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MAY 2011
NEW!
SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM EN ENGLISH NGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND DC COACHES OACHES NEWCASTLE UNITED
ALAN PARDEW
THE FINAL THIRD
TEAMWORK• MOVEMENT •GOALSCORING Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
MIDDLESBROUGH
WALSALL
CHESTERFIELD
STOKE CITY
TONY MOWBRAY Passing and possession
DEAN SMITH Finishing in the box
JOHN ANDY SHERIDAN QUY Clearing Great defensive danger Goalkeeping
ALDERSHOT TOWN
TIM COE Passing and overloads
IN P PARTNERSHIP WITH
Elite Soccer is published by:
ISSUE 10 MAY 2011: FROM THE CHAIRMAN Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148 Email: elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net Publisher: Kevin Barrow Editor: James Evans Contributing Editor: Matthew Amos, LMA Design: Jimmy Egerton Illustrator: Richard Palmer Customer Services: Duncan Heard Operations Director: Toby Curthoys Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths Photos: Action Images
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League Managers Association The Camkin Suite, 1 Pegasus House, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6LW, UK Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Email: lma@lmasecure.com President: Fabio Capello Chairman: Howard Wilkinson Chief Executive: Richard Bevan This publication is protected by national and international copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public. Elite Soccer members who have purchased this report may circulate electronic or hard copies to members of their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain. However, no part or whole of this report may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website or distributed commercially except under licence from the copyright owners. © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved
2 MAY 2011
03
Dedicatedcoaching insight from m respectedfootball pros
Dear Coach, Welcome to the May issue of Elite Soccer. This month, our contribution from the Barclays Premier League comes via Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew. The experienced Englishman has guided United to a respectable mid-table finish this season, and here he takes time out to present us with a great session for dynamic play in the final third.
Alan Pardew NEWCASTLE UNITED
The final third 05 Tony Mowbray MIDDLESBROUGH
Passing and possession 07 Dean Smith De WALSALL WAL
Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray is our featured manager from the npower Championship. Passing, possession and switching play are the key elements up for discussion in his session. Walsall boss Dean Smith shows the benefits of instinctive finishing in the penalty area, while our contribution from npower League Two comes via Chesterfield manager John Sheridan, who presents a session looking at defensive structure and regrouping quickly. In addition, Stoke City goalkeeping coach Andy Quy offers a fastmoving dedicated keeper practice, and Aldershot Town coach Tim Coe shows the benefits of successful overloads.
Finishing F i in i the box b 09 John Sheridan CHESTERFIELD
Clearing defensive danger
We hope you can use these exclusive sessions for your own team, m, and we look forward to bringing more your way next month.
11 Andy Quy STOKE CITY
Great goalkeeping
Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman
Elite Soccer is a monthly publication for professional, semi-professional and aspiring soccer coaches and is available by subscription only. £97 for 12 issues. To subscribe email duncanh@greenstarmedia.net or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894
13 Tim Coe ALDERSHOT TOWN
Passing and s overloads 15BOOKED
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17MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Ourreviewofthepastmonth www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Alan Pardew The final third
THE FINAL THIRD: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Half pitch
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This session is about the movement of strikers in and around the box. We begin with different phases of play, looking at attacking runs across the face of a defender, pulling off the shoulder, plus complex combination moves. All of these phases replicate movements required on match day, and all enhance our ability to create chances and score goals. We saw the key elements of this session in action for our opening goal at Birmingham City in February. Jonas Gutierrez provided the supply line for a confident finish from Peter Lovenkrands.
