No. 39, May 2010
Milan Djuričić FK Vojvodina 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. 39 May 2010 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 six times a year. Chief editor Paul van Veen Beatrixlaan 21, 2811 LZ REEUWIJK THE NETHERLANDS paul@soccercoachinginternational.com Publisher Sportfacilities & Media BV Visiting address: Steynlaan 19 B-D ZEIST THE NETHERLANDS Postal address: P.O. Box 952, 3700 AZ ZEIST THE NETHERLANDS info@soccercoachinginternational.com Phone: +31 (0)30 697 7710 Fax: +31 (0)30 697 7720
Managing Editor and Translations Maaike Denkers maaike@soccercoachinginternational.com Graphic Design Anton Gouverneur Tania Dimitrova Mike Baan studio@sportfacilities.com
Photographers: Tom van den Heiligenberg Jan Soek Editorial Staff Andrew Blight, Guilherme Costa, Maaike Denkers, Roy Heijmans, Frans Hoek, Dan Micciche, Larry Paul, Dusan Petrovic, Hans Slender, Paul van Veen
Copyright All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission of the
Project Manager Floris Schmitz f.schmitz@sportfacilities.com
No.39 May 2010
publisher.
ISSN 1571 - 8794
Contents
Mental Development 18
Conditioning
Milan DjuriÄ?ić, FK Vojvodina
Observations and Orientation, part 5
Football Training with SAQ fitness
Training Sessions 34
Analysis
Age objectives U13-U19
Hans de Jong, scout SC Heerenveen on game analysis (2)
Brazilian Corner 68
Various
Cover Story
6
46
70
Youth Training
26
58
Counter Attacking for Kids
Next issue
World Cup 2010 News
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From the Editor Welcome to the 39th issue of SoccerCoachingInternational Our second e-Magazine!
I want to thank everyone for sending an enormous amount of reactions and feedback on our first two e-Magazines. We appreciate this and have done our best to facilitate to all your wishes. This issue will be available as a PageFlip (to read online) and as a PDF version. We will be sending all subscribers an email with a PDF link, so please email us if you haven't received the link. This third e-issue has 78 pages and is packed with a great range of articles from all corners of the world. Including Milan Djuričić, head coach of Serbian first division team FK Vojvodina. Djuričić talked to us about his success of educating young talented players. He poetically shares his vision and philosophy with us the same way he has shared them with youth players for years. We then move to Larry Paul for the fifth part of his series on Observations and orientation and on to Andrew Blight for a conditioning article on SAQ fitness training.
From England to the Netherlands for the second part of a series on match analysis, brought to you by sc Heerenveen analyst and scout Hans de Jong, this time around focusing on how to solve situations on the field instead of on paper. From Holland back to England for a stop at the MK Dons academy, Dan Micciche where guides us through the subject of counter attacking for kids. Last, but not least the the Brazilian Corner and our temporary feature 'the road to World Cup 2010'. All in all another great and diverse issue, brought to you online.
I hope you enjoy this third e-Magazine! The fourth E-magazine will be available the first week of June. I will keep you posted on our website developments. Yours in soccer, Maaike Denkers Managing Editor SCI
No.39 May 2010
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6
No.38 April 2010
Cover Story MILAN DJURI I , HEAD COACH FK VOJVODINA, NOVI SAD
'The game is the poetry of football' “Milan Djuricic is known for his creativity and his extraordinary sense of scouting and educating talented youth players. Djuricic is one of the most respected coaches in Serbia, because of his willingness and ways of developing youth players for the first team. He teaches them to be professionals and guides them into their future career. As the leading man at FC Vojvodina his goal is to repeat the success he had with a young selection like he did last time he was in charge of the team. However, this time around his task is considerably harder since he took charge of team halfway through the season and he did not take part in the selection of the players. He has to work with the players he has and try to restore the club’s standing in the national league to ensure participation in one of the European competitions next season.” SoccerCoachingInternational talked to Milan Djuricic about his success of educating young talented players. He poetically shares his vision and philosophy with us the same way he has shared them with youth players for years. His strength is to see the game for what it is and to humbly accept is unpredictability and that is what he tries to teach his players. By: Dušan Petrović
No.37 February 2010
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8
“I belong to a Nation which once called itself the 'European Brazil' and I am one of the nostalgic people who love this game with all his heart. Serbia has some good football players and national selections but the problem is we play decadent football and that doesn’t bring spectators to the stadiums. A Serbian team qualifying for the Championship league has become something almost unimaginable. One of the reasons is that we have given up on our mentality to educate players for our own competitions. Nowadays selling players seems to have become a priority in Serbian football. As a lecturer at the UEFA college in Serbia I have even bored myself with the story that
No.39 May 2010
only the game brings prosperity and that the game is the poetry of football. Naturally, this means that players have their freedom, but their movements must have certain meanings. Running around without a plan is useless.” “Winning or losing isn't everything. It is about accepting the game with all your being. On a pitch unexpected things are always waiting to emerge. However, wise coaches accept it, enjoy it and learn from it. Just watch the ball! The game has rules of its own, and not those that others prescribed to it. The game does not take anybody’s side; it does not always award you with victory nor
punishes you with defeat because of good or bad match. Football is not always fair. Playing well is an award on its own. Accept the defeat calmly and victory humbly. No great expectations and no great disappointments.” Balance “If everything is based on a the urge to win or the fear to lose, balance will never be reached. Still, defeat does not come from losing but from not taking the chance to learn something from it, to improve something and to take risks. There is no task that cannot be carried out. There are no undone actions, no losers that cannot be winners and no favorites that cannot lose. So let the games flow on its own. Do you want to control an uncontrollable situation? Are you worried about the results? Do you care what others say? If you start choking your game, you will end up choking your own efforts and destroy its beauty. If you let your game breath slowly and calmly, you will easily find pleasure and tranquility. Be in a game with all your heart and relax. Give your whole being to the spirit of the game and it will be worth while. The heart often has its reasons, which the mind knows nothing about.” Passion “Why do we compete? To win? To dominate? To show our domination? All
these require a passion but passion has two sides. One side encourages and the other preoccupies. Point your passion towards the inner being. Direct your own passion not towards the opponent or victory but towards the cognition of your own potentials i.e. try to express yourself to achieve as much as you can.” 9 Independency “What is important in a game for you? How important is a value of victory or defeat? Does it reflect your feelings? Do you judge yourself according to your achievements? Do you acknowledge your mistakes? Do you ask others for acknowledgement? Do you depend on them as to prove how much you are worth? Are you excited by achievements of others? The game does not depend on anything; it is on its own. It does not have intentions, messages or consequences. Thus, play it with all you have. Let the game fill you with joy. Then go home, take a hot shower and carry on with your life!” Evaluations “How can you evaluate a football player or a coach merely based on statistics? Do statistics serve as an examination? Are there numbers that can measure heartiness, courage and persistence? Do results from outside reflect inner pleasure? Do they appear on a display somewhere? What happens with all those
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10
No.39 May 2010
unannounced performances, perfect dribbling, successful shot, or with balls that get stuck in the mud? Present “Can a brilliant career be disturbed by an injury? Like plants, young football players grow and bloom when nothing is in their way. Wishes make your focus blur, feelings make your intentions numb, thoughts inhibit your instincts. A real football player lives in the now: he takes what the game offers. The past - it should have been done or it must have been done – does not count! The future cannot be controlled. Expectations undermine your strength and weaken your effort. So just let it happen.” Unpredictable “Watched superficially, the game seems to be interesting and approachable with its lines, rules and codes. Imagine what would happen if these did not exist. Even now the game is still considerably chaotic. Nothing can be accepted as a pure act: plans, patterns and strategies are qualitative but what happens when a
crazy ball starts rolling? The moment which you dare to expect or predict... SURPRISE! You lean on your score but in the nick of time things start going wrong. The game does not have rhythm or a reason so you never know what might happen. All you can do is to play the game.” 11 Patience “You are losing the championship, trailing with one goal. So what?! Breathe in deeply, believe in yourself and in the stream of the game. Be careful and sensitive, watch what is happening. No matter what the situation is, accept the events as they are coming, without forcing the final score. In the climax of the moment there is a space to be coldblooded. With patience everything, even the most serious mistakes, can be corrected and the biggest trail can be erased.” Sportsman “A sportsman who just wants to win, blows his own horn and wants to scare others by putting his own ego before his
“I WOULD DIVIDE MY DEVELOPMENT AS A COACH INTO 4 STAGES: BEING UNCONSCIOUS OF MY IGNORANCE, BEING CONSCIOUS OF MY IGNORANCE, BEING UNCONSCIOUS OF MY KNOWLEDGE, AND BEING CONSCIOUS OF MY KNOWLEDGE.”
