The complete soccer coaching experience
SOCCERCOACHING No. 26 April/May 2008
International
Rafael Benitez, Liverpool FC
Adílson Batista, Cruzeiro head coach
Bodo Menze, FC Schalke ’04 academy
Midfield Organization of the 4:4:2
WWW.SOCCER COACHINGINTERNATIONAL.COM
Contents 4
RAFAEL BENITEZ, LIVERPOOL FC: “We do not have a set system”
From the Editor
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ADÍLSON BATISTA, CRUZEIRO HEAD COACH: “Tactical understanding”
BRUNO PINHEIRO AND PAULO MOREIRA, CF BELENENSES YOUTH COACHES: “Following the ‘guidelines’ of our philosophy”
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MIDFIELD ORGANIZATION OF THE 4:4:2 PART 1:
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BRAZILIAN CORNER
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TRAINING SESSIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
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COUNTER ATTACKING PLAY
“Midfield Organization and Roles”
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BODO MENZE, FC SCHALKE ’04 ACADEMY HEAD:
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LAMBERT JAGER, GOALKEEPER TRAINER S.B.V. VITESSE ARNHEM:
“The most important quality for a youth trainer is patience”
Spring has arrived! And with the spring also the second issue of 2008. I always look forward to this season; not only because the cold and wet Dutch winter has passed and the sun is showing its face again, but also because football is being played all over the world. Spring marks the final stages of the European, Australia and African competitions, including the UEFA Cup, UEFA Champions League, the Australian AFC Champions League and its African counterpart the CAF Champions League. And in the US, Canada, Latin and South America and Asia the competitions are just beginning. A great time of the year with football everywhere around the world. Of course all this brings more than eye candy as these months provide us with plenty of tactical and technical issues to discuss. Add the preparations for Euro 2008 and the results is this second issue of 2008, which starts with 2005 champions league winners Liverpool FC. SoccerCoachingInternational talked with their coach Rafael Benitez, who claims he is not doing anything in particular to substantiate the success of the club, both in the Premiership as well as the Champions League. According to him hard work and team work are the answers. Our second article comes from the Brazilian Serie A, where Adilson Batista is in charge of Cruzeiro and talked to us about tactical understanding and bringing the club back to the level they need to be at. In Portugal and Germany we visited the academies of Belenenses and Schalke 04 to take a look at their youth programs and what they are doing to get their youth players ready for the first team. Back in the Netherlands we visited Lambert Jager who coaches the goalkeepers at Ere-divisie club Vitesse Arnhem. Back upon popular request is Christian Lavers with part 1 of his series on Midfield Organization in a 4-4-2 and new to our writing staff is Andrew Blight, who coaches the Newcastle United U15s and tackles the subject of counter attacking. Of course our regular feature, Training Sessions from around the world is present again. And Paul Cooper’s icing on the cake: his column makes the magazine complete! All in all another great issue with a wide variety of topics providing plenty of food for thought.
“Basically I’m coaching tactically” Please do not forget to visit our website: www.soccercoachinginternational.com, where you will find 100s of exercises; our exercise editor; video exercises; the members’ area and now also The Player Tracking System!
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ROAD TO EURO 2008: NEWS
I wish you all lots of reading and surfing pleasure! Yours in soccer, Maaike Denkers Managing Editor
46 COLUMN PAUL COOPER
Rafael Benitez, Liverpool FC:
Photo: Orange Pictures
“We do not have a se
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t system” et
After a successful period at Valencia, Rafael Benitez won the Champions League in his first year as manager of Liverpool. In a spectacular final Liverpool was able to overcome a 3-0 deficit and won on penalties. Benitez is really calm and modest about his success as a coach. “It is all about hard work. ” Can it be that simple? By: Frans Hoek en Paul van Veen
It is evident that we are taken seriously by the Liverpool staff. There are 5 chairs positioned in the area of the hotel where we are being welcomed, three of which are being occupied by Pepe Reina (Liverpool goalkeeper), manager Rafael Benitez and goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero. After a short introduction Reina is reminded of his rest period and he goes back to his hotel room. Frans Hoek opens the interview: “Why are you so successful as a coach?” Benitez’s answer is surprising short and simple: “It is simply a matter of hard work.” But can it be that easy. Benitez continues: “You don’t do it alone. You need to have good staff around you. You need to have the right people in the right places that are able to do what they are good at and they must be willing to work hard. At Liverpool we have a goalkeeping coach, a physical trainer, two technical trainers, and people watching the opponents and scouts who are continuously looking for new players to strengthen the team, which leads us to the next issue. In order to be successful a coach needs a good selection of players and if you have that all you can achieve success.” “This is the basis for success of every coach. I have talked with many coaches and noticed that generally these coaches look at the game in similar ways. The way coaches is for the most part the same and am I no different. There are, however, a lot of things that can and should be coached and that’s where the differences arise. One coach will, for example, pay more attention to the technical aspects, where another coach would spend more time on the tactical parts.”
What is your ideal way of playing? “People seem to talk about long balls and short passes a lot, if you see most discussions it seems that you have to choose between one of those two options. But for me, it is a mix of both things. You have to control both ways of playing. Unfortunately, not a lot of coaches seem to do this. The long ball is the fastest way to approach the opponent’s goal, so it is essential you master this. But you don’t only use the long pass to play from defense to offense. You also use it to switch play from right to left and vice versa. But this playing style is not always the most efficient. Sometime it is more efficient to use short passes to build up an attack.”“It is important that your team can work with different ideas and know what to do. They need to know how to approach every game, because it can differ from game to game. For example, if you need to play counter attack in a certain match, you need to know how to do it. The same holds if we have to press high, the whole team then knows what to do.”
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Photo: Orange Pictures
What are you looking for in information on the opponent? “I have a goalkeeper coach, a second coach, a conditioning coach and I have two more people in the technical department and some people who are looking at the opponents we are playing soon. First of all I want to know the system they are playing, how they mark and the movement of the players. Then you want to have information about the important players that are playing in that team. We prepare some clips that we can show to the players. Furthermore we have the AMISCO system so we get all the details of the players, like the number of touches.” What is the difference between the two cultures, Valencia (Spain) and Liverpool (England)? “English football is more physical, it is quicker. Spanish football is more technical. Sometimes, you see a change, especially the top sides now, like Arsenal and Chelsea. So in the top sides it is different, but on the average in the league it is more physical.” You know the Dutch like to play with the ball? We always say we control the game with the ball, in Spain it does not work like that. Can you explain this? “When I was coaching in Spain, I was playing 4-3-1-2 and 4-4-2 with a sweeper. Now in England, we play 4-4-2 with a line of four at the back and at Valencia it was 4-3-2-1. But I think it is important for the players to know what to do against different opponents and every culture, but also every opponent has a different approach. So they have to be able to play in different systems as well.” How do you practice that? “We teach them how to master a system. But I teach a lot of the systems by asking the players questions. What should we do in this situation? Both on the pitch as well as in the classroom. How do you solve it? How do you make them think?” You let them think as well? ”Especially, after two or three years training with the youth, you learn that you should develop them.” When you buy other players do you think about the system of play? ”Most of the times we look for players who fit into the current system. We search for what would be the best solution for the current system we are playing. But if we would be able to buy players with exceptional qualities who would play better in a different system, it would be no problem to change from 4-4-2 to 4-3-1-2. But most systems look alike, because if your wingers in 4-4-2 play a little bit more upfront, you can call it 4-2-4.” What about scouting? ”You have to talk to the scouts and let them know what type of player you are searching for.”
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Is the league as strong as in Spain? “Yes, I think so, but here in England, especially away, you can have a difficult time, also against the lower ranked teams, because they have a passion in these types of games. In the cup matches, this effect is even stronger.” Do you spend a lot of time on restarts? “We try to practice all aspects of the game. We try to explain to the players what the basics of our game is. Furthermore, we try to explain when to stay, when to press, etc. When you try to coach the counter attack for example, where you have to play the ball quickly, you will do exercises where the players have to pass the ball quickly. It is as simple as that. But nowadays there is a problem in that there are too many things players have to control. Sometimes, when you play 2 games a week, you don’t have the time to practice all of that. So the preseason is one of the most important periods of the season for a coach.” What do you think is decisive at the top level? “You need to score and have chances to score. The way you achieve this can be done in different ways. You can attack all the time and you can play counter attack. It doesn’t matter. Both ways can be attractive to watch. People sometimes say that you can buy goals, but it is not as easy as it sounds, it is very difficult for a player to change a play by himself. We have a lot of players scoring 5 or 6 goals and that is an advantage too. Because the opponents are so organized nowadays it is much more difficult to defend if more people can score than just the striker.” What would you advise young coaches? “You need to have passion and you just have to work hard. If you have talent and work hard, in the end you will end up with a top side. If you are not good enough, but if you just work hard, you could still reach a nice level. But if you are really good and you don’t work
Beenhakker is a people manager, with a motto: ‘Let them feel comfortable’. Van Gaal is more about the game, but not so much about the player. What do you do? “Balance is the key. You have to find the right balance, but I think it also depends on the personality of the coach. For example, as a goalkeeper coach the relationship with the players is important as you have much more individual contact with the players. Furthermore, you have to realize as a coach you can’t change too many things. A player already has to have the personality to understand how to do certain things to do the job. As a coach you have to understand the personality to understand the players as well.” Do you have a plan for the practice sessions? “We have a plan at the beginning of the season. The plan is quite similar every year, but it can always change based on the team you have and the things you see in the matches. We also have a physical plan. But the most important thing is the tactical plan, because after each game you need to change something. For example, if you are practicing pressing and you see the team has problems with that, you know you need to practice it more. But we try to stick to the plan as much as possible so that as many aspects of the game are covered throughout the year.”
PASSPORT
hard or don’t have passion, you of course still have a chance to make it, but you most likely will not reach the top.”
Rafael Benitez Maudes Date of birth: April 16, 1960 (Madrid, Spain)
1986 – 1989 1989 – 1991 1991 – 1993 1993 – 1995 1995 – 1996 1996 – 1997 1997 – 1999 2000 – 2001 2001 – 2004 2004 – current
Castilla U17 Real Madrid U17 Real Madrid U19 Real Madrid Second team Real Valladolid Osasuna Extremadura Tenerife Valencia Liverpool
Why did you choose this system for Liverpool? “The typical style to play in England is 4-4-2. Sometimes you have to know the tradition and you have to play that way. After two or three years you can sign players that understand another system, but in the beginning we try to use a system they are familiar with.” “Physically in England they are very strong. The way we deal with that is to make sure that every player you sign can cope with this situation. In the first year we ended up fifth and we won the Champions League, but we were very strong at the back. In the second year we signed Crouch and Reina, so we became more physical to be able to play in the English League. If you play against a small team which is very aggressive, you can’t play the ball back, you have to play the long ball and win the second ball. But it is very different if you play Arsenal or if you play Bolton.”
Sessions? “We do small games, but we don’t have anything new to offer to coaches. We can’t say that is my exercise, that is not true, we all learn for many years and we all learn from different people.”
Photo: Orange Pictures
Your favourite exercise? “We play a lot of possession games, but not just possession, possession with the aim to get the pass delivered. But we also put something extra into it: for example, people have to support over a certain line. Furthermore, we also do this a lot as part of the play. And if you practice counter attack you can have 3, but also 5 or 10 options.”
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Photo provided by Cruzeiro
Adílson Batista, Cruzeiro head coach:
“Tactical understa Brazilian Serie A club Cruzeiro had not competed in the Libertadores Cup, the main competition for clubs in South America, since 2004. This season they made their return into the tournament with a new head coach, Adílson Batista, who has plenty of experience with the competition. Adílson won the Libertadores in 1995, as a player for Grêmio’s, coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari. Adílson was a defender and always stood out by two characteristics: leadership and dedication. This profile remains evident even as a coach, a career he started in 2000. In his still short career on the bench he has already booked some great successes, winning the
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local championship with America of Rio Grande do Norte in 2002 and in 2006 the local championship of Santa Catarina, with Figueirense. After this he spent almost two seasons at Jubilo Iwata (Japan) and returned to Brazil in September of last year. Between his return to Brazil and his appointment with Cruzeiro in early 2008, Adílson had a period of observing the major teams of South America. This information is now the basis for forming the team this season. By: Guilherme Costa, Cidade do Futbol
cover and execute offensive actions are. With this he can prepare the players to solve problems that can occur during the match. In this interview, conducted after a training session at Cruzeiro, Adílson analyzes the beginning of his work at the club and the differences in the day-to-day activities of athletes from the time that he was a player.
Since you came to Cruzeiro, you have deviated from collective training. Why do you have that vision and how have you prepared the team? Adílson Batista: “We had little time to prepare the team at the beginning of the season and weren’t doing things as they should be done. So, I gave priority to the physical work at the beginning to plan the entire season. Then I tried passing the idea that a training session shouldn’t be seen as a training, but as a game. The training is a match, despite the difference in the degree of demand.” “The problem is that we play many games per year and this takes a toll on the players. So we try to avoid the
nding” Photo provided by Cruzeiro
The initial concern with Cruzeiro is the formation of a competitive team that is able to win matches. Unlike the historical team trait, which has always been known for the quality of its touch of ball, the team is currently stronger in defense and has an emphasis on marking. Another focus at the beginning of Adílson’s work is the tactical understanding. The coach promotes constant challenges to athletes so they decide what the best ways to mark,
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Photo provided by Cruzeiro
collective exercises. We only use them when I want to give the players more rhythm or when I want them to observe another player. Furthermore, the number of injuries is statistically greater during collective training.”
strength. For example, my players steal the ball on the opponent’s defensive half and attack with speed. Each simulation, I change the positioning of the defense to create problems and forcing the players to adapt.”
Is your work dedicated to the formation of the team for the entire season or do you dedicate training sessions to specific opponents? Adílson Batista: “I always think about the next match and prepare the team for that. I like to see how our opponent plays, which are the points we need to neutralize and I develop some activities based on that. From there, I will do activities and position the team in phases. I also changed the functions of the players to see if they are alert.”
The defensive system is prepared in such simulations according to the position of the next opponent? Adílson Batista: “My players are not going to perform the actions exactly as their rivals because they don’t have the same characteristic. Players from the other team have their own profile and I must respect that. When I prepare a training as I said, I just play the ball into the defensive half. This is good because it creates problems for the attack and increases their decisionmaking capacity.”
You started at Cruzeiro this year and your major challenge is the Libertadores Cup. How are you working to have the team ready just in time for this competition? Adílson Batista: “What we try to do is create a standard for the team. We do drills with simulations of parts of the game and work from defense to offense. We started with marking, then getting the ball out to midfield and we then trained the attack. All this is done in phases, with many exchanges of passes and conversations to see the understanding of the players.”
The current formation of Cruzeiro has many exits of the defensive midfielders. How you train this? Adílson Batista: “I see the defensive midfielder in modern football as marking players and I incorporate the elements of surprise. I create situations in the areas in which they operate. I make the team play the ball into midfield and ask for the defensive midfielder to join the attack. At the next challenge, I do the same with the other midfielder. This way I want to threaten the defense and force the players to think in terms of covering.”
How do you work with the players to neutralize your opponent? Adílson Batista: “What I do is more or less like this: I determine what kind of team we are facing next. Then I follow all the opponent’s matches and see what their strengths are. Then, I will 15 minutes during training preparing the players to neutralize that
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How do these ‘threats’ to the defense work? Adílson Batista: “I always have a ball in my hands during the training. When a defensive midfielder leaves for the attack with the ball, I throw the ball in his back, creating a chance to counter-
attack with numerical advantage for the other team. The defenders must setup the coverage. If the midfielder doesn’t return from the attack, who should cover his space?”
Does this only happen with the defensive midfielders? Adílson Batista: “No, this applied to the entire team. I want the defenders with the ball to leave their defensive area to see how the coverage is in a counter-attack. All this is done to force the players to think in the game.” Another thing very present in the training this year is working on stopping the ball. What is the importance in this? Adílson Batista: “I put my players in attack and the defense needs to adapt to mark. We do this repeatedly, at least for ten minutes every training. We work very charges tested, or cross directly to the goal.”
What is the comparison you make between training today and the work that you did when you were a player? Adílson Batista: “We have to congratulate and thank all contributions of the past, but the football today is different. We use some things of the past, but football evolved and today offers a better condition to the coaches. The former staff had enormous difficulty to observe everything and today we have much more information on the income of the individual team and opponents.” When you were a player you were known for dedication and leadership. Has this been adopted by Cruzeiro? Adílson Batista: “We have challenged even a little the history of the club, which has always had the touch of the ball mark. We have built a team with very strong marking in intermediate and a very high degree of competitiveness. I give special attention to the marking, which sometimes starts in the offensive sector. This is essential in football today.”
And the work on fundamentals? How do you work with that? Adílson Batista: “I think this is a vital work, but always in accordance with issues of the game. I don’t have time for an attacker to train three or four different situations, but I want him always exercise the grounds. So, if we play against an opponent giving room for this, I ask him to do more exercises in high ball or finishing, for example. Another thing is that we don’t do this out of context. We work on fundamentals every day, at least for ten or 15 minutes. But we do that in situations that can be repeated in the game as a confrontation between attackers and defenders.”
Photo provided by Cruzeiro
You constantly talk about the focus in trainings that can help to win matches. Is the preparation to overcome the opponent always the main focus of activities in Cruzeiro or is it also important to give a profile to your team? Adílson Batista: “I try to do both. I think of my team, but I try to see how it can be positioned to be more efficient in the game. The best scenario is to create a work that makes the team win matches, but which create different possibilities for use during the season. This will change in accordance with each problem that appears.”
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Bruno Pinheiro and Paulo Moreira, CF Belenenses youth coaches:
“Following the ‘guidelines’ of our philosophy” One of the only two “outsiders” that ever won the Portuguese league besides SL Benfica, FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon, CF Belenenses is trying to recreate the path that lead them to success in the early days! In their current vision, grassroots with their soccer school will have a very important role in this whole process. SoccerCoachingInternational went there to understand why! By: Hugo Vicente
Nowadays, every club understands the importance of developing their own soccer schools. They make a big impact in the clubs finances, but above all, help them to spot and develop new talents to play for their professional teams in the future. At CF Belenenses, things are no different, and with the name of an old star of the club, Matateu, the soccer school is earning a new respect but above all a new vision in the way kids learn soccer! Bruno Pinheiro and Paulo Moreira, both ex-SL Benfica, are two young coaches with the goal to lead this school, in order to create and develop players that will be good enough to join the competition teams, in a social, healthy and fun
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environment, but with the demands of a professional club. “In terms of organization we are no different from other schools, we accept all kids and we teach them all the same way, we want them all to have fun and learn, but, due to the club we represent, we must also prepare the best kids for competition, and for that reason, we are creating classes with the best kids from all age groups, and best for us means the more that we call Selections, which are classes that gathers the most talented kids from our school, and they will be the ones representing Belenenses in tournaments until they reach the first official competition team at U9.”
Technique, Decision Making and Aggressiveness “We have for each class of twenty kids, three to four coaches working together. We feel this is very important, specially at younger ages, because its not enough just to have the perfect exercises, we need to have good coaches near the players, to explain, to give them the right feedback and above all, to correct them, and to question them, to make them think in a specific way about their actions and if there was or wasn’t a better option, otherwise they learn the wrong way! According to how we work, we need coaches to be with them all the time, because for us, players need to have freedom to learn, they need to decide for themselves, so most of our work, is geared towards decision making. Players need to think, they need to find the best solutions for the problems they are facing, at a specific moment in the game. To solve these problems, they will need to have a good technique, and the more developed the player is, the more solutions he will find to succeed in this task, and coaches need to help them find this way! So, these are the main factors we prioritize with the kids, individual technique and decision making according to game principles. Another aspect that we feel is very important is their aggression, their will to play the game, to exceed their own expectations, to succeed even when their odds are very low...”
Soccer is learned ‘playing’ soccer “We do want to make sure that all of our practices respect certain rules: they must be related to the Main Subject of that practice session, but above all, that no exercise is made just as “hobby”, to let time go by! All exercises must have a goal according to the season plan! With this in mind, we then try to find the best exercises that suit our needs. We have a data base with exercises that respect all the key aspects we feel that are more important at this ages, but we also feel that the coach should be able to create is own exercise, following the “guidelines” of our philosophy according to the needs of their team, and so, our database is a open book always able to be more and more complete. All of our exercises are soccer related. We don’t believe in working certain aspects isolated, only in cases where we feel certain kid is having a huge difficulty to perform something. And as soon as he gets the basic understanding, he should develop that “something” facing real game situations, opponents, etc. because we believe that we learn soccer playing soccer!”
consequence, where more then one option is available, etc, etc, etc... Even though, there are some moments where we also want them to have fun, and as they arrive at practice, it is common sense to do some recreation games with the ball, but even here, we try to challenge players to learn a new skill at home, and teach it to his team mates at the next practice... but even here, if we feel this is a good trick, we will try to make them do it in game situations, with a 2v1 situation where that trick must be performed before, scoring etc...”
Exercises must always be challenging! “To work on tactics, we do a lot of small sided games or game situations organized by waves, where transition is always present! We think that this is the best way to teach tactics and behaviour to players because they will be facing high intensity games, with lots of defence/offence situations, transitions, and will help them to be exposed with game like situations, that will make them think on the best solutions, according to the game principles, or with the competition teams, with the model of play. As players develop, we try to increase the complexity of the exercises, and usually we do it by conditioning the exercise towards our goal with it, or increasing/decreasing the number of players, making teams uneven in order create more or less success. This is also how we work on aggression and players mentality... We want players to be brave, to fight for their goals, to give everything they have playing the game, and for that, we must constantly challenge them! If we have a very talented player and if his own team mates are no longer hard to beat, that’s not challenging, on the other side, it might gets boring... If we want players to continue to develop, if we want to make things more and more challenging, we must make him face more and more difficult situations, and we use a lot of loaded games, for example, where talented kids play against 3 or 4 or even more opponents! This way, players will always have that need to give everything to succeed!”
And also technique... Usually, no isolated work is done with the players, except if a certain kid is having real problems to perform certain action. “Only in these cases, we work with the players outside of the game context, and as soon as he gets the basics of that action, he will be exposed to game-like situations, because its far more worthy in our view, to work on the kids passing and receiving in a conditioned small sided game, where the less able kids are working in a 5v3 situation, but they will have to make X number of passes between them, before trying to score in a big goal, then to make no opposed passing and receiving front to front in pairs... There is no connection to the game, and for us, this is not how the game should be taught! Even if the kids still don’t already dominate the passing and receiving technique, as soon as they understand the basic aspects, they should develop this technique where opponents are present, where a bad option will have a
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The Physical side of it!
One system allows us to be faster, to play with more fast break attacks, while the other its more geared to play a more patient game
Soccer is a game, where players aren’t valuable because they run fast, or they jump higher! It’s a game where good players are the ones that make the best options in each situations and have the skills to successfully perform the solutions they have thought! With this same philosophy, at CF Belenenses, the physical dimension is no priority! “We think that the more important thing about the physical side of the game is that it should be adapted according to the model of play of the teams! For us, this dimension can only be a consequence of all the tactical/technical work that is done by the players! Our only concern is that we must practice with the same intensity as we play, so that the physical demands are according to the demands that the players are used to, and even more important, according to the way we want to play! Obviously at certain ages, there are some aspects that can be improved, and at youth ages, the running technique or coordination, balance, etc, are things that we can’t neglect, and so, we try to create some stations where the players after performing the exercise, will still have to do some skipping on ladders, backward running, jumps, etc, etc, etc, but once again, its very important to have a coach near, that is able to correct the technique!”
Differences between classes and Selection classes There are no huge differences, but there are some details that certainly have a big impact in the quality of the work... to start with, selection classes will practice one more time (3 days per week) then the regular classes, they start to compete in tournaments, and as we all know, kids love to compete and competition gives extra motivation, and makes kids more demanding of themselves, but the real difference, is the goal and base of the work: “At the soccer school, the main goal is physical activity with soccer, so, we want to help them to develop individually and to be able to decide in the game, according to the game principles, and tactics or strategies aren’t too explored, while with the Selection classes, we want them do make decisions according to the principles or our own model of play! With these kids, we spend more time working on tactics, on behaviour if this, or this happens, but always with the same philosophy and ways that we talked about previously, but there is much more attention on small details and behaviour that with soccer school kids
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its not needed. But the work with both classes is very similar, the main concern is also directed to offensive organization, since its a more complex process, that needs much more time to be well assimilated, but in both cases we want kids to taste success with lots of finishing exercises, outnumbered situations, lots of goal options to make players decide, etc.
System of Play “Nowadays, my response is no surprise... the system is not that important! In fact, it's the last thing being taught, but it has a special meaning for us... It helps us to develop even more the decision making of our players. We play 7-a-side soccer here in Portugal, from U9 to U13, and we play with two different systems, the GK-2-3-1 and the GK-3-1-2, and for each system we play with different dynamics... One system allows us to be faster, to play with more fast break attacks, while the other its more geared to play a more patient game, using the width of the field, passing to feet, etc. and this is where the system of play earns its importance. Our kids know the behaviour to have if we are playing one way or another, and so, they have to make their decisions according to the system we are playing at that moment! When we recover a ball, if we are playing 2-3-1, for example, we will try to attack fast, to search the side channels with players coming from behind with speed, while if the same ball is recovered in the same place but we are playing in 3-1-2 for example, then the main preoccupation is to play safe, don’t risk so fast, build up the attack, etc. This definitely makes the players think, and in practices, sometimes in the same exercise we say: playing with system one! And their actions must be taken with the strategies of that system in mind, etc.
The evolution of the players “Our invitation to move in to CF Belenenses had also the goal to give continuity to the work done by the soccer school. We really want to develop players, since we feel that top clubs don’t do that! They are always searching at other smaller clubs, better players then the ones they have, while we want to make our own players better and better as they grow up in the club! Its useless to bring a kid in, just because he had an excellent season in his past club, and the next season release him because he is not interesting for the club anymore...why isn’t he? Lost coordination? It’s his
motivation? This is not good for the kids and not good for the club either! We must analyze things well before signing a new kid, or release another, and understand that usually a good season for a player doesn’t mean a good understanding of the game, a good technical quality, which is drastically related to the development background of the player... or that a bad season doesn’t mean the loss of his abilities as a player... Shouldn’t we prefer a good player that has always been with us? That lack of development background sometimes has its consequences when players can't reach top level or when he reaches it, by making awful mistakes that we still see in our league or at international level where for example goals aren’t scored because the player didn’t used his weaker foot because he doesn’t know how to do it... Our main worr y is to develop players for our competition teams, for our own club! Even though we are in charge of the school, we are also in charge of all teams from U9 to U14, and this is great because we can watch the kids progress, and make sure that they will be exposed with the same practice philosophy, since all coaches at the soccer school, are also part of the staff from all other teams! So there is continuity in all our work, and we do feel that we will have great results in the future, and the truth is that all our competition teams reached the final stages at all age groups, which for a club like ours its ver y important to make kids aware of our importance, and to make people understand that we are on the right path!”
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Exercise 1: Organization: - 1 team of 5 players vs 1 team of 3 players - 1 goal with goalkeeper and 3 small goals
Progression: - Team with 5 players has to make a set amount of passes before they are allowed to score on the big goal - The team with only 3 players tries to steal the ball - When they are successful, they can score on any goal, big or small, giving lots of options for the players to decide
Exercise 2: Organization: - One goal with goalkeeper - 2 lines of players with ball - Two cones creating a line in front of the area with the same width as the goal
Progression: - 1st player dribbles the ball forward without resistance, when he faces the cone he has to make execute the fake move ordered by the coach (or at the player own will), and immediately finish on goal. - As soon as the player shoots, the other player advances with the ball, but he needs to pass between the cones, through the imaginary line, where the first player after shooting, has to immediately transition to defend that line. - This player is not allowed to move forward or backwards, only sideways. If he tackles the opponent, he will be able to shoot on goal again. - The main idea of the exercise is to work on transitions
Exercise 3: Organization: - Dutch game with two goalkeepers and 2 teams to work on transitions
Progression: - One team attacks in a 4v2 situation - If they score they continue to attack, but if they fail, or the opponent steals the ball, two yellow players join the team to attack, and two players from the red team leave to the side to create a 4v2 situation again - This is also great to work on communication, since the players that have to leave will be the ones far from the ball
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Midfield Organization of the 4:4:2 Part 1:
“Midfield Organization The 4:4:2 is perhaps the most commonly used system of play in the world. The majority of teams in the English Premier League play in some variant of the 4:4:2, and most national teams, including the United States Men’s National Team and most notably the Brazilian Men’s National Team, play out of a 4:4:2. While it is easy to develop a lengthy list of professional and national teams that play out of a 4:4:2, this “broad” categorization is misleading as to the many unique variations possible within this system. This article is the first in a three part series discussing various aspects of the 4:4:2 system of play. This article will focus on the general shape of the midfield, the roles of the different midfield positions and the characteristics of those players who play them best, and some guidelines for selecting between the various midfield shapes. By: Christian Lavers (FC Milwaukee Nationals US Soccer Development Academy Program Director)
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Basic Functional Organization: While there are many variations of midfield organization in a 4:4:2, at the broadest level, the midfield in a 4:4:2 is organized in one of two basic ways: (i) in a diamond, or (ii) in a line.
Line of Four
Diamond
Most other variations of midfield organization in a 4:4:2 are derivations of these two basic shapes; for example, the 3-1 shape and the 2-2 shape are both derivations of the diamond shape, while the 1-3 shape can be a variant of either, depending on the width of the 3 attacking midfield players.
3-1 Organization
and Roles�
2-2 Organization
1-3 Organization
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At a basic level, different midfield shapes can emphasize a slightly more offensive or defensive team strategy. More importantly, different midfield shapes will cater to the individual strengths of specific players, allowing certain players more freedom and liberty, while requiring more specifically defined roles for others. Finally, different midfield shapes will significantly change the roles of players in the other functional lines (defense and forward) in the 4:4:2. For these reasons, understanding the differences between various midfield shapes is critical to allow the selection of a shape that maximizes the individual talents of your players. The specific talents and characteristics of individual players should dictate the choice of both the system itself and the shape and organization within it.
Basic Principles of Midfield Play: Before discussing the 4:4:2 in any detail, a very basic and precautionary statement should be made: regardless of the system of play selected, the principles of the game, both offensively and defensively, remain the same. No system will allow a team to have attacking success without utilizing the principles
of width and mobility, and no system will allow a team to have defending success without utilizing the principles of compactness and immediate pressure. The selection of a system, or of various shapes within a system, will only vary the ways in which these principles are expressed and the specific manner in which they are accomplished.
Defensive Principles: The defensive principles of play are the same in any system: (i) put immediate pressure on the ball, (ii) provide defensive cover and balance, and (iii) maintain a compact defensive shape. In midfield, these principles can be summed up in the following specific objectives: deny space to the opposition, prevent easy penetration, and prevent switches of play. At the highest professional levels, it is not unusual for the distance between the right side midfielder and the left side midfielder to be 20-30 yards, and for the distance between the deepest and the most forward midfielder to be 10-15 yards. Compactness of this degree requires a tremendous work rate by the midfield players, as well as exceptional tactical awareness. Failure to accomplish these objectives will allow the opposition to create numbers up situations and to launch dangerous counter-attacks from anywhere in midfield.
Offensive Principles: The offensive principles of play are also the same in any system: (i) provide width, length, and depth, (ii) provide immediate support for the ball, and (iii) provide creativity and mobility. However, the shape of the midfield in a 4:4:2 will significantly impact the way in which a team playing in a 4:4:2 creates attacking width. With a diamond shape in midfield, attacking width will be provided as often or more often by outside backs (or forwards) than outside midfield players; in contrast, with a line of four in midfield, width will be provided far more often by outside midfielders than players in any other position. The shape of the midfield can also slightly change how length and penetration are created in a 4:4:2. With a more compact diamond shape in midfield, the midfield will be able to provide excellent support to the forwards while also providing late runners from these central positions to penetrate beyond the forwards. With a line of four in midfield, the natural width of the outside midfielders will allow them to more easily get into advanced positions and attack outside backs and the spaces behind them.
Functional Roles in Midfield: In any midfield shape, the clearest differentiation of roles and responsibilities is between “central” midfielders and “wide”
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effective. (The awkward combination of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for England is the best illustration of this concept.) The following characteristics should all be found in at least one of the central midfield players:
midfielders. The selection of the midfield shape will change the number of players that are categorized as “central” or “wide”, and therefore the manner in which each player contributes to accomplishing the above principles of play.
Central Midfielders: Defensively, the central midfielders function as a screen for the centerbacks and a strong defensive block in the middle of the field. Depending on the individual qualities of the players, either one, two, or three players can be used to provide this screen and defensive block. In a diamond shape, one player is assigned this task; Gennaro Gattuso, Claude Makelele, and Andrea Pirlo are the best examples of the type of player that can fulfill this role individually. If a team does not have one player that combines that speed, tactical awareness and toughness necessary to fulfill this role, more players can be used to “kill” this space. In a line of four shape, while it may appear graphically that the two central midfielders are playing side-by-side, this is misleading. In reality, no two central midfielders should ever be on the same “horizontal line” on the field. Usually, even in a line of four, one of the central midfielders acts as the more defensive screen while the other defends higher on the field. While it is not completely unheard of for these players to interchange occasionally throughout a game, neither is it commonplace. Currently, the Arsenal combination of Cesc Fabregas and Matthieu Flamini best illustrate this relationship of two central midfielders that occasionally interchange roles.
- Strength Winning Airballs: At least one of the central midfielders must be strong in the air, as this player will be primarily responsible for winning punts, goal-kicks, serves and other airballs in the middle of the field. This characteristic is typically more valuable in a more defensive center midfield player. - Defending Range and Speed: At least one of the central midfielders must be very quick and feisty on defense and will serve as the primary ball-winner on the team. Gennaro Gattuso is a prime example of a central mdifeld player that functions primarily as a ball-winner and simple possession player. This characteristic is typically more valuable in the more defensive center midfield player. - Attacking Vision and Creativity: One of the central midfielders must be the primary playmaker on the team – the player that establishes the rhythm of the team and has the ability to either break opponents down individually or break defenses down with telling penetrating passes. This player can play from either an attacking or defending role, depending on the main strength of the player and how the team typically builds its attacks. For example, if vision for longer penetrating passes is the main strength of this player, he/she can play as a more defensive midfield player; if attacking off of the dribble and in small quick combinations is the main strength of this player, he/she should play as a more attacking midfield player. - Threat to Score: One of the central midfielders should be a threat to score from distance. This characteristic is clearly more valuable in an attacking center midfield role. This “threat” can be expressed either through shooting or ability or a great sense of timing in arriving in the penalty box.
Offensively, central midfielders act as a link between the backs and the forwards, and the right side of the field and the left side of the field. These players should rarely ever be on a line with each other (either vertically or horizontally) in order to maximize the creation of passing lanes and options. One central midfielder should almost always be supporting the ball from behind, while the other should almost always be supporting the ball from a forward position. This balance provides more passing options for the player with the ball, and is also crucial in preventing counterattacks. The speed at which these players change and adjust their angles of support is the key determinant in the team’s ability to maintain possession in midfield.
Characteristics of the Central Midfielders: When constructing a team to play in a 4:4:2 it is most useful to look at the central midfielders as two complimentary players, each with different strengths and characteristics. It is rare that pairing two central midfielders with the same abilities and talents will be
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Wide Midfielders: Wide midfield players can usually fit into one of two mutually exclusive categories: either the player is an out-and-out winger or he/she is not. “Wingers” are players that combine exceptional 1 vs. 1 ability (especially offensively), good pace, and the ability to serve accurate crosses into the box. As such, they are most comfortable and dangerous playing very wide in large spaces. (Arjen Robben of Real Madrid and Joe Cole of Chelsea are good examples of natural wingers.) Due to the amount of distance they must cover, and the frequency of 1 vs. 1 situations they are in, these players must also combine exceptional fitness, mental strength and confidence. Wide midfielders without one of these three characteristics will typically be more effective if they play from a slightly more “tucked in” position – where they can combine more often with central midfielders and where they will not be as exposed athletically. This is not to state that they do not create width in possession, it simply means that they will not play, on average, from as wide a position as a winger, and they will not be looking for 1 vs. 1 situations as often. Because natural wingers are rare, even at a professional level, it is not unusual to see many teams play in an “unbalanced” midfield to maximize the individual talents of their players. An “unbalanced” midfield combines features of the line of four and of the diamond in midfield, and typically has 1 natural winger, who plays in a very wide and high position, and 1 more “tucked in” wide midfielder on the opposite side. This functional organization allows each player to maximize their individual abilities; the winger is able attack outside backs 1 vs. 1 and put in crosses, while the tucked-in wide midfielder can combine with the central midfielders (potentially creating a numbers up situation in the middle of midfield) while creating space for an outside back to get forward in a wide attacking position. An illustration of an unbalanced midfield (with an attacking right back) is provided below:
An unbalanced midfield
Principles in Guiding the Functional Organization Decision: The above descriptions of the strengths of the various midfield shapes and the characteristics of the players necessary to play in various roles within them should help guide the decision regarding midfield organization in a 4:4:2. However, it is important to remember that it is the players’ individual talents that should determine the tactical decisions of a coach – not blind adherence to a systemic philosophy. There are several guidelines, each based upon the individual characteristics of the players available, that will help resolve the decision of whether to play in a diamond (or variation of a diamond) or a line of 4: - When the team has several very technical players with average or belowaverage speed, a diamond shape in midfield should be considered. This tighter shape will help hide the defensive weaknesses of these players, (as they will be in a smaller space and less vulnerable defensively individually and in transition), while also capitalizing on their technical ability to combine out of small spaces. - When the team has a dominant winger, a line of four or an unbalanced midfield shape should be considered. This shape allows the winger to play in spaces where he/she will be able to express his/her special talents. - When a team plays directly, or has significantly greater athleticism than their opponents, a line of four should be considered. This shape allows the wide players to play in larger spaces and to frequently threaten to get behind the opponent. - When a team plays with attacking outside backs, a diamond shape or an unbalanced midfield should be considered. This shape will create space for the outside backs to get forward and contribute to the attack. Conversely, if the outside backs do not go forward, then a line of four should be considered; the line of four will provide natural width to compensate for the lack of attacking width created by the backs. - When the team has a dominant attacking midfield personality great in combination with others, or a very defensively oriented midfield ball-winner, a diamond shape should be considered, as the roles and responsibilities of the central midfielders will be more clearly defined between these players in a diamond than in a line. - When significantly outclassed by the opposition, a diamond shape should be considered, as the compact nature of this shape will make it very difficult to break down centrally. Conversely, when needing to push forward to score, a line of four should be considered, as the outside midfielders can push high and wide as the third or fourth forward and create natural attacking width on both sides. Each of these examples are based either on (i) the talents of individual players, or (ii) a situation in the game. These factors should be the dominating criteria in selecting any team shape.
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Brazilian Corner Santos reach speed by increasing the number of players Football is played by two teams of 11 players each. But that is not what coach Emerson Leão is doing at Santos, Brazilian Serie A club. In simulations of game, the commander decided to put 31 players on the field to force them to play the ball with more velocity. Leão made two teams with 15 players each and even include a neutral player (midfielder Paulo Henrique) to play with the team that had the ball. Thus, with few spaces on the field, the coach declined the space for its players to act. The initiative is a reaction to the irregular campaign of Santos at the start of the season. By training with 31 players, the commander worked in defense numerical inferiority the attack always had one man more - and ball circulation in offensive.
Brazilian way Recently added by Santos, the Colombian midfielder Molina needed some games to develop his game. According to him, this change was only possible after observation in training. The explanation for this is that Molina had to adapt to the style of Brazilian soccer, which involves a lot of contact between the players. "I needed to stop several times in training to look how the Brazilians behave," said Molina, one of the best players in the team this year.
Identification in training Ponte Preta, Serie B Brazilian club, had a good streak earlier this season. For the coach, Sérgio Guedes, who came to the club this year, the success can be justified by the players’ character. "Football turned into a business in recent years and that’s not what we want. We like players who enjoy the game and it completely changes the environment in training", said Guedes.
Brake for results Renato Gaucho, head coach of Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense, came up with a new way to increase the dedication of the players during the games. Starting this season the team will have an extra day off whenever they win. The extension of the rest period will only apply to week with few games, but the coach sees it as way to encourage the team: "Every athlete needs a time to be with his family and values that a lot."
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The Brazilian Corner has the collaboration of Cidade do Futebol.
Cruzeiro launches course for coaches The board of Brazilian Serie A Cruzeiro will start this year with a course for their own coaches. The first course will be geared towards the technical trainers and will be held on club grounds. The course will initially only be open to coaches from Brazil, but in July will there will be a course which is open to coaches from around the world. The program includes the training of professionals for the demands of Brazilian soccer today.
New plan Earlier this year, unlike the rest of the season, Brazilian soccer has been marked by the variation in times at which the games are played. The São Paulo Championship scheduled games at 11am in the morning, when temperatures can reach 40°C. Since Brazil has high temperatures at the beginning of the year, clubs are to emphasize hydration during drills and decrease the burden of physical resistance. In São Paulo, the referees are implementing an additional break during the game, so the players can re-hydrate themselves. "This initiative is essential to reduce the effects of playing in heat. The coaches need to be very aware of this and should include it in their training plan in accordance with the capabilities of each player", said Vagner Benazzi, coach of Portuguesa, recently promoted to Brazilian Serie A.
Integration or isolation There seems to be some doubt in Brazil on the work of goalkeeping coaches. The coaches are performing individual drills and are often training different from what is done with the rest of the team. Nevertheless, they are part of the coaching staff and must participate in the integration of technical planning. "Naturally the goalkeeping coach is getting closer to the goalkeeper. The routine of training is different, the needs are quite different. But you should not be isolated. The exchange of information must be constant, because nobody owns the reason", said former Brazilian National Team goalkeeper Acácio.
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Training sessions from ar This time the training sessions feature will consist of 3 zones: the ‘Top Zone’, ‘Argentinean Zone’ and ‘Triangle Zone’.
4v4 (Inter Milan) Organization: - Starts with a 4v4 - Pitch size: 25m (width) x 20m (length) - With goalkeepers
Progression: -
Play a regular game of 4v4 The team which concedes a goal will be replaced by 4 substitutes Normal throw in when the ball goes out of play No corner kicks, keepers restart the game
Variation: - Give one player a different shirt, he will play as a neutral player with the team that has possession, he’s not allowed to score a goal.
Finishing in pairs (Schalke’04) Organization: - Two cones are placed on the field. - At least four players and a goalkeeper are needed for this exercise
Progression: - Players 3 and 4 stand at cone A - Players 1 and 2 stand at cone B - Player 3 passes the ball to player 2 who controls it so player 1 can finish on goal - Then player 4 plays the ball to player 1, and now player 2 can finish on goal - After this the players exchange places.
Variation: - Same setup only now the ball is passed long and player 1 or 2 has to control it with their chest - Same setup only now each player has to pass and kick the ball with his weaker foot
3v3 (AFC Ajax Amsterdam) Organization: -
Start with a 3v3 Pitch size: 25m (width) x 20m (length) Neutral zone at one side (5m width x 20m length) With goalkeepers
Progression: - Play a regular game of 3v3 - One player is placed in the neutral zone - This player is with the team that has possession and is not allowed to score a goal - Normal throw ins when the ball is out of play - No corner kicks, keepers will restart the game
Variation: - Only from a pass from the player in the neutral zone a goal can be scored - Limit the maximum amount of ball contacts
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round the world TOP ZONE Finishing drill (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) Organization: - Half a pitch is used - At least three players and a goalkeeper are needed for this exercise - 8-10 cones needed
Progression: -
Set out a running course with at least 8 cones with a ball at the end Player 1 starts by running through the course and finish with a pass to player 2 Player 2 will control the ball and pass it to player 3 who will finish on goal Player 1 will take the place of player 2, player 2 the place of player 3 and player 3 will start the running course.
Variation: - Change the running course into a dribbling course - Limit the amount of ball contacts - An additional player can be placed by the penalty box to perform a one two with player 3
6v6 (Everton FC) Organization: -
6v6 3 groups of 6 players each Pitch size: 30m (width) x 40m (length) With goalkeepers
Progression: - Play a regular game of 6v6 - Scoring with a header counts double
Variation: - Limit the amount of ball contacts - When a goal is conceded the team has to do 10 push-ups
1v1 finishing (Middlesbrough FC) Organization: - 2 cones with 1 player at each cone - 1 cone is placed on the goal line between the goal and the corner flag, the other cone is placed 30m from goal - With goalkeeper
Progression: -
Player 1 plays the ball to player 2 who controls it Player 2 and player 1 then meet at the box for a 1v1 Player 1 tries to stop player 2 from scoring The players join the back of their queue and the exercise starts over again
Variation: - Exercise can also be executed with a 2v2 or other variants - Give the player who has to score a time limit
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ARGENTINEAN ZONE Goalkeeping (River Plate) Organization: - 4 hurdles in a line about 50cm apart - coach positioned at the penalty spot
Progression: - Keeper starts by jumping over the 4 hurdles with both legs together - Coach kicks the ball towards the goal - The keeper makes the save
Variation: - Place more hurdles or change the distance in between the hurdles
Set pieces (Rosario Central) Organization: - 2 players (one left footed and one right footed) are placed at the corner flag - 3 attackers and 3 defenders are in the penalty box - Goalkeeper is on his line
Progression: - One of the players takes a corner kick. With a left footed player t will swing in, with a right footed player it will swing out. - The 3 attackers try to score a goal against the defenders and goalkeeper .
Variation: - Change the way of defending (man-to-man or zonal) - Place a small goal 10m outside the box, so the defenders can also score a goal. This will improve the transition
7v7 (Boca Juniors) Organization: -
7v7 Defenders v attackers 1 goalkeeper needed Pitch size: 50m (width) x 50m (length) 1 regular goal, 2 small goals
Progression: -
Play a regular 7v7 The defenders are defending a regular goal with a goalkeeper The attackers are defending two small goals Play starts with the goalkeeper; the purpose is too build up an attack.
Variation: - Limit the amount of ball contacts
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ARGENTINEAN ZONE Hurdle jumping (Vélez Sársfield) Organization: - 2 x 6 hurdles - Players queue up in two lines - Hurdles are placed with 1m in between
Progression: - Players starting to jump the hurdle course on one leg. - After jumping over the last hurdle they have to sprint 20m and rejoin the queue - Focus on balancing on one leg; don’t try to finish the jumping course as fast as possible. Balancing on one leg improves the stability of the ankle.
Variation: - Finish the hurdle course with a shot on goal - Use the other leg for jumping the course
4v4 (Newell’s Old Boys) Organization: -
4v4 3 teams of 4 players each Pitch size: 15m (width) 20m (long) 4 small goals No goalkeepers needed
Progression: -
Play a regular game of 4v4 Each game will take 5 minutes. After 5 minutes the loser will be replaced by a new team. Then a new game begins The team which has lost the game will have to jog around the field during the game - Each team will defend two goals
Variation: - Change the duration of the matches - Instead of jogging around the field, let the losing team juggling with the ball
Jumping cones (Arsenal de Sarandí) Organization: - 4 small cones are placed in a line - Players queue up behind these cones
Progression: - One player starts by jumping from one side of the cones to the other side - After jumping ten times as fast as possible he has to sprint 15m - After completing the course the next player will start
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TRIANGLE ZONE Receiving and controlling the ball Organization: -
Using half of the pitch Working with teams of 3 players A dribbles, B and C are running, keeping an eye on the ball A passes to B, who receives, controls and passes the ball to C at high speed - C dribbles and passes to A, who can start again by playing the ball to B
Coaching: - Receiving and controlling the ball well - Players will move around constantly - Keep the ball moving
Variation: - Playing the second pass with the first touch
Perfecting a give and go combination Organization: -
Same organization as exercise 1 A passes the ball to B, who passes it directly to C C receives the ball and dribbles towards A C and A perform a give and go combination and exchange places
Coaching: - Don’t stop running after passing the ball, keep on asking for the ball - Always look after your pass
Variation: - Practice the exercise with opponents - Instead of performing the give and go combination, make a run behind the player
Passing and heading Organization: - Organization the same as exercise 2 - A passes the ball to B who passes a high ball to C - C heads the ball back to A, who after a short dribble passes the ball to B
Coaching: - The third player always has to come towards the ball and start the next action - The triangle has to shift (one big, one small)
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TRIANGLE ZONE 3v3 possession play with 2 neutral players Organization: -
3v3 Pitch size: 20m (width) 30m (length) Outside the field are 2 neutral players The team who has possession has to pass the ball 10 times, with the neutral players, to score a point
Progression: - The two players on the outside can only play a high ball so the triangle will grow - Maximum of two ball touches
Variations: - 4v4 with two neutral players - Divide the field in two parts - Get from the one 2v2 in one part to the other 2v2 with help of the 2 neutral players
Zone play Organization: -
8v8 on two regular goals at half a pitch Divide the field into three zones The ball can only be passed to the next zone, not by dribbling Goals count double, a successful triangle combination gives one point
Coaching: - Don’t make the triangles too big - Goalkeepers have to participate in the game
Short triangle passes down the center Organization: -
8v8 with two goals and keepers at a regular size pitch The field down the center is divided into 6 zones At each side a 15m width winger zone is created With combinations down the center the teams can only pass a ball to another zone, not by dribbling - Free play in the winger zone
Coaching: - With the help of triangular passes get the ball into the wing zone - The player in the wing zone mustdemand the ball
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Counter Attacking The aim of counter-attacking as a team is to try and exploit the opposition’s altered shape as quickly as possible after winning possession of the ball. This article will discuss the skills required, positioning of players and the strategies involved. By: Andy Blight
A counter-attack is successful because opponents are generally: - Disorganised and vulnerable - Outnumbered - Spread out - Space between and behind defenders - Caught on the front foot The objective of the counter-attacking tactic is to draw your opponents out of their half and to restrict the space in front of your own goal as much as possible. Then, if you win possession of the ball, your players must have the mental agility to switch instantly to attack mode. Taking advantage of the open areas in the opposition’s defence with direct diagonal passes and quick, incisive interplay becomes the objective. A counter-attack from the defensive third can comprise of various combinations from any type of possession regained. At the regain of possession, interceptions, tackles on dribbling players, and clearances are most likely to result in a counter-attack.
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Skills Required - Effective through passes - Ability to run with the ball - Passing accuracy over distance - Forward runs off the ball - ‘Forwards’ runs - Quick combination and interplay - Receiving the ball - Good support positions for receivers - Loosing markers The speed of a team’s counter-attack is generally determined by how quickly identified players take up advanced positions. The Goalkeeper (GK) often initiates a counter-attack by running with the ball and distributing with accuracy, the utilisation of long throws being particularly effective. This is evident with Edwin Van Der Sar at Manchester United, who often distributes the ball forward early, enabling his team to counter-attack employing a strategy of: ‘quick thought processing, forward thinking, forward runs and forward passes’.
Play
There are few more attractive sights in football than watching Ronaldo, Giggs and Rooney running at pace, committing defenders and executing skills at full speed. However, the GK is often the starting point in facilitating play for team-mates to run with the ball. When considering counter-attacking initiated by the goalkeeper, a number of areas need to be considered: - The vision of the GK to scan the field of play quickly and make effective decisions to exploit the opposition. - The runs of team-mates off the ball to provide various options for GK distribution. Will the ball be delivered in to space or feet? - Identifying where support is required: behind, around or in front of the ball. - Selecting the correct technique and quality of distribution e.g. timing, weight and accuracy.
It is evident that the positioning of players’ at the regain of possession is an impor tant component of successful counter-attacking. For ward runs without the ball, generally occur ahead of the player in possession. This creates space for others, suppor t in the build-up and moves opponents around to facilitate an end product. For ward runs are often made from behind the player in possession E.g. Clichy/Evra/Fabregas /Scholes. These examples from Arsenal and Manchester United- frequently make such runs and the for ward movement from deep aids successful counter-attacks.
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Counter-Attacking as a Strategy
Counter Attack from GK through CF in a 4-3-3 shape
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With the central forward being marked, there is limited space to exploit behind the defence. As the GK secures the ball the forward’s initial movement is to go in behind with a sharp run to create space and to check and receive the ball to feet. The nearest midfielder supports the ball on an angle and wide forwards make forward runs in-behind. After the ball is set by the midfielder, there is an opportunity to play diagonal passes in to space on either wing. The central forward spins quickly after combining with the midfielder to attack the final-third.
Encourage the opposition on to you as a team Restrict the space behind you as a team Force play inside when defending and into bodies Look to steal the ball Exploit and break-out with dispersal at pace Support behind, around and in front of the ball Momentum / End-product Security at the back
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Counter Attack from the GK in a 4-4-2 shape
Summary
As the ball is crossed from the left and the GK secures the ball, the LM must think ahead and react immediately to the CA. As depicted in fig. 1, the GK scans the area quickly and distributes into space for the LM to run onto the ball at pace. To create more space for the LM, the forwards look to spin-out and get ‘on the shoulders’ of the defenders and possibly enable a diagonal pass. Midfield players need to run quickly without the ball to achieve supporting positions for the attack. As the counter-attack takes place, the team’s defensive shape is re-adjusted to provide security if the attack breaks down.
Counter-attacks generally involve: - A central/direct approach and are under 15 seconds in duration. - There are four or less players involved in an attack and equal/outnumbered in possession. - Control of the ball is key, as is a positive attitude to go forward at pace.
ABOUT
THE
AUTHOR
Andy Blight Email:
Andib20@hotmail.com
Education: -
BA Hons degree UEFA ‘A’ licence PGCE PE FA Coach education tutor
Coaching: - Newcastle United academy U15/16 - England schools’ FA U18 coach
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Players in front of the ball: - Attack the back of the opposition’s defence. - Look to attack spaces between defenders. - Facilitate the opportunity for forward passes to come in to you. Players around the ball: - Think ahead and take up early support positions. - Move beyond opponents at pace, often when they are trying to recover. - Support forward play and create space for others. Players behind the ball: - Move up, compact the play and be organised in case your team loses possession.
Practice 1 Organisation -
Standard width field and approximately 75 yards long Mark out two 5x5 yard boxes at the centre Three players in each box with a ball in a triangle shape A striker plays up against a defender in front of the 18 yard box Players in the boxes pass the ball between each other, one touch only. On the coach’s signal, the players in one box start an attack on the goal, along with the forward. The players in the left/right boxes take turns attacking.
Progression: - Add a defender to make 3v1 in 10x10 yard boxes.
Key Factors - Players should maintain their triangle shape while attacking and running without the ball - The striker should be constantly moving and feint/change speed to create space and get half-turned when receiving the ball. - The player should always be on a diagonal to the box he is receiving the ball from, and should have an open body position. - Positive attitude to scoring, focusing on good technique. - High tempo practice with incisive running and passing.
Practice 2 Organisation - Two 20x20 yard boxes with 25 yard mid-zone in-between. - 5v2 in one box, 4v2 in other box. Play starts with the ball in 5v2 box. - Players are permitted two touches. After five consecutive passes or more, the objective is for a player to dribble out or be released via a pass. This player runs at pace across the unopposed mid-zone and looks to pass to a team-mate in the other box, joining to make 5v2.
Progression: - One touch in the boxes - Introduce a defender and forward in mid-zone to create 2v1 situation
Key Factors - Players should look to pass quickly and make early decisions in the boxes - Look to get a ‘big’ first touch out of your feet (after the five passes) to enable you to run at pace with the ball - Receivers spread out and look to get an open body position as the player makes the pass from the mid-zone
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Bodo Menze, FC Schalke ’04 academy head:
“The most important quality for a youth trainer is patience” FC Schalke ’04 is a true peoples club from the German Ruhr area. The club is capable of multi-million dollar transfers, but never forgets its youth. In the past players like Jens Lehmann and Olaf Thon arose from their own youth program. At the moment many of the first team players from Gelsenkirchen are ‘homegrown’. Since 1998 no less than 21 players reached the Bundesliga, making their youth academy very successful. Bodo Menze heads the academy and its curriculum. The curriculum is very professional on the one side and very familiar on the other. Teamwork is the magic word. Schalke does not only aim to get its players ready for the Bundesliga and the big money, but also acknowledges her regional function.
Schalke is doing well both economically as well as on the pitch. This goes hand in hand with better organization. Schalke’s professional, amateur and youth departments work together to reach a common goal; playing soccer at the highest possible level. Throughout the years German youth soccer has given a wrong and somewhat outdated image to the rest of the world. Of course Schalke does not forget the physical development of its players, but the technical development is principal. Within the youth academy the individual development is the most important aspect. This translates into 28 trainers and 8 supervisors within the Schalke youth organization, who all work together to bring Schalke’s youth to a higher level.
By: Hans Slender
Technique training
“With the youngest youth it is all about technical development”
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“During the course of the curriculum tactical, technical, physical and mental aspects all have equal importance. The accent of the training content however, differs per age category. With the youngest youth it is all about technical development. When you start training zone defense and offside traps with the U11 and U13s you are not on the right track. At this age is all about the 1v1, both in offense and
No. 26 April/May 2008
defense. While they develop you slowly introduce tactical aspects, such as finding space. You should, however always chose exercises that are age appropriate.” For the U9s through to U13s, technique training is the most important aspect. The accent is on receiving and dragging the ball, passing/shooting/crossing, dribbling, fakes, defense and heading.
Youth training Bodo Menze favours the Wiel Coerver method. “We have studied the Wiel Coerver method and look to incorporate this more and more into our youth program in recent years. The results from this will become apparent in the next couple of years. Coaching youth is not easy to plan. You cannot make a list of subjects that need to be mastered and check these off your list at the end of training. The most important quality of a youth coach is patience. There are always moments when you think: ‘They will never learn this’. There will also be frequent set-backs. Sometimes you don’t see the things you worked on back in their development. But when you have patience and approach the kids positively, it will all work out in the end.” Repetition is and will always be the magical word.
Condition training “When we say conditioning we are not referring to terms like interval training and endurance. We don’t want to turn youth players into bodybuilders. The conditioning training is about coordination with and without a ball, agility, speed and running methods. We do exercises that are developed especially for the children’s age group and their physical capacity.” Attention is paid to mobility and coordination skills right from the start with the U9s. These exercises consist of 60% general coordination exercises and 40% sport specific exercises. “Coordination is an important basis for the development of game skills. With the youngest youth we incorporate these exercises into the technique training, with the older youth its part of the tactical team training.”
themselves step by step. Young talents have challenges to per form at the European top level. This is why we always give priority to the development of the player.” The expectations on youth players who enter the first team are high. They have to endure a lot of stress and high expectations. A good player has character and is capable of dealing with stress. “We don’t have special mental training. We try to systematically and slowly prepare players for what is to come and what is expected of them. We give them the time to develop and they receive feedback on their progress. From the youth via the amateur team to the professional level is a long way, which automatically develops personality. We expect the players to be aware of this.”
Training contents Basics: U9, U10, U11 - General versatile and variable training - Mobility training - Build up coordination skills - Sport specific training Build up phase: U12, U13, U14, U15 - Soccer specific training - Versatile technique training - Specialization and individualization Performance phase: U17, U19, U21 - Performance bases training - Increase load and scope - Condition aspects - Skill maintenance - Exercise are more geared towards the game
Region Playing style The Schalke ’04 youth teams try to adhere to a uniform playing style from the U13s onwards. This does not means that all teams play the same way. The players have to get acquainted with various systems such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2. Sometimes they even play a 3-4-3 system. There are however some set things within all those systems. The players will have to be able to solve game situations within the team tactics. The issues are: making the field smaller during loss of possession, getting to your own position as quickly as possible with loss of possession, fast transitions, making the field large by effective positioning, helping each other by triangle positioning and using the flanks as much as possible.
FC Schalke ’04 is a club with a strong tie to the region. They take their responsibility. Schalke does not only educate players for the first team, but the level of the entire region profits from this. Schalke also tries to stimulate youth soccer in the region. There is good cooperation, because the better the regional clubs work with their youth players, the more prepared they are when they arrive at Schalke. “We work together with seven clubs in the region through a project named ‘Soccer in Gelsenkirchen’. These clubs can come with their coaches to information nights and can use educational materials. Talented players from these clubs will also get a chance to train at Schalke’s academy. Furthermore Schalke’s teams frequently play friendly matches against teams from the region.”
U21 Eventually youth players have to make the step to the first team. In Germany we don’t have a U21 competition. FC Schalke ’04’s second team plays in the semiprofessional Oberliga. “We try to fit the U19s into the amateur team, who play in the Oberliga. We allow the exceptional talents to train with the first team, where they are expected to further develop
Projects Menze is especially proud of the regional projects that strengthen the ties even further. Like the ‘Super 4’ with takes place during the summer holidays. It is a 4v4 tournament on Schalke’s grounds where 32 teams participate for 2 days. The two day champions play a final pre-match before a Bundesliga match. Another great
project is the cooperation with 28 schools in the region. The arrangements do not only provide the players of the youth departments with favorable learning and training circumstances, but the cooperating amateur clubs also profit.
Soccer school “For the talents who play at our school we arrange that they can train as much as possible. This is needed to replace street soccer. The soccer school ‘Auf Schalke’ gives us the opportunity to train the U15 – U19s four times a week. Homework guidance is also part of the project. Furthermore, we also have a boarding school, placing eight players who live further away. This provide many advantages, besides sparing them from long travels almost every day, we can also train during the day and the combining this with school is much easier.”
Der ‘Sommer-Ferien-Fußball-Spaß’ In the ‘Sommer-Ferien-Fußball-Spaß’project we organize a 5-day soccer camp for 9 – 12 year olds. Schalke’s academy coaches offer these kids a broad training program. “The level of play has increased in recent years. There are a lot of players
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Training concept To further stimulate soccer in the region Schalke has published a book with grass roots training concepts. Children who participate in the summer camp, as well as the coaches in the region receive this book so they can practice at home. The book consists of three parts: Basic technique, individual technique and teamtactics. There is a clear structure which starts with juggling, dribbling and passing and works towards possession games and complex passing and shooting exercises. This article will feature a couple of these exercises that are used by the coaches from Schalke.
from our academy who participate and we are able to gain insights into their development. We evaluate participants and we invite about 10 players every years to participate in trial training sessions.”
Scouting ‘You learn how to play soccer through playing’ is the important motto in Gelsenkirchen. A lot of effort is put into creating the perfect conditions for players to develop. On top of that there is the unique regional tie which should bring the level of play in the Ruhr-area to a higher level. “We try to look regionally with scouting as well. With the youngest youth we only scout within the city limits,
with the older youth with also focus outside this area. The aspects we want to emphasize in soccer also form the scouting criteria. Above all the players have to have talent in mobility and speed, in both thinking and handling. In conversations with the player we try to find out what his character is like. This is also taken into consideration when making the decision whether or not to accept him into the academy. A big mistake that is frequently made is to wait with serious training until the U15 age group, as the great learning years are between the age of 9 and 12. This is the period in which players develop greatly. This is why we try to identify the talents starting from the age of 8-9.”
Cutting and turning Organization: -
Two circuits across 8 meters The players are split into 4 equal groups Every player has a ball The first players from all groups start simultaneously Sharpness is a must to prevent collisions A cutting move at every disk
Cutting moves: -
Cut with inside or outside of foot Behind standing foot Step over Drag with inside of foot Retrieve back with bottom of foot
Practice combination play Organization: -
Field: 30 x 30 meters 1 ball Players pass the ball from their movements Continuous movement 1 touch maximum
Coaching - Stimulate to continue moving after every ball contact - Look for space to ask the ball - Ask the ball at the right time
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Give and go in threes Organization: - All threesome start simultaneously - The two players in possession play against the player in the free space - The attacker has the option to beat the opponent with a give and go or with an individual action
Coaching - Attacker without the ball has to ask for it at the right moment - The player with the ball decides whether to go for the combination or the action - The combination has to be executing with full confidence and at high speed
Overlap in threes Organization: -
All threesomes start simultaneously The two players in possession play against the chaser in the free space The player in possession look for the defender The other attacker overlaps The pair has to beat the defender
Coaching - The timing of the overlap has to be perfect - The player with the ball decides whether he executes the action or makes the combination - The combination has to be executing with full confidence and at high speed
Receiving and dragging in a triangle Organization: - A triangle with a 20m side - 3 players at every corner - Player A passes to B who wall pass and walks around the cone where he receives the ball again - Player C asks for the ball and the exercise continues
Coaching - Ask at the right moment - Pass into the feet and into the run
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Lambert Jager, goalkeeper trainer s.b.v. Lambert Jager (53) is the goalkeeper coach at one of the most talked about teams in the Dutch Eredivisie; Vitesse Arnhem. For years there has been turbulence in Arnhem, and Jager will talk about this. For example last year when coach Aad de Mos had to choose between two good goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojković, Serbian international, and Piet Velthuizen, the talented Dutch U21s keeper, De Mos chose, after a discussion with Jager, Stojkovic. Then the Serbian goalkeeper, due to lack of finance at the club, left Vitesse to play abroad. Jager is well known for his craftsmanship and passion which is why SoccerCoachingInternational have interviewed him. By: Harold van Ineveld
‘Basically I’m coaching tactically’ The career of Lamber t Jager is a boy’s dream. He never played at a high level, but now he is working with the best goalkeeping talents. Jager, the self-made goalkeeper coach is enthusiastic and passionate about the goalkeeper’s role. “I enjoy it ever y day. Rain, wind or sleet, it doesn’t matter to me. It’s simply beautiful to be out on the pitch with the boys each day and make them better. He entered professional football via Rob McDonald and has never left the scene. Because of his knowledge and passionate way of training it makes him a wanted man both in the Netherlands and abroad.
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Vision “I like keepers who think in an attacking way, so that’s the way I teach them to play. With attacking goalkeeping I mean that they are always focused on the spot were the ball is delivered from. That seems and sounds simple and in fact it is, but it is also difficult. You’ve to make some progress. Making a step forward, a step to the left or right. Cutting in we call it. And keep on moving, depending on the situation on the pitch. You have to play with the space on the field and let your keeper think about it. That’s a process we are working hard on, and it shows fast progress. I’m also focussing on coaching.
Vitesse Arnhem:
on the back pass, because ‘what’s the focus?’ A keeper should focus on keeping a ball out of his goal. That’s the basis. Off course I pay attention to the back pass, but then always with a reward in the next phase. For instance I’m letting them pass a ball followed by a shot on goal. Principally the keepers do everything themselves. Throwing balls, passing and kicking. I’m not doing that. I look, observe, and coach them, letting them do the work. They are constantly working on things that they have to do in a match. Accurate throwing, accurate kicking, opening, falling, diving, floating and coaching. I’m focused on creating specific drills and work with them on that.
Groups “I work in small groups a lot, like with the A- and B-keepers of the academy. These boys are always champing at the bit to start training. In training they do everything themselves. One is passing, the other is in a duel and the last one is in goal to catch the ball, which is kicked by the keeper who catches the first ball. I often work with patterns, that way the keepers learn all these aspects. I coach them to be and remain focused. I don’t like to kick 10 balls in the top corner. But shooting a couple of volleys to Piet Velthuizen or Balazs Raboczki after training is a common ritual. When they want it, I do it. After all, it is important that the keeper leaves the session with a smile on his face and goes home with a good feeling.
Analysing
P A S S P O R T
Lambert Jager 29 juli 1954 te Ede Since July 1, 2005: Goalkeeper trainer s.b.v. Vitesse Arnhem, youth and adults C.V. Lambert Jager: • K.s.v. Fortissimo Ede • V.v. Bennekom • V.v. DOVO Veenendaal • De Graafschap • FC Zwolle • Cambuur Leeuwarden • Goalkeeper school Midden Nederland
Keepers have to lead there defence and see it as a normal thing they have to do. That’s what I think is important. Again a very simple thing. When the defenders are defending forward, that’s what we practise on a lot, then the keepers also have to get forward so they still can coach the defence. These are processes of learning.
Tactical “You can point out that I mostly train and coach tactically and give the technical part less attention. Just focus on what is most important. When does a keeper throw a ball with his “weak” arm? Never! When a keeper injures an arm he is substituted anyway because he can’t catch a ball. That’s why I’m not training intensively
“During matches I don’t sit in the dug-out anymore, but I sit in the top of the stand. That way I can see everything and also see the replays, because I’ve got a television there. I’m also trying to focus on the opponent’s goalkeeper. I don’t do the warm-up for a match, the keepers do it. I’m standing at the side of the pitch and when I see they are doing a good job I let them know it. You can see them growing. Imagine I’m doing the warm-up like you see in England. Only one keeper gets a decent warm-up, the other catches a cold. Another disadvantage is the fact that the reserve keeper isn’t warm-up well. What if the first keeper is injured during the warm-up or in the early stages of a match? Than the reserve goalkeeper has to be warm-up quickly. The keepers know what to do, so I’m observing and coaching if it is necessary. Sometimes during the break I go downstairs to have a quick chat with Piet Velthuizen. The day after a match I analyze the match thoroughly with Piet Velthuizen.
Personal contact “The personal contact with the keepers is very important to me. Besides keeping attacking this is one of the most important aspects. First I give them confidence and find out what they are capable of and what not. That’s the way I work. At this level the basic skills are at a good level, that’s a matter of maintaining. I start with the skills that are good and then slowly start working to the level I want to see them at. My vision is attacking keeping and I try to convince my keepers of the importance of it. Sometimes it takes a while, like with Piet Velthuizen. He has to improve on certain aspects. By constantly training, coaching him and let him observe Stojkovic I slowly started trying to convince Piet. That worked out well. I was extremely enthusiastic about Stojkovic. I saw him keeping a few times and spoke with him in France. When he entered the starting line up after the winter break,
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Keepers trained by Jager: Piet Velthuizen; Vitesse Balázs Rabóczki; Vitesse Vladimir Stojković; Vitesse, now Sporting Club de Portugal Harald Wapenaar; Vitesse now Sparta Rotterdam Gino Coutinho; Vitesse now FC Den Bosch Rody Hoegee; Cambuur Leeuwarden (retired) Ale Geert de Vries; Cambuur Leeuwarden Peter v.d. Vlag; Cambuur Leeuwarden Johan v.d. Werf; FC Zwolle (retired) Diederik Boer; FC Zwolle Jurgen Wevers; De Graafschap now RKC Waalwijk Stefan Postma; De Graafschap now ADO Den Haag Barry Diteweg; DOVO now Veendam it took a couple of matches before he got his rhythm, but then it went very well. Thanks to Stojkovic, Piet developed as a completer goalkeeper, also mentally. When they started to cooperate eventually, they both improved as goalkeepers. I maintain a warm personal contact with each keeper I’m either coaching or have coached. They keep calling me for advice regularly.
Critics “It has become a trend to give young keepers and there coaches a lot of criticism about the way they function unfortunately, as if we aren’t capable and don’t have enough knowledge. I think we have more than enough young goalkeepers who can be very good if they are given the time to develop. There isn’t one good way of coaching keepers; When your approach in coaching keepers pays off, nobody has the right to say you’re bad or an amateur. When your methods improve a goalkeeper, you’re doing a great job. Don’t be influenced by the way people are judging you. The most important thing is that your keepers have a good feeling and believe in you.
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Goalkeeper school “My goalkeeper school on Sunday morning means a lot to me. I love it when the kids are putting a lot of effort into it and going to the showers covered with mud. It started years ago, now I’m training every Sunday 40 youth goalkeepers, from first year E up to A juniors, who travel from Brabant, Utrecht and Zandvoort to Quick 1888 in Nijmegen to get extra training. I’m surrounded by great staff who work as I work, but with their own personal approach. I give them drills, we discuss it, then the keepers are divided based on age and quality. Each Sunday they are trained by a different coach. The reason is not based on a different coach, different training, but because it is good to have a different personality for a group. It is important to let the coaches to train the way they like. Goalkeepers have to learn to cope with that. It is a beautiful job, working with those young lads. Each week I look forward to it.”
“I like to share my knowledge” Don’t let the ball go in “I like to share my knowledge. For years I’ve been called by other goalkeeper coaches who want some drills. I don’t have any secrets, so I share everything. At a certain time a few people advised me to write a book called: Don’t let the ball go in. The purpose is to provide everyone with drills. The book consists of a lot of drills and photo’s. The drills mentioned are drills which I have been using for years at different levels. This book isn’t a natural law off course. I’m extremely proud of it, but I’m keeping it under my own control. I especially want to provide goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches, people from the business. It has no use when the book lies on a dusty shelf in a bookstore.
Handling speed and cutting in Organization & Progression: -
Goalkeeper 1 starts at the post with the ball in his hands Goalkeeper 1 rolls the ball to goalkeeper 2 Goalkeeper 2 wall passes the ball towards the disc Goalkeeper 1 saves the ball and quickly goes to saves the coach’s shot at the far post - High pace and from both sides
K1 K2
Trainer
Cutting in & stamina Organization & Progression: K1
K2
- Goalkeeper 1 rolls the ball to goalkeeper 2 - Goalkeeper 2 wall passes the ball left of goalkeeper 1 who saves and quickly goes to saves the coach’s shot at the far post - Execute on both sides
Trainer
Dealing with a back pass Organization & Progression: K1
K2
- Goalkeeper 1 starts in the middle of his goal and rolls a ball through the cones towards goalkeeper 2 - Goalkeeper 2 handles the ball as a back pass and is only allowed 2 touches, drags the ball sideways passed the cone and shoots in goalkeeper 1’s hands - Goalkeeper 2 will go back in between the cones and goalkeeper 1 rolls the ball again, which goalkeeper 2 handles the ball as a back pass and drags the ball sideways passed the cone and shoots in goalkeeper 1’s hands - Repeat 5 x on each side
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Road to Eur o Terim keeps Turkey on their toes
Croatia and Bilic to extend ties
Fatih Terim has warned that "radical changes" may be made to the Turkey squad before UEFA EURO 2008™, saying "no player should take their place for granted".
Ongoing battle The Turkey coach has left the door open for fringe players to impress in the months before the finals, as Turkey prepare to face Belarus in a friendly in Minsk on Wednesday. "If our players cannot put in satisfactor y per formances, we might make radical changes," he said. "All of our players are battling for a place in the finals squad. No player should take their place for granted or believe they have completely lost their chance."
Inspiring example Having denied that he had agreed to take over at Chelsea FC in the summer – saying "I don't negotiate when I'm in charge of a team or when a team still has a coach" – Terim added that Fenerbahçe SK's success in reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals has set an inspiring example for his players. "We've not had a team making significant progress in Europe for a long time," he said. "Local successes are good but international ones are even better."
Maximum effort With time ticking down until Turkey's opening match in Switzerland against Por tugal on 7 June, the 54-year-old Terim reminded his players that Turkey have "until 28 May" to pick their squad for the finals, and demanded that his players give their all to impress him and his coaching team. "I want all of our players to compete at the top level to stay in the race to be selected," he said. "I want them to force us into making squad decisions."
The Croatian Football Federation has reached an agreement with Slaven Bilić to extend the coach's contract beyond UEFA EURO 2008™.
'I will stay' "We'll reveal all the contract details next week, and for now I can only say that we've agreed terms," said HNS general secretary Zorislav Srebrić. Bilić, 39, is one of the most sought after young coaches in Europe after guiding his country to EURO at the expense of England. Speaking before last week's friendly international in Scotland, Bilić said: "I will stay. I will sign anything, money isn't important." Reports in Croatia suggest the deal could be worth €1m per year – a figure the HNS refuted. "It's not true," Srebrić added. "We're not in a position to offer that money to anyone." Croatia will meet Austria, Germany and Poland in Group B during this summer's tournament.
Brückner bombshell for Czech Republic Karel Brückner confirmed that he will retire as Czech Republic coach after UEFA EURO 2008™ as he announced his squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Denmark.
Turkish ethos Terim feels that total commitment is crucial for Turkey to be successful at the finals, saying: "When we play with men behind the ball, we make fewer mistakes but when we open up we have made significant errors. For me, all players except the goalkeeper should not leave a single par t of the pitch untouched. Our coaching staff is doing their utmost to lift our players physically, and psychologically to a better level. I truly believe we'll put in an impressive display."
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Last hurrah The 68-year-old has been in charge since 2002, leading the country to successive UEFA European Championship finals as well as to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, he revealed that this summer's tournament will be his last.
2008 Germany celebrate 100th anniversary
Beenhakker completes staff
German Football Association (DFB) president Dr Theo Zwanziger reflected on an "incredible journey" ahead of the 100th anniversary of Germany's first match, a 53 loss to Switzerland on 5 April 1908.
Becker opener A crowd of 3,500 braved a hailstorm to watch the match at the Sportplatz Landhof in Basel and they saw Fritz Becker put Germany ahead with his country's first goal. Switzerland quickly hit back and went into the interval 3-1 in front before the teams shared four goals after the break. Since then, Germany have seen more ups than downs, winning the FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990 and the UEFA European Championship in 1972, 1980 and 1996. From 1952, the team was known as West Germany for 38 years until 12 September 1990 when they defeated Belgium 2-0 in the first international match following reunification.
Domenech to name Euro 2008 players' list on May 18 France coach Raymond Domenech confirmed Sunday that he will announce on May 18 the list of players who will participate in preparations for the European football championships. But Domenech said that he was not sure whether the list would be the final squad of 23 players or a larger group.
Leo Beenhakker has completed his staff for EURO 2008. The head coach of Poland will cooperate with three fellow Dutchman in his staff. Besides team manager Jan de Zeeuw and goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek, a third Dutchman Mike Lindeman has now also been added to his staff. Lindeman, former assistant of Piet Hamberg in Saudi-Arabia and Switzerland, has been appointed as recovery trainer. ‘In the preparation and during the EURO 2008 he will be working with us,’ says Beenhakker. Lindeman is now working for Luzern in Switzerland.
Koller to retire after tournament Czech striker Jan Koller will retire from the national team after this year's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
"From May 18 there will be the Champions League final, the French Cup, the Italian Cup, a lot of players will still be in competition, it will be either a definitive list, fixed or an extended list," Domenech told French television. "The idea of keeping as many players as possible under pressure doesn't satisfy me, it puts the players in a complicated situation with doubts, uncertainties, but we have to set a date (for the list)." Domenech has opted for a system which was used by Aime Jacquet before the 1998 World Cup which France won whereby players who are named on May 18 may not make it to the Euro 2008 finals. The France coach added that his "worst nightmare is the calendar which can result in injuries at the worst time".
The 35-year-old Nuremberg front man is the Czech Republic's all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 85 matches but he will not be adding to that tally after the conclusion of the 16-team tournament running from June 7th-29th. "It's a final decision, it can't be changed in any way," the 2.02 meter Koller was quoted. Koller has scored just once since joining Bundesliga strugglers Nuremburg from Monaco during the January transfer window.
No. 26 April/May 2008
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“Intuition should come before tuition” Sally Jenkinson – ‘The Genius of Play’
Play
Without
Borders
Children surprise me all the time and I learn as much from them as hopefully they learn from me about football and life. Coaching children should be a two way thing as it is very important to get them to communicate and share ideas. Paul Cooper spends a pleasant winter’s day at a grassroots club in Surrey, England. By: Paul Cooper
Mayford Athletic is a proper children’s football club. A laid back atmosphere with the focus on fun for the kids. Last Saturday I spent a very happy day at the club with the main event a 4v4 fun day for the U6s and U7s. The idea was simple. 4v4 games where possible but also a couple of teams of five, no subs, and kids refereeing their own, ten minute games on a round robin basis. It is all about having fun and playing football. They had over 40 children, 5, 6 & 7 year olds. The only thing the adults did was pick even teams and tell them which pitch they were on next, the kids did the rest. The difference when children play ‘their’ game as opposed to playing the adults game is very marked. When they are as young as 5 and 6 they just play. They know where the goals are but other than when a goal is scored why on earth would you stop the game? The cones at the side were ignored as the games continued over the sideline with kids dribbling around ball bags, parents and drinks bottles. The game also continued behind the goals with perhaps 30 touches before the ball was back on the ‘pitch’
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No. 26 April/May 2008
The children were so deep into the play ‘zone’ that nothing else mattered. They all understood this type of play; it was their language and not that of adults. Play without borders, and every time they carried on over the white line it was a triumph for the children’s game. “One only has to look at the child in the playground, whether its football, touch, cricket or an ad hoc game of rugby, they play to please themselves. There are no tears (at the result), no recriminations, and few arguments. They are not told tactics, strategies or moves. There are no limits. There is no referee, little cheating and little cynicism” Lynn Kidman The test at this age group is how many children ask to go to the toilet in a session. I don’t remember one child asking. If it is not fun this age group would prefer to pretend to wee, four times in 10 minutes, than face a queue longer than when we had food rationing, waiting for a kick.
At the end of the games the children picked up all the cones, took of their bibs and sorted them into their various colours and then we all sat down for a chat. They had all had fun and I asked them a question. “When the ball went over the touchline, rather than stopping to take a kick- in, you all continued playing over the white lines. Why?” One little dot of about six, who could of only weighed the same amount as a couple of bags of sugar, fixed me with a stare and spoke words of wisdom well beyond his tender years. “Because we can” he piped up with giggles, smiles and nods of approval from his fellow team mates. The contrast of the happy faces at Mayford is in stark contrast to a recent post I saw on a children’s football forum. A coach at a club was understandably upset that dad’s were taking their sons and daughters away from the U7s age group at his club in order to play league football. According to the dad’s who took their children away, it’s the ‘proper’ game and what the kids want.
When we tell our children what they want enough times it begins to stick, as they want the approval of adults, but when they are old enough to make their own decisions they leave the game in their thousands as it is just not fun anymore. The afternoon session, coaching the coaches, with twenty plus middle age men and women, based on fun small sided games, was not dissimilar to the U6s and 7s. Fun, laughter, and not wanting to be interrupted from play. The only real difference was sticking to the boundaries. But I guess a life time of paying bills, taxes and parking in between white lines has done that to us. “Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature.” Tom Robbins
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Various
Marwijk unveiled as Holland boss
Bert van Marwijk was officially presented by the Dutch football association as the new Holland coach on Monday. The current Feyenoord coach does not begin his tenure with the national team until after the European Championships this summer, when Marco van Basten will step down from the role. Van Marwijk also confirmed his
current assistant at Feyenoord, Dick Voorn, would work alongside him for the Oranje in addition to former national team players Philip Cocu and Frank De Boer. "I am happy with the composition of my assistant staff, it is what I had in mind," Van Marwijk said. "Frank and Philip have much experience. Together they have played 220 international games and they were part of many big tournaments. They also both played in the axis of the team and they always thought with the coach when they were players."
Domenech forbids French to play on Nintendo Wii During the European Championships this summer the French Internationals are forbidden to play on the Nintendo Wii. French Coach Raymond Domenech is afraid that the game computer, which simulates real moves, will cause injuries. The French coach is an expert:
“During playing a boxing match I’ve injured my shoulder. I couldn’t use my shoulder for two days”, confessed Domenech. At the European Championship French is placed in a group with Italy, the Netherlands and Romania. Their first match will be against Romania, followed by matches against the Netherlands and World Champions Italy, a rematch of last World Cup Final.
Rehhagel agrees new Greece contract Otto Rehhagel will be in charge of Greece for at least two more years after agreeing a new contract until the summer of 2010.
'Strong bond' The 69-year-old German has accepted a two-year extension with the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) to prolong his successful reign as coach of the European champions. EPO president Vassilis Gagatsis said: "We wanted Otto Rehhagel to continue at the helm and hopefully lead the side to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He has such a strong bond with the players and the team that he couldn't say 'no' to the extension offer. The fact we needed less than 25 minutes to reach an agreement is indicative of the two sides' mutual desire to continue working together."
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Title defence Rehhagel, appointed in August 2001, is Greece's longest-serving national coach, with 43 wins, 16 draws and 19 defeats from his 78-game tenure. Although his charges failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, they looked well-equipped to launch a strong defence of the European title they won at UEFA EURO 2004™ – having posted the most points of any team through to UEFA EURO 2008™ in Austria/Switzerland. Greece, who beat Portugal in a midweek friendly, will play Sweden, Russia and Spain in Group D of this summer's championship. Rehhagel's impressive CV also includes stints on the benches of Werder Bremen, FC Bayern München and 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
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No. 26 – April/May 2008 SoccerCoachingInternational is a magazine for soccer coaches all over the world from the publisher of TrainersMagazine, the Dutch magazine for soccer coaches. The Magazine will be released six times a year. Chief editor Paul van Veen Beatrixlaan 21, 2811 LZ REEUWIJK THE NETHERLANDS E-mail: paul@soccercoachinginternational.com Publisher Sportfacilities & Media BV Visiting address: Steynlaan 19 B-D ZEIST THE NETHERLANDS Postal address: P.O. Box 952, 3700 AZ ZEIST THE NETHERLANDS E-mail: info@soccercoachinginternational.com Phone: +31 (0)30 697 7710 Fax: +31 (0)30 697 7720 Project Manager Floris Schmitz f.schmitz@sportfacilities.com Managing Editor and Translations Maaike Denkers maaike@soccercoachinginternational.com
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No. 26 April/May 2008
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