Balls, goals
“All of these phases replicate movements required on match day, and all enhance our ability to create chances and score goals.” 3 MAY 2011
1a
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
9 (6 attackers, 2 defenders, keeper) SESSION TIME
Practice 30mins, development 25mins
What do I get the players to do? Working on a half pitch, a defender is placed centrally on the edge of the 18-yard box. He is passive at first but can become active after the first three run-throughs. Ten yards further out are three strikers, with two wingers either to the left or the right. Runs across the face Attacker 1 passes to attacker 2, who receives the ball on the back foot, then passes to attacker 3. This player collects the ball in his stride, makes a run across the face of the passive defender and takes a shot at goal. As this shot is being despatched, the two wingers combine to send a deep cross into the six-yard box. The attacker advances to finish the move with a header or shot. Pulling off the shoulder The move begins as before, though this time attacker 3 receives the pass with his back to the defender. He pulls off the shoulder, turning and despatching a shot. The wingers
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Having received the pass, the attacker runs across the face of the defender and shoots at goal
1b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The wingers then combine to send a long pass in to the attacker
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Next, the attacker pulls off the shoulder, spins, and shoots www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
THE FINAL THIRD: MAIN SESSION
Alan Pardew NEWCASTLE UNITED Alan Pardew was installed as Newcastle United manager on December 9, 2010. Prior to arriving at St James’s Park, he had led both Reading and West Ham United to promotion, and also achieved the feat as a player with Crystal Palace. It was with Palace that Pardew really made his name after heading the winning goal in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. As a player he also turned out for Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, Barnet and Reading, plus a host of non-league sides. Pardew moved into management at Reading in 1999 following two spells in caretaker charge, before leading West Ham United to the 2006 FA Cup Final against Liverpool – a match the London club lost on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. He moved on to Charlton Athletic, then Southampton, where he clinched the Football League Trophy in March 2010, before returning to the Premier League with Newcastle.
again combine, though this time a pass is laid down the wing, with a ball across the six-yard box to be finished by the attacker. Combination play In the third phase, we add an extra defender and attacker. This time attackers combine on the edge of the box, but instead of shooting, a pass is fed to the wing. The deepest winger overlaps while an attacker negotiates a route through tracking defenders into the penalty box. The winger’s cross is aimed at the onrushing attacker who attempts to score. If involving more players, we run these moves on both flanks within the same phase.
2b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Wingers this time overlap on the right to send a square ball into the six-yard box
3a
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We are looking for quick passing play in and around the box. We require quality movement from supporting forwards and a direct and purposeful run from the attacker. Timing of runs and good decision making is important, and this can only be developed over time and with practice. Finally, the striker must show composure in front of goal as he is finishing with a firsttime shot or header.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
With an additional defender and attacker, play is fed to the left
3b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4 MAY 2011
In Combination play, the ball is aimed at the attacker, with a defender looking to clear www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
MIDDLESBROUGH
Tony Mowbray Passing and possession
PASSING AND POSSESSION: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
28x26 yards
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This session is about retaining and developing possession, plus switching play. It relies on smart decision making as well as excellent movement and communication between players. This is an important practice for us because, in match situations, maintaining possession is vital. Doing so not only aids the creation of chances, but it serves to wear down the stamina of opposition players because they are constantly chasing the ball. A recent feature of our play has been the scoring of late goals; keeping possession has proved vital in achieving this. In our match at Sheffield United on April 9, concerted ball retention helped create Martin Emnes’ 89th-minute winner. And Matthew Bates’ goal in the same game was a great example of play being switched, which is also a key feature of this session.
Balls, cones
5 MAY 2011
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
18 (12 attackers, 6 defenders)
1a
SESSION TIME
Practice 30mins, development 45mins
What do I get the players to do? In a two-yard channel running across the middle of the playing area, we place four blue defenders. Either side are two groups of six reds, whose aim is to complete a minimum of three passes in passing through the middle zone. Progress this to four and five passes as players become more comfortable. Two additional blues go into the red area to press the ball. But should it be transferred, they must return to the middle zone and two new blues then press the reds in the other half. Once more, reds must construct a minimum of three passes before switching.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Three passes are made and the ball is transferred
1b KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Two new blue players now press in the opposite half
How do I progress the session? Next we construct a 45x25-yard area, split lengthways into three 15-yard zones. This works as a 4v2 overload of reds in each zone. Reds must again construct three passes before moving the ball into the next zone. Players must stay in their allocated zones at all times.
2a KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Reds make three passes before laying the ball into the next zone
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PASSING AND POSSESSION: MAIN SESSION
Tony Mowbray MIDDLESBROUGH Tony Mowbray has proved himself a successful manager at the top level in both England and Scotland. He took charge at Middlesbrough in October 2010 having previously guided West Bromwich Albion into the Barclays Premier League, as well as taking the club to an FA Cup semi-final. He joined Celtic in 2009 before returning to the English game at Middlesbrough, reigniting a love affair with the club that dated back to his playing days. As a tough-tackling defender and skipper, he served Boro for nine years. He also played for Celtic and Ipswich Town before taking his first steps into management with Hibernian in 2004. This season he has transformed Middlesbrough, successfully moving the club away from the relegation places in the npower Championship.