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efforts. A sportsman who understands the game is humbled by its greatness, complexity and mystery. You can never solve it or beat it. The game teaches you to be humble in its presence, to find peace and tranquility inside yourself, to be careful with victory as well as ready for defeat. Sportsmen who really appreciate a game, will start to appreciate its real place in sport. “ The body “Do not think too much because your thoughts will influence your game: fear, doubt, failure even a wish for perfection. Unburden your spirit and leave the control to your body. Eliminate your plans; let your natural rhythm flow. Do not worry about results and they will happen despite of it.” Leadership “To be a player is difficult enough, but to lead other players is the ultimate paradox. For a coach, this means to be present and simultaneously invisible, enabling the game for players with their rules. Showing but not telling. Lecturing, without saying a word and in a way that you as a coach can also learn something. Developing a technique, knowledge and trust, and then scatter yourself in the air. The secret of leadership is keeping five people who hate you away from five people who are indecisive.”
No.39 May 2010
Young coaches “Young coaches must stick to the principles and practice of the game which means to apply this with flexibility. The question of principle in a game is always a question of habit and discipline. This is a well known fact for defense, but for offense the difference between who wins and who was beaten must be made. A task in an exercise is very important if applied in a correct way. I will try to explain that by presenting my first exercise and in every next exercise the task of the first exercise will show how complicated and simultaneously simple football is.” 5v5 “Football is becoming faster, therefore ball circulation is becoming faster. A good way to practice this is in 5v5 game, in reduced spaces. The 5v5 game I use is played on a standard pitch and divide it into 3 zones. Each zone has its own rules, which correspond to the play which is needed in each of the thirds of a pitch in a full 11v11 game. In the first third (defense - zone A) the players must pass the ball like a build up, finding the open space with patience and discipline. They must then advance to the middle third (midfield - zone B) where they must pick up the pace and quickly pass and run to advance to the final third (offense - zone C) where they must find the open space, without
limitations, and finish on goal. The tasks for this exercise are to maintain possession, apply fast ball movement, support your teammates, penetrate into the open space and finish on goal." "All the other exercises presented will have similar tasks and will help to teach your players to judge situations. How do we use the space around us? Which movements do we apply? Who is in the best position to see the game? Every inch of the pitch will be important, as players
must use the spaces around them to find the open spaces elsewhere on the pitch." Advice I would advise all young coaches to do the following: Be honest towards yourself and to those who deserves that. Be prepared to change yourself and to improve yourself. Use your own head and ask the right questions, at least to yourself. Face the truth and do not let your spirit be defeated. Everything has its end except what is authentic.�
MILAN DJURICIC
Coaching career:
Education:
1995-98 1998-99 1999-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004 2004-06 2007-08 2008-09 2009-
UEFA B License UEFA A License UEFA Pro License
* Milan Djuricic is also a lecturer/demonstrator of the UEFA coaching license program in the Serbian FA
Date of birth: October 31, 1961 Place of birth: Zemun, Serbia
Radnicki Nova (4th division Serbia) F.C Dinamo Pancevo (2nd division Serbia) F.C Cement Beocin (2nd division Serbia) F.C Dinamo Pancevo (2nd division Serbia) F.C. Srem Sremska M. (2nd division Serbia) F.C. Beograd (2nd division Serbia) Macva Sabac (2nd division Serbia) Vojvodina Novi Sad (1st division Serbia) FC Zemun (1st division Serbia) FC Indija (1st division Serbia) Vojvodina Novi Sad (1st division Serbia)
No.39 May 2010
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
- Task: maintain possession, fast ball movement, support other players, penetration to the open space, finishing - Number of players: 20 players + 2 goalkeepers. - Play on a standard football pitch - Two teams with 10 players, divided into two groups of 5 players - Zone A: 2 touch limit - Zone B: 1 touch limit - Zone C: no limit
PROGRESSION
5:5 + 5:5
- Goalkeeper starts with a pass to his team players in zone “A” - They must pass at least 4 times with a limit of 2 touches of the ball each - After the 4th pass the team may advance to zone “B” where they have a 1 touch limit - They must pass through the zone in very fast running. - Zone “C” has free play - After the team has finished, the defending team has possession and the must attack on the other goal with the same limitations - If the defending team steals the ball in zone “A” they can finishing directly on goal. - If they steal the ball in zone “B” they must pass it to zone “A”. - If they steal the ball in zone “C” they must pass to their own goalkeeper first to progress
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No.39 May 2010
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
6:6 ON 4 GOALS - Task : fast moving with the ball, opening and fast penetration into the open space, playing to the third player, changing positions during the play - Alternative attack on 4 goals 6v6 or 7v7 - Field size: 50 x 35m or 40 x 40m, goal size 2 m - Playing on a narrow field the team in possession tries to score on one of the 4 goals with a two touch limit. - After having scored on one goal, the task is to score on the other three goal - Team that has scored on all 4 goals wins
15
U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
7:7 ON 2 GOALS
PROGRESSION
2
- Task: Maintain possession, finishing, penetration into the open space, - Number of players: 16 players + 2 goalkeepers - Play on ½ s standard football pitch - Play 6v6 on two goals with 1 player at the end of narrow area (neutral player) - Red team has to score on goal A - Blue team has to score on goal B - When one team steals the ball from the other team they must get to the other half as fast as possible - When a team scores the goal that team maintains possession - Play with a 2 touch limit, neutral have a 1 touch limit
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
- Play 8v8 on half a pitch, with goalkeepers on standard goals - The red team has a 1 touch limit and attacks the 2 standard goals and defends the 2 small goals - The blue team attacks on the 2 small goals and defends 2 standard goals
U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
4
- Task: : Maintain possession, finishing, fast transition from defense to attack - Number of players: 16 players + 2 goalkeepers - Play on ½ s standard football pitch - Alternate attack on standard and small goals
4:4 + 4 NEUTRAL PLAYERS
PROGRESSION
16
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
8:8 ON 4 GOALS
- Task: Fast attack and finishing - Number of players: 12 players + goalkeeper - On a standard football pitch use the space between the box and centre of the field - Attack on one goal with a starting organization of 4:4+4 neutral players - Neutral players limited to one touch of the ball and play with the team in possession - Other players limited to 2 touches of the ball - Team in possession must pass to the neutral players at least 2 times and can only finish after a pass to the neutral player who is closest to the goal
No.39 May 2010
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No.38 April 2010
Mental Development OBSERVATIONS AND ORIENTATION, PART 5:
Destruction and Creation Boyd’s preferred method of developing and delivering his ideas was through conversation and debate. In his careers he gave countless briefings, at times to a hostile, powerful and educated audience. He knew that his theories would mean nothing if he couldn’t prove them and found that proof in the world of logic, physics, science, mathematics and engineering. By: Larry Paul
Destruction and Creation was one of the few pieces that he set to paper. After four years he had distilled it to its basic message and, in just eleven-pages methodically laid out his “new learning theory.”
GOAL
To comprehend and cope with our environment we develop mental patterns or concepts of meaning. The purpose of this paper is to sketch out how we destroy and create these patterns to permit us to both shape and be shaped by a changing environment.
This sets up where we’re going. Destruction and Creation is about winning and losing, adapting to an ever-changing environment and recognizes that we are, by nature, goal driven. Every action in the game can be related back to this single concept.
Studies of human behavior revel that the actions we undertake as individuals are closely related to survival, more importantly, survival on our own terms.
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19
ENVIRONMENT In a real world of limited resources and skills, individuals and groups form, dissolve and reform their cooperative or competitive posture…
20
This sets up where we start, what we face and what resources are at our disposal. Because our individual resources and skills are limited we cooperate with others, form groups to increase those capacities to achieve our goals. These groups can combine with others in continually growing associations of size, complexity and other goals. Ultimately tension grows as these factors create competition inside and between groups for the same limited resources. Individuals and groups adapt to the increased tension or change by disbanding and reforming as a new entity. Every player is continually faced with choosing which group orientation he or she is in at the present moment. For each individual the game is rarely the total number on the field, 4v4, 7v7 or 11v11. It’s a rapidly changing mixture of 1v1’s, 2v1’s, 2v3’s and so on continually building up and breaking down in complexity and composition. The reorientation of the individual to this real world dynamic is a vital learning objective. It’s how we multiply our strengths while compensating for our weaknesses.
NEED FOR DECISIONS Decisions must be rendered to monitor and
No.39 May 2010
determine the precise nature of the actions that will be compatible with the goal. To make these timely decisions implies that we must be able to form mental concepts of observed reality… How do we generate or create the mental concepts to support this decision-making activity?
CREATING CONCEPTS There are two ways in which we can develop and manipulate concepts to represent observed reality: We can start from a comprehensive whole and break it down to it’s particulars or we can start with the particulars and build towards a comprehensive whole. Logic uses two common processes; "general-to-specific is related to deduction, analysis and differentiation, (the destructive deduction process) while, specific-togeneral is related to induction, synthesis, and integration" (the creative or constructive induction process). Boyd used the following mind game to illustrate the relationship. Imagine four domains: a ski resort, a speedboat on a lake, a bicycle and a toy tank. Next imagine each domain broken down to its fundamental parts. If you keep the parts within the original domain everything would still make ‘sense’ because they are still part of a recognizable whole. If you reassembled these parts as is you’d create nothing new, at best just a
reorganization of the same things. But what happens if you destroy each domain and mix all of the parts? How do you make something out of this “sea of anarchy?” Destroying the domains is the destructive deduction process in action.
