Elitesoccer12

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

JULY 2011

SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES WEST BROMWICH ALBION

ROY HODGSON

PRESSING AND SCREENING IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COVENTRY CITY

BURY

NORTHAMPTON TOWN

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

SUNDERLAND

ANDY THORN Balancing the back four

RICHIE BARKER Pre-season practice

GARY JOHNSON Long-range shooting

PAUL HART Becoming pass masters

IAN DIPPER Creative play around the e box

NEW FEATURE INSIDE

EXTRA-TIME:

INTERVIEW WITH IPSWICH TOWN MANAGER

PAUL JEWELL

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer is published by:

ISSUE 12/ JULY 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

Publishedinpartnershipwith:

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 JULY 2011

Soccer sorceryfrom English football’sfinest tactical minds

03MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Ourreviewofthep pastmonth

04 ROY HODGSON

Welc Welcome to the July issue of Elite Soccer.

As the th new season edges ever closer, we’ve lined up six more innovative and engaging soccer socc sessions designed to inform and inspire you and your team. And our training inspir practices come from some of the biggest names in English football.

From the Barclays Premier League, West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson has produced a brilliant session on pressing and screening. It’s an intense and detailed practice, and one that helped his side to an impressive mid-table finish this term.

Andy Thorn, manager of npower Championship side Coventry City, looks at the art of defending deep against an attacking onslaught in the closing minutes of a game – a session that teaches defenders how to maintain shape and concentration.

Bury boss Richie Barker has provided a pre-season ‘pass and move’ training practice, while Northampton Town manager Gary Johnson examines the art of long-range shooting.

And from the Academies of Charlton Athletic and Sunderland, Paul Hart and Ian Dipper look, respectively, at passing perfection, and creative play around the box.

In addition, there is an interview with Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell, who is looking forward to the challenge of taking the Tractor Boys back into the Premier League this coming season.

We hope your team can get the best out of these exclusive sessions, and we look forward to bringing more your way next month.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION N

Pressing and g screening 06 ANDY THORN COVENTRY CITY

Balancing the back four 08 RICHIE BARKER R BURY

Preseason practice 10 GARY JOHNSON NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Long -range shooting 12 PAUL HART CHARLTON ATHLETIC

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

Becoming pass masters 14 IAN DIPPER SUNDERLAND

Creative e und d play around the box 16BOOKED

Elite sports book review

18EXTRA-TIME:

... with Paul Jewell www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

DECISIONS, DECISIONS...

MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

...with Peter Jackson, manager of Bradford City

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson took the LMA Manager of the Year award for the 2010/11 campaign after leading the Red Devilss to a 19th domestic topdivision title success.

Ferguson was also named the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year following Manchester United’s title triumph, and picked up a special merit award for having passed 2,000 matches as manager.

Ferguson said: “I really do appreciate being named LMA Manager of the Year and being

honoured with the LMA Special Merit Award.

“It’s been such a competitive Barclays Premier League this season and I’d like to congratulate all of the managers, both in this league and throughout the divisions, on a job well done this season.”

The Manager of the Year award in the npower Championship went to Norwich

City boss Paul Lambert, who masterminded a second successive promotion for the Canaries as they finished runnersup to champions QPR. In npower League One, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet took the plaudits, while Chesterfield’s John Sheridan was the recipient of the award in npower League Two.

Over the past year, Elite Soccer has showcased sessions with three of the LMA award-winning managers: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United...

Forward thinking (issue 3) Paul Lambert, Norwich City...

Crossing and finishing (issue 7) John Sheridan, Chesterfield...