“This is an important practice for us because, in match situations, maintaining possession is vital.” 6 MAY 2011
Once comfortable with this set-up, we progress it further by setting up 5v2 in each end zone. After three passes, a red player must move into the middle zone (3v2), lay a pass, before recovering back into the end zone. The aim is to get the ball to the other end, so a player from the opposite end zone must now move into the middle zone to create the 3v2. Teams continue to transfer the ball from end to end. In the final progression, one blue must stay in each zone, though all others can press and defend in any third of the pitch.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We are looking for measured possession play in different situations. Tempo, the weight, timing and type of pass is essential. Over time, players should learn the middle ground between rushing and delaying play unnecessarily, as well as the key decision of when to pass and when to dribble. We also assess players’ movements without the ball and their ability to make angles so as to give team mates options.
2b KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The red player creates a 5v2 end zone overload before returning to the middle third
2c KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Now a red from the opposite end zone must come back to help in a 3v2 overload in the middle
2d KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Finally, blues are allowed to press out of their zone, so close down space quickly
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WALSALL
Dean Smith Finishing in the box
FINISHING IN THE BOX: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Overview:
Penalty box
The vast majority of goals scored in the penalty area are achieved using one or two touches. This session therefore rehearses quick thinking and fast shooting in danger areas, where anticipation and speed of thought is key. Instinct is one thing, though we will ensure players practise different techniques too, with balls being served to them at varying speed and height in order to create a variety of challenges. This whole session relies on being played at high intensity.
EQUIPMENT
“On a second practice we begin to vary the deliveries, with bounced balls, balls along the floor and passes made with greater pace.” 7 MAY 2011
Balls, mannequins, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS
2 (striker and keeper)
1
SESSION TIME
Practice 15mins, development 45mins
What do I get the players to do? Aside from the use of servers and a keeper, players work individually using only the space in the penalty box. The first exercise is set up near the edge of the area, with the attacking player surrounded by four mannequins. His job is to receive passes from either side – controlling with a first touch before firing at goal. The ball must stay within the square. We will vary the size of the area the player operates in depending on his ability – the closer the mannequins are placed, the more difficult the task. We serve three balls from either side, then on a second practice we begin to vary the deliveries, with bounced balls, balls along the floor and passes made with greater pace.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The attacker controls and finishes from within the square of mannequins
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Developing play, a firsttime shot is despatched from server 1’s pass
2b
How do I progress the session? To progress we rearrange the mannequins and scatter them at points around the penalty spot. This second exercise again uses four
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A two-touch finish from server 2 finds the corner of the goal www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
FINISHING IN THE BOX: MAIN SESSION
Dean Smith WALSALL Dean Smith has made a notable impact at Walsall since being appointed first-team manager in January 2011. With the club previously looking relegation certainties in npower League One, he took the Saddlers on a tremendous run which has given them a chance of avoiding the drop. Smith began his playing career with Walsall when he emerged through the youth ranks. He made over 150 appearances between 1989 and 1994, becoming the club’s youngest-ever captain at the age of just 19. He switched to Hereford United in 1994 before moving on to Leyton Orient three years later, where he guided the Os to two play-off finals. Smith went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale, before filling the roles of youth-team coach and assistant manager back at Orient. Smith is a holder of the UEFA Pro License.
passes, with one- or two-touch finishing. Server 1 stands on the edge of the box while server 2 is further back outside the area. Balls one, two and four are fed in the direction of the attacker by server 1. The attacker must run onto the passes and finish. Because ball three is fed from further back, the attacker can meet the ball, take a touch, then turn and shoot at goal. Any ball that hits a mannequin stays in play and can be shot again at goal. The final development uses a 2v2 attack versus defence scenario plus an additional supporting forward on each side of the penalty box. The coach, standing outside the area, feeds a ball into either striker. The duo must combine to fire as many shots on goal in 60 seconds. They can use the wide players – who have two touches – to fashion better chances at goal. Should defenders win possession, a new ball is fed in by the coach.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? They should display anticipation, imagination, a good touch at all times, and unwavering concentration. And as this is an attackminded session, we expect them to hit the target whenever possible.
8 MAY 2011
2c
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The four-ball phase continues with a turn and shot
3a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
With 2v2 in the middle, the attacker spins his defender and shoots
3b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Here, attackers use the wingers to vary their approach
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CHESTERFIELD
John Sheridan Clearing defensive danger
CLEARING DEFENSIVE DANGER: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
80x70 yards EQUIPMENT
Overview:
Balls, cones, goal
Thissessionis aboutthereactions andmovementsof defensiveplayers. Itlooksprimarilyat theroleoftheback fourinsqueezingup andcondensingplay astheywoulddoina matchdaysituation, yetalsocheckson howplayersinother areasneedtoadapt theirmovements soastoprotectthe formationasawhole. It’scrucialthatdanger isdealtwithquickly andeffectivelyin matchsituations. Althoughthissession providesasetting whereanynumberof scenariosmayoccur, wearelookingfor individualandteam reactionstowhatever develops.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
“It’s crucial that danger is dealt with quickly and effectively in match situations.” 9 MAY 2011
10v10 including keepers
1a
SESSION TIME
Game time: 50mins
What do I get the players to do? Inan80x70-yardarea(or thespaceinbetweenthe twopenaltyareasona standardpitch),wemark 10-yardlinesinfrontof eachgoal.Defenders shouldbelooking tostayoutofthese deepdefensivezones wheneverpossible. Inthismatch-like practice,teamslineup 4-3-2.Weplaythiswith thetempoandrealism ofanormalgame, addinginconditions designedtobringabout eventsandsituations. Theseincludeplaying athightempo, encouragingattacking flair,andvarying crossesfromthewing withplaybuiltthrough themiddle.Theback fourshouldalsobe givenpassingtargets toensurethattheir methodsofremoving dangerremainvaried. Whenclearingthe ball,thefirstthoughtof defendersshouldbe tovacatethe10-yard zone,developingthe ballandsqueezingplay infrontofthem.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Crucially,defenders mustbe communicatingatall
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The back four push up to squeeze play in the middle and deny space to blue forwards
1b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
With the ball in their half, defenders move back, edging to the side where play is concentrated
1c
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A long clearance puts pressure on blues to regain team shape quickly
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CLEARING DEFENSIVE DANGER: MAIN SESSION
John Sheridan CHESTERFIELD As a player, John Sheridan was a lively and dynamic midfielder, whose craft in the centre of the park saw him gain international recognition with the Republic of Ireland, notably at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. At club level, he turned out for Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers and Oldham Athletic, and had a brief spell under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest. Sheridan took on his first coaching role at Oldham in 2006 and immediately impressed. Over the following seasons he consistently placed the club near the top of League One. Joining Chesterfield in June 2009, his new side finished eighth in his first season in charge, though this term they took npower League Two by storm, securing a return to League One after a gap of four years.
“Defenders must recognise when to squeeze and when to hold the line.” 10 MAY 2011
timestoensureafluent andorganisedunit. Whenopponentshave possession,the emphasisisondefenderstopushforward fromtheirmarked zone,squeezingplayin frontofthem,with full-backsfurther forwardthancentrebacks. Shouldplaycomeback intothedefenders’half, theymustdropand regroup,withspecial attentiongivento trackingwingersand coveringrunners–this alsobeingajobfor midfielders. Thebackfourneedto stayflexibletoadapt tochallenges.For instance,iftheleftbacksupportsthe leftmidfielderthen theshapeoftheteam shouldshiftwiththe right-backmovingto thecentre-halfposition. Ifawingerisbeaten inaone-on-one,his full-backshouldbe readytopressthe ballwhilstlookingfor thewingertoprovide coverbyrunningback diagonally. Upfield,strikersmust decidewhentopress defendersandwhen toregainshape.Butas soonastheballgets transferredintothe otherhalf,thefrontmen mustdropbackinto standardformation. Wefindrepeating thissessionrapidly buildsunderstanding betweenteammates’ actionsandintentions.
2a KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Red forwards press and defenders move up as well, though efficient blue interplay removes the danger
2b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The winger beats his man but the red full-back covers, allowing his team mate to retreat diagonally back towards goal
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In this instance, blues pass across the backline and reds drop back to concentrate on defensive shape www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
STOKE CITY
Andy Quy Great goalkeeping Overview: This is a session for goalkeepers that teaches and rehearses dealing with crosses, both opposed and unopposed, and in the context of a small-sided game. The ability to manage balls crossed in from the wings is one of the most important parts of a goalkeeper’s game. It relies specifically on positioning, technique and good decision-making. In coaching, crossing practices are often done for the benefit of attacker, yet they are equally important for keepers.