Now Boyd showed how synthesis was the basis of creativity. He asked, “From some of the ingredients in this sea of anarchy, how do we find common qualities and connecting threads to
“For Boyd, discontinuities were the norm and harmony the exception,” Hammond wrote. When existing concepts no longer match-up to reality new ones must take their place. To create new concepts we need to use the destructive deductive and constructive inductive processes together. We are dependent on both to realize our goal of survival on our own terms, that is winning. Destruction shatters existing domains/concepts freeing up the parts for the creation of new concepts of meaning. However, with increased introspection it’s not long until these new concepts no longer match-up with reality leaving them open to the destructive deductive process.
synthesize a new and altogether different domain?”… (Boyd) eventually helped the audience along by emphasizing handlebars, outboard motor, tank treads, and skis. These, he said, were the ingredients needed to build what he called a “new reality” – a snowmobile. (This is the constructive induction process.)
SUSPICION … Clearly, any anticipated difference, or differences, suggest we should expect a mismatch between the new observations and the anticipated concept description of these observations… Such a notion is not new and is indicated by the discoveries of Kurt Gödel and Werner Heisenberg.
INCOMPLETENESS AND CONSISTENCY Under these circumstances, a concept must be incomplete since we depend upon an ever-changing array of observations to shape and formulate it.
- Boyd, Coram, R.
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Gödel's incompleteness theo-
INDETERMINACY AND UNCERTAINTY
rems - You might be able to
Under these circumstances, the uncertainty values represent the inability to determine the character or nature of a system within itself.
prove every conceivable statement about numbers within a system by going outside the system in order to come up with 22
new rules and axioms, but by doing so you'll only create a larger system with its own unprovable statements. The implication is that all logical systems of any complexity are, by definition, incomplete. - An Incomplete Education, Jones, J. and Wilson, W. In Boyd’s words, “Gödel’s proof indirectly shows that in order to determine the consistency of any new system we must con-
In quantum mechanics, the Heisenberg indeterminacy principle states that it is impossible to know with unlimited accuracy the position and momentum of a particle. “The more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known in this instant, and vice versa.” Heisenberg, Uncertainty Paper, 1927, meaning; … uncertainty rather than certainty, lies at the base of our physical universe and theoretical understanding of it. ibid.
ENTROPY AND THE SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS From this law it follows that entropy must increase in any closed system-or, for that matter, in any system that cannot communicate in an ordered fashion with other systems or environments external to itself.
struct or uncover another system beyond it. - The Mind of War, Hammond, G.
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Over time, entropy increases, energy dissipates, efficiency decreases, and confusion and disorder increase. Thus the character or nature of a system, it’s consistency, does not remain constant and is unpredictable. ibid.
23
Leading Boyd to conclude;
DESTRUCTION AND CREATION What an interesting outcome! According to Gödel we cannot – in general – determine the consistency, hence the character or nature, of an abstract system within itself. According to Heisenberg and the Second Law of Thermodynamics any attempt to do so in the real world will expose uncertainty and generate disorder…
The result is a changing and expanding universe of mental concepts matched to a changing and expanding universe of observed reality. As indicated earlier, these mental concepts are employed as decision models by individuals and societies for determining and monitoring actions needed to cope with their environment-or to improve their capacity for independent action.
A paradigm shift Now, in relating this deductive/inductive activity to the basic goal discussed in the beginning, I believe that we have uncovered a Dialectic Engine that permits the construction of decision models needed by individuals and societies to improve their capacity for individual action…
At the time Boyd was writing Destruction and Creation the scientific community was undergoing significant changes. Movements based on concepts such as complexity theory, non-linear and systems thinking were beginning to take hold in response to the established Newtonian school of thought.
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The Newtonian paradigm rests
Defined as a ‘mirror of nature’,
firmly upon linear principles. A
the mind was thought capable
linear system has two defining
of representing the world
mathematical characteristics.
through objective knowledge
First, it displays proportionality.
that was stable, certain, and
The second characteristic is
accurate.
that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts…
Whereas in classical mechanics
Consequently, if we can
the properties and behavior of
describe a system by a linear
the parts determine those of
mathematical model, we can
the whole, the situation is
determine its future states
reversed in quantum
exactly from its given initial
mechanics. It is the whole that
state…
determines the parts. - Science, Strategy and War,
A consequence of the
Osinga, F.P.B.
Newtonian paradigm is the view of systems as closed entities, isolated from their environments. Outside events do not influence such a system... All that happened had a definite cause and gave rise to a definite effect… No.39 May 2010
In short, the Newtonian perspective holds that the world is knowable by its parts and the future unfolds according to set laws into predictable patterns. But what we have seen is that the world is made up of dynamic and opaque sets of complex interrelated systems; that the future is constantly unfolding in unpredictable ways. In order to understand and cope with it we need to think beyond the parts and cause
and effect. We need to consider the relationships and processes between them as well. The OODA Loop is the keystone in Boyd’s theories. His Trilogy of Gödel, Heisenberg and the Second Law of Thermodynamics adds the logical, mathematical and scientific weight to move it out of intuitive speculation into more rigourously defined fields. It’s a vital tool in his “New learning theory” and he developed it far beyond individual experience in his later briefings.
What does this have to do with soccer and decision-making? It provides insight into the differences between Total Football and Route 1, methods of how to lose a defender or confuse an attacker, reasons why changing the tempo of the game is a key developmental idea and much more. We’ll look at some of these ideas in the articles, Implications and Applications. But the bottom line is, that by using the DMP better then your opponent you can get “inside their OODA Loop” and “unravel” him or her. A sure fire way to reach the goal of winning on your own terms.
In the next issue:
Decision-Hypothesis, Action-Test
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26
No.38 April 2010
FOOTBALL TRAINING WITH SAQ FITNESS
Speed, agility and quickness 27 Most activity in football lasts approximately 5-6 seconds and for about 25 yards in distance. Invasion games involve a start-stop process, which utilises fast-twitch muscle fibres and has a focus towards the anaerobic system. Speed, agility and quickness can often make the difference between winning and losing E.g. a player exploding through a defensive gap, checking, turning and side-stepping to outwit defenders. Intermittent, high intensity activity with varying work-rest intervals focusing on specific elements of the SAQ continuum can better prepare players for the demands of the game. By: Andrew Blight
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Any SAQ programme is underpinned by training principles. When planning a session it is important to consider: • Age/ability • Previous experience • Gender • Fitness profile • Training regime • Motivation
this creates major in-balance and has occurred because they have practiced most skills on one side (right or left) and the brain maps are not as developed on the weaker side. With practice and set exercises, coaches’ can educate and enable players to be effective with both feet through mapping.
SAQ continuum Research has shown that the brain is capable of ‘plastic change’ and life-long learning. Motor learning is more conducive during childhood and sporting excellence achieved by E.g. Messi and Ronaldo has usually been honed from an early age. However, you can improve your proprioception and agility along with technique at any age. The ability to learn skilled movement is often phrased as ‘muscle memory’ which is linked to the part of the brain that stores ‘memories of movement’. This terminology should be rephrased as ‘motor memory’ as it is not the muscle that remembers the movement it is the brain!
Brain maps Motor skills developed for football are acquired through the formation of nerve circuits or ‘maps’ in the brain. By stimulating the ability of the brain to form brain maps linked to specific skills, you can acquire and develop those skills more easily. Many players have a dominant left or right foot,
No.39 May 2010
With on-going SAQ training, the neuromuscular system is gradually re-programmed and restrictive mental blocks and thresholds are removed. Consequently, messages from the brain have a clearer path to the muscles and the result will be an instinctively quicker player. The SAQ continuum is used to ‘kinaesthetically programme’ the performance of a specific physical activity with improved quality and control. SAQ continuum is the name of a progressive sequence of training ‘phases’ which collectively improve performance. Over a period of time you will observe improvements in explosive multi-directional speed, agility and quickness, acceleration/deceleration, quality and speed of response control.
Field Tests A simple analysis of your players’ could be carried out via the following field tests (see tests 1,2,3 and 4)
Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
ACCELERATION TEST OVER 10 AND 30M • Players line up at first cone • Setup 3 cones; o Cone 1 at start o Cone 2 at 10 meters o Cone 3 at 30 meters
• Players sprint as quick as possible over the 30m distance • Record times at the 10m cone and at the 30m cone • Perform 3 repetitions (record average time) with 2 minutes recovery
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U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
AGILITY TEST 1
PROGRESSION
1
• Players line up at first cone • Setup 9 cones; o Cone 1 at start o Cone 2-5 at 5 meters in zigzag pattern o The other 4 cones are placed in the corners as illustrated • Sprint to the second cone at 5m mark and manoeuvre sharply in/out through cone zigzag • Run diagonally backwards around cone 6 before a final 10m sprint to the finish at cone 7 • Perform 4 repetitions (2 on each side) 2 minutes recovery and record average time
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2
Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
3
• Players line up at first cone • Setup 8 cones; o Cone 1 at start o 3 Cone pair setup as illustrated o 1 finish cone
ORGANIZATION
• Players line up at first cone • Setup 7 cones; o 1 starting cone o 1 ladder as illustrated o 1 central cone o 5 Cones are placed as illustrated
PROGRESSION
• Sprint for 10m and on arrival at gates players’ have to check and weave through via a ‘full figure of 8’ movement ensuring acceleration between each gate • Perform 3 repetitions (record average time) with 2 minutes recovery.
• Start with a 10m sprint through the agility ladder (jump, step, 2 forward/1 backward - all variations possible) to the central cone agility ladder • The player accelerates to each cone 5m away from a central point and returns using a reverse sprint movement • Perform 3 repetitions (record average time) with 2 minutes recovery
COACHING
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PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
AGILITY TEST 2
• Monitoring and evaluation of progress is a vital component of any training programme and from the results specific work can be tailored to suit the needs of your squad and individuals • Accumulation of Potential: this involves a combination of movements within a 30 second time frame. Specific circuits can be designed to develop programmed agility and fitness conditioning. In football, the skills are not isolated but clustered E.g. run for 20 yards, decelerate, fast feet to change direction, jump, turn and side-step.
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U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
QUICK FEET TEST
4
Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
• Player starts at centre cone (E), accelerates out to cone (A) and back to (E) and repeat to (B), (C) and (D). This equals 1 repetition • Perform 3 sets of 2 repetitions with 1 minute recovery between repetitions. • Focus on correct running mechanics, keep tight to cones on turns, run on balls of your feet with short steps when turning
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• Sprint to outer cone and ‘jockey’ backwards to central cone and repeat to other cones • Introduce a ball on cones A, B, C, D and player has to run with the ball and dribble back to central cone
U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
EXPRESSION OF POTENTIAL
PROGRESSION
5
• Players line up at first cone • 5 Cones are placed as illustrated
VARIATIONS
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
CORNER BALL AGILITY RUN
• This phase brings together all elements of the SAQ continuum focusing on high quality sport specific movements under pressure.
• Divide your squad into small-sided possession games as shown in Diagrams. Players can be conditioned to a set number of touches. You can also provide a focus for the session E.g. pressing the ball quicker and forcing play in one direction. • The football specific sessions (technical) motivates the players and provides a link and transition from the SAQ work.
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Final comments SAQ has become a fundamental part of my warm-up, fitness/conditioning and coordination work. I would like to take it a step further and prioritise players who need specific work on a ‘one to one’ basis. Too many coaches’ and recruitment staff dismiss players’ for individual flaws E.g. ‘player (x) can’t turn quick enough’ or ‘player (x) can only go one way’. Many of these individual weaknesses’ could be easily corrected through specific work programmes and establishing nerve circuits.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Name: Andy Blight Education: UEFA ‘A’ licence, BA (Hons) Club: Middlesbrough FC, Newcastle United FC academy coach, England SFA coach, FA Coach Educator SAQ International Advanced trainer 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
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No.37 February 2010
Training Sessions
SNEAK PEEK INTO THE AZ ALKMAAR YOUTH ACADEMY:
Age objectives U13-U19 The objective of the AZ youth academy is clear: produce two players from the youth academy for the first team every year starting with the 2011-2012 season. Furthermore, 75% of the U21 team players must find a spot somewhere in professional football, whether it be at AZ or another professional club. Currently the number of players the AZ academy is producing is a little disappointing, but the club aspires to change this in the near future. Setting up a fruitful youth academy takes time, and AZ is willing to invest this time.
The academy vision is to be innovative, forward-think and accessible and educate youth players with that in mind. The academy managers and executive board have established certain core values, such as common sense, ambitious, accessible and being 1 team. AZ wants a warm and familiar atmosphere where players and parents feel safe, without compromising the level of professionalism.
Three learning plans The youth academy is an important pillar of the club. A successful AZ player is being educated according to three learning plans: football-technical education to development a professional player; physical education to development a top athlete; and mental-social education to development good sportsman. AZ uses these three facets to educate youth
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No.38 April 2010
players, who must be capable of playing at the top European level. Scouting is another important aspect, the vision states AZ wants to tie the biggest talents from the region to the club. Manual All processes and forms at the academy have been described in a policy manual. This manual for the academy on all departments and describes how they work. Another manual is the football manual. The most important aspect of this manual is are the age objectives. What must a player be able to do and know at the end of an age group. AZ has divided the age objectives into developing technique, developing the tactical aspects and developing physically.
position specialization start with this age group. This doesn't mean that you can't tell when an U15 is going to be a central defender or a striker, of course you can tell with certain players, but AZ believes the U15s are too young to specialize. System of play The football manual also states which system of play AZ adheres. The U13s play a 4:3:3 with a flat midfield. The 4:3:3 with the point forward starts with the U14s and the U17s play a 4:2:3:1. At this age the must be able to play against other system as well. AZ describes tasks and functions per position and for the team. The intentions are guiding in this, meaning we want to play offensive, dominant, technical, with good position play and pressure.
AZ strives to develop an AZ-method on how to educate their players. This method has to ensure that all trainers are following the educational guide and that there is a logical build up from the U13s up to the U19s. The method is the red line, but the trainer has the freedom to adjust where he sees fit. If his team is way ahead on a certain aspect, but behind on another, the trainer must have the freedom to adapt accordingly. Starting with the U17s the end goals are combined with tasks and functions within a certain position. AZ believe that the
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Training Sessions
Age U19 objectives Team (age/ category): AZ U19
- 9 v9 plus 2 goalkeepers - Field: The goal of the TTC (team to coach, yellow) is placed on edge of the box. The goal of the TNTC (team not to coach, blue) is on the other end of the field (regular goal positioning) - Both teams have to score on a large goal - TTC : 1-3-3-3 (with the point forward) - TNTC : 1-4-3-2 (with the point forward)
Team function: defense Team task: interfere
Role opponent: Opponent tries to build up using a 1:4:3:3 with the point forward
Exceptional rules PROGRESSION
Playing area: On and around the middle line
- Ball out = start with the goalkeeper of TNTC
Playing style TNTC - Build up from the back - 7 and 11 TNTC have to make the field as wide as possible
Variations Objective: improve the cooperation between the midfielders on and around the middle line during build up of the opponent on their own half, in which the ball must be conquered and cover must be provided by monitoring the distances between the players
- Play for 2 minutes - Central defenders pick up the ball and are forced to play to 5 or 2, whereby 2 and 4 are not allowed to go deep yet - During build up 3 and 4 (wingers) play deeper on the flanks; midfielders 6 and 8 cover in the center on the side of the ball - Guided coaching
ORGANIZATION
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General
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Space: 70-75 x 70 meters Number of bibs: 10 yellow / 10 blue Number of balls: 10 Number of cones: 4 Number of goals: 1 fixed goal / 1 mobile goal
Training Sessions 1st half
1
- Influence playing style TNTC and create norms to coaching of TTC - TTC: coach them in stealing the ball and cover through on the opponents half - Lines shift and sag close to each other to the side of the ball
4
3
2
11
10
DETAILS
7
6
2nd half
5
9
8
10
- Wanting to steal the ball faster and score goals - Pressure opponent to build up quickly
6
8
11
7 5
3
2
1
Movements on the ball:
INSTRUCTIONS
Midfielders: - Blocking, heading, sliding - After stealing the ball first pass to free player in order to seek depth - Receiving, wall passing, long and short passes
Movements off the bal: Central defenders: - 3 provides cover for 6 (cover opponents number10 when he goes deep, prolong this for as long as possible). Midfielders: - 6 must pressure at the right time (i.e. bad pass from opponent) in order to gain possession; Opponent may not cross the ball to the other side! 8 must cover just below the middle line
Attackers: - Prevent a through pass - Give the opponents wingbacks a little space to force them to the side on which we want to steal the ball - 9 must cover the passing lane to 3 . 11 must dare to let 3 go
Vision: Defenders: - Recognize the moment to cover through - Midfielders and/or striker recognize the moment in which they must executive full pressure on the opponent (player) who has possession. Make sure the ball cannot be passed into the free zone, only wide and back Midfielders: - Have to cover each other in order to help an open midfielder
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Training Sessions
Age U17 objectives Team (age/ category): AZ U17
- 8 v8 plus 2 goalkeepers - TTC: 1:4:3:1 - TNTC: 1:2:3:3
Team function: offense
Playing area: own half
Exceptional rules PROGRESSION
Team task: build up
Role opponent: Interrupt the build up on the opponent's half using a 1:4:3:3 with the point forward
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Free scoring for TTC Score within 20 seconds TNTC Play with offsides Ball out = start with the goalkeeper of TTC
Steps - 1.Defense TNTC play high pressure or positioning around the middle line
Duration - Approx. 25 minutes
Objective: improve the build up by means of our defense and midfield, on our own half and around the middle line. When we start the build up at our goalkeeper, the opponent will cover our central defenders in order to interrupt the build up. Our 2 and 5 must open and able to receive a pass by dropping back or going deeper