Clearing defensive danger (issue 10) For access to back issues please email duncan@ greenstarmedia. net or call +44 (0) 1483 892 894. www.elitesoccercoachin

g.net

Lambert

Poyet

Sheridan

JULY 2011

SOCCER COACHING PRACTICE FOOTBALL LEAGUE S FROM ENGLISH MANAGERS AND COACHES

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

ROY HODGSON

ELITE SOCCER COMPETITION Congratulations to Mr Seong Hoon Kim of Lake Hills Soccer Club in Bellevue, Washington, USA, who won a hard copy of Elite Soccer signed by Stoke City manager Tony Pulis.

PRESSING AND SC REEN IN THE PREMIE ING R LEAGUE Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers

COVENTRY CITY

ANDY THORN Balancing the back four NEW FEATURE INSIDE

3 JULY 2011

BURY

RICHIE BARKER Pre-season practice

IN PARTNERSHIP

NORTHAMPTON

TOWN

GARY JOHNSON Long-range shooting

EXTRA-TIME:

INTERVIEW WITH IPSWICH TOWN MANAGER

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

PAUL HART Becoming pass masters

WITH

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made as a manager?

Managers will often say that their best decisions involve players they have signed, and that’s the simple reality – it’s players who get results, and this is a results business. In my case, I’d say that the signing of Gary TaylorFletcher from Lincoln City, when I was Huddersfield Town manager, was the best. You have a duty to your club, but you also have a duty to the player, and always want them to progress well.

Gary was playing regularly in the Premier League last season, and I think any coach takes real pride when they see one of their youngsters go on to big things.

I met up with Gary and his family last season after watching him play for Blackpool against Bolton Wanderers.

He’s a fantastic lad and fully deserves everything that has come his way since.

And the worst?

Obviously, you make mistakes as a manager and the aim is to limit those errors. Whoever said teams that win football matches do so because they make fewer errors than their opponents had his finger on the pulse, because coaches will tell you every goal is avoidable.

ButafewyearsagoIfoundoutthatIhad throatcancer.Itwasthemostshattering thingtohappeninmylife.Thankfully,I wonthebattle,butI’mstillinremissionfor thenextfewyears.IfeellikeIamamuch strongerpersonforcomingthroughitand forgoingthroughwhatIdid,butIalsofeel veryluckybecausealotofpeopledon’t survivecancer.

In terms of football and life, it has taught me not to take things too seriously – so you might say my worst decision in the past was in losing sight of the fact that football is a game... an important one, but a game nonetheless.

SUNDERLAND

IAN DIPPER Creative play around the e box

PAUL JEWELL L

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Roy Hodgson Pressing and screening Overview: This session is about pressing and screening the ball.

It also rehearses when and where to chase, and looks at covering positions within the team, recovery runs, and good 1v1 defending techniques.

It’s important to practise this because it builds solid team shape, and players will understand and appreciate the need to stick to their roles.

I can never overstress to my players the importance of 1v1 defending, covering and being aware of danger.

This philosophy paid off in the Premier League last season against a good Arsenal side. A willingness to work hard without the ball gave us a platform on which to spring counter-attacks and deny Arsenal space in key areas.

“The more passes the attacking team needs to make, the better the job being done by the defenders.”

4 JULY 2011

PRESSING AND SCREENING: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

80x44 yards EQUIPMENT

1a

Balls, bibs, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS

17 (8v8 plus neutral) SESSION TIME

Session 20mins, progression 20mins, game 15mins In the possession drill, two reds chase down and press play

What do I get the players to do?

We start with a possession drill in a 33x12-yard box, with a three-yard zone in the middle. On each edge of that zone lies a two-yard strip that no player can step into .

We use three teams of five players – one team in each zone.

Two reds move into an end zone to chase and press the ball in a 5v2 (1a). Their opponents need to make at least three passes before transferring to the opposite box. If reds cannot screen, they must at least force blues into transferring via the unprotected channels.

If the transfer is successful, chasers recover into the middle, while two new reds move to press the whites in another 5v2 (1b/1c).

Initially,practisethis for90-secondbursts athighintensity,before rotatingteams.Lateron, changesothateachend zoneteamhastwolives.

