E-MAGAZINE
No. 37 February 2010
Radomir Antic Serbian National Team W W W . S O C C E R C O A C H I N G I N T E R N AT I O N A L . C O M
No. 37 February 2010
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SoccerCoachingInternational is an e-magazine for soccer coaches all over the world from the publisher of TrainersMagazine, the Dutch magazine for soccer coaches. The Magazine will be released 10 times a year. Chief editor Paul van Veen Beatrixlaan 21, 2811 LZ REEUWIJK THE NETHERLANDS paul@soccercoachinginternational.com
Photographers: Tom van den Heiligenberg / Jan Soek Editorial Staff Andrew Blight, Stan Bos, Guilherme Costa, Maaike Denkers, Frans Hoek, Dan Micciche, Larry Paul, Hans Slender, Paul van Veen, Hugo Vicente, Anthony Hudson
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ISSN 1571 - 8794
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Cover Story: Radomir Antlic
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Youth Academy: Dan Micciche - MK Dons
26
Top Coaching: Four Masters and their method
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Technique: Wiel Coerver exercises
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Youth Coaching: Elite young player develoment
72
Brazilian Corner: Brazilian Corner
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Mental: An interactive process
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Goalkeeping: Frans Hoek
Cont nts
No.37 February 2010
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From the editor
Welcome to the 37th issue of SoccerCoachingInternational; Our first e-Magazine!
Although SoccerCoachingInternational will no longer appear in print starting with this issue, our mission will remain focused on helping soccer coaches around the world to do their jobs better. Our hope is that you will find this new direction satisfying, and will like our coverage even better as we explore new ways to bring you the content you’ve come to rely on. All of the features, articles, interviews and sessions you have enjoyed over the years in our print format are now brought to you in this digital publication. 2010 will be a year marked by enriching the online magazine. The enriching process begins with this issue as we are presenting you with an entirely new layout for our online edition. As the print layout was unsuitable for publication online, we have developed a new format and style allow you to experience the magazine on your screen. We will continue to enrich the magazine, by introducing video features and 'live' links in the magazine, and create ways to allow for more direct communication with you, in the upcoming issues. Please send us your feedback and wishes, so we can cater to your needs. This first e-issue holds 96(!) pages packed with a great range of articles from all corners of the world. Including 5 world class coaches: starting with Radomir Antic, Serbian national team coach. Later on in this issue Anthony Hudson's analysis 'Four Masters and their methods' in an article that portrays four of the best coaches of this time; Ferguson, Capello, Mourinho and Wenger. But there is more than these 5 top coaches as Dan Micciche once again takes us inside the MK Dons academy and give us a peek into their Games Programme for Young players. From England to the Netherlands where SoccerCoachingInternational takes you into the Wiel Coerver vision and explores the aspects of position play. From Coerver to Blight, who discusses the concepts of elite young player development and on to Larry Paul for the third part of his series on Observations and orientation. Last, but not least Frans Hoek introduces us to his own goalkeeping games: 1v1, shoot & save and goalkeeper tennis. All in all another great and diverse issue, brought to you online. I hope you enjoy this first e-Magazine! The second E-magazine will be available at the end of March, along with our new website. I will keep you posted on our developments. Yours in soccer,
Maaike Denkers Managing Editor SCI
No.37 February 2010
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Cover Story
RADOMIR ANTIC, SERBIAN NATIONAL TEAM:
"A nations playing style mirrors the mentality of that nation" Radomir Antic has been very succesful with the Serbian National Team during the qualification for World Cup 2010. He has been coaching the national squad since August 2008 and has managed to guide his team to 14 wins, 1 draw and 3 loses in 18 matches. Serbia was part of a very strong qualification group with some tough opponents, like France, Austria and Romania, but managed to qualify at the top of their group. Time for SoccerCoachingInternational to talk with Serbian manager Antic about his coaching philosophy. By: Dušan Petrovic
No.37 February 2010
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8
A nations playing style often mirrors the
System of play
mentality of that nation. The social aspect
"I am not a coach who gives the system of
of football, is what brings people together.
play a high priority. Systems should be a
This is also true for the national squad,
reflection of the players and not the other
which is something Antic realizes. Another
way around. The most important aspect of
factor he cannot ignore is the fact that the
a system of play is that it utilizes all the
national squad's playing style needs to be
positive characteristics and hides all the
based on the mentality of the nation. This
negative characteristics of the team and its
makes it possible for fans and the players
players."
alike to feel part of the team and the nation and work together towards a common goal.
No.37 February 2010
Team spirit
coach. The Serbian players feel the team
"Realizing a good atmosphere and com-
can only benefit from the expertise and
munication between players and the
nous offered by coach Radomir Antic. "He
coaching staff is one of the main tasks and
has coached some great teams and has
essential for success. Players should enjoy
loads of experience," said Nemanja Vidic.
the training process and must know why
"He’s brought in a few new ideas and
they are doing every exercise and what the
places a lot of stress on discipline and
objective of each training session is. Serious
organization. He’s definitely played a large
work is work without improvisation."
part in our development as a team. But everything depends on the first match,
Believe
that’ll be our most important game at the
"From the day I started coaching the
World Cup. A win would give us an
Serbian National team we have been
excellent chance of reaching the next
bonding and growing towards each other as
round, and it would boost our confidence
a team. We always look to improve our play,
for what comes after that.” Their game play
behavior
during
has been determined and they are hoping
training sessions and matches. The reason
to show some impressive and dominate
for our growth is not only ambition or
play in South Africa: "we always know how
motivation for the World Cup as there will
we are going to play and have clear tasks
be more football to play after the World
for every playing phase. A special goal for
Cup. We are looking at the bigger picture. I
us is good passing play, without passing it
have no doubt in the qualities of my players,
is very difficult to dominate during a match,"
but do not base my believe in them on the
said Antic.
and
communication
expected final results in South Africa. We are a good team and growing every day, no
National fever
matter what the final result will be."
"The main role of the head coach as a public figure is that with his behavior and in
This same believe in his players is also
all press and public contact he sends the
portrayed in the players' believe in their
message and invitation to all people in
No.37 February 2010
9
Radomir Antic Name: Radomir Antic Date of birth: 22 November 1948 Place of birth: Žitište, FPR Yugoslavia Position as a player: Defender Current position: Serbian national team coach
Playing career: 1967 - 1970
FC Sloboda Uzice, Serbia,
1970 - 1977
FC Partizan, Belgrade, Serbia,
1977 - 1978
FC Fenerbahche, Turkey,
1978 - 1980
FC Real Saragossa, Spain,
1980 - 1984
FC Luton Town, England,
Coaching career: 1988 - 1990
FC Real Saragossa, Spain,
1991 - 1992
FC Real, Madrid, Spain,
1992 - 1995
FC Real, Oviedo, Spain,
1995 - 1998
FC Atletico, Madrid, Spain,
1999 - 2000
FC Atletico, Madrid, Spain,
2000 - 2001
FC Real, Oviedo, Spain,
2003
FC Barcelona, Spain,
2004
FC Celta, Vigo, Spain,
2008 - current
Serbia National Team
Greatest Success: 1995/1996
Spain Champion and Cup Winner with FC Atletico, Madrid,
2009
World Cup 2010 Qualifier group winner with Serbia National Team
"SMALL DETAILS CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOU IN GAMES AGAINST QUALITY TEAMS" Serbia to be an active part of National Team.
self-confidence, balance and concentration
Antic is keen on building a winning spirit on
in every player."
and off the field, with a great football atmosphere and good behavior from the
"The system of play is not a priority for me.
team and the fans alike. "Without the help of
I prepare players for two different situations
our nation, without the support of the
during the match – ball possession and
people in Serbia, we won't be successful.
opponent possession. I try to prepare my
Full stands and national fever before and
players for real situations which they could
during the games of the national team is our
face during the match – this is one of the
main victory. The entire Serbian national
main tasks. Before every game we prepare
team, including the Serbian people, will not
our responses to all standard situation and
start their games as the underdog and
all tasks are in harmony with the capabilities
without winning spirit."
of each player. This is very important for me."
Match preparation "During the qualification matches for World
"Our daily work should be focused on the
Cup
any
best preparation for the game. A coach
improvisation. Our match preparation
must create specific work – through
included an analysis of the opponent and
knowledge of physiology and psychology –
maximum concentration on our own
focused on the best preparation for the
problems. Small details can make or break
next game. Our first priority is to recover
you in games against quality teams. During
the players from their club games and
every training we tried to avoid tension in
competitions. Players must leave behind
the team and around the each player and
the results they had during their club
prepare all the necessary details which are
competitions and forget the emotions and
correlated to our play. This is how we build
everything that is connected with those
2010
we
worked
without
No.37 February 2010
11
competitions. Recovery helps them to surpass tiredness and to prepare them for the work and tasks ahead."
Psychology "Preparations for games is not just based on training sessions and methods. We communicate a lot. Communication between head coach
12
and players, head coach and coaching staff – we use modern technology to prepare ourselves for next game – to expose all layers of opponent. We talk about and prepare all aspects and strategies for the next game, which improves our psychological stability. We never discuss mistakes during the game, we discuss the reaction of each player after the mistake was made.
Advice "My advice for young coaches is not only to teach players about the technical and tactical aspects of football. The most important task for us as coaches is to look at the person behind the player and aid in the development of making them into complete quality people, not just good players. When we prepare players, we give them all the details that are important for the next match. Focus on team spirit, building strong personalities and character for each player. If you do that and if you have psychologically strong players, they will be prepared to face the media and for all situations off the field. All these aspects will have a positive influence on their play."
No.37 February 2010
Passing game Organization:
He follows his pass and joins the back of
Space: 40m x 20m, 10 players
that queue.
Intensity: Heart rate 120 – 150 /min Repetitions: 4 x 5 min. Objective: Improve tactical and technical elements – in preliminary phase of the training.
2. Player receives the ball and passes to the player in the middle. He follows his pass and joins the back of that queue. 3. Player in the middle receives the ball while turning and passes the ball to the player (in upper right corner). He follows
Progression: 1. Player (in bottom left corner) passes the
his pass and joins the back of that queue. 4. Etc. Etc. Use two balls!
ball to the player (in bottom right corner).
No.37 February 2010
13
6v3 possession game
14
Organization:
Progression:
Space: 40m x 20m
Narrow space - 3 groups with 3 players
Intensity: Heart rate 160 – 190 /min
each (blue, yellow, red). 2 groups try to
Repetitions: 3 x 3 min.
maintain possession, while the third group
Objective: Improve tactical and technical el-
tries to steal the ball. The team who loses
ements in realistic situations. This is the
possession will become the defending
core of the training session, because play-
team.
ers will still have enough running power.