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ORGANIZATION
40
General
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Space: length 90 meters, width standard field width Number of bibs: 10 yellow / 10 blue Number of balls: 16 Number of cones: 20 Number of goals: 2 large goals
Training Sessions Condition training Explosive sprint 9x30m at 90%, 30 second rest 9v9; 2x14 minutes, 2 minute rest
1st half
1
Influence playing style TNTC and create norms to coaching of TTC TNTC: Pressure on the opponents half to interrupt the build up and gain possession
4 9
3 6
8
8
DETAILS
6 10 7
9 5
11 2
10
2nd half Same as first half TTC must be coached in defending the offense line of the TNTC, gain possession and find the open midfielder or directly pass to the striker (passing lane must be open, players must seek to create this)
4 3
INSTRUCTIONS
1
- Move as a team - Work together with your line - Perform team task as individual
shooting, fakes, through passing - 9: receiving, passing, dribbling, scoring, fakes
Movements off the bal:
Vision:
- 1: play along on side of the ball - 2/5: on same line as central defenders, ask for the ball, be (turned) open to receive the ball - 3/4: not to far away from each other, be (turned) open to receive the ball - 6/8/10: be (turned) open to receive the ball, try to lure direct opponent out of position - 9: keep field as wide as possible
- 1: see the open player - Keep field wide as a team - 3/4 TTC: beat opponents striker, recognize the open player on midfield, passing to correct side (foot), passing in run, crossing - 6/8/10 TTC: using the areas, get in between the opponents lines, recognize 2:1 situations and 1:1 in final third. Move contra from each other as a line
Movements on the ball: - 1: passing, receiving, goal kick - 2/5: receiving, wall passing, passing, dribbling, through passing - 3/4: receiving. passing, through passing, crossing - 6/8/10 TTC: receiving, shielding, passing, dribbling,
Communication: - Coach each other (receiving/wall pass/turn) - Coach on ball (provide solution when you pass, eye contact, coach the way of passing, to which foot)
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Training Sessions
Age U15 objectives Team (age/ category): AZ U15
- 7+gk v 7 - TTC: 0:1:3:3 - TNTC: 1:4:3:0
Team function: offense
Exceptional rules
Playing area: around the middle line and on opponent's half Role opponent: Interrupt the opponent's build up on your own half Objective: to improve the passing to the strikers from the midfielders on and around the middle line and on the opponent's half whenever the midfielders have played themselves open and 1 of the opponent's defenders have steps out to cover the open midfielder. The opponent plays in a 1:4:3:3 with the point forward
PROGRESSION
Team task: build up
- TTC: Score on large goal - TNTC: Within 20 seconds of stealing the ball they have to score on one of the 2 small goals - Start at small goals by 4 - Rotate players 4/10 TTC
Variations -
Field larger/wider, smaller/narrower Play offside TNTC Player more/less TTC Player more/less TNTC Line dribble instead of small goals
Duration Approx. 25 minutes
ORGANIZATION
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General
- Space: 50x60 meters - Number of bibs: 7 yellow / 8 blue - Number of balls: 20 - Number of cones: 20 - Number of goals: 1 large goals, 2 small goals
1
4 3 2
5
9
7
11
6
8
10
8 6
10
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Training Sessions Winning
Movements off the bal:
-
DETAILS
- 4: be open at the back, move up into midfield, be open - 6/8: become open, keep field wide, cover controlled, go deep, run into open space, turn open, keep passing lane open - 10: become open between the opponent's midfielders and the defenders ask for the ball by coming into the ball or going deep, create space for strikers - 7/11: keep field wide, ask for the ball, become open, choose position in front of goal, turn open when a ball is crossed - 9: keep field large, create space, become open, keep opponent in the back, lure opponent away
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What do you do in offense As a team Make field bigger (width and depth) Think deep and play deep when possible Keep possession Optimal positioning As a line The intention is to open up a player at all times Choose position in relation to the opponent Ball speed, coach each other As an individual Recognize when the ball goes and where it goes Choose position, become open and able to receive a pass
INSTRUCTIONS
Movements on the ball: - 4: dribble in, passing, no loss of possession - 6/8: receiving, dribbling, passing, through passing, crossing, shooting - 10: receiving, passing, executing moves, shooting, 1:2s - 7/11: receiving away from the opponent, passing, end passing, wall passing to midfielder, shooting, scoring - 9: scoring, shooting, receiving, wall passing, executing moves, through passing on wingers
Application phase -
8+GK v 8+GK TTC: 1:4:3:1 TNTC: 1:2:3:3 2 large goals on 3/4 of a field Play with offside When offside or out of bounds start again with the goalkeeper and build up from the back
Vision: - Recognize an open player, high ball speed, runs of the ball into the open space or towards the ball
1
3
Communication: - Coach after a ball, provide cover, control, think, coach - What is the intention?
4 9 7
11
5
2
8 10
6
10
8
6
3 9 1
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Training Sessions
Age U13 objectives Team (age/ category): AZ U13
- 5 v 6+gk - TTC: 2:3 - TNTC: 1:4:2
Team function: defense
Exceptional rules
Playing area: opponent's half Role opponent: build up own half
PROGRESSION
Team task: disturb
Objective: to improve the cooperation between the attackers and midfielders on the opponent's half whenever on of the opponent's defenders receives a pass. The opponent plays in a 1:4:3:3 with the point forward
ORGANIZATION
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General
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- TTC: Within 20 seconds of stealing the ball they have to score on the large goal - TNTC: Score by dribbling or passing into the marked area behind the middle line
Variations -
Field larger/smaller No back passing to goalkeeper Player more/less TTC Player more/less TNTC Line dribble instead of dribbling or passing into area
- Space: 45x55 meters - Number of bibs: 5 yellow / 7 blue - Number of balls: 20 - Number of cones: 20 - Number of goals: 1 large goal
1
4
3
5 2 7
9 11 6 8
8 6
Training Sessions Movements off the bal:
Winning
- 9 TTC: force the build up to one side, fall back - 7/11 TTC: Short cover, shield passing lane, shift and sag, fall back - 6/8 TTC: Short cover, shield passing lane, shift and sag, take depth out
-
What do you do in defense As a team Make field small and compact Shift and sag towards the ball As a line Provide back cover Cover through As an individual Recognize when the ball goes and where it goes - When you recognize this put full pressure on the opponent
- 9 TTC: prevent deep pass and wide play, blocking and sliding - 7/11 TTC: prevent deep pass, blocking and sliding - 6/8 TTC: prevent deep pass, positioning in relation to the opponent, blocking and sliding
Vision:
DETAILS
INSTRUCTIONS
Movements on the ball:
- 9 TTC: recognize the moment to start disturbing the opponent - 7/11 TTC: recognize the moment to start disturbing the opponent, shield the passing lane through the middle or on the outside. Short cover when in zone - 6/8 TTC: recognize the moment to start disturbing the opponent, shield the passing lane through the middle or on the outside. Short cover when in zone
Application phase -
7+GK v 8+GK TTC: 1:1:3:3 TNTC: 1:4:3:1 2 large goals on 3/4 of a field Play with offside When offside or out of bounds start again with the goalkeeper and build up from the back
Communication: - Attack the ball together, therefore recognizing what everyone is doing and wants to do - Monitor distances between your teammates - Coach each other - What is the intention?
1
3 4 9 7
11
5
2
8 10
6
10
8
6
3 9 1
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Analysis
HANS DE JONG, SCOUT SC HEERENVEEN ON MATCH ANALYSIS (2)
“It is not about the system, but about solving situations” In our previous issue SC Heerenveen scout Hans de Jong provided us with a clear description of the function of analyzing matches at various levels. The differences do not only lie within the capabilities a club has to analyze matches, but also in the capabilities the players have on what to do with this information. The most valuable tip was finding the open player and how to utilize this player. This question will become even more interesting when we look at playing 4-4-3 against 4-4-2. “At certain levels in amateur football most of the teams play with two forwards instead of three. When a team playing 4-4-2 is playing against a team who play 4-3-3, one team always seems to be having more problems dealing with this then the other,” according to Hans de Jong it is not just about recognizing the playing style, but more so about how the players deal with solutions. By: Hans Slender
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The discussion on systems is often endless. Especially in the football talk shows on television the 4-2-3-1’s, hanging strikers and the point forward and backward are often discussed. “In essence it is all about whether you play with two or three forwards, 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. The rest are all variations. When you play with hanging wingers you could argue that you are playing sort of a 4-5-1 or a 4-2-3-1, but that is dependent on which player you position where and how you deal with solving problems.” A Dutch national team playing 4-2-3-1 with Robben and Van Persie as wingers is in essence nothing more than a 4-3-3 with the point forward. With Sneijder and Van der Vaart on the wings it will look more like a 4-5-1. This discussion is really not that interesting because the opponent's wingbacks will cover through and tactically it will not change a whole lot. The differences can be found individually. “Another system that you hear about from time to time is the 3-2-3-2, which in my eyes is the same as a 3-5-2. There aren't a lot of team who play this, but when two team who both play in a 4-4-2 compete, you will see a 3-5-2 arising. Because of tactical changes in the system of the opponent a team often end up playing very differently then on paper. That is why I don't think the discussion about systems of play are all that interesting, I prefer to look at and discuss the solutions that are used in certain situations.”
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Name “Give it a name!” Hans de Jong is not that interested in what the various system are called, as long as the players and staff know what is meant by it. Do you call it loss of possession, opponent possession or defense? It doesn't really matter as long as everyone knows what you are talking about. “This is where it often goes wrong. The trainer will talk about playing with the point forward, a diamond or bowl, covering through, shifting and sagging, the trainer is throwing all these terms out there and the players often say they understand. But do they? Sometimes players just want the coach to shut up, so they can start playing. When the communication is not good the trainer will not see the things that were agreed on back on the pitch. But who's fault is that? The trainer is ultimately responsible.”
Variations "With the 4-4-2 system there are several variations possible. The large variations frequently occur within midfield occupancy. If you play with two controlling players in the centre and two deep wingers, which we refer to as a 'bowl', or do you play with a controlling and an attacking midfielder and position the wingers more inside; a 'diamond'. In offense there are also two variations possible, do you position your forwards closely together or farther from each other with an open centre. With these
“COMMUNICATION WHEN PLAYING ZONE FOOTBALL MUST BE OPTIMAL” different variations the open spaces on the pitch will also vary. Of course you can also endlessly vary with the types of players on certain positions. A deep strong target striker with fast agile players around him are
different than playing with two static or two agile forwards. This is merely adapting your playing style to the players who have available as a coach."
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Diagrams 4-3-3 with the point forward against 4-4-2 in a 'bowl'
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Diagram 1: 4-3-3 with the point forward against 4-4-2 in a bowl
Diagram 2: 4-3-3 with the point forward against 4-42 in a bowl (wingbacks move up)
No.39 May 2010
Diagrams
“The first question is, do we adapt or not? If we do not adapt, then problems will arise or won't they? Many teams will start to play with the midfielders tucked inside, which will push the wingbacks to the opponents halfwingers (see diagram 1). Most wingbacks, at any level, do not like it when they don't have a direct opponent. We analyzed this a couple of years ago in the Dutch second division and concluded that in some teams the wingback who did not have a direct opponent would seek one by moving all the way up to the middle line. What may happen then it that teams are playing 2v2 on one half (see diagram 2), which is hard to defend and when you do this you are asking for problems. What surprised me the most is the number of coaches who wouldn't do anything about this. Every (long) pass in the open space is dangerous, when the opponent has one good header and a fast player around him. Fortunately this is happening less frequently lately." “Beside the fact that it is dangerous, this solution can also have its advantages,
because it will leave you with a player more on the axis of the midfield Because the backs move up and take on the outer midfielders, your midfielders can play more inside, where a 3v2 situation arises (see diagram 2). The opponent will probably not leave the attacking midfield open, which means one of our half wingers will become the open player. This is naturally a great situation to be in. The funny thing is that on paper you are outnumbered on midfield by 1 player when you play 4-3-3 against 4-4-2, but that this solution gives you an advantage of 1 player on midfield allowing you to easily outplay your opponent. In order for this to be successful you will need players who have the quality to outplay your opponent and you must be willing to take the risk of being slaughtered by the opponent in 2v2 situations on a counter-attack. As long as you are better then the opponent and you have a lot of possession, this is a viable option. You must, however, ensure this open player gets the ball, because this often goes wrong."
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Diagrams 4-3-3 with the point backwards against 4-4-2 in a bowl
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Diagram 3: 4-3-3 with the point backwards against 4-4-2 in a bowl
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Systems of play can be in 'fashion' so to speak. Now that everybody wants to play with two controlling players, the 4-3-3 with the point backwards seems to have been forgotten. This system can however be a good solution to play with less risk against an opponent who plays 4-4-2. “The difference is that in this situation the open player is positioned in front of the defenders. This means a 3v2 situation arises in defense (see diagram 3). The best thing in this situation is to play with two covering players and with a player who takes care of the build up. The third player will not provide cover, but will be in a good position to solve things in the organization. Furthermore, in this situation it will be harder for the opponent to reach their forwards. In the build up the defending midfielder will often be the open player, still giving you the advantage on midfield. This is a fairly safe solution and you can use it to outplay an opponent who plays 4-4-2."
Zone When playing a 4-4-2 operational spaces arise. These spaces mainly open up on the flanks, but this is slightly dependent on the playing style. These spaces occur less when playing in a 4-3-3, where the positions are occupied more and spaces arise when the players start to move. For example when the backs will move up toward the opponent's half-wingers, problems may arise. The solution could be found in zone football. "If you want to solve these problems by playing zone football, I do foresee additional problems for many teams. Questions like when to cover through, when to play more compact and when to provide back cover will surface. The backs will have to make more choices, whereas this is frequently not the strength of players in this position. The communication when playing zone football must be optimal and there is much less clarity. Playing in zones, or positional football, or whatever you want to call it, is considerably cumbersome, and demands a lot of training.�
Line
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Diagram 4: zone football in a 4-4-2
The classic form of zone football is part of the 4-4-2 system, whereby you play in three flat lines and you do not cover through. The entire team shifts to the side of the ball and the other side provides back cover (see diagram 4). “With the classic form of zone football you, for example, play on offside.
No.39 May 2010
Maintaining the line is sacred. This demands a lot of communication, but some teams can do this to perfection. However, even in professional football, this playing style is rare. In Holland it is not used, although we do see some accents from this style once in a while. Like a back who doesn't go deep until the ball appears to be coming to his side of the field. But the real zone football is never seen in Holland and I don't recommend it at the amateur level.�
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Choices
Diagram 5: 4-3-3 with the point forward against 4-4-2 in a bowl (shifting)
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“You can however mix it in with another playing style. A good solution is to have one wingback cover through on the side of the ball and the other wingback will shift and provide back cover (see diagram 5). This will ensure you are not completely facing a 2v2 situation in the centre of your defense. This does however ask for some good vision on the game from your wingbacks. First from the wingback on the side of the ball, as he will have to cover through at the right moment. If he doesn't do it at the right moment the opponent's half-winger will be able to turn open without resistance and a dangerous situation will arise after all. The danger can however also arise on the other side when that wingback shifts and provides back cover too late. In this case the advantage is limited and there is still a danger in the centre. On top of that you have to be able to execute pressure in such a way that the opponent is unable to open
with a pass to the other side. If they succeed at this your team will be in very poor positioning to do anything about it. For a lot of players this is not an option, as they will need more clarity, but at a higher level this can be a viable option."
Build up As pointed out before the choices that have to be made in the system of play are not just dependent on the situations that arise in defense. With clever positioning and movements advantageous situations can arise in offense as well. “I recently saw a match in which two forwards positioned themselves between the central defenders and the wingbacks of the opponent. This is something we are seeing more often lately. The opponent's coach was however quick to solve this situation as he instructed his goalkeeper to roll the ball in between the central defender to an incoming half winger. These half wingers would ask for the ball interchangeably and were able to easily turn open, because they had no one covering them (see diagram 6). This was clearly a well prepared solution, maybe even the result of a good match analysis. The situation arose several times throughout the game, so clearly it was not a coincidence. Subsequently the other midfielders had to make choices, allowing advantageous situations to occur. This shows you can take advantage of preparing your players for situations that may arise during the match.�
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Diagram 6: build up 4-3-3 with the point backwards against 4-4-2 in a bowl
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No.39 May 2010
Effort “Something that I always notice is that teams across several amateur levels have difficulties playing against two forwards. Yet this is something you can easily discuss. Against three forwards we will play like this and against two forwards we will play like this. It's not that complicated and you can train on it as well. Of course you can think of numerous reason why train situations like these are difficult; too few playing, too little time, poor field conditions, etc. Still you can discuss it and assign tasks. Regardless I all too often see teams who have problems when the opponent plays slightly different from what they are used to. It is all a matter of who does what and when. Whether you solve the problem with three of four defenders is not an issue, as long as everybody is clear on what you are doing.”
teams like Italy, Portugal and France are playing with flank players again. Now you can argue whether this system actually means you are playing with three forwards or one, but that has more to do with whether you are stronger during the match then with the intention prior to the match. It is about who you position on the flanks. Lionel Messi is not a half-winger, he may start there when in transition to possession, but in fact you are really playing with a flank player. It is about how players execute their tasks and solve situations. That is how you make a difference in a match, not by choosing to play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.”