“In coaching, crossing practices are often done for the benefit of attacker, yet they are equally important for keepers.” 11 MAY 2011
GREAT GOALKEEPING: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
54x36 yards EQUIPMENT
Balls, cones, goal NUMBER OF PLAYERS
1a
.((3(5ҋ6
6 SESSION TIME
30mins
What do I get the players to do? Unopposed crosses Placing two penalty boxes opposite each other, we place goals on each side. Keepers occupy both goals with a crosser to each side in channels 5 yards wide. Keeper 1 throws to keeper 2, who catches and distributes to either crosser to the right of him. Crossers have a maximum of three touches before delivering a ball into keeper 1. If the keeper catches the ball, he distributes to his right and the move progresses. If the cross doesn’t land in the immediate area around the keeper, or it goes behind, he must shout “away”. If this happens, keeper 2 throws another ball to the crosser to re-run the move. Opposed crosses We set up as before though add two attackers and two defenders in each half. Each keeper must instruct defenders as to their marking, body shape and positioning. Defenders must protect the keeper, block attackers, defend the goal and communicate well
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
1b
The cross is within an area that the keeper takes responsibility for, and he catches $:$<
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is going long so the keeper stays put
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
.((3(5ҋ6
When opposed, the keeper positions well under threat of inrushing attackers
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
GREAT GOALKEEPING: MAIN SESSION with one another.
Andy Quy STOKE CITY Former professional goalkeeper Andy Quy hung up his gloves at the age of 24 after spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County, Grimsby Town and Hereford United. The 34-year-old worked at Aston Villa as Academy goalkeeper coach before switching to take charge of the senior shot-stoppers at Lincoln City. Having impressed at Sincil Bank, Quy moved to Stoke City in August 2007, adopting the role of first-team goalkeeping coach. He is in charge of all aspects of technical, tactical and physical play.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We look for keepers to adopt good positions and to show positive body shape. They must decide quickly whether to attack the ball or defend the goal. If attacking, their line of attack is important, as is a decisive catch or punch, and their intention must be communicated to team mates. Footwork is crucial, as is taking off with the kicking leg. If defending, they must recover quickly to the goal line and adopt a position in preparation for a potential shot at goal. Crossers should vary their service, alternating between left and right-footed deliveries, driven balls in and whipped centres.
How would you put this into a game situation?
“Each team must construct four passes in the middle before feeding out to either crossing channel.” 12 MAY 2011
We conclude with a 4v4 game - as before though with two neutral wingers on each side. Each team must construct four passes in the middle before feeding out to either crossing channel. Crossers can send in deliveries or interchange passes back into the middle. When play breaks down, restart with the keeper whose team was last out of position.
2b
$:$< KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3a
Here, keeper 2 instructs defenders to deal with a deeper cross
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the small-sided game, four passes are made before the winger crosses
3b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The keeper catches and distributes to an outfield player
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ALDERSHOT TOWN
Tim Coe Passing and overloads
PASSING AND OVERLOADS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Overview:
50x30
This session is about making good use of space in order to circulate possession safely and efficiently. It helps players recognise and take opportunities to pass forward, whilst making forward runs with and without the ball. Finally it offers insight into creating and taking advantage of overloads in attacking areas. In 1v1 situations defenders will often succeed in making a tackle or slowing down play long enough to enable team mates to recover, so exploiting situations is an important tactic in order to dominate.
EQUIPMENT
“In 1v1 situations, defenders will often succeed in making a tackle or slowing down play, so creating overload situations is an important dominating tactic.” 13 MAY 2011
Balls, flags or poles NUMBER OF PLAYERS
16 (8v8 incl. keepers) SESSION TIME
1
Session 50mins, development 40mins
What do I get the players to do? We set up with a 50v30 area split in two. Three target gates, each two yards wide, are placed at even points along both ends. Players must dribble through the gates to score. The defensive team has a 4v3 overload. Starting with the goalkeeper of the red team, his side must build from the defensive half, taking advantage of their 4v3 overload. Once five passes are completed, a player can pass or dribble into the attacking half. This player is accompanied by another team mate so as to create a 5v4 attacking overload. The attacking team must then move, pass and/ or dribble positively in order to get through one of the three gates. If yellows regain possession they can counter-attack into their attacking half (in which they have a 3v2 overload). Returning possession to their goalkeeper (in, for instance, the event of no available forward pass), then triggers the red forward runners to leave the zone. Yellows have the benefit of a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The red attack begins as the keeper plays the ball out
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Three completed passes mean the red defender can move into the opposition half, supported by a team mate
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The 5v4 overload offers attacking options and the ball is dribbled into the goal
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PASSING AND OVERLOADS: MAIN SESSION
Tim Coe ALDERSHOT TOWN Tim Coe joined Aldershot Town as Head of Youth in the summer of 2009 having worked as academy coach and first team scout at Reading where he had the benefit of working under Steve Coppell, Brian McDermott and Brendan Rodgers. Coe works with the Under-18s during the day as well as overseeing Centre of Excellence and Elite Centre players from the age of seven upwards.
4v3 overload but, like their opponents in the initial attack, must make five passes before passing or dribbling into the attacking zone.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? It’s important that players in possession make good use of space, look to circulate possession quickly and take opportunities to pass or dribble forward. When the benefit of the attacking overload comes about, there needs to be width on both sides in order to stretch the opposition, with quick ball movement and positive forward runs. Upon regaining the ball, players must make good, positive counter-attacking decisions. Returning play to the goalkeeper is an acceptable tactic as it reinstates the 4v3 overload and starts controlled possession rather than a rapid forward break.
4 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Yellows win possession and counter
5 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Returning the ball to the keeper resets the 4v3 defensive overload
How do I progress the session?
“Returning play to the goalkeeper is anacceptable tactic as it reinstates the 4v3overload.” 14 MAY 2011
To emphasise the importance of speed in order to exploit the overload, allow an additional defending player to track back after 10 seconds has passed to make 5v5.
6 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
With 10 seconds having elapsed, an additional defender can come back to assist his team mates
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE
Nurture not nature The Talent Code Daniel Coyle Arrow Books 246pp RRP £8.99
T
he Talent Code attempts to raise understanding of the nature and cause of top performance through an in-depth study of the neurological mechanism that explains why certain patterns of targeted practice build skill. What makes it a worthwhile read for coaches is that the author pays attention to how the new science underpinning excellence relates to the role of coaching. Much of The Talent Code is concerned with explaining the relatively newly-discovered role of a human substance called myelin. Myelin grows around nerve cells, insulating them and making the cells more efficient at passing electrical signals to muscles. The more a nerve signal is fired, the more myelin wraps around the nerve and the faster the nerve signal travels. Only recently have we understood that myelin, in effect, creates “human broadband”, enabling signal speeds up to 100 times faster. Faster signal speeds equate to faster impulse speeds and ultimately the ability to deliver greater skill. Individuals who practise obsessively, who have a “rage to master”, are wrapping their neural circuits with ever 15 MAY 2011
more insulation that makes them increasingly efficient. Far from being genetically programmed, the evidence increasingly stacks up that world class performers in any discipline are created from perfect practice, deliberate practice, or whatever phrase is used to describe the process of dedicated, concentration on skill improvement in a particular, focussed way. Experienced coaches might respond with a ‘so what?’ As long as the results are delivered, they will be less concerned with knowing why a particular coaching outcome is achieved, than by the fact that it is, or that progress is made toward a goal. Perhaps this explains why when outlining the fundamental role of myelin in conversation with Robert Lansdorp - the tennis coach of former world number one players Pete Sampras, Tracy Austin and Lindsay Davenport Coyle admits he got something close to short shrift. “Sure, of course. It has to be something like that,” said Landsdorp. But Coyle’s analysis of the why does lead to some insightful observations about the nature of practice, and coaches everywhere faced with scepticism about their approach need supporting evidence. There are, Coyle says, three rules of “deep practice”. The first is to “chunk it up”
“I flatout love coaching. There’s something there that’s real. You get your hands on it, and you can make somebody better than they were. That’s one hell of a feeling.” Tom Martinez, retired US college coach.
by which he means looking at the task as a whole –in soccer, perhaps this might mean watching a game – then breaking down and slowing down the component parts of a skill and ensuring that they are performed precisely. In soccer, an example would be a concentration on achieving top quality passing skills (passing with either foot). The second rule is that when, and only when, a skill has been performed correctly, it should be repeated, thereby reinforcing the layers of myelin around the neural circuit. For ball sports this means drills. Thirdly, Coyle says performers need to learn to feel it, by which he means they should personally understand and know the characteristics of most productive practice. The upshot is that players, performers and artists could all benefit and potentially achieve world class performance from perfect practice. So why don’t more do so? The answer is a lack of what Coyle calls ignition, something which most would perhaps describe as motivation. “Deep practice isn’t a piece of cake: it requires energy, passion and commitment. In a word, it requires motivational fuel.” Individuals don’t put in the hours needed (10,000 according to the research) to achieve www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE mastery of a discipline without a spark, or a series of nudges, and then something to sustain the motivation. The spark can be the breakthrough success of an individual in a country that leads to the creation of a hotbed and then a bloom of talent. A good example is South Korean female golfer Si Re Pak, who became a national icon after winning the LPGA Championship in 1998. In 10 years South Korea has come to dominate the ladies game with 45 players winning one third of the LPGA Tour events. Si Re Pak is the Tiger Woods of her country. The coaches of individuals who become world class play the role of “talent whisperers” according to Coyle. They have generally been coaching for 30 or 40 years. The author met many over two years whilst writing the book. They were “quiet, even reserved… possessed the same sort of gaze: steady, deep, unblinking. They listened far more than they talked.” Coyle links top coaches with the essential ingredients of deep practice by showing how they act as strict controllers of individual training actions. As evidence he presents an analysis of the techniques used by US basketball coach John Wooden. Whilst coaching, his comments were “short, punctuated, and numerous”. There were no lectures or monologues. Wooden rarely spoke for more than 20 seconds. Researchers who followed Wooden observed and coded 2,326 separate, individual acts of teaching. Only 6.8 per cent were compliments, only 6.6 per cent were expressions of displeasure.
WIN ACOPYOF
THETALENT CODE
THE FOUR VIRTUES OF MASTER COACHES The Matrix. A vast grid of task-specific knowledge allowing them to creatively and effectively respond to a student’s efforts. The matrix is, according to Coyle, “a mysterious amalgam of technical knowledge, strategy, experience and practised instinct.” Perceptiveness. Master coaches “figure out” individuals. They then criticise or praise according to the individual: some need more or less of each, and none are the same. Attentive listening and watching are key attributes. The GPS reflex. This is the delivery of information in “short, vivid, high definition bursts” and in reaction to the student’s performance. Master coaches send rapid-fire signals back to the student based on outcomes, specific physical actions, motivation and goals, and pushing to the next level of achievement. Theatrical honesty. Many of the coaches Coyle met “radiated a subtle theatrical air.” Tennis coach Robert Lansdorp said: “I’m a total put on. I raise my voice, lower my voice, ask questions, figure out how they react. Sometimes I’m mean and tough, sometimes I’m easygoing.” But the theatricality is just a tool to enable teachers to reach the student about the truth of their performance.
Around 75 per cent was neutral: pure information. Wooden was seeing and fixing errors, constantly correcting actions to ensure deep practice was taking place, and then ensuring they were repeated until they became automatic.
Those from the school generation that can remember “rote learning” – one manifestation of which was the now unfashionable attachment to repeating times tables – will be amused at Coyle’s conclusion that ultimately learning is about repetition. But from the coach’s view, an all-consuming attention to error correction is not enough. The Talent Code is more than the science of coaching. Coyle’s analysis does not overlook the art nor downgrade the thousands of teachers and coaches who will never be lauded as the best or the most talented. Even “average” teachers, he says, can be responsible for lighting the fire of motivation that leads to greater things by creating and sustaining interest through personal attention and love. The Talent Code captures both the simplicity and yet the complexity of what is needed for good coaching leading to world class talent development. He rightly lets the last word go to Tom Martinez, a retired US college American Football coach, still approached today for his wisdom by those in the game, and whose insight sentiments illustrate something ethereal about coaching that can never be codified.
COYLE’S PROCESS DIAGRAM
Send your answer to: To win one of four copies of The Talent Code, answer this question: elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net
The coach of which former world number one male tennis player is referenced in Daniel Coyle’s book?
before May 20th, 2011. Winners will be chosen at random and announced in the June issue of Elite Soccer. Last month’s winners of Vince Lombardi’s ‘The Lombardi Rules’ were Sean Hall and Steve Baxter from the UK, Glenn K. Arakawa of the USA and Bev MacDonald from Canada. Full competition rules available on request.
16 MAY 2011
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MANAGEMENT MATTERS
PERFORMANCE IN FOCUS THIS MONTH: TERRY SKIVERTON , YEOVIL TOWN
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that, in the last week in March, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award went to Yeovil Town for their stunning 5-1 away win against Leyton Orient. The Glovers were looking to move clear of the relegation battle at the bottom of npower League One, and they stunned play-off chasing Orient at Brisbane Road with a display of pure attacking quality. Chief architect was Shaun MacDonald,
who hit a first-half hat-trick for the visitors. Further goals followed for Andrew Welsh and Dean Bowditch, while Leyton Orient hit a consolation though Dean Cox. For MacDonald, it vindicated his decision to return to Yeovil for a fifth loan spell from npower Championship side Swansea City. Skiverton said: “I don’t want to big him up too much because it alerts other people to him, but he was head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch and you could see the quality that he has. “In terms of the team as a whole, we’re playing with confidence, our shape looks good and we’re creating chances. When we take those chances we can score fours and fives.”
DECISIONS, DECISIONS...
See issue eight of Elite Soccer for a training session from Yeovil Town manager Terry Skiverton that deals with attacking overloads.
MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was named the Barclays Manager of the Month for March. The London club pulled themselves back into the title race with a run of form that saw impressive league wins over Manchester United, Blackpool and Manchester City.
In the npower Championship, Watford boss Malky Mackay scooped the monthly award after leading his side to 10 points out of a possible 12 in March. All four performances reflected the brand of attractive football that the Scot has brought to Vicarage Road.
In npower League One, Brighton & Hove Albion’s incredible sequence of victories made manager Gus Poyet the obvious choice for Manager of the Month. The run of eight successive league wins in the month had only twice before been achieved in Football League history.
CHELSEA: W3 D0 L0
WATFORD: W3 D1 L0
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION: W8 D0 L0
And in npower League Two, the plaudits went to Dean Holdsworth of Aldershot Town. Holdsworth, who has only been in the job since January, led Town to five wins from their seven league games to arrest any lingering relegation fears. ALDERSHOT TOWN: W5 D2 L0
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APRIL 2011
Sammy McIlroy, manager of Morecambe What’s the best decision you have ever made as a manager? In my early days as a manager I signed a player called Steven Wood for Macclesfield, from a local side, Chadderton. He turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to Macc. Steven wasn’t what you would have called a flamboyant performer with bags of skill, but he was a player’s player and got double figures frommidfieldnearlyeveryyear. Signing him was the start of Macclesfield becoming a great little side, achieving back-toback promotions - my best signing as a manager. And the one you regret most? Honestly, that would be leaving the Northern Ireland job when I did. In hindsight, I should have seen the project through. Sure, it was a difficult time for us. There were a lot of youngsters thrown in before they were ready, but they have since gone on to blossom. I walked away after what seemed, on the face of it, a poor 1-0 defeat for us in a Euro 2004 qualifier. But the team that beat us was Greece, who went on to win the tournament. I should have trusted my judgement and accepted the new contract, and with it, the chance to develop those kids. My first two years in charge had been very good, with experibee enced players such as Neil e Lennon, Jim Magilton and L Steve Lomas doing their S bit. But when they retired it b became a big rebuilding job, b and I was too hasty to say that a job wasn’t for me. jo
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NEWCASTLE UNITED
Congratulations to Flemming Bo Christoffersen, from Denmark, who won a hard copy of Elite Soccer signed by Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp. All subscribers rs are entered into the draw to win this one-off prize, and this month we’re giving away the he May issue, signed by cover star Alan Pardew. One winner will be drawn at random for the prize, with his/her name printed in the June issue. Good luck.
ALAN PAR P DEW
THE FINAL THIRD
I:6BLDG@ BDK:B: CI I <D6AH8DG>C DG>C< < Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers
MIDDLESBROUGH
17 MAY 2011
TONY MOWBRAY Passing and possession
WALSALL
DEAN SMITH Finishing in the box
IN PARTNERSHIP
CHESTERFIELD
STOKE
CITY JOHN ANDY SHERIDAN QUY Clearing defensive danger Goalkeeping goals
WITH
ALDERSHOT TOWN
TIM COE Passing and overloads
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