No.37 February 2010
6v6 on two goals with goalkeepers Organization:
Progression:
Space: 40m x 40m
Game on two goals in a narrow space. Ac-
Intensity: Heart rate 140 – 180 /min
cent on passing and finishing. The role of
Repetitions: 2 x 8 min.
the goalkeeper is very important – should
Objective: Improve tactical and technical el-
be very active during the play and cooper-
ements in realistic situations. Passing is
ate with other players.
very important! Last part of training.
No.37 February 2010
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Youth Academy GAMES PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Variety – A Recipe for success The English are a funny lot. Surrounded by water and so geographically protected from easy invasion, we have tended to be isolated and some may say this is responsible for us (the English) being seen as arrogant, and pigheaded in our attempts to protect our ‘way of life’. This is also probably why we are more reluctant to, and conservative in our approach to change than many European nations. Reform for us is difficult and more a response to some disaster or total failure. We tend to leave things ‘until they are really broken’. This national genetic ‘stamp’ is evident in our Industry and so football. The lack of willingness to invest in change has led to many industries giving up the ghost to foreigners and in youth football which is now a huge industry, Nostalgia, and perhaps the re surfacing of that initial arrogance has seen those making decisions in the game cling hopelessly on to many out of date values and beliefs whether they are valid or not. Change is viewed as a costly inconvenience in youth development and an administrative burden for the adults. But unless we invite organic reform into our national ‘psyche’ and build it into our business plans, enabling investment in the ability to evolve, we will always be falling back and catching up on others more wisely and progressive. By: Dan Micciche
No.37 February 2010
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"COACHES SHOULD BE PLANNING TO EXPOSE YOUNG PLAYERS TO MANY DIFFERENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS, VARYING THE CHALLENGES, THE PROBLEMS AND SO THE DECISION MAKING."
18
Variety – The essential ingredient
repeating the same thing in many different
‘Google up’ soccer coaching and there are
ways is essential for long term learning of
about
Literally
football. So, coaches should be planning to
millions of articles and books are available.
expose young players to many different
Each one is more than likely offering the road
learning
to perfect practice and the perfect player.
challenges, the problems and so the
Coaching is experiencing its own ‘big bang’
decision making.
5,500,000
possibilities.
environments,
varying
the
and now the coaching of young kids is a huge serious business way out of proportion
Consider, for example, the benefits of
to its real role. As a result it’s become a
varying the playing area and surface in
honey pot for the academics to justify their
practices and particularly matches: Big,
own existence and it won’t be long till you
little, wide, narrow, bobbly, flat, hard, soft,
need a masters degree in order to
sloping, indoors, outdoors, grass, 3G. Or
understand how to plan a practice. Research
the Opposition & teammates: Older,
is one thing and much needed but it is
younger, different abilities, more, less, same
becoming daft and the knock on effect is to
player numbers. 1 V 1 to 11 V 11.
perpetuate the myth that coaching football is a complicated and mysterious thing.
At mk dons we really value and insist on variety when players are practicing or
It’s not hard to work out that children need
playing matches. For example, our U14’s
variety in their Learning. Everyone knows
may play 11 v 11 matches on a 70 x 50
that it is essential because kids get bored
pitch/field instead of full size. The next week
and also need to build links and mental
they could play on a full size pitch. In
pictures as they go. Practicing and
midweek they play a practice match
No.37 February 2010
indoors, on a 60 X 40 area. They also play in
players are constantly building up that
an indoor gym (different floor surface and
essential ‘Library of pictures’ of the game
smaller). All this is in addition to their regular
that enables them to learn how to Assess,
practices, which must be equally varied.
adapt and then predict what’s likely to
They may, for example, practice against
happen next. They are constantly learning
younger players but have less players.
to spot cues and triggers which will prompt
Players are regularly sent to older age
their movement and lead to their decision
groups to practice. Sometimes 2 – 3 years
making.
up. So an U11 could conceivably practice alongside an U13 or 14.
Young players need to be exposed to varied experiences of the game. This
It appears to me, that MK dons U14’s have
came naturally in our past when informal,
a terrific and very mature understanding
unstructured play and school, District and
of the game. They play like a team much
County football was the fabric of our
older and wiser. Sometimes it is hard to
game. We can’t get away from the fact
believe that most of them are just 13. Their
that kids now get a formal and focussed
improvement over the last 18 months is
education in Football. Coaching needs to
fantastic.
be smart, though, to replicate the benefits
Paul Holder – National Development
of informal and varied play. Coaches need
coach. The FA
to present the game to kids in far more imaginative but still simple ways. Most
The logic is that when children are put into
Kids are motivated by variety and are able
new or different environment, they are
to deal with it comfortably. Paul Holder
confronted with different problems to solve, but are still practicing the game. Initially they are not sure what to do, so they learn how
One size doesn’t fit all
to
and
It doesn’t take a PhD to work out that the
mentally. Because the practices are game
‘match’ is the reason for being for most
related (matches take care of themselves),
young players, it is theirs and ours (the
adapt,
physically,
technically
No.37 February 2010
19
" IT’S LIKE PUTTING AN ADULT SUIT ON A KID, IT WILL FIT SOME BUT NOT THE MAJORITY. SOME WILL LOOK AND FEEL DAFT. IT DEPENDS ON HOW MATURE AND BIG YOU ARE."
coaches, parents and scouts) ‘testing
Imagine for a minute, 13 year olds on a full
ground’ and players are hired and fired on
size pitch, what do we notice? First, the
the strength of how they do in this test. It is
massive difference in the physical ‘stamp’ of
essential for players to have some degree of
the players, some look 18 and others look
success in every game. For some who
11. Secondly, how small they look as a group
consistently struggle it could mean being
and finally the vast amount of empty space
dropped or even ‘released’ from the club
there is irrespective of where the ball is.
and a crumbled world for a while. Coaches will work towards helping them be successful
In this environment, Raw Physical abilities
in the matches and this affects what and how
of speed, strength and puff tend to stick out
they coach and in turn this affects how and
above all other traits. Technical abilities
what kids practice, all this is obvious. But the
tend to be harder to spot because players
knock on effects might not be.
are often receiving the ball in splendid isolation and a bad touch can be recovered
Take the current rules for Academies in
easily. Passing into space is a good idea
England. In the official handbook Under 14’s
since there is so much of it and trying to be
are expected to play on a full size pitch with
compact as a defence and expansive in
full size goals. Forgive me, but isn’t that the
attack is not really possible. Consequently,
same testing ground as a seasoned
we struggle to learn the concepts of width
professional or any other adult. It’s like
and depth as well.
putting an adult suit on a kid, it will fit some but not the majority. Some will look and feel
Even in the penalty areas where it is
daft. It depends on how mature and big you
supposed to be congested there is enough
are.
space for everyone and the referee.
No.37 February 2010
21
I suppose close to goal can be called a ‘tight area’ where we may see something quick and clever but often the kids are too knackered by then. The goalie can practice being a goalie provided the ball isn’t kicked too high or wide.
22 If we want our players to develop technically in line with the Spanish or the Brazilians
we
need
to
give
them
something that will challenge their touch & ball skills, their cunning and cleverness, their adaptability, their resourcefulness and resilience. Playing on smaller pitches and practicing in smaller areas will help with these things and will help to even up the physical imbalances. It will also help to see if the fast or big player is technically able or is just relying on his physique. Paul Holder
represent an uncomfortable shift in thought. Also clubs and coaches have their own philosophies on how players develop and
We (mk dons) try to insist that our players
what constitutes development for their
play on varied pitch sizes in ‘match
players and this may not fit in. The structure
conditions’ so they are faced with different
does not help with this. There needs to be
problems to solve, But we do face stiff
more ‘flexibility’ in our approach to and
resistance when opposing teams are invited
structure of matches. We need more
to play their matches on smaller than normal
matches to experiment with and less travel
pitches. The problem is probably more
time to get to them. Ultimately there needs
cultural than anything else and may
to be a more daring and imaginative thought.
No.37 February 2010
Here are some observations of the possible differences between small and large pitches (relative to age).
Smaller pitch (& goals)
Bigger pitch (& goals)
• Quicker, faster game
• More opportunities to change speed (pace) of the game
• ‘Pressure’ most of the time
• More time to ‘plan’ & ‘scan’
• More passes into feet
• More potential to pass to space
• Shorter, quicker passing
• Opportunities for longer passes (‘over’)
(varied & clever) • First touch needs to be good
• Area size can be more forgiving on
• Ball changes hands rapidly – the game
• Games can appear more rigid &
mistakes (except for gk’s) is quite ‘messy’ and ‘untidy’
strutured
Game formats There’s been enough research on games
It is common sense that playing games with
formats and the value of playing, for
less numbers on smaller pitches is more
example, 4 v 4’s in comparison with 8 V 8 or
appropriate when players are younger,
11 V 11. We always return to the obvious.
moving towards 11 V 11 on a full size pitch
Kids need a challenge that matches their
when they are ready. The question is, when
age and maturity and in some cases, ability.
are they ready, and what comes in
Variety is essential but kids need clear steps
between?
to go up as they get older.
No.37 February 2010
23
The table below is an interpretation of age related game formats and pitches. Ages
Numbers
Pitch sizes – yds
Offside
Goal sizes
U9 & 10
5 v 5 (min)
40 x 20
End
Small
7 v 7 (max)
50 x 30
thirds
7 v 7 (min)
50 x 30
End
9 v 9 (max)
60 x 40
thirds
9 v 9 (min)
60 x 40
End thirds
Small
11 v 11 (max)
70 x 50
Half way
Intermediate
9 v 9 (min)
70 x 50
Half way
Intermediate
11 v 11 (max)
80 x 60
11 v 11
80 x 60 min
Half way
Intermediate
11 v 11
100 x 80 max
11 v 11
100 x 80
Half way
Full size
U11
24
U12 U13 U14 U15 / 16
Small
Most recognise that playing 5 a side, then 7
Summary
a side, leading to 9 and finally 11 a side as
Despite all the ongoing research there is no
the most common staging posts for kids.
magic formula for coaching that hasn’t been
But whilst these are guides coaches should
tried already. Some players come through
still give plenty of Variety over the season.
because of the system and others in spite
A 4 v 4 competition for U16’s is equally as
of the system. But there is enough evidence
valid as U10’s playing 9 v 9. We shouldn’t
to state that children learn best when they
be afraid of ‘mixing and matching’. Playing
are in a secure environment with a coach
a match deliberately outnumbered is another
they can trust and the challenge is
variation.
appropriate and varied according to their needs. In the past it came natural to have a
"WE SHOULDN’T BE AFRAID OF ‘MIXING AND MATCHING’. PLAYING A MATCH DELIBERATELY OUTNUMBERED IS ANOTHER VARIATION"
No.37 February 2010
varied football education, what we have to
up the essential benefits of competing and
insist on is that variety continues in the
learning in tight playing areas for many
more structured setting which represents
years. It maybe that coaches, clubs and
our football today. Attempts to ‘buck’
even the governing body was not ready for
tradition have often been met with
this type of thought, probably because it
resistance
would
and
even
hostility.
John
mean
a
rethink
on
youth
Cartwright (Academy Manager at Crystal
development and a reform, and that’s a
Palace in the 1990’s), for example, flagged
bridge too far for many people.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR DAN MICCICHE ASSISTANT ACADEMY MANAGER – MK DONS Dan Micciche is 31 years old and has been Assistant Academy Director at Milton Keynes Dons for 3 years. The Football Club reformed after moving Wimbledon from south london in 2002 and now plays in division one of the English football league. He oversees and monitors the development of academy players and coaches in the age range 8 – 16’s and has broad experience of coaching across all ages. Prior to his appointment Dan worked as Academy Coach at Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace where he learnt from some of the countries best English youth coaches. He is a regular contributor to Soccer Coaching International magazine and holds a BSc in Sport Science from Loughborough University, as well as an MBA in Football and top English coaching qualifications. He also speaks several languages. Dan’s philosophy on Player development is that young players learn their football best through trial and error, experimenting and competing in several environments. He thinks that variety is essential for motivation and long term learning and therefore the coach will need to be imaginative, creative and patient in their work. Practices will need to include decision making, awareness and player choices as much as possible.
No.37 February 2010
25
Top Coaching
FOUR MASTERS AND THEIR METHOD
Fabio Capello, Jose Mourinho, Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger What do Fabio Capello, Jose Mourinho, Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger all have in common? On the surface there are about ninety-three trophies between them all, which include Premier League titles, Serie A titles, Champions League, UEFA Cup and FA Cup, amongst many others. And if that isn’t enough to wet the appetite, then I’m about to take a look at each one of these masters of the coaching world, to see what can be learnt and how their experience can benefit other coaches. Before I go any further, I must say that as I write this article, I am extremely aware that I have approached this from a very biased position: a position purely looking at areas and places that I think can be used in order to become a better coach. And as you know, this blinkered view only sees what it wants to see. And in this case, that’s exactly how I want it. However, out of respect to these world class coaches, I do not feel that I can do their amazing careers anywhere near the justice they deserve with what I’m about to write – but I’ll give it a go. By: Anthony Hudson
No.37 February 2010
27
Top Coaching
Fabio Capello I first learnt about Fabio Capello through hearing opinions of some top people in the game. From ex-players to current, the man Real Madrid President claimed to be ‘the Greatest Manager in the world’ has a consistent message of discipline, respect and hard work (and his teams have a habit of winning games of football). These traits may not seem so glamorous to some, in today’s coaching locker, but the fact of the matter is, it translates to nothing more than wanting to win! Top Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas recalled Capello as ‘having a lot of intensity and is on top of everybody – all the time.’ He demands that every training session be like a match - same tension, same intensity, same build up, same concentration. The man is a winner and his record most definitely speaks for itself, ‘I don’t have a minimum target for next season, I only have one objective – to win it all!’ Capello put it in simple terms as manager of Roma. There has been much written about Capello and discipline. It seems anything that has the potential to become a distraction to the team winning, is promptly removed. From mobile phones to club directors, they are not welcome in and around the preparations of the team; they are as he states, ‘distractions’. He demands that his players respect others wherever they go, be it hotel staff or waiters in a restaurant. ‘I do not accept lack of respect! Would you like it if someone spoke to your father or brother badly? You must never forget - you must respect others.’ He also mentioned that ‘fans liked it when I cracked the whip – they see that I have a plan.’ And a plan he has. When listening to interviews with Capello he can often be
No.37 February 2010
29
30
heard talking about – the ‘group’ and the
he used this time to study business,
‘spirit of the group’. This constant seems to
learning from the corporate world, in
be born from his passion and his demands
communications, all under the guidance of
for good, strong character. Discipline and
club President Silvio Berlusconi. It’s been
having a clear, strong set of team rules are
said that he approached that year with real
‘necessary to create a group. Functioning
‘spirit and enthusiasm’ – something I would
this way has always given results.’
imagine most coaches would find very difficult to do, especially being pulled away
A man of character, so sure of himself and
from football for so long and thrown into
his ability, now leads the England National
unknown territories. Seeking education
team to the World Cup - and this is a long
from these outside sources is very rare in
way from his days at AC Milan, when he
the game, but I can’t help but believe that
took over a year out, away from the game of
they have made him an even better coach,
football. Having just finished his playing
manager and person.
career and learning to become a coach,
No.37 February 2010
COACHING LESSONS FROM CAPELLO • Demand High Standards – Everyday from Everyone! • Make Sure Training is Exactly Like the Game. o Same Intensity o Same Build Up o Same Tension
31
o Same Concentration • Make Sure your Players Show Respect to Others. • Discipline – Find Your Set Of Rules and Stick To Them. o ‘Rules are Necessary to Create The Group.’ Capello • Seek Outside Learning – business, language, communications, etc.
PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name
Current club
Fabio Capello
England (manager)
Date of birth
Teams managed
18 June 1946 (age 63)
Years
Team
1991–1996
Milan
Place of birth
1996–1997
Real Madrid
San Canzian d'Isonzo, Italy
1997–1998
Milan
1999–2004
Roma
2004–2006
Juventus
2006–2007
Real Madrid
2007–
England
No.37 February 2010
Top Coaching
Jose Mourinho And special he is! As entertaining as the Premier League is, for me the majority of the managers don’t do too much in terms of inspiring the public. Post game interviews and press conferences filled with clichés and predictability seem to be the norm – which I find absolutely amazing. Finally, when
“We have top
Jose Mourinho came along and uttered those words you knew he was
players, and
different. Almost as if an actor on stage, he leaves everyone, including
I'm sorry I'm
his players, with something to talk about. His comments are thought provoking and at times a whole lot more, with his pre and post match
a bit arrogant, words not just speaking to the man with the mike, but falling upon the we have a top players, other managers in the league and football’s governing bodies manager. I am all over. And what he displays 100% of the time is a complete and utter the European
knowing and confidence in his own ability as a coach and as a manager.
champion.
He is no way afraid to speak his mind and can back it up with
I think I am special.”
performance. How does he back it up? Well, if I was to try and explain, like I said before there’s no way I could do him and his ability justice. So I’ll start by taking a look at a quality that is so very evident, not just from his work, but from the many top professional players that have testified to it – his Hard Work. Sounds simple, right? Deco once said that ‘there are many coaches with the same ability as Mourinho, but no one works as hard as him.’ As coaches what does that do for you? How can that affect you? Here’s a man, who after an unfulfilled playing career, declared out loud that he would strive to become the ‘best coach in the world’. If he’s not there yet, he’s on his way and getting close. Former coaches of Barcelona, Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal, whom Mourinho assisted, both complimented on
No.37 February 2010
33
34
how Mourinho’s work was first class. His
work is fascinating. How he prepares for
scouting and match reports were the best
games, handing personalized (well edited)
‘bar none’, detailing the strengths and
DVDs to his players before games, showing
weaknesses of both teams, characteristics of
the opposing players they’ll be marking, the
each player, how he would play against them
type of runs they make, their strengths and
and on and on. He ‘listened, learned, looked,
weaknesses and more. His training methods,
remembered. He was bright, alert and
his use of the training field, of pitch sizes,
intelligent.’ Robson said. How very simple.
amount of players, how he incorporates his
This quote says it all and is filled with fantastic
fitness coach, his communication with his
insight that we can all learn from. He listened,
owners, the press – everything meticulous
learned, looked and remembered – was
and with a purpose. The amount of detail he
bright, alert and intelligent. That, for me – is
puts into scouting and preparing for games.
magic; what more could a coach looking for
The way he transmits his message to his
knowledge want?
players, leaving them to walk into games knowing they are already a step ahead. ‘He
Hard work is definitely at the heart of what
has a knack of transmitting his amazing
this great coach is all about. And a trait that
confidence. He drums it in every day that
is thrown around so much today, as if in
you’re the best.’ Said Frank Lampard.
fashion, is Attention to Detail. Everyone uses
As I said earlier, it’s very difficult to give full
it,
assistant
credit, but hopefully this small insight will
coaches, general managers, all of them. I
entice coaches to seek for more. I would like
met a former colleague of Mourinho’s and
to finish with one of his quotes, something
asked the one thing that he learned from him,
that cannot help but educate and inspire, ‘I
he said without hesitation, ‘he was the
have complete confidence in myself. I am not
Champion of Details.’ So what are the
afraid of the future. I know I can make a
details? I would say the characteristics
difference.’ Say no more!
commentators,
coaches,
Bobby Robson was talking about certainly lead to this quality of paying attention to details. And to hear accounts of Mourinho’s
No.37 February 2010
COACHING LESSONS FROM MOURINHO • Have Confidence In Your Ability – 100% Of The Time. • Be Un-Predictable - Learn to Act (keep people on their toes). • Take Care Of The Details – Prepare Your Team Well. • ‘Be Bright. Be Alert. Be Intelligent. Be Ambitious. Be Confident.’ • Work Hard.
35
o ‘There are many coaches with the same ability, but NONE works as hard as him.’ Deco. Can you let this statement influence you?
PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name
Current club
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho
Internazionale
Date of birth
Teams managed
26 January 1963 (age 47)
Years
Team
2000
Benfica B
Place of birth
2001–2002
União de Leiria
Setúbal, Portugal
2002–2004
Porto
2004–2007
Chelsea
2008–
Internazionale
No.37 February 2010
Top Coaching
Sir Alex Ferguson Alex Ferguson may well go down as one the most successful British managers of all time. He has produced countless world class teams and footballers, most of whom are turning into top managers themselves today. To put it in perspective, when Alex Ferguson took over at Manchester United, one of the biggest teams in the world, the Berlin wall was still standing and Nelson Mandela still in prison. I once asked a top English manager for advice on being a coach; he said ‘whatever you do, make sure you stay in the game!’ No one has done it better than Fergie. Longevity, stamina, mental toughness and character in such a high pressured industry, are traits displayed in ways that very few can identify with, as very few can match it. What has impressed me as I watch Ferguson work, with such a steely and tough approach, has been his willingness to share some of his insecurities, his moments when he’s had to dig real deep and hasn’t been afraid to talk about it. No false strength, as the large majority seem to show off; he tells his story exactly how it is with brutal honesty. He has spoken about very low times in his career, when he doubted himself, felt lonely, isolated and insecure. ‘I went home to bed and put the pillow over my head. A sense of guilt engulfed me….was I doing something wrong….I felt really uncomfortable with my position.’ Who would have thought, seeing him work and watching his amazing career unfold, that he could go through this? He speaks about the pressures of the job, dealing with bad results, ‘feeling isolated, betrayed, helpless and even creating demons in my head.’ It adds to an even greater lesson in staying in the game…..and in life! You will go through tough times but you have to dig deep and stay in the game. Ferguson seems to have developed these tough qualities from a
No.37 February 2010
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38
young age growing up in Scotland. He seems
managers I have spoke about, Ferguson is in
to be very proud of his upbringing and his
no way afraid of speaking his mind. He talks
family’s mining background. He has deep
about mental toughness in interviews and for
affection for the Govan, the district he grew
me he’s a perfect example of it. ‘Sheer hard
up in SW Glasgow and he also named one of
work was a huge factor in bringing success,
his race horses after a boat his Dad help build
but I am sure that sticking to my beliefs was
on the shipyards. His Dad was a very big
equally important.’ As a young manager at East Stirlingshire, during the second half of a
influence over him, always bringing him down
game they were losing 2-0, a panicked and
to earth, teaching him great values; he was
angry owner of the team came down to the
‘assiduous about timekeeping…I am always
dugout and asked what he was going to do -
early – it’s a great discipline.’ he recounted.
Fergie responded, ‘I’m going to throw you out
He also looked up to and learned from other
of this f$@king dugout if you don’t move
great managers. Bill Shankly was ‘a great
now!’ It’s a lot easier for him to be able to do
inspiration for me. I used to have cassette
that now, but as a young (less accomplished)
tapes of his interviews.’ His affection for Jock
manager, I don’t think as easy. What a great
Stein and the way he talks about him can’t
lesson to be learned. Sticking to your guns,
help but bring a smile to your face. ‘For any
believing in what you’re doing and not being
young manager – Jock Stein was a one man
afraid to tell others what needs to be
university…..when Jock came into a room he
said….and you can figure out the best way to
dominated it. He knew everybody’s first name
get your message across!
and that’s a wonderful asset to have. It makes
He talks about his first day at Manchester
people feel important.’
United, how he ‘was nervous’ and how he tackled the massive problem of drinking
He learned from others before him and carries
amongst the Manchester United players.
such
into
Changing the ‘48 hour drinking rule’, to it
management. Another side of Ferguson that
being an offense if caught drinking anytime,
really stands out is his character, his approach
whilst in training, was his first statement to
and his personality. Like the previous
these top professionals. He stated that at the
strong
principles
with
No.37 February 2010
him
time it was difficult for his new players to
others no choice but to endorse my
observe, but he knew his words were ‘a
suggestions. Your personality has to force
declaration (of his) attitude.’ What strength
things because sometimes you cannot
of character - coming into one of the
wait.’ Said Fergie.
biggest clubs in the world and declaring your attitude.
I will finish with a quote by Ferguson that,
In looking at his personality in interviews, on
by this stage of my writing, I’m sure your
the training pitch and on the sideline much
starting to recognize a common theme
can be learned. Label it what you want, the
amongst these greats, he stated, ‘I had that
fact of the matter is he gets people to do
burning desire to change the world!’ I’ll let
what he wants them to do and he gets the
you think about how important this one is….
job done. ‘I use rhetorical questions, leaving
LESSONS FROM FERGUSON • Stay In The Game – Be Mentally Tough. • Be Open and Honest. • Have Discipline. o Timekeeping – ‘I am always early’ • Learn From Others. Seek out the best and learn from them. o Be Creative – ‘I used to listen to cassette tapes of Shankly’ • Know Everybody’s First Name. o ‘Jock Stein knew everybody’s first name and that’s a wonderful asset to have.’ • Even The Best Of The Best Have Fears and Insecurities. It’s What You Do With Them? • You’re the Coach – Stick To What You Believe In Regardless Of What Others Think. (Fergie did it at the biggest club in the world!) • Be Ambitious – ‘Want To Change The World
No.37 February 2010
39
Top Coaching
Arsene Wenger Coaches and managers at the highest level have been so stereo typical over the years. Ranting, raving, screaming, shouting, pacing and barking on the touchline, all seem to be ‘what coaches do’. This image or approach is even more prevalent the lower down the leagues you go and unfortunately, just as bad with young kids. Arsene
‘Discipline,
Wenger entered the Premier League looking and acting more like a
a way with
school teacher than a top level manager. His nickname at Arsenal was
words, a
‘Windows’ because of his big studious glasses. However, over time
willingness to work hard,
he has shown that he has a great ability to analyze games and situations while everyone around him seems to panic. He is able to stay calm. He is able to detach himself from results, games,
and a respect arguments, even the outside world in order to analyze better, clearer. ‘He doesn’t allow himself to be distracted by little things.’ His and a confidence in
approach and personality is so very refreshing, he is different from
others may
the rest and there’s so much to be learned.
come across
By all accounts it is very evident that he is absolutely obsessed with
as naïve,
the game of football. He has said that he thinks of the game ‘90% of
but has paid
his waking hours’, that a ‘night without a game of football on TV,
dividends over leaves me disillusioned.’ He spends hours and hours studying video time.’ Arsene Wenger
footage, of his team, opponents and players, in his ‘own little world’. He lives for, and is obsessed by football. This obsession colors every area of the game. He studies everything from diet, medicine, athletics, swimming and is fascinated with isometrics. His attention to everything surrounding the game, the preparation and the recovery of the player, is so immense.
No.37 February 2010
41
Wenger has strong views on the players’ diet, and of his own. He apparently prepares the same way the players do, stating, ‘how can I ask them to fight for me if I cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with them?’ He has educated many by introducing his
42
beliefs on the way players should eat and live. He implements dietary analysis for all new players, puts together player diet profiles, the dieticians speak to the players and there wives, meal times are set with fine attention relating to the human body, single players have to eat at the training ground and he follows through with very strict rules on the players weight and body mass, even punishing by sending players to train with the reserves until they get themselves to the correct body weight.
surprise me about Wenger) all stem from his
Recuperation, diet and treatment seem to
faith and respect for footballers. His players
be his Holy Grail with everything aimed at
- whom he states are ‘the soul of the team’
the well-being of the player.
- come first. He respects footballers and
Even as I write this, I keep feeling that what
people - and this helps. So many coaches
I am saying is outdated, as Wenger appears
and managers today almost seem to detest
to be constantly asking questions, ever
players. He treats his players as adults. He
evolving, refining his methods and moving
asks them how they feel, values there
forward.
opinion and there views. ‘I trust people. I
The preparation and attention to the well
don’t see danger coming round every
being of his players, (which is something not
corner. I have a positive image of human
too common in the game but doesn’t at all
beings.’ said Wenger.
No.37 February 2010
COACHING LESSONS FROM WENGER • Be Calm. Try To Become a Better Observer. Analyze. o ‘Don’t Get Distracted By The Little Things’. • Become Obsessed. Study The Game. • Seek Other Education – Medicine, Diet, Other Sports, Isometrics. • Learn About Players Diet.
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• Be a Role Model. Don’t Ask Something From Your Players Your Not Prepared To Do Yourself. o ‘How can I ask them to fight for me if I cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with them?’ Wenger • Keep Asking Questions. Keep Evolving. Keep Refining Your Methods. • Respect And Trust Your Players
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ANTHONY HUDSON HEAD COACH/MANAGER – REAL MARYLAND FC ‘Anthony represents the best of the modern coaches emerging with a combination of knowledge, qualifications and experience in both sports psychology and the coaching of high level l soccer. As such Anthony is well placed to contribute to any sports organization that has ambitions to be high-performing. I have no doubt Anthony will become a leader in the development of soccer in the world and I recommend him unreservedly.’ Bill Beswick - International Soccer Consultant, Former England, Manchester Utd, Middlesbrough FC and Derby County Team Pshycologist.
No.37 February 2010
Technique THE WIEL COERVER VISION AND POSITION PLAY
To maintain ball possession and create opportunities Since the development of the Wiel Coerver vision it has been widely used and widely misunderstood and misinterpreted. The vision is frequently described as cutting and turning, or as learning the soccer moves and tricks. Wiel Coerver has spent a lot of time going against the policy-makers in Zeist, mostly because he didn't get the recognition that he deserved. Wiel Coerver was the first in the Netherlands to introduce a complete vision and spent years improving it. His first book, 'leerplan voor de ideale voetballer' (translation; learning plan for the ideal footballer - ed.), written by Johan Derksen, was published in 1983. This vision is a complete educational plan, with a central role for position play. Critics widely say that position play is an element that is missing in his vision, SoccerCoachingInternational seeks to correct this. By: Hans Slender
The question for synergy between the
smaller and present it in pieces to the youth
Zeister vision and the Coerver vision is
players. 4v4, position play and duels are a
getting bigger. The battle of the visions is
key factor in the Zeister vision. The Coerver
mostly based on personal problems rather
vision reasons the other way around. What
than on the fundamental ideas on how to
is the basis of football? A player must be
educate players. The difference is between
able to control the ball. From an analyze of
how they approach the game. The Zeister
all the techniques that a player can learn, it
vision starts with 11v11 and reasons back
looks at exercises with other players,
on how to adjust the game and make it
opponents and more tactical elements.
No.37 February 2010
45
Coerver is more than cutting and turning.
themselves, but they also have to be self-
He also implements learned skills in passing
confident. The experience of success has
and shooting exercises, position plays and
to be present at all times to stimulate the
small sided games.
development of personality. When players have more technical possibilities, they can
46
Coerver vision
also more easily improve themselves
The ideas of Wiel Coerver are developed
tactically. Those players got more options
based on the lack of street football in
and can make more choices. The physical
Holland. Youth players have to learn the
aspect does not have to be a focus on its
game of football within the few hours of
own. The Coerver exercises contain many
training that are available at the club. In his
duel and explosive actions. These are the
eyes it is useless to practice without a ball,
main conditional elements for a football
or when players have to wait several
player.
minutes for their turn. The basis is learning different techniques and to repeat them
Position play
many times. This is not only important
The biggest misinterpretation of Coerver's
during the exercises in training sessions,
vision is, that players are training with the
but also the coaching during the match has
ball and learning moves and that there is no
to be adjust to that. The second big element
translation to the match. His first book
in his vision is mental development. A
seems to be written in a way that youth
football player has many possibilities during
players are only practicing with the ball and
football situations, that it is impossible to
when they have mastered their technique,
say what they have to do for a trainer.
they can translate it to games. Wiel Coerver
Players need to improve their personalities
has, however, always implied that within
to take initiative, to find solutions in the
one training exercises different learning
situations they are confronted with, and
phases can be used to attain a certain
work on this. Coerver says that players
objective.
have to understand why they do certain
interchangeably
exercises. They have to be critical at
techniques,
No.37 February 2010
In
practice using
position
this
means
the
individual
plays,
finishing
exercises, duels and games, which can be
can hold the bal and pass it to the third
catered depending on the objective of the
player when he overlaps, he can hold the
training. The Coerver vision reserves space
ball and turn afterwards. With passive
in all the learning phases for position games
resistance players can learn to try certain
and small sided games, except the first
techniques and discover their options.
phase, where the focus is on controlling the
Resistance can be improved by letting
ball and the body. Whether you are working
defenders defend in a certain line or in
on controlling the opponent, beating the
certain area, eventually you will increase to
opponent, creating chances, conditioning,
complete resistance in an outnumbering
defending without the ball, there are always
situation and finally to equal numbers in a
position games and small sided games that
match situation. When the attackers have
fit within those objectives.
more options they improve, which will in turn make the defenders better as well.