Trend “In the end you can always find a solution which accentuates your teams strength and your opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately a lot of trainer will be influenced by what is happening at the professional level. When professional teams start playing a certain way, amateur trainers pick up on the trend and try to copy it. They forget to consider their team's strengths and weaknesses. The system of play is not what matters in the end. In the past people would say that playing with three forwards at the professional level was a death wish, now
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No.38 April 2010
Youth Training MK DONS ACADEMY:
Counter Attacking for Kids 59
One of the most important phases of the game for any age is the point of transition or when the possession changes from one team to another. In Youth football counter attacks happen naturally because young players will regularly give the ball away. The younger the players the more the ball changes hands from one team to another, however, an elite group of younger players may keep the ball longer than an older team of grassroots players. Most counter attacks at the younger ages will be truly ‘accidental’ and occur without much ‘planning’ however as they become older, better and more experienced, there is a greater element of individual and group planning. The role of the coach is to give the players ideas of what is possible when they regain the ball or lose it. By: Dan Micciche
No.39 May 2010
Counter attacks or quick breaks may occur as a result of a long ball played up field to one or two attackers, a collective effort using combination play, an individual effort or a team pressing to regain the ball early. It can start from anywhere on the field and involve one, few or many players.
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Mentally preparing the players as young as possible to recognise that the fast break is ‘on’ and effective is as essential as the technical skills the players will need to put such a move together. Players will need to think and act quickly and in the end instinctively to take advantage of a team out of position or a team slow to recognise an opportunity and this window of opportunity is around 6 seconds at the highest level.
Tips for kids 1. Win the ball as quickly as you can. If not, you may have to drop back. 2. Think, look, play & move forward quickly, if possible, with or without the ball. 3. If you cannot play forward look quickly for a teammate who may be able to. 4. Try to predict a change over in possession - this will give you a real edge. 5. Think of 6 - 10 seconds (depending on age & Ability) as the ‘window of opportunity’ for a fast break. 6. Decide as quickly as you can how you are going to break (e.g. pass or dribble).
No.39 May 2010
Here are 10 ‘tried and tested’ small group practices that may help younger players (U9 – 11’s) develop their understanding and skills at counter attacking. Each practice involves them working in small groups (no more than 4) so there are less decisions, rules and pressure.
Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
COUNTER ATTACKING FROM DEEP
1
• Divide the field into 2 halves • Size appropriate to age & ability
• Reds defend the goal 3 V 3 • Reds drop off into their own half to defend • Yellows attack the reds goal in 3’s from behind the other goal • Yellows must keep at least one player in the yellow half • If reds win the ball back reds get an extra player who comes in from anywhere along the side line to make 4 V 3 against the yellows • Develop as required • Score 2 goals and swap around • Make sure the area is long enough to leave space behind for the reds to exploit • Add offsides
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U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
• Players work in pairs and at either end of the area • Area size – relative to age & Maturity • All balls with yellows • Develop numbers and rules to suit • Go through the practice with the ball in hands first if required • Play offsides • Make sure the area is not too long (enable recovery runs from defenders)
PROGRESSION
CHANGING SPEED
• Yellows (A) passes out to reds & defends 1 V 2 • Once the ball has moved into yellows end zone & there is a shot, the 2nd yellow (with a ball) Attacks the other end (reds end) • If yellow (A) wins the ball in the middle area they can get 2nd yellow player and make 2 V 2 against reds • If yellow delays reds long enough (decided by the coach or time limit) B can join in to make 2 V2 • Swap roles so all players get a chance to attack and defend
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
• Targets (reds & yellows) try to score by passing the ball between the defenders one touch • Blues work on winning the ball back & breaking out the area quickly in any direction or together • Targets are locked on their respective lines
WARM UP GAME ORGANIZATION
3
• Play several games at once • Don’t make the areas size too big or too small (is it big enough for the defenders to work hard but still have a chance of winning the ball ?) • Develop the numbers and rules to suit
U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
PROGRESSION
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PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
4V2 INTRO GAMES
• Area size relative to the age & ability of the players
• Yellows keep possession of the ball in the middle using the targets on the outside to help • Yellows score when they play off a target player and get it back either as a wall pass or to someone else on their team • Yellows cannot score using the same target twice in succession • Reds work on winning the ball back and passing out quickly to any target • Encourage reds to pass out ‘one touch’ or play a set up pass to someone else who can • Targets then play the ball back into the yellows • Rotate target players • Encourage gk’s to be in the middle as well as on the outside
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
THIRDS GAME • Divide the area into 1/3rds • The middle 1/3rd will be much narrower than the ends • Balls with the GK’s
• Example - Yellows - Play out from the back • A yellow forward can drop into the safe zone to collect a pass from the back. • Attack the red end using the safe zone to help keep the ball • Another yellow can support to make 4 V 3 against reds but one yellow must always be in the safe zone as a ‘Pivot player’ • If reds win the ball back they can counter attack quickly against yellows who are left outnumbered (2 V 3) • Develop as required • Play Off sides • Encourage quick play out from the back • Play two way game • Take away the safe zone
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U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
TURNING & BREAKING OUT
PROGRESSION
5
• Yellows play a 2 – 2 – 2 formation • Reds play a 1 – 3 – 1 formation
• Yellows score by working the ball from one end going thru midfield area • Reds work on winning the ball in the middle 1/3rd centrally and breaking to either goal as quickly as they can. • Rotate players • Yellows can miss out midfield and go direct from end to end but they do not score • Yellows must keep a 2 : 2 : 2 formation. Positions may change but shape stays the same • Yellows are locked in their zones if they lose the ball • Develop as required • Free up reds to go where they want • Play off sides
No.39 May 2010
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
• Reds 5 – passes = goal but one of them must be 1 touch • Reds can use Neutral players to help • Yellows win the ball back and play quickly into Neutral players who then attack the goal • One red player can make a recovery run to stop the Neutral player from scoring • A support player from yellows can also join in • Develop as required
U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
7
• Divide the area as shown • Reds work on keeping possession of the ball (4 V 6) in the middle
INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY (FRIEND OR FOE)
PROGRESSION
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PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
PRESSING & BREAKING QUICKLY
• Work in 3’s • Develop as required • Make sure all players get a chance to be in the middle
• Pass to middle player (up & back) • At any time the middle player can choose to attack one of the end players & try to get over the line • End players switch from passing to middle player (friend) to defending against him (foe) • Once player has got over the line both players (attacker & Defender) may choose to attack 2 V 1 the 3rd player at the other end. • Progress to working in 4’s (2 groups of 2) • 2 yellows combine in the middle • At anytime one yellow can break out and attack 1 v 1 or 2 v 1 (against a red) • The red at the opposite end recovers to make 2v2
No.39 May 2010
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
COUNTER ATTACKING 1V1 OR 2V1 • Reds outnumber the yellows to start • Develop as required • Add off sides
• Reds defend the penalty area - leave one forward up • Yellows attack the reds goal and all players except one defender are in and around the penalty area • Yellows have a Neutral player who stays in the safe zone and helps yellows attack • When reds win the ball back, they pass either to the neutral player or direct to the forward • The neutral player + The forward combine to try and score in the yellow end • Add pushing up (beyond safe zone )for yellows when counter attacking
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U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
ORGANIZATION
CHANGING SPEED
PROGRESSION
9
• 6v6 with goalkeepers • Reds have 10 attacks / balls
• Reds play out from the GK, they may play out from the back or straight into the forwards • If reds get the ball into yellow half they have to send a player up to make 4 V 3 but it is a 1 touch finish on goal • Yellows work on winning the ball and breaking out quickly. • All yellows must be in reds half for the goal to count • The coach may blow a whistle to signal a counter attack is ‘on’ • The coach may nominate certain players who play 1 touch
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Possession Opponent U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 A
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PROGRESSION
ORGANIZATION
FORWARD PASSING • 6v6 with goalkeepers
• 2 Neutral players who work in the middle zone on the side. They cannot score • Play a game where the team in possession can use the neutral players to help them attack • Teams must push up and play in the attacking two zones leaving the defending zone empty • Work on counter attacks into the empty zone • Players can use the Neutrals to help • Develop as required • Add off sides
No.39 May 2010
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Retired players help coaches
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Internacional decided to use retired players, who expect they can help with their experience. During the upcoming weeks, the group of retired players will spend time talking to the coaches, starting with the youth coaches. The first players who talked with the coaches was Paulo Roberto Falcão, he is a club idol and he spoke to the current youth coaches about his career and on the differences between football in the past and today.
Grêmio tests hydration Football club Grêmio partnered with Gatorade to test player hydration. Gatorade design a test called the Sweat Test, which measures the degree of hydration during physical activity. The results are used to see which players need more rest and which players could produce more intense activity. The test is done in two phases. In the first phase, measures how much weight and how much liquid the player lost in the activity and how much he has restored. Phase two analyses how much the players sweats. The test results serve as a parameter in the intensity of training. This also shows who needs to change their hydration routine and it helps the coach to plan breaks during training sessions.
No.39 May 2010
Jokes are part of the training Santos FC is the Brazilian soccer sensation in 2010. The team hired Brazilian forward Robinho, who came from Manchester City and is part of the national team. With him and guys like Neymar and Paul Henrique, Santos FC has shown a style that blends speed, happiness and jokes. The Santos FC training sessions follow a pattern of tactical exercises and activities to prepare the team for their upcoming games. They train a lot of positioning and possession exercises and low-limit touches of the ball. But after all the activities, the players have time to play with the ball and play informal games amongst themselves. There is even a system in place, which has been created by the players. They penalize the players who lose these little games. Their coach Dorival Junior also implemented an idea to reward players on doing thing they have difficulties with. For example, he promised Robinho a barbeque party for every time the striker scores a goal with a header.
Paulista uses hypnosis in training sessions Paulista, a team who almost relegated to the second division of the regional championship in São Paulo, used a different way to complement their traditional training. During the last weeks of the tournament, the
Brazilian Corner team hypnotist to work with the players. Olimar Tesser worked with them for a month. He conducted motivational activities and hypnosis sessions to try to increase the team's moral. "The players learned the strength of mind and discovered that it can be an important weapon", Tesser said. One of the exercises
he had the players perform was a carpet of broken glass. The players had to walk on the carpet to learn how to ignore the pain and overcome obstacles.
69 Why Pelé didn't become a coach Carlos Alberto Torres was the captain of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in 1970. Later he worked as a coach. Torres decided to abandon the second career because he couldn’t hear people calling him stupid, traditional insult for coaches who are unable to produce positive results in Brazil. "For someone who played at a high level for so long and had a successful career, being a coach is much more difficult", he says. The difficulty of dealing with the image is the reason that Torres uses to explain why Pelé never pursued a career as a coach: "He knew a lot about the tactical part and liked to practice, but he was the best player in the world and had a great responsibility". As a player Pelé had some privileges at Santos FC. Carlos Alberto, as captain, was responsible for managing Pelé's relationship with the other players. "We used to receive spending money for each trip. He always got more than the rest”, Torres says. "But that was OK, because he showed his worth on the field", he adds. Besides the technical aspect, the captain also notes that Pelé helped tactically as well. The final goal of the 1970 World Cup, scored by Torres himself is a great example. Coach Mario Zagallo told the team to move the ball from one side to the other. But Pelé moved more than just the ball, he shifted to the left side of the field, the same side the other strikers and midfielders were on, and opened a space for Carlos Alberto Torres on the right, which led to the goal. The Brazilian corner, a contribution "Pelé had a great talent to see the game, and from Universidade do Futebol it is difficult for a coach to teach or train that. www.universidadedofutebol.com.br He could predict the movement of defenders and find a space for the ball”, Torres says.
No.39 May 2010
WORLD CUP 2010
NEWS
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GALLAS ADAMANT HE WILL BE FIT France defender William Gallas is adamant he will be fit for the World Cup finals despite an injury-plagued season with Arsenal. Gallas has not played since suffering a recurrence of a calf injury against Barcelona in the Champions League on March 31 and is facing a race against time to make the plane for South Africa. France boss Raymond Domenech, who will name a provisional 23-man squad on May 11, has already stated he won't be taking any player with fitness issues threatening his participation. But Gallas remains confident he can prove he is ready to make a contribution to Les Bleus' campaign. "I am working hard to be in the squad," he told Le Parisien newspaper. "If I felt it wasn't possible I would have given up. Right now I feel good and ready to play for France."
No.39 May 2010
As for Domenech's stance on injured players, Gallas, who has won 78 caps for his country, added: "I think Raymond Domenech is informed about my personal situation although I have had no guarantee." Source: ESPN Soccernet
Various RUUD GIVEN SOUTH AFRICAN HOPE Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has insisted that veteran striker Ruud van Nistelrooy could still make the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, despite being omitted from an initial training squad. "As for Ruud, I'm giving myself until May 11 to decide," Van Marwijk told the De Telegraaf daily newspaper. "I'm leaving him until that date to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part in the World Cup."
"As for Ruud, I'm giving myself until May 11 to decide. I'm leaving him until that date to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part in the World Cup." Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk on Ruud van Nistelrooy's chances of making his squad for South Africa 2010
Van Marwijk yesterday named a 26-strong squad for a first training camp at Hoenderlo next week. A second camp with those players still involved with their clubs will be held in Austria later this month.
The Oranje, who have yet to win the FIFA World Cup despite reaching two Finals in 1974 and 1978, have been drawn with Denmark, Japan and Cameroon at South Africa 2010.
"My assistants and I have seen a lot of Ruud playing recently," Van Marwijk said. "We don't think it would be useful to call him up at the first step but that does not mean that he's out of the picture."
Van Marwijk will name a 30-man squad on 11 May, which will be trimmed to 23 on 1 June. The Netherlands have friendlies slated against Mexico, Ghana and Hungary before their South Africa 2010 curtain-raiser.
Van Nistelrooy, who joined Hamburg midway through the season from Real Madrid, had recently indicated that he would like to end his self-imposed exile from international football. The former Manchester United striker has scored 33 goals in his 64 international appearances for the Netherlands.
Source: Fifa
No.39 May 2010
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MICCOLI DISAPPOINTED BY ITALY SNUB Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli has conceded that his faint 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ hopes are over after he was again overlooked by Italy coach Marcello Lippi at the weekend.
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The 30-year-old Azzurri's squad camp in Rome, highest scorer in goals.
was not included in Gli for a three-day training despite being the thirdSerie A this term with 18
"I am disappointed to have been excluded considering I've had a good season," said Miccoli. "But what can I do but be patient. "It will mean that during the World Cup I will get to go to the beach with my family. But I wish Italy the best of luck in the tournament." Miccoli has been a key figure in Palermo's bid to achieve UEFA Champions League football next season. The Sicilians lie fifth in Serie A, two points behind Sampdoria, who hold the last qualifying berth with two rounds remaining. The former Juventus star has not featured for his country since a friendly against Finland in November 2004. Source: Fifa
No.39 May 2010
"I am disappointed to have been excluded considering I've had a good season. But I wish Italy the best of luck in the tournament." Fabrizio Miccoli after being left out of Italy’s latest squad
BECKHAM GOING TO WORLD CUP Former England captain David Beckham has confirmed he will be part of Fabio Capello's party for the World Cup this summer. Beckham saw his hopes of playing in a fourth finals wrecked when he ruptured his Achilles tendon while in action with AC Milan in March. The midfielder, who was playing in Italy during his loan stint from LA Galaxy, is not expected to be back in action until November after undergoing surgery. But Capello is keen for the 34-year-old to bring his experience and presence to South Africaand extended an invite to the Three Lionsfavourite. Beckham, speaking on the Late Show with
David Letterman, admitted he is still to make the final arrangements with the Italian but revealed he will be with the side. He said: "I won't be playing, but as a supporter and part of the team, the manager's invited me. I haven't spoken to him about details but it will be about how my leg will be." Pushing too hard Beckham admitted that the injury may have come about due to his eagerness to prove to Capello that he was fit and available for international duty. "I think I'd been running too much in the game and I was tired, there was a minute left and it just went," he added. "'I think in the last two years I've been pushing myself too hard because I wanted to get into the World Cup and stay in the English national team and I'd been flying from LA back to Europe a lot and I think it gave up." Beckham has no plans to leave Galaxy before the end of his contract and is still to decide on his next career move. "I will be playing for the Galaxy for the rest of the time now, for the rest of my contract," he insisted. "I've always honoured my contracts and I'll do that with the Galaxy. After that we'll see what happens, but I'm very happy there." Source: Sky Sports
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SOCCERCOACHINGINTERNATIONAL OFFERS YOU A SNEAK PREVIEW INTO OUR NEXT ISSUE. THE JUNE 2010 ISSUE WILL, AMONGST OTHERS, FEATURE THE FOLLOWING INTERVIEWS/ARTICLES:
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Larry Paul's Observations and orientation series (part 6) While Orientation is the key in the decision-making process you can’t stay in it for too long. If you do, you won’t generate timely Action-Tests or take in any new Observations. You’re stuck. Time fly’s by and you become a spectator having to find some way to rejoin the flow of the game. The pressing need for action is always at hand. Now we’ll look at four ways to measure and evaluate the DMP; time, number, quality and sustainability.
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No.38 April 2010
In the next issue:
Hans de Jong, scout SC Heerenveen on game analysis (part 3) 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. The first part looked 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. The second part focused on the possibilities in playing a 4-3-3 against an opponent who plays a 4-4-2. This third part tackles the issue choices that may to be made defensively and analyses the possibilities of playing 4-3-3 against an opponent who is plating 4-4-2 with a diamond on midfield.
...Other features: - Training sessions - Road to World Cup 2010 - Brazilian Corner - MK Dons academy - and more ...
Available online 1st week of June, 2010! No.38 April 2010
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Now also available in PDF All subscribers have received an email with a PDF download link. If you did not receive this email, please contact us at: info@soccercoachinginternational.com
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