Alifeislostifaplayeris tackledorathroughpassisintercepted.The firstteamtoloseboth livesbecomeschasers.

Playfor10minutes.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

1b

Blues make a pass down the channel. The reds retreat while two of their team mates move to the other box KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

1c

Here, a pass is blocked in the middle as a result of pressure on the ball KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PRESSING AND SCREENING How do I progress the session?

Roy Hodgson WEST BROMWICH ALBION Roy Hodgson took charge of West Bromwich Albion in February 2011, leading the Baggies to an 11th-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League.

The 63-year-old had started the season at Liverpool, having been drawn to Merseyside off the back of considerable success at Fulham in the preceding three years.

In total, Hodgson has led teams in seven different countries, including notable spells at Inter Milan and with the Swiss national team, whom he guided to the 1994 World Cup and Euro ‘96.

In England, he has also managed Blackburn Rovers, and for the 2009/10 campaign, was named as the LMA Manager of the Year after guiding Fulham to the Europa League final.

As a player, Hodgson began with Crystal Palace having been born locally in Croydon.

He turned out for a number of non-league sides before taking the step into management.

And at the age of just 29, he won the first of two Swedish championships with Halmstads BK in 1976.

He acts as a regular adviser on technical matters for both FIFA and UEFA.

5 JULY 2011

We move this into an 8v8 game (including keepers) in an 80x44yard area (or the space between two penalty boxes). A neutral player in the centre always supports the attacking team. The two end boxes are 22 yards in length and offsides apply in end zones (2).

The aim here is that players adopt roles rehearsed in the first practise. Defenders act as screeners, staying across the width at all times. Attackers act as chasers – one presses, one drops. Midfielders, meanwhile, perform both roles, staying close together to press and screen.

Next we remove the neutral player but add a midfielder for each team. We also add a channel on each side of the central box, into which a neutral winger is placed. (3a) When he receives, the nearest defender must pressurise and try to prevent the cross. (3b)

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

Chasers must close down and be aware of space. They need to screen strikers, stay close together, and compact the play - effectively ‘mirroring’ the ball.

And quick recovery runs are essential should defenders find themselves caught out.

2

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 8v8 game, reds are quick to close down a white ball from the back

3a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the advanced game, and with a channel added, the attacker drops back to feed play to the neutral winger

3b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The defender does not close down quickly enough but his recovering team mates are ready to clear the danger

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COVENTRY CITY

Andy Thorn Balancing the back four

BALANCING THE BACK FOUR: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

Half pitch

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is about the back four working as a unit. It looks for them to clear the ball past a target when dealing with a range of deliveries from different areas of the pitch.

It’s important to practise this because in the last 10-15 minutes of close games, opposition teams looking for a goal will launch the ball into the box. A strong defensive unit needs to be able to deal with this threat.

Defenders are often tired by this point too, so practising good technique is essential in clearing the danger properly, particularly as bad clearances often instigate further waves of attack.

In one of my first games in charge at Coventry City we conceded a late 94th-minute goal to Preston North End. That goal cost us a vital point. In response, we practised the principles outlined in this session, and went on to record clean sheets against Watford, Portsmouth and Reading.

Balls, bibs, cones, goal

6 JULY 2011

1a

&(175( %$&.ҋ6 %$//

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

10 plus keeper SESSION TIME

One hour

What do I get the players to do?

Using a half pitch, we construct the back four, with six servers (number 1 to 6) scattered around the outside of the box in a horseshoe pattern.

Each server stands in a 7x7-yard square. A line of mannequins is placed 10 yards outside the penalty box. (1a) Each server, in turn, delivers a ball into the box, with variation between lofted balls, whipped balls and fizzed centres.

The objective for defenders is to head the ball clear over the line of mannequins, achieving height and distance. They then quickly squeeze out before retreating back to their starting positions. We run through 12 sets in quick succession before resting. (1b)

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The centre-back calls and attacks the ball

1b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2

Upon clearing, the defensive line squeezes out before retreating back to their original positions &(175( %$&.ҋ6 %$//

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

Each defensive tactic is held together by one important element communication.

As for specific instructions, the only player allowed to backpedal to head the ball is the full-back.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Here, the second centre-back calls for the ball and makes a confident clearance www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BALANCING THE BACK FOUR

Andy Thorn COVENTRY CITY As a player, Andy Thorn starred in the top flight for Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Newcastle United.

The FA Cup left a lasting impact on Thorn’s 14-year playing career. First, he helped Wimbledon to cup final success in 1988 against Liverpool, then defeated the Merseysiders again in Palace’s memorable 4-3 semi-final triumph in 1990.

Thorn stepped into management, initially joining Coventry from Everton as chief scout.

A spell in caretaker charge at the Ricoh Arena led to him being given the job on a permanent basis following the departure of Aidy Boothroyd, and he now looks forward to his first full season in charge of the npower Championship side.

If a cross is delivered over the first centrehalf, we are looking for his fellow centre-half to judge the flight, offer a shout, and attack it. (2) This ensures the ball is always attacked on the front foot, which means clearances have power, direction and control.

When a ball is delivered from wide positions, defenders should be starting in line with it.

Assuming a block isn’t made by him, the cross will often clear the first full-back because he has gone to press the ball. The other three defenders must therefore deal with the cross. Again, no-one should backpedal. If the ball goes over the first centre-back’s head, he requires a shout from the second defender or opposite full-back. (3a) And clearing headers should not be downwards because in matches this invites opposition players to attack a low bouncing loose ball.(3b)

How do I progress the session?

“The first centre-back should not backpedal – he needs a shout from the second defender or oppositefullback.”

7 JULY 2011

We instruct crosses out of sequence so that defenders have to regroup quickly. Replace the mannequins with attackers so that any misplaced clearances can be fired back at goal.

As a final progression, we allow the attackers to challenge for crosses so as to make the practice as gamerealistic as possible. (4)

3a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

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Defenders are in line with the cross from out wide and the full-back calls for it

3b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

4

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

With no communication defenders have squeezed out even though the fullback’s clearance is poor

Here the practice is progressed and the cross is fully opposed www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BURY

Richie Barker Pre-season practice

PRE-SEASON PRACTICE: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

40x40 yards

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is perfect as a preseason practice because it gets players working on fitness and technique, the two elements that deteriorate quickest during time away from the training pitch.

At the centre of my coaching ethos is the idea that players have as many touches of the ball as possible.

During my time managing the youthteam at Bury, the aim was for every player to touch the ball 1,000 times in each training session. This built confidence and made players more relaxed.

And combined with conditioning drills, this is a session that will help our players hit the ground running for the new campaign, although it can and should be replayed at regular points throughout the season.

Balls, cones, goals

“The aim was for every player to touch the ball 1,000 times in each training session.”

8 JULY 2011

1

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

12 SESSION TIME

Session 45mins, game 30mins

What do I get the players to do?

We try to keep away from straight-line passing drills, so instead scatter 12 players in a 40x40-yard area. Each player has a ball which he dribbles around the area using game-like movements such as step-overs, side-steps and turns.(1) After five minutes, we remove footballs from three players and turn this into a passing drill.

No player has a specific partner, so each is encouraged to find a spare man, lay the ball, then look for the next pass. This is all about constant movement and the awareness needed to receive possession from different angles. After a further five minutes, we remove three more balls and continue. (2) We then progress to ‘passing in between’– sending passes to unmarked players by splitting two closer men. Each player must use his imagination, and requires the ability to slow the game in his head so as to spot and send the pass. As well as great for passing, this is excellent for rehearsing receiving the ball between opponents. (3) We’ll

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 40x40-yard area, players practise dribble and game-like movements

2

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Now with only six footballs, players must pass then move on quickly

3

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Passing in between other players requires good concentration and timing

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PRE-SEASON PRACTICE

Richie Barker BURY Richie Barker officially took charge at Bury in June 2011 having led the club to promotion from npower League Two as caretaker boss.

Barker, 36, climbed into the hotseat following Alan Knill’s departure to Scunthorpe United, having previously been head of youth development.

And he stepped up to the challenge immediately, taking the Shakers on six-game unbeaten run which saw the Lancashire club climb from play-off contenders to automatic promotion certainties. They ended the campaign second behind champions Chesterfield.

As a player, Barker was a livewire striker, turning out for Rotherham United, Mansfield Town, Hartlepool United, Macclesfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion, before being forced to retire from the game in May 2009 due to a serious knee injury.

“We’re looking for positive decision making, intelligent movement, and players using game-like methods.”

9 JULY 2011

gradually extend the passing lengths, up to a maximum of 30 yards, and may remove another couple of balls, leaving just three or four in the area. (4)

4

How do I progress the session?

As well as passing perfection, we’re looking to enhance aerobic conditioning in this session. We do this by increasing pitch sizes, limiting player numbers and ensuring each man is constantly on the move.

Progressing into a technical game, we play 6v6 in a 40x40-yard area. Using poles or cones, eight two-yard goals are scattered around the area. There are more goals than players per team, so attackers should be able to pass quickly into space to score. (5) The final game is a simple 4v4 (plus two keepers), but played in a 50x25-yard area. This tests aerobic strength and fitness, along with practised elements of long passing and passing in between opponents from earlier in the session. (6)

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

We’re looking for positive decision making, intelligent movement and players using game-like methods. The ability of players to receive on the back foot and to be aware of all options around them is extremely important.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The session steps up to rehearsing long passes to a team mate

5

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 6v6 game, teams must combine long and short passes to score

6

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the final game, a large surface area provides a great base for aerobic conditioning

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Gary Johnson Long-range shooting

LONG-RANGE SHOOTING: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

36x18 yards

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is about shooting from distance and the process of moving the ball into position for a shot.

Goalscoring, more than anything else, builds confidence in players. And with a game-realistic session such as this, players are building good habits into their match day practice.

Our left-back Liam Davis scored a couple of long-range efforts towards the end of the campaign, and both were vital.

The first was a late equaliser against Rotherham United, while his 22-yard strike in the first two minutes of our clash with Stevenage gave us a great start to a match which, in the end, secured our Football League status.

Balls, bibs, goals

“While the set-up men cannot be challenged when the ball comes to them, they now also have to act as defenders, closingdown play.”

10 JULY 2011

1

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

14 (6 per side and 2 keepers) SESSION TIME

Session 50mins, progression 30mins, game 20mins

What do I get the players to do?

The long-range shooting session starts by dividing a 36x18-yard pitch into two halves. Goals can only be scored from the defending half. We set up four attackers in the defending half, and another two in the attacking half. The role of the two players furthest forward is to set the ball back for any one of their four team mates to shoot at goal.

It’s a high-intensity practice, so players rotate every three minutes. (1) Progressing to an opposed practise, opponents now attack the opposite goal thus each side has a 4v2 overload in their defensive half. (2) While the set-up men cannot be challenged when the ball comes to them, they now also have to act as defenders, closing down play and attempting to win possession. In addition, they can follow in any rebounds from blocked shots. (3) Whether a shot ends in a goal or otherwise, a new attack must come back in the other direction.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Unopposed, the ball is laid back for a shot from the defensive half

2

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Now fully opposed, two whites press, but reds work the ball and a shot finds the corner of the goal

3

Players must be alert to rebound opportunities KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LONG-RANGE SHOOTING How do I progress the session? s Gary Johnson NORTHAMPTON TOWN Gary Johnson took control of Northampton Town in March 2011, successfully leading the club away from the threat of relegation in npower League Two. After a spell in charge with the Latvian national team from 1999 to 2001, Johnson really made his mark in English football by leading Yeovil Town into the Football League for the first time in 2003.

Following another promotion two years later, he switched to League One rivals Bristol City in September 2005, and the following year led the club to second place in the division. City’s onward momentum continued, and they were 90 minutes away from a place in the Premier League in May 2008, but lost their Championship play-off final to Hull City.

After five years at Ashton Gate, Johnson moved to Peterborough United, and now oversees Northampton’s prospects in npower League Two, with the Cobblers well tipped to land the experienced manager his sixth club promotion.

Wepr We progress by encouraging each group of four to act as all-out defenders when their team is not in possession. They can block long-range shots and tackle back to deny the two attackers rebound opportunities.

We might also add touch or time restrictions, as well as asking players to shoot with their other foot.

And to ensure a high intensity is maintained throughout, defenders can catch any balls going wide. This ensures that play comes back the other way immediately, and if a catch is made, the attacking team loses a goal. (4)

4

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

5

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

We’re looking for a good first touch from the set-up players to ensure a team mate the best chance of getting a clean shot away. Players should move quickly and get the ball into space, and when shooting, (5) should be aiming for the corners of the goal. The two rebound players must remain alert at all times, while other tactics such as shooting when the keeper is unsighted, (6) and disguising shots, are encouraged in order to create space and clearer routes to goal.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The keeper is unsighted and reds use this to their advantage by despatching a quick shot

6

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

11 JULY 2011

In the progression, reds lose a goal as a wayward shot is caught by a white

Here play is switched across the pitch to shake off pressing opponents and create clear shooting space in the middle

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Paul Hart Becoming pass masters

BECOMING PASS MASTERS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP Small training pitch

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is in four parts, and deals with the basics of passing and receiving.

Although simplistic in their delivery, perfecting these techniques provides the platform for almost everything a footballer needs to do on the pitch.

The very best sides in the world will rehearse the simplest of moves, as is evident by the title, ‘The Ajax passing drill’, which forms a large part of this session.

The first phase comes in two stages.

The initial stage is basic passing between players, concentrating on variations in receiving and sending. The second stage focuses on the aforementioned Ajax passing drill, and this is something that gradually increases in difficulty.

We then move on to a non-directional possession game looking at advanced passing and control, plus movement.

We’d then conclude with a small-sided game.

Balls, cones,

12 JULY 2011

Receiving on the back foot enables a player to draw the ball in to set up a controlled pass or turn

AREA

1

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Squad SESSION TIME

Session 10mins development 10mins game10mins

What do I get the players to do?

We get two players to stand 10 yards from one another, and to make very simple one-two passing lines.

(1) It’s a straightforward start, but we’ll build in variations, such as flighted balls and passes with pace. (2) We then move on to the Ajax passing drill, which requires players to set up in a triangle, with each cone 15 yards apart. The passing process sees A pass to B, B control on the back foot and pass to C, C control on the back foot and pass to A; then repeat. (3) In my experience, this works best by using two players on each cone, constantly rotating.

How do I progress the session?

Now the passing move becomes more complex, namely by adding one-two passes. So, whilst retaining a high intensity, A passes to B, B passes to A, and A passes back to B. Now B passes to C, C passes to B,B passes back to C, then C passes to A; and repeat. (4) Once the players are

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Players construct simple one-twos at high intensity

2

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Variations on the type of pass test players’ control abilities

3

A

B

C KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The Ajax passing drill sees the ball fed around the triangle www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BECOMING PASS MASTERS

Paul Hart CHARLTON ATHLETIC Paul Hart is best known for leading Portsmouth to safety in the Barclays Premier League in 2009, though before then he had taken charge of Chesterfield, Nottingham Forest (where he oversaw the development of such players as Michael Dawson, Jermaine Jenas and Andy Reid), Barnsley and Rushden & Diamonds.

Spells at QPR, Crystal Palace and Swindon Town followed before Hart was confirmed as the Academy Director of Charlton Athletic in June 2011.

As a player, he made his debut at the age of 17 for Stockport County, in a career that also embraced Blackpool, Leeds United, Forest and Sheffield Wednesday.

comfortable, we’ll progress this again.

A passes to B and B passes to A, as before.

But now A passes to C, and C, on the move, plays a one-two with B before running the ball home.

Enhancing the session further, we can bring back in the element of lofted and chipped passes, or ask players to volley and head the same passing pattern as they work the ball around the triangle.

13 JULY 2011

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

(5a/5b)

How do I put this into a game situation?

We can create a simple (non-directional) possession game in a 30x30-yard area. It’s 6v6, with the emphasis on high tempo passing and movement. Six consecutive passes constitutes a point. The winning team is the first to score 10 points.

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

“We are looking for quality passing and receiving, and the constant awareness of team mates – their positions and their intentions.”

4

Concentration plays a massive part in this session. We are looking for quality passing and receiving, and the constant awareness of team mates – their positions and their intentions.

The simplicity of this session is tempered somewhat by the high intensity that we demand throughout it, but such is the enclosed movement that we can halt play at any moment to pick out examples of good and bad practice.

In the progression, onetwo passes are added before the ball is sent to the next man

5a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Shorter one-twos are made within the triangle as the need for precision of pass and true concentration increases

5b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The third player dribbles the ball to the start cone allowing a new player to come into play

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SUNDERLAND

Ian Dipper Creative play around the box

CREATIVE PLAY AROUND THE BOX: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

Half pitch

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session relates to creative attacking play around the box.

Techniques covered are through passing (to feet or into space), combination play, passing, supporting runs, dribbling, flicks, spins, and finishing on goal.

It’s important to practise creative attacking play because increasingly these days teams are dropping deep into their own half to deny opportunities to exploit space in behind. This creates congestion near or in front of goal.

Players therefore need to be creative and unpredictable in fashioning scoring opportunities.

This type of session can be delivered regularly as the players enjoy trying the many variations, and it leads them to constantly challenge their decision making skills.

Balls, bibs, cones, goal

“It’s important to practise creative attacking play because increasingly these days teams are dropping deep.”

14 JULY 2011

1

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

10 (4v4 plus 2 keepers) SESSION TIME

Session 10mins, progression 40mins, game 20mins

What do I get the players to do?

This session starts with a passive exercise just outside the penalty area. We find using pitch markings always helps players visualise where and when to use the skill.

The box size is 20x20 yards, with blues playing across one width, and whites the other. Players must be creative with one- or two-touch play. Deliveries from the outer players start across the floor but can progress to throw-ins. We rotate player positions to help develop understanding of play and cohesion.

How do I progress the session?

We use the same 20x20-yard box placed outside the D, adding two target squares at the far end, each measuring 5x5 yards.

This game is 4v2; two whites start outside.

From the server, a pass is played into the middle then fed to the other side. Blues must try to intercept and counter into the corner boxes. We showcase technique by asking that the first

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 20x20-yard box, each team has to play across a different width of the area

2a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Now on a half pitch, whites achieve their aim of passing through the area

2b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Extending the move, the white player on the edge of the D feeds the runner, who goes on to score

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CREATIVE PLAY AROUND THE BOX

Ian Dipper SUNDERLAND Ian Dipper will soon commence his fourth year at the Sunderland Academy, where he currently works as Assistant Development Centre Coordinator.

Away from the Barclays Premier League side, Ian runs his own professional football coaching business and, just as in his day job, specialises in developing talent at younger age groups.

His qualifications include the UEFA ‘B’ Licence.

pass is set back to the outside player before the ball can begin its passage to the other side. It’s also important to change the starting points.

To progress, we add a goal at the end of the pitch. It’s 2v2 in the box, 1v1 in between the box and the edge of the 18-yard area, with a 4v3 overload in total. If blues win the ball, they can counter into the corners. (2a) When rerunning the move, we rotate the angle the angle of the box so as to replicate the various angles at which attacks are made in a game. (2b)

2c

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Rerunning the move and rotating the box helps replicate different attacking angles

3a

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

Players should want the ball under pressure, trying different runs and skills in order to create time and space. When approaching goal, they should pass the ball into the net.

“Players should want the ball under pressure, and to try different runs and skills to create time and space for themselves and others.”

15 JULY 2011

How would you put this into a game situation?

We place side-by-side three 15x15-yard boxes, and play 5v5 (including keepers).

All players start in the central box, bar one defender who goes back to receive the keeper’s pass. (3a) Team numbers in the middle box can be adjusted to make play more difficult, and we would move the box sideways to encourage attacking from wide.

In the three-box game, the blue defender receives play and begins an attacking move KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

3b Sliding the middle box sideways requires players to be even more aware of passing and attacking angles KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE

How to Coach without bullying Athlete-centred Coaching Developing Decision Makers Lynn Kidman and Bennett J. Lombardo

coaching at the University of Worcester. Lombardo is professor of Health and IPC Print Resources Physical Education at Rhode £21.25 Island College. Together they are probably the leading proponents of the benefits to ne of the goals of coaching come from coaching evolving is to develop better towards an athlete-centred decision makers - not just approach. in executing the right tactics, but So what is athlete-centred also in knowing when to use the coaching? Coaches that embrace correct technique. this approach believe in sharing In soccer, we might want power with players, want the our players to time a precision athletes to take ownership of pass that creates a goalscoring opportunity – a technical decision. their learning, and they refuse to dominate – a far cry from the Or we might want them to press the ball from a certain position on domineering, often overpowering the pitch – a tactical decision. The coaching you might see on any Sunday morning on any given debate about what the best way training ground. Athlete-centred is of enabling players to become coaching is the precise opposite skilled decision makers - and therefore better players - is at the of coach-centred coaching, which is characterised by the coach core of this book, which comes setting the agenda, and doing all down squarely on the side of the teaching. getting the players to learn for Coaching centred on the athlete themselves, rather than be told. also looks different. Coaches ‘Athlete-centred Coaching question more often and direct Developing Decision Makers’, less, to tease understanding from is edited by Lynn Kidman and the players. They will use games Bennett Lombardo. Kidman to generate understanding and is a coach educator, currently learning rather than instructions. working as a lecturer in sports

O

16 JULY 2011

“They They all want to develop athletes as people, not just as sports jocks.”

They The will develop a team culture cullt of respect and aim to help h players to be the best best they can be rather than concentrating on the team concc winning.

They are more likely winni to empathise than bully. “They all want to develop athletes as people, not just as sports jocks,” say the authors.

Kidman and Lombardo are open about why they want more humanistic coaching. The experiences of children and adults playing sport make or break their decision to continue playing for life. They argue that when winning is the only focus, the development of the individual tends to diminish, and when athletes are pushed too young this leads to injury.

And they are scathing about the “dehumanising” practices used by some coaches to enforce their control, seen most prominently in the professional environment where the pressure to win is greatest.

The philosophy promoted will worry traditionalists who believe that this is yet another step towards a generally soft approach www.elitesoccercoaching.net

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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE in society that seeks to protect the individual from realities of life and blunts the competitive spirit. For those coaches who have success with a militaristic, authoritarian approach, it may simply be rejected out of hand.

One of the main contributors to the book, Mike Ruddock, the Wales Grand Slam winning coach and director of rugby at Worcester Warriors, illustrates how easy it is to be swayed between these opposing coaching credos, despite being a strong advocate of the athlete-centred approach.

Recalling his coaching career, Ruddock remembