged to support the player on the ball by making good passing angles; it also promotes movement off the ball.

During the game you can also set additional conditions: for example two or three touch football for both teams.

Condition: The ball must remain below head height all of the time. When the side in possession offends by playing the ball too high, they immediately hand possession over to the opposition. Both teams try to score in the small goals at each end. Neither the attacking nor defending teams can enter the ‘no-go zones’ at any time. You can introduce side players to produce wall passes, but limit them to a maximum of two touches.

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J2 One touch to finish

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Preparation: Playing area – 45 x 20yds area for a game of 6 v 6 including goalkeepers. Description: The game can be expanded by adding players up to a maximum of 8 v 8 and increasing the area to 60 x 40yds. This encourages one touch shooting and sharpens forward players’ instincts around the goal. It also helps to improve the awareness of players on the ball who must pick out team-mates in better scoring positions. Condition: The condition imposed is that the player shooting or heading for goal can only have one touch on the ball, i.e. he must perform a first time shot or header.

Coaching points We have restricted the forwards to a first time shot and this should have the effect of sharpening their finishing skills and increasing the general awareness of players around the goal. The players off the ball must anticipate possible goal-scoring opportunities and those taking possession of the ball, and who are not in a position to score with one touch, must learn to pick out team-mates in scoring positions.

CONDITIONED GAMES

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SECTION J CONDITIONED GAMES

8 2 7

J3 Rebounds to score Preparation: Playing area – a sports hall, gymnasium or anywhere with goals that can be marked on a solid surface that will supply the rebounds. When you are outside you can use benches placed on their sides in the goalmouth. Description: The diagram shows a 7 v 7 game, played without goalkeepers of course. Numbers can be adjusted for smaller sports halls or gyms. By forcing players to anticipate and react to a ball coming back into play from a rebound, we can discourage players off the ball from just watching and waiting. It makes non-shooting players follow up shots (mimicking a parried save from a goalkeeper) and stops defenders switching off, as they may have to clear the rebound. Condition: The game is played normally, but to score a goal the following must happen: the first shot on goal doesn’t score; the ball will rebound off the wall (or bench) and must be struck into the goal again, with a

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maximum of two touches (three touches for very young players), to count. In the diagram red 1 shoots and hits the goal, red 2, following up, ‘scores’ with his shot when the ball rebounds into his path.

J4 Only score from a cross and finish Preparation: Playing area – position two goals on the edge of each penalty area and mark off the wide areas (the width of the penalty area) with disks. Players A and B from each side are the only players allowed in the wide areas.

Since the striker can’t ‘score’ first time, this game naturally encourages other players to get up and support the striker.

Description: This game encourages width in the team, which may well be lacking. It is designed to improve crossing technique and encourages forwards to attack crosses. Defensively, the goalkeeper and the defending unit will have a lot of crosses to deal with.

It forces team-mates to follow up shots at goal and improves their anticipation, making them think about where the ball will go. It will also stop defenders switching off because they will be regularly called upon to clear the rebounds.

Condition: A game of 7 v 7, including the two goalkeepers, is played in the central area of the pitch. A goal can only be scored when the attacking team’s wide players (players A and B) cross the ball and it is headed, shot or volleyed into the goal.

Coaching points

In addition, the ball can only be passed to the wide players by the attacking team’s midfield players or forwards, not their defenders or goalkeeper.

In the diagram the goalkeeper throws to (white 7) who has (5) in support, (7) passes to (5) who in turn pushes the ball out wide to A. Player A now crosses the ball which is attacked by (8). Finally, the opposite winger (white B in the diagram) is also allowed to come in and attack the cross on the far post.

Coaching point By limiting scoring opportunities to balls crossed from wide positions, the game will naturally create width in the team. It teaches forwards to anticipate crosses and improves crossing technique. It also encourages wingers to get involved in attacking crosses at the far post.

CONDITIONED GAMES

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SECTION J CONDITIONED GAMES

J5 One touch in own half Preparation: Playing area – an area of 60 x 40yds for a game of 8 v 8 including goalkeepers. The playing area size can be adjusted for smaller groups. Description: If you feel that your team’s build up play is too slow or your defenders are taking too many risks on the ball, then applying a condition that restricts players to one touch of the ball in their own half is a great way of making them deal more urgently with the ball at their feet. It may also help the team to stay more compact if they push up quickly out of the defensive third when defenders play forwards with an immediate one-touch pass. Condition: A normal game is played with the strict condition that every player, with the exception of the goalkeepers, is allowed only one touch of the ball in their defending half of the pitch. In the attacking half players play their usual game.

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J6 Man-to-man marking Coaching points The effect of the condition is to speed up attacking play and for defenders to clear danger quickly. It also stops over-play in the wrong areas and improves qualities of concentration and anticipation. The team will tend to play more as a unit and will respond to the instruction, ‘play out and push up’. You should encourage your players to pass as accurately as possible during the build of attacks, not just a kick up-field, or the ball will just keep coming back into their defensive half.

Preparation: Playing area – the diagram shows an area of 50 x 30yds for a game of 6 v 6 including goalkeepers. The area can be adjusted for larger or smaller groups. Description: This game is physically demanding so in order to keep the quality of the play high you should introduce regular rest periods. It can be adapted for individual players or for separate team units (e.g. just the midfielder or defenders). The flip side of the man-to-man marking coin is the ability of marked players to shrug off or lose their markers. During the game a coach must stress to his players that they should use their individual talents and skills – to run with the ball, perform turns and to make runs off the ball – to lose their markers. Condition: The game is played normally with no restrictions on touches, but at the outset every player is given an opposition player to mark and becomes the only player allowed to dispossess his nominated player of the ball. All outfield players are marking man-to-man.

Coaching points From the defensive point of view, the game will help perfect the qualities of both individuals and the team. It will sharpen defensive concentration and improve team discipline largely because every player has a job to do and each player must continually intercept balls and tackle his nominated player. The attacking team learns to play under pressure, and movement on and off the ball – aimed at losing markers – is practised in a game situation. It encourages individuals, offering a chance to repeatedly turn, perform step-overs, try feints and changes of pace, dribble and use every other trick in their armoury of ball skills. For defenders concentration is essential. They must be careful not to ball watch and lose their nominated man.

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SECTION J CONDITIONED GAMES

D E

J7 All in attacking half to score Preparation: The diagram shows an area of 60 x 40yds for a game of 8 v 8 including goalkeepers.

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J8 4 v 4 Coaching points

Condition: For the attacking team’s goal to count, all of the attacking team must be in the opposition’s half when the shot on goal is made. Additionally, all of the defending team’s players must be in their own half when the attacking team’s goal is scored or they are punished by conceding two goals.

The game encourages the attacking team to ‘push up’ together – squeezing play in the opponent’s half. It keeps the defending team’s forwards on their toes. They must concentrate or get caught out. If they switch off or become ‘lazy’ they might easily cost their team two goals.

In the diagram the claret/blues are attacking the reds. Attackers A and B are looking to shoot and score. Claret/blues defenders C, D and E are running to get into the attacking half for the goal to count. If red (1) and (2) do not get into their own half, the goal will count double – thus punishing lazy forwards who fail to track back.

Tactically, it forces the attacking team’s defenders to ‘push up’ together, keeping them in touch with the play in front; it also keeps the team compact and catches the opposition’s ‘lazy’ forwards offside.

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The game is quite physically demanding and it is advisable to break regularly for drinks.

Preparation: Set out an area of 30 x 15yds with small goals (1 x1 yd) and a group of twelve players. Condition: 4 v 4 with four players on the side of pitch. The four players on the pitch can use the two side players as support, but restrict the side players to a maximum of two touches. The players on the pitch (4 v 4) have no restriction on touches placed on them. Both teams try to score a goal as in a regular game.

Coaching points The coach should encourage lots of touches of the ball: 1 v 1 dribbling situations, ‘pass and move’ strategies and insist on high levels of concentration (every player is involved all of the time). Progress to one touch for the outside players; ‘score with a first time shot’ and restrict touches for older players (14+) with a two or three touch maximum. Rotate the teams with the outside players from time to time. Encourage lots of contacts with the ball, creativity and team discipline.

CONDITIONED GAMES

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SECTION J CONDITIONED GAMES

C D

J9 Head – catch/throw – head Preparation: The diagram shows an area of 40 x 30yds for a game of 6 v 6 including goalkeepers. The area can be adjusted for larger or smaller groups. Condition: Firstly, players cannot run with the ball. They must use the sequence of catch/throw/head. Movement off the ball is allowed and a goal is scored when the ball is headed into the net following the above sequence. For young players goalkeepers are not essential (just getting them to head for goal will be an achievement in itself!). The defending team can only intercept in the same sequence: i.e. when the opposition throw the ball, defenders must use their heads to intercept it; if the opposition head it, defenders can catch the ball and so on.

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Coaching points This game encourages heading in a fun way and it should also incorporate movement off the ball. Allow as many continuous headers as players can achieve to encourage the development of heading skills, but not catches, players must stick to the head – catch/throw – head sequence.

J10 Three zone game (playing out from the back) Preparation: The diagram shows an area of 60 x 40yds for a game of 8 v 8 including goalkeepers. Condition: Set up the area as shown, marking out the defensive, midfield and attacking zones with cones. The game starts with the goalkeeper rolling the ball out to any defender. All three defenders must touch the ball at least once before passing it into the middle zone. Once in the middle zone the two midfield players try to play into the strikers as quickly as possible who attempt to score. That is, the goalkeeper passes to defender A, A passes to B, B passes to C. C can now pass into the midfield and passes to D, D passes to forward E and E shoots to score.

Coaching points This game builds player confidence when passing out from the back. It also makes players better aware tactically. Encourages defenders to break into midfield to create overload and to produce better quality of passes into the midfield and attacking areas. It helps players become more flexible with positional interchange as players break into different zones and other team-mates react by filling in when possession is lost.

Progress to: one defender can break into the midfield zone creating an overload as the ball is passed in, and one midfield can break into attacking zone as the ball is passed in. Players retreat when possession is lost.

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Section K

Team Organisation & Code of Conduct For team managers and coaches we must have agreed criteria that we all work to. These are: 8 v 8 team formations: 2-3-2 or 2-2-3 11 v 11 team formations: 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 or 4-5-1

Tactically f

Play forward at every opportunity, if not – KEEP POSSESSION

Keep the pitch big when in possession, squeeze and slide together when possession is lost, compact and react quickly.

All 11 v 11 teams are expected to have set play/dead ball organisation.

We must encourage and coach our players to be aggressive when defending and creative when attacking.

Technically f

Practise what you want to happen on the pitch.

Try to develop player understanding by explaining why a tactic or skill needs to be done.

Encourage opposed practice as soon as you think the players can cope.

Repetition and practice – develop the technique, develop the understanding.

Continually revisit previous work.

Encourage players to always pass ‘safe side’.

K1 Defending corners 11 v 11 / K2 Defending corners 8 v 8 K3 Team formations 11 v 11 (4-4-2) / K4 Team formations 11 v 11 (4-3-3) K5 Team formations 8 v 8 (2-3-2) / K6 Team formations 8 v 8 (2-2-3)

SECTION K TEAM ORGANISATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

Code of conduct f

100% effort and commitment is the minimum requirement (coaches and players).

Indentify technical faults in players and correct by demonstration.

Try to avoid coaching the player ‘on the ball’.

Ensure that your equipment, balls, bibs, cones and so on, are all in good condition before every session. Recognise and coach correct body position.

Insist on good timekeeping.

Club kit and tracksuits for training and travel are compulsory.

No jewellery to be worn during training or matches.

No mobile phones in the dressing rooms.

Principles of play

No baseball caps or woolly hats to be worn in the dressing room or canteen area.

Can the first pass be a forward one?

Play the way you are facing (basic principle).

If there is no space to pass to the feet, can you pass into the space behind?

Get your first touch out of your feet (if you don’t pass one touch).

Try not to let balls bounce (especially in defensive positions).

Practise instead of preaching!

Let the players do the talking not you!

Always ensure football boots are clean at the start of training sessions or matches.

Coaching f f

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Remember they are OUR players not MY players. Plan every session and make sure every session has a ‘theme’.

Be early and allow time for ‘setting up’.

Be enthusiastic and the players will respond.

Keep the team compact, push up together, drop off together.

Don’t try to put too much into one session.

Mistakes happen – move on quickly – practise to eradicate.

Don’t always show them; ask them to show you!

Set standards of behaviour and play. Make no exceptions.

Coach the importance of regaining possession quickly (within four seconds).

It is a team game, you all rely on each other.

Don’t coach ‘straight’ passing, use angled, diagonal etc.

Define positional responsibility and practise it.

Reinforce practice drills in game situations (i.e. phase of play, conditioned games etc).

Give instruction in a positive manner – even when offering criticism.

Always show a positive attitude.

WEST HAM UNITED TRAINING MANUAL

SECTION K TEAM ORGANISATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

3 2

2 8

6 7

11 8

K1 Defending corners 11 v 11

K2 Defending corners 8 v 8

Organise the team as follows: 1 Goalkeeper; 2 marking near post space; 3 marking inside the far post; 4,5,6,7 who are the main markers usually marking the opposition’s tallest players; 8 marks space centrally and may need to be aware of opposition players standing in front of the goalkeeper; 9 and 10 mark on the edge of the box and 11 stays up-field hoping to spring a counter attack.

Organise the team as follows: 1 Goalkeeper; 2 marking near post space; 3 marking inside the far post; 4,5,6, who are the main markers usually marking the opposition’s tallest players; 7 marks on edge of the box and 8 stays up-field hoping to spring a counter attack.

If the opposition send two players out for a short corner, defenders 2 (near post) and 10 (edge of box) go out to stop them playing the ball short. However, if the ball is played short, 9 must move across the edge of box to mark 10’s man and leave his own free – his own man being further from the ball than 10’s!

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TEAM ORGANISATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

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SECTION K TEAM ORGANISATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

6 6

11 8

10 6

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K3 Team formations 11 v 11

K4 Team formations 11 v 11

This is the easiest formation to organise and for players to understand. It also the formation most commonly used. Its strengths are its simplicity, solidness and the ease with which it is possible to identify faults and weaknesses.

This formation can be made more defensive by becoming 4-5-1 when players 7 and 11 drop into a deeper position alongside 8 and 10.

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This system is more flexible and allows for good interchange of player positions, particularly those of midfield and front players. It can be adapted so that instead of player 6 acting as a holding midfielder player he adopts a position (as shown on the diagram) as a deeper lying striker.

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SECTION K TEAM ORGANISATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

K5 Team formations 8 v 8

K6 Team formations 8 v 8

Players 2 and 3 are the main defenders; the midfield is made up of players 4, 5, 6 with 6 and 4 giving width when necessary. 7 and 8 are the main strikers playing as a pair combining and working movement off each other â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i.e. one comes short, one looks to run forward.

This is a very attack-minded formation. Again, players 2 and 3 are the main defenders who stay central; 4 and 5 are central midfield players; 6 and 8 are wide players working the line up and back, which leaves 7 as the central striker who is supported by runs from the wide players (6 and 8). The midfield (4 and 5) makes the team solid through the middle and relies on 6 and 8 to work defensively in wide areas.

It is important that the central striker 7 is a player good at holding the ball up and is capable of passing and linking play with the supporting players.

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TEAM ORGANISATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

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