Critics
When they are confronted with different
It is clear that this is a complete and all-
options and they learn to weapon against it.
encompassing educational vision. Still there are many forms of criticism. One issue of critic is that the defensive part doesn't get enough space and that it uses to much passive
resistance.
When
you
are
technically improving your players, passive resistance is a great method to give the players a good understand of the situations they are confronted with. Most of the times the resistance is slowly intensified. When for instance a player with a opponent in his back receives a pass and a third player joins in, than this player has multiple options. He can turn immediately, he can wall pass, he
INCREASE RESISTANCE 1. Practice with the ball from stance 2. Practice from dribble or run 3. Learn to move on a certain moment (use cones for this) 4. Passive resistance (opponent is your buddy) 5. Opponent defends on a line 6. Opponent may only move forward 7. Opponent may only defend in a certain area 8. Full resistance in outnumbering situation 9. Match game
No.37 February 2010
47
COERVER VISION: Learning plan for the ideal footballer in seven phases:
48
First learning phase: Controlling the body and the ball - Ball feeling: roll off and fast footwork with the bal - Basis technique: Cuts and turns - Suppleness and agility: Many variations in moves - Look over the ball - Fakes: fake shots and direction changes - Creating and improvising: Combinations of movements and situations Second learning phase: Controlling the opponent - Receiving and carrying the ball with pressure from the opponent - Shield the ball - Free play Third learning phase: Passing and beating the opponent - Beating movement, to go over the opponent - Beating your opponent: 1 v 1 - Beating the opponent with a move or 1-2 combination - Go around the opponent
No.37 February 2010
Fourth learning phase: Creating chances and finishing - Shooting - Heading - Individual action with finishing - Creating chances and finishing Fifth learning phase: Conditional qualities - Agility: Coordination and suppleness on the ball. - Basic conditioning: Technique exercise (130-140 BPM) - Speed: Sprint and handling speed - Conditioning and speeding up the game (170-180 BPM) - Explosive strength: Jumping exercises Sixth learning phase: Defending qualities - Duel exercises throughout the entire plan - Sliding and tackles Seventh learning phase: Move on and off the ball - Working together: small sided game and position games Source: Wiel Coerver - Voetbal leerplan voor de ideale voetballer
Controlling the opponent Control in the 1v1 duel is an important
possession. Overall, U13 and U15 players
aspect of the Coerver vision. Players learn
will play the long pass when they are
in this phase to receive the ball and to carry
pressured. When there is a big difference
it while pressured by the opponent. They
between the teams, there is usually one
learn to shield the ball and use their body
team that is able to play with good
movements to outplay the opponent. This
positioning. When both sides are in balance
teaches the players to free the ball and
there is more pressure and this results in
pass it along at the right moment. In
long passes across the field. The team that
Coerver's opinion it is useless to limit the
wins the most duels (mostly the team with
number of touches for technically weaker
the biggest players) will be the winner at the
players, as that will only result in loss of
final whistle. By using small general position
possession. This phase is used by Coerver
games with free play and neutral players,
to work on smaller position plays with free
players learn to stay in possession, and
play and teach the players to maintain
they are able to improve themselves.
No.37 February 2010
49
Position game 2v2+2 Organization:
Attention points:
- Play on possession in pairs
In the Coerver vision it isn't about limiting
- The two neutral players play with the side
the number of touching. A player can
in possession
50
discover that for themselves. It is about
- Switch functions regularly
being individually able to maintain ball
- Scoring by getting the ball from one
possession. To control, carry, shield and
neutral player to the other - Also possible with 4 neutrals or with 2 balls (duel 1v1) - Another good option is 2v2 or 3v3 with line football
No.37 February 2010
free the ball are central issues in this exercise. Do not minimizing ball contacts, but creating possibilities by individual or combination actions.
Position game 2v2 +1 with scoring Organization:
Attention points:
- In pairs (2v2) try to score with the help of
This game is about beating the opponent.
a neutral player with a line dribble - After scoring maintain possession and score on the other side
In this game you need more creativity than merely trying to maintain possession. The outnumbering situation needs to be played
- Switch neutral players regularly
out by means of combinations or actions. It
- Also possible in 3v3, with or without a
has to be played in a small areas, so there
neutral player
are many ball contacts. Playing without creativity should be punished.
No.37 February 2010
51
Passing and beating the opponent
52
A big miss in modern football is that players
whereby players make combinations with
don't have the ability to beat a direct
their teammates and also use passing
opponent. Coerver doesn't merely provides
moves to beat the opponent. Interesting
techniques like the scissor, inside-outside,
examples are exercises whereby the player
through pass, body movements and
with the ball has the choice to make an
dragging moves. He translates it beyond
individual action and beat the opponent or
the 1v1 duel. Especially the choices
pass the ball to an overlapping player and
between
an
individual
action
or
a
beat the opponent this way. There is also a
combination,
provides
some
more
possibility to give points in general position
perspective to passing moves. There are
games for successful 1-2 combinations or
many variations in passing and shooting
overlaps.
exercises, position games, duel forms
No.37 February 2010
Passing movement or 1-2 combination Organization:
Attention points:
- Attacker seeks the defender
This is an technical as well a tactical
- He
1-2
exercise. It is not only about individual
combination (1) or an individual action (2)
can
choose
between
a
actions but also about the choice between
- He then passes to the attacker on the
an action or a combination. Start with
other side - Attacker approaches the other defender and the game starts again.
passive resistance, later on with defenders on a line and eventual full resistance. The attacker has to look where defender provides the space, on the side of his teammate or on the other side.
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53
Passing movement or overlap
54
Organization:
Attention points:
- Player 1 passes to player 2 and overlaps
Coerver emphasizes that overlapping
- Player 2 seeks his opponent and can
players are almost impossible to stop when
choose between an action or passing the
the ball is passed at the right moment. The
ball to the overlapping player
overlapping back is an ever increasingly
- He then passes to player 3 and the game starts again. - Player 1 becomes player 3, and player 2 becomes player 4
important facet in modern day football. When an opponent gambles on a wide pass, an individual action can be the best solution, after that you can still pass the ball in the run of the upcoming back.
No.37 February 2010
Choice after a 1-2 combination and an overlap Organization:
Attention points:
- Start with a wide pass
By training endless combinations, overlaps
- Player 2 initiates a 1-2 combination with
and individual actions the players learn to
player 3
be flexible with these options. This exercise
- After that player 3 overlaps and together
combines passing and shooting, duels and
they seek the opponent (other number 3)
position games. There are a lot of dynamics
- After beating the opponent pass to player
and successful attacks, which results in a
1 - Player 1 becomes player 3, players 2 and
lot of pleasure when players already know certain basis techniques.
3 join the other side - The defender (other 3) becomes an attacker
No.37 February 2010
55
Position game 3v2 after an overlap
56
Organization:
Attention points:
- Start with a wide pass and an overlap
This exercise shows how these forms are
- In its simplest variation a defender is
developed from beating the opponent
beating the opponent with the choice of
individually or together into a position game.
an action or a pass.
Finishing from a 3 v 2 situation at speed in
- In this variation the striker plays against 2 defenders - There is a 3 against 2 situation - The ball has to reach the first player on the other side
No.37 February 2010
a small area is something that is very useful in a match and it will improve the attractiveness of the game.
Position play 3v3 +3 beating the opponent Organization: - Play 3 against 3 - The defense starts in the area and has to ensure that the neutral player on the other
attacks are played consecutively - When the defender steals the ball, they pass the ball to the neutral player and they start a new attack
side doesn't gets the ball - The attacking side gets the ball from the
Attention points:
neutral player and tries to play out the 4-
This position play is known 3 against 3 with
3 situation
3 neutral players. By playing with the rules
- When they succeed they will initiate
the players will be forced to not only stay in
another attack from the other side,
possession but also go over the opponent.
No.37 February 2010
57
Creating changes and finishing
58
Players come to a training to score and as
mostly in games where the goals are close
such finishing is an indispensable part of
to each other. Finishing under pressure is
the training week. Within this facet
very different from an exercises without
repetitions play an important role says
resistance. Creating changes and finishing
Coerver. His exercises are simple, shooting,
is very suitable to train in positions games
heading and volleying. Not only from a
with goals. The objective is to beat the
dropped ball, but also in a run, from an
opponent and create a goal scoring
assist, an individual action or a short
opportunity as quickly as possible.
combination The applications of this is
No.37 February 2010
Position game 3v2 towards the goal Organization:
Attention points:
- The pair with a neutral player tries to beat
In the Coerver vision their is a lot of
the two defenders
consideration for finishing. Players are
- Defenders in the area
taught to finish from different angles. Mostly
- After passing the defender they can finish
he use simple exercises whereby players
on goal
focus on the one thing that really matters:
- Continue with the other pair on the other
scoring. The only exception is scoring after
side, build up starts with the goalkeeper
a combination, that is why we are showing
- When they loose the ball the defender
this exercise. After the combination the
can try to score and the attackers
player has to focus on the next aspect
become defenders.
immediately; finishing on the goal.
No.37 February 2010
59
Position game 3v3 with 1 neutral and two goals
60
Organization:
Attention points:
- 3 v 3 with 2 goals
This more of a small sided game than a
- After a team steals the ball, they must
position game. But the idea remains the
attain the right to attack by passing it to
same. It is about scoring goals and to show
the neutral player
courage with the ball. The teammates can
- Scoring on both goals -
After
scoring
a
goal
be use to create something, but the focus maintain
in
possession and seek the neutral player again to start the next attack
No.37 February 2010
is on scoring goals
Movement on and off the ball Within the Coerver vision every training is a
games. These exercises also come back in
condition training and when training the
the Zeister vision and are mostly used as
attack there is also attention for defense. It
the end of a training session. All the skills
is within this last phase that positioning has
that are learned in the first phases are now
a central role. In the other phases is it
applied. When a player is able to pass the
mainly reasoned from the individual player,
ball, control it, shield it, clear it, look over
who has ball possession, this phase asks
the ball, execute 1-2 combinations, overlap
more of the players tactically. Coerver
without the ball, make choices, find creative
recognize that the ball sets the speed of the
solutions, beat the opponent and make
game. Mostly their has to be an individual
runs off the ball at the right moment, than
action somewhere to create a chance, but
he is able to play a high quality position
this is only possible at the right moment,
game. Also in this phase Coerver isn't a
after the play is changed at high speed. This
proponent of a limitation of ball contacts.
is possible when you create lots of passing
(except
possibilities. In this phase everything comes
because players need the freedom to
together in larger position and small sided
choose between different actions.
maybe with neutral players),
No.37 February 2010
61
Position game 4v4 +4 Organization:
Attention points:
- One team of 4 plays on ball possession
The well known 4 v 4 with 4 neutrals is seen
- They may use the neutral players
mostly as an typical exercise of the Zeister
- Keep Scores, for example 10 passes is a
vision. But it was first introduced in Wiel
point
62
- Free play in the area
Coerver's first book. It isn't about the restriction, but about the opportunities to stay in ball possession and being actively involved in trying to gainball possession.
No.37 February 2010
Position game 4v4 with passing points Organization:
Attention points:
- One team of 4 plays on ball possession
By using the passing points the focus is
- Every team has one player on the short
more on receiving the ball under pressure.
side - Those passing points shouldn't hinder each other
By playing with a third player, finding creative solutions will be stimulated. Coerver emphasizes that more developed
- After this player receives a pass he enters
players have to learn to choose position at
the field and somebody else takes his
the right moment and specialize on a
position
certain position on the field. Due to the
- Can also be played with the limitation that
individual focus earlier in this vision, players
the bal shouldn't be played back to the
will have more options within these
same player
positions to play a good game.
No.37 February 2010
63
Disadvantages
64
The conclusion that the vision of Coerver is
cooperation and movements off the ball
a total educational model has been justified.
and Coerver focus more on mastering the
But there still are a few aspects that haven't
individual 1 v 1. Furthermore Coerver
been developed as much as in the Zeister
doesn't say any thing about the order of the
vision. The translation to the 11 v 11 is
exercises. The basic principle is to master
missing. Coerver's vision focuses on the
ball control before moving on to the
players that can make a difference. So
collective tactics. Which exercise and which
mostly on attackers and midfielders that
focus points fit a specific age category is up
have the ability to beat their opponent.
to the individual trainers. Naturally, younger
Those ideas have not been completely
players need more individual technique
totally translated to agreements across the
training with the ball and older youth need
lines and the entire team. The cooperation
more applied duel forms and position
with opponent possession, covering your
games. But a trainer can make his own
teammates and many other play an
choices in this. But the power is in repeating
important role along with the ideas of Wiel
the exercises.
Coerver. His vision doesn't rule out this aspects, but he focus on the elements that have to be developed first. A combination of both visions can have an added value.
Education When we compare the Coerver vision and the Zeister vision, we can see the parallels.
This article is part of a 'Possession
Both choose for a combination of general
Play' series. Check our website for part
position plays, mostly with the use of
1. Other parts of this series will be
neutral players, and position plays with a
published online in the near future.
direction in it, like direction to the goal. The difference is that Zeist focuses on
No.37 February 2010
Zeister vision
Coerver vision
Basic
- Optimal experience
- Everybody can become a good football
principles
- Repetitions - Take the team into account
player - Technique and personality as an balance - Repetitions
Analysis
Main moments:
Seven learning phases:
of football
- Ball possession
- Control the ball and body
- Loss of possession
- Controlling the opponent
- Opponent possession
- Passing and beating
- Stealing possession
- Creating changes and finishing - Conditional qualities
Team tasks:
- Defending qualities
- Build up and score
- Movements off the ball
- Stop goals and interrupt Technique, personality, tactics and Technique, insight and
phyical
communication Role
General position games:
General position games:
of the
- Basis principles in main
- To apply basis technique and control the
position game
moments
1v1
- Technical development
- Movements off the ball
Specific position games:
Specific position games:
- Direction toward or away
- Beating the opponent individually or to-
from the goal
gether
- Individual tasks, coopera- - Creating changes and scoring tion and team tasks
No.37 February 2010
65
Youth Coaching
ELITE YOUNG PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
‘The Bigger picture’ 67 Elite young players have ‘special extra needs’. Players need to be nurtured at this age. From working in premier league academies in the UK, Andrew Blight has found the young player doesn’t get enough support. They are expected to be mentally tough and cope with setbacks both in football and life. There is often lack of awareness from the people an elite young player is surrounded by. Time to take a closer look at this matter to generate awareness, look at lifestyle management and the needs of an elite young football player. By: Andrew Blight
SO HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE THE BEST? 3.5 x 5.5 x 48 x 6 = ?? (Senior Elite athlete) - Source: Swedish confederation of sport 1996/7 3.5 hours per day 5.5 days per week 48 weeks of the year 6 years
No.37 February 2010
68
Generally, there is a ‘ten year rule’- expert
There is often lack of awareness from all
performance occurs 5-10 years after
(some) of these partners and an in-balance
physical maturation. As a coach/club, have
often occurs in a young players lifestyle
you ever considered the needs of an elite
management. Consider who is an active
young football player? Listed below are
member of a young player’s support team:
pressing
• Parents
issues
on
their
lifestyle
management:
• Coach
• Usually have heavy schedules
• Teachers
(training, games and travelling)
• Friends
• Peer group issues and social pressures
• Team-mates
• Parental support (under/over involvement)
• Mentor
• Academic pressure in school
• Sport Scientists
• Limited time for other activities
Do all members make a full contribution?
(time management) • Financial difficulties (travel/diet/ equipment etc) • Over-powering coach
Do they share and disseminate important information? How well is the young player being supported? What are the barriers faced by you as the coach that limits the way you can support your elite young
Crisis points
players? Try to be reflective and consider
Elite young players have ‘special extra
the following:
needs’. They are pressurised to perform
• Your own goals and objectives might
and achieve in both school and outside of school and are usually motivated to perform well academically across all subjects. This creates a number of ‘crisis points’ in their
be different to the young player. • Communication pathways with schools’ and PE. • Communication lines with parents
schedule and support from a number of
on progress and targets in football are
sources is paramount (parents, school
not frequently relayed and shared.
teachers, Club welfare officer, coach, school mentor).
No.37 February 2010
• Consider your young player as a ‘human’ with life outside football and other needs.
• Implications of training and long-term development. • Playing/training schedule can lead to burn-out.
Possible Solutions Discuss
the
injury
with
the
Club
physiotherapist to ascertain: - Extent/nature of the injury - Expected recovery time
Expectations of the Coach
- Alternative fitness/training plan
Try to be ‘open’ as a coach. Focus on
- Coach and parental support- providing
helping the other key partners in a young
assurance and confidence in his ability.
player’s support team E.g. • Discuss and agree in advance your individual player’s plans/goals for the
- Continue to involve him on a match-day (provide him with a role/responsibility E.g. match analysis)
season. • Provide realistic expectations for players’ and discuss/monitor goal setting. • Have regular dialogue with key partners and share expectations.
Support From working in premier league academies in the UK, I have found the young player doesn’t get enough support. They are
• Find out other pressing commitments
expected to be mentally tough and cope
that could be over-burdening the player.
with setbacks both in football and life. You
• Goals should be set with not for the
might argue that this should be an
player, they should be SMART: specific,
important part of a players’ make-up
measurable, achievable, recorded and
(mental toughness) but for some-one
time-framed.
growing-up
and
dealing
with
many
pressures sometimes a caring approach for
A Potential Player Issue
many would help. I feel many players’ are
‘David’ was struggling to recover from an
lost to the system as they are left to their
old injury. He twisted his knee during the
own devices when a little more co-
course of a game and as a result his
operation could prove the difference.
mobility was a little restricted and it was affecting him mentally.
No.37 February 2010
69
70
Scholarships Currently, many young players in the UK are
There is the Exit-trial system that has
receiving notice on whether they have been
recently been established where all U16
successful in attaining a scholarship (from
players’ released by professional clubs are
age: 16-18). This enables them to continue
invited to an assessment day where scouts
training and playing full-time and they
from clubs across the UK can observe them
progress into the Youth team U18. They
play and potentially recruit. However, this is
also, study during the course of a typical
a specially arranged day and coaches’ of
week for academic qualifications at college
this age group will support me in saying a
(1 day release).
U16 player’s potential cannot be judged in a 1 day ‘show-down’. A high percentage of
During February/March, many U16 players’
young players who have been through the
are released by academies and are
academy system, and failed to progress no
expected to go back into the grass-roots
longer play the game. This is often due to
system. This is also, a complex time
in-sufficient support both before and after
academically/personally when they have
they have been released. You might argue
pressures of National Exams and there can
they are ‘weak’ in the psychological corner,
be a knock-on effect from football dreams
but I beg to differ for the vast majority.
being broken.
No.37 February 2010
Support-system
Planning
Players need to be nurtured at this age and
Sets SMART goals/targets, focuses on self-
many
improvement.
have
the
potential
following
maturation and physical development to reignite their football hopes after a major
People skills
setback at age 15/16. In my opinion,
Communication, body-language, respect,
clubs/Governing bodies need to provide a
empathy, ‘open’ to learning from others and
better support-system for their long-term
self-development.
development and retention to the game.
Mental Toughness Maybe education/lifestyle is not providing
Coping strategies, dealing with pressure,
young people with generic transferable
facing and overcoming setbacks, self-
skills to prosper in a competitive world.
esteem, personal drive, pushing physical
Thinking about your squad of players how
and mental boundaries.
many possess the following skills: Examining
the
above
skills,
should
Desire to Achieve
encourage self-reflection for you as the
Desire, dares to dream goals, passion,
coach and how maybe you can help them
vision.
on their journey through football and more importantly life!
ANDY BLIGHT (UEFA ‘A’ LICENCE, FA COACH EDUCATOR, SAQ INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA) PROVIDES: In-service training for football coaches and players based at your club. The training can look at any component of the game and will facilitate both player and coach development. For further information contact: Andib20@hotmail.com
No.37 February 2010
71
Brazilian Corner 72
TACTICAL KNOWLEDGE AND GPS Champion of Brazil and S達o Paulo State Champion in 2009, Mano Menezes, coach of Corinthians, made a speech about tactical training in Brazilian soccer. The event was part of the Footecon forum held in Rio de Janeiro to discuss the sport, created by Carlos Alberto Parreira, coach of national team that won the World Cup in 1994. Mano Menezes prioritized analysis of defense preparation. He said a coach needs to make the defenders know in every moment of the game where the goal is positioned. "They should have a perfect 'GPS' for that location," Mano said. In order to train this, the Corinthians coach uses videos. He shows his players some plays that culminate into goals, interrupts the transmissions and asks the players about the positioning of the defenders. Another tactic used by Corinthians is to work with defense in an exercise in which a forward takes the ball and must beat a defender in order to shoot. This exercise is also done with two forwards against one defender. It tries to improve the performance of defenders in the individual marking.
No.37 February 2010
Various
Brazilian Corner
OTHER SPORTS COMPLETE PRE-SEASON TRAINING CORINTHIANS Corinthians had a little help from other sports in their pre-season training for 2010. Coach Mano Menezes used footvolley games for players and tennis for goalkeepers as a way to complete the exercises that are used conventionally. Footvolley is a sport played on sand, with a net like volleyball. The difference is that players can only use their feet. For football players, it trains ball control and decisionmaking speed. With the goalkeepers, tennis helps in lateral moves. The sport is also important to improve the speed of these players.
SUMMER CLIMATE CHANGES RULES IN BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL Rio de Janeiro has changed the rules in their football competition for 2010. As some games in the country happen in the afternoon, Rio de Janeiro set breaks during each half of the matches to allow players to hydrate. The break to drink water became mandatory in all games in Rio de Janeiro. In the meantime, the coaches can meet the players and give them instructions. The concept is similar to the break in games like basketball.
No.37 February 2010
73
ROBERTO CARLOS USES ACUPUNCTURE TO MINIMIZE FATIGUE Roberto Carlos returned to Brazilian football this year. Hired by Corinthians, he had to perform a series of special training to readapt to the country. To support this, he used sessions
74
of acupuncture, a technique that uses pins and needles and facilitates the flow of blood. The work was done for the player to support the charge of physical training in Brazil, which is stronger than in Europe. With the use of acupuncture, Roberto Carlos has less fatigue and can perform more activities.
INTERNACIONAL'S DEFENSE TRAINING Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati, who works at International, prepared a special program to work with his defense in preseason this year. The set of activities includes training skills, such as headers, individual marking and positioning. Most of this is done without opponents – he just tells the defenders where they should be and throws the ball. Fossati uses other players when he works with individual marking. The forwards receive the ball and try to take it to the goal. The defenders' task is to stop them.
No.37 February 2010
FLAMENGO WORKS ON THE BEACH Winner of the Brazilian Championship last year, Flamengo, put their players to work on the beach in 2010. The pre-season preparation of the group was done in the sands of Rio de Janeiro. The choice was made by the coach Andrade to strengthen the players physically and improve their ball control in the sand. Among the activities were circuit training sessions.
THE BRAZILIAN CORNER IS A CONTRIBUTION FROM UNIVERSIDADE DO FUTEBOL
No.37 February 2010
75
Mental OBSERVATIONS AND ORIENTATION, PART 3:
An interactive process Observation is an interactive process; someone must be present to observe something. You can’t have one without the other. Here, in the context of decision-making, we’ll look at some qualities of soccer and the observer.
77
By: Larry Paul
The game as data
2. Viscosity. How thick, rich, deep or
At its most basic level soccer is nothing but
complex is the data? How much potential
a flow of sensory impressions. It’s a
information does it contain? A key
meaningless data stream until the mind
argument for small-sided games, like 4v4,
organizes, conceptualizes and prioritizes it
is that it’s a simpler picture containing
into
less data for kids to consider.
useful
information,
knowledge,
understanding and wisdom. A data stream has two components.
You can adjust the velocity and/or viscosity of games to influence learning. You can
1. Velocity. How fast is the data flow?
change the complexity or the tempo to suit
Consider both goalkeepers during a
the abilities of the players and objectives.
corner kick. One has immediate and
Developing the skill of reading the game
pressing problems, experiences a high
means extracting deeper meaning from
velocity data stream, while the other
more data in the same or shorter period of
might be picking daisies, enjoying low a
time.
velocity data stream. Being able to process a high data flow in a short period
In the OODA loop diagram there are three
of time is critical for top-level play.
ways that data becomes available to the orientation.
No.37 February 2010
78
1. New data. Unfolding circumstances
the attacker “It was a foul, a penalty plain
and outside information. Events and
and simple” and the defender “What a
things that are new to the observer and
dive, Oscar time.” Each point of view
have not been processed yet, e.g. the call
creates a certainty, a reality that may or
“Man on!” or seeing a substitute ready to
may not exist. While it’s not new data it is
enter the match. What it means, if
altered, viewed through a biased point of
anything, would have to be processed
view
through either the unconscious or
alteration.
conscious
mind
in
order
to
and
unavailable
without
the
gain
significance.
These data streams are the portals through which we can shape and control our
2. Renewed data. The feedback loops
opponents thinking and vice versa. New
and unfolding interactions from your
data can be used to confuse or mislead,
decisions and actions. This is data that
players can fixate on renewed data falling
has already been, or is continuing to be
behind the true state of the game and
dealt with. Think of continuing to work on
filtered data can become biased to the point
an existing problem.
unreality.
3. Filtered data. Implicit guidance and
The effect of these data streams from our
control filters and influences what data
observations into orientation makes what
feeds forward. It selects based on
we experience;
preconceived ideas and concepts while altering those same perceptions. We see
- Dynamic. Things and events don’t stand
what we want to see and can rationalize
for long. There is a continual feeding of new,
reality to fit these preexisting views. For
renewed
example, an attacker is brought down in
orientation. By the time we have selected
the penalty area. Three participants share
and processed one impression another has
their view of the event. The referee “I
replaced it that demands our attention. This
didn’t see any infringement of the laws,”
means that the reality we have to deal with
No.37 February 2010
and
filtered
data
entering
is open, unfolding and constantly evolving.
- Systems. The interrelationships between players, the lines, the moments, the centers
- Opaque. We are never aware of
of importance create systems that are
everything that we need to know. There are
always in flux. One moment the left
always blind spots, limits to perception,
midfielder is part of the left side of the team,
missed, unrecognized and ambiguous
a vertical system/orientation, next he’s part
cues, deception, noise, lack of time etc. In
of
spite of the missing pieces we have to
system/orientation, then he’s working with
decide because, while the information is
his right wing or dealing with his immediate
incomplete, we don’t have the time
opponent
necessary for further deliberation. Decisions
possession, a functional system/orientation
can be forced upon us.
and so on. This ongoing flux applies to all
the
midfield
where
line,
he’s
a
horizontal
winning/losing
of the players all of the time, which in turn - Complex. Not only is the speed of the
continually changes every relationship,
data input hard to keep up with it also
system/orientation on the field. Soccer is an
creates temporary interactions between
evolving series of temporarily interlocking
players,
positions,
and interdependent systems that is being
opportunities, responsibilities and so on.
continually redrawn, rebuilt and needs
Add to this the fact that opacity creates
reinterpretation.
lines,
tasks,
uncertainty. Together these uncertain, transient connections create a complex
Making sense in orientation – finding
system. Complex systems include multiple
patterns
key points, shifting in importance, where a
In order to make sense of this chaos and to
change in one can, through a series of
be able to influence the game we have to
unknown
change
find something that we can count on. Our
another. The path of cause and effect will be
orientation is where we find concepts that
hidden and only realized retroactively, you’ll
can organize the data into patterns and
never know what hit you.
provide meaning to the data stream. At first
intermediate
steps
the raw data has to become information, we
No.37 February 2010
79
need to answer the who, what, when and
To use this pattern we need to place the
where
more
concept of the four main moments as a key
developed concepts we relate bits of
developmental idea. Kids too often are
information together to build a knowledge
taught the game as series of start – stop or
base, answers to the questions how, a more
single moment i.e. ‘we’re always attacking’,
useful high-level tool. Finally, knowledge
events. Attention to the concept of
can pass into wisdom when we understand
transition should be a top priority, especially
the whys, the underlying relationships
for youth coaches.
questions.
By
applying
between the different moving parts. We create patterns by comparing our In the first of these articles we noted that the
existing concepts to the data we observe.
decision-making process was the most
After observation, the first step orientation
important skill for players because of its
makes is to find and/or adapt an existing
universality and the same principle applies
concept to the data flow in order to make
here. The more universal the pattern, the
sense of it. The process of collect, find,
more useful it will be in helping to make
compare, use/adapt and repeat is never
sense of the game. In soccer there is only
ending. When this process is combined
one universal pattern, the four main
with memory the result is growth and
moments. This pattern is the baseline for all
learning.
our observations. It is the element of time as it applies to the game. It flows
Back and forth, over and over again, we
seamlessly from start to finish no matter
use observations to sharpen a concept
where you are, who is playing, what culture
and a concept to sharpen observations.
is involved or what’s at stake. It cannot be
Destruction and Creation, Boyd J.
altered or influenced by what we want or do. In other words, the four main moments
With the main moments providing the
provide the fundamental organizing pattern
general pattern we begin to look for specific
for the data flow.
ones next. In his ‘Organic design for Command and Control’ Boyd supplies three
No.37 February 2010
81
82
areas where we’ll find these. They are
laws/spirit
specific because they are included within
underlying, implicit side of the game.
of
the
game
etc.
The
the general pattern, subsets of the four
Moral patterns answer the why’s of the
main moments, but unlike the moments, are
mental patterns and give structure to
subject to adaptation and influence.
them.
1. Physical patterns. ‘Represents the
These three areas have a subtle relationship
world of matter-energy-information all of
and form a hierarchy. Moral patterns
us are part of, live in, and feed upon.’ The
‘constrain, as well as sustain and focus, our
techniques, hard work, hustle and
emotional intellectual responses’ while
physical qualities that catch the eye.
mental patterns ‘adjust to, or cope with,
These pattern’s are recognized by
that physical world.’ Influence the moral
observing who, what, where and when.
patterns and the effect cascades through the other two. Rinus Michels provides an
2. Mental patterns. ‘Represents the
illustration.
emotional/intellectual activity we generate to adjust to, or cope with, that physical
A
world.’ Emotional resiliency, insight, DMP,
championship match between Germany
tactical
patterns
like
wall
good
example
of
this
is
the
passes,
and the Czech Republic in the Euro ’96
overlaps, the principles of play etc. These
tournament in England. It was a match
patterns concern how the physical side is
between two teams who both favor
applied.
counter attack style of football. The Czechs put themselves in the underdog
3. Moral patterns. ‘Represents the
position and forced the Germans into
cultural codes of conduct or standards of
becoming the favored team. Thus coach
behavior that constrain, as well as sustain
Berti Vogts had to change his tactical plan
and focus, our emotional intellectual
for the match…
responses.’ The agreements/ under-
Teambuilding, The Road to Success,
standing within the lines, team, club,
No.37 February 2010
Michels, R.
The Czech’s were able to influence the German’s moral patterns before the kickoff by altering their point of view of the game; the Germans would have to carry it to them. This caused Vogt’s to change his team’s approach, which in turn placed different tactical, mental, physical and
83
technical demands on his players. In order to think in soccer, i.e. read the game,
develop
insight,
vision,
and
understanding we need to focus on building more and richer concepts that are closer to the actual game. We need to add to and grow these nearer to reality. This will reduce
the
number
and
degree
of
mismatches that players recognize. They can use their implicit DMP more often and with greater reliability because they have “Been there, done that.” This is what experience brings to the table. Players that they can apply a wider and richer array of concepts to solve problems in the neverending stream of data will have a significant advantage over their opponents.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Orientation of observations
No.37 February 2010
No.37 February 2010
Goalkeeping THE FRANS HOEK GOALKEEPING GAMES: 1V1, SHOOT & SAVE AND GOALKEEPER TENNIS
“Good technique is essential, good positioning determinative” Goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek developed his own goalkeeping games based on the ever popular football-tennis (also known as foot-volley) game. He started his search for specific goalkeeping games like football-tennis way before he started coaching at Ajax in 1985. By: Stan Bos
“Football-tennis is a fun game. It doesn't
Games
incorporates a lot of football elements, as
“Throughout the years this developed into
there are no goals, no contact, but you do
some nice games for goalkeepers with a lot
play it with your feet. It also has a couple of
of variations. A lot of situations that
other football elements like heading and
goalkeepers face during a match are
receiving the ball with your chest. It is a
covered in these games. The games also
game that focuses on technique. I
incorporate real match situations like
translated this to games for goalkeepers.
winning and not wanting to lose. And they
These games forced goalkeepers to catch,
are fun to do. There are three different
kick, fall, throw and to pay attention to their
games and now that those are being used
footwork. They have to use all goalkeeping
by many we continue to develop other
techniques and train to improve them.”
specific games for goalkeepers. It must be noted that these games must be adapted depending on the age and experience level of the goalkeepers.”
No.37 February 2010
85
1v1 goalkeepers battle “In this game the relation to the match is the ability to play football, with a focus on the back pass. The game intention is to score in the opponents goal and to refrain the other goalkeeper from scoring in your goal. The basic rules of the Frans Hoek 1v1 goalkeepers battle are as follows:
86
• One goalkeeper starts the game by
• Whenever the ball is out of bounds (out
standing one meter from his or her own
or corner kick), possession goes to the
goal with one hand on the ball. He/she
opponent at the spot where the ball went
has to play the ball within four seconds.
out of bounds.
• The opponent starts on the halfway line.
• The game ends after the time runs out, at
• The goalkeeper in possession tries to
the coach's sign. Duration of the game is
score
a
goal
by
playing
on
the
opponent's half. The other goalkeeper tries to steal the ball. • A goal only counts when the ball has been touched at least two times. • After a goal - or whenever the opponent intercepts the ball by holding it to his chest with two hands - the goalkeepers switch tasks.
No.37 February 2010
anywhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. • The winner gets two points. At a draw both goalkeepers get one point. The loser gets no points.
1v1 goalkeepers battle The goalkeepers battle is played on various playing fields
87
The ‘standard’ with goals across from
Long playing field with goals diago-
each other
nally across from each other
SIZES Boys 6-11 years: Girls 6-13 years: - Width: 11 meters - Length: 2x 8 meters - Goal size: 5 meters Boys 12 years and up: Girls 14 years and up: - Width: 17 meters
Short, wide field with goals diago-
- Length: 2x 12 meters
nally across from each other
- Goal size: 7,32 meters
No.37 February 2010
Shoot and Save “In this game the relation to the match is with the goal kick or throw to start the build up. Furthermore, this game is focused on defending the goal, by saving shots and lobs on goal. The objective of the game is for the two goalkeepers to try and score on the other goalkeeper's goal by throwing or kicking the
88
ball. The other goalkeeper must try to save these goal scoring attempts. The basic rules of the 'Frans Hoek Shoot and Save’ are as follows:
• The goalkeepers are only allowed to play
not allowed to catch the ball, but the
the ball with their hands from within the
goalkeeper may continue play via a dribble
penalty area.
or a distance shot. They can also initiate a
• A goalkeeper scores when he or she
1v1 duel, in this case the opponent may
shoots the ball in the goal via a dropkick,
defend the ball anywhere in the field with
volley or from the ground.
his/her hands.
• When in possession they must play the
• Whenever the ball is out of bounds (out
ball within 4 seconds.
or corner kick), possession goes to the
• When a goalkeeper touches the ball with
opponent at the spot where the ball went
his/her hands outside of the penalty area,
out of bounds.
they lose possession.
• The game ends after the time runs out, at
• Whenever a goalkeeper saves without
the coach's sign. Duration of the game is
knocking the ball out of bounds, they must
anywhere between 30 seconds and 2
quickly get the ball back into their penalty
minutes.
area, pick it up and continue play from
• The winner gets two points. At a draw
there.
both goalkeepers get one point. The loser
• If the ball returns into the playing field via
gets no points.
an opponent, a goalpost or the bar, you are
No.37 February 2010
Shoot and Save ‘Shoot and save’ is played on different fields
89
The ‘standard’ based on points
Goals in a different position
SIZES Boys 6-11 years Girls 6-13 years: - Width: 11 meters - Length: 2x 8 meters (without an area in between) - Goal size: 5 meters Boys 12 years and up:
With opponents, when A1 plays the
Girls 14 years and up:
ball, A2 may change the balls direc-
- Width: 17 meters
tion or reduce the goalkeeper's view.
- Length: 2x 12 meters (with an area in
When the goalkeeper lets go of the ball A2 may exit the area for the re-
between) - Goal size: 7,32 meters
bound.
No.37 February 2010
Goalkeeper tennis “In this game the relation to the match is with the goal kick or throw to start the build up. Furthermore, this game is focused on defending, such as through passes, crosses or lobs. The objective of the game is for the two goalkeepers to try and volley the ball across the net and
90
onto the other goalkeeper's field. For 6-7 year olds this should be played by throwing instead of kicking the ball. The basic rules of the 'Frans Hoek goalkeeper tennis game’ are as follows: • One goalkeeper serves the ball with a
• After the ball is caught the goalkeeper
volley from behind the end line.
must continue within 4 seconds.
• A foot fault results in a point for the
• Prohibited to kick the ball with the inside
opponent.
of your foot or a bicycle kick. When this
• Whenever the ball is kicked under or
happens the other goalkeeper receives a
against the net, the opponent receives a
point.
point.
• After every point the goalkeeper who's
• Whenever the ball is kicked out of
side the ball is on start with a serve.
bounds, without the opponent touching it,
• The game ends after the time runs out, at
the opponent will receive a point.
the coach's sign. Duration of the game is
• Goalkeepers can score whenever the
anywhere between 1 and 3 minutes.
opponent touches the ball, but doesn't
• The winner gets two points. At a draw
catch it or when the ball bounces in the
both goalkeepers get one point. The loser
opponent's field.
gets no points.
• Whenever a goalkeeper catches the ball before or at the same time as the bounce, they may continue from that spot and are allowed to take one step in any direction.
No.37 February 2010
Goalkeeper tennis ‘Goalkeeper tennis' is played on different fields
91
The ‘standard’ based on points
Goals on a different position (same side)
SIZES Boys 6-11 years: Girls 6-13 years: - Width: 7 meters - Length: 2x 7 meters - Goal size: 5 meters - Net height: 1 - 1,5 meters Boys 12 years and up: Girls 14 years and up: - Width: 20 meters - Length: 2x 10 meters
Goals on a different position (diago-
- Goal size: 7,32 meters
nally across from each other)
- Net height: 1 - 1,5 meters
No.37 February 2010
SOCCERCOACHINGINTERNATIONAL OFFERS YOU A SNEEK PREVIEW INTO OUR NEXT ISSUE. THE MARCH 2010 ISSUE WILL, AMONGST OTHERS, FEATURE THE FOLLOWING INTERVIEWS/ARTICLES:
Foppe de Haan, Ajax Cape Town (South Africa) 92
After serving Heerenveen FC for 20 years and playing an important role in grooming the Dutch U-21 team into a back-to-back winner of the 2006 and 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, 66 year old Foppe de Haan believed the time had to come to retire. A retirement that would allow him to step back from the limelight and do the things he appreciated doing most. But when Ajax Cape Town contacted him, after coach Mushin Ertugral left, to guide the team through the 2009/2010 season, it didn’t take de Haan long to decide.
Larry Paul's Observations and orientation series (part 4) In the last article we saw how our observations are based on universal and specific patterns/concepts that are dynamic, opaque and comprised of complex systems. We looked at how new, renewed and filtered data is introduced to our orientation at different speeds and complexities. Now we’ll look at four of the five elements in Boyd’s OODA Loop that help us to adapt and cope with the conceptual stew we have to deal with.
No.37 February 2010
Next Issue
Available online March 30th, 2010! Hans de Jong, scout SC Heerenveen on game analysis (part 1) One of the biggest tactical dilemmas within soccer is the question whether a team can play their own game or whether they have to adjust it to their opponent. The truth lies somewhere in the middle and depends on many factors. The coach makes his choices on the playing style in advance, while on the pitch its up to the players to make the choices. One of the tasks given to Hans de Jong, as an analyst/scout at SC Heerenveen, is
to
analyze
the
next
opponent.
SoccerCoachingInternational spoke to this experienced specialist, which resulted in a series about how to analyze matches and the effects concerning the playing style. This first part looks at the differences between the analysis on different levels. It also tackles the possibilities in playing a 4-3-3 against an opponent who also plays a 4-3-3.
AZ Alkmaar youth academy The AZ Alkmaar academy is fast at work to solidify its vision. Furthermore, they are always trying to be innovative and come up with new ideas. Aloys Wijnker, academy director and Marijn Beuker, AZ policy maker, talked to SoccerCoachingInternational about the impressive way AZ is continuing to structure and solidify its youth academy. Other features: - Training sessions from the amateur fields - Road to World Cup 2010 - Brazilian Corner - MK Dons academy - and more ...
No.37 February 2010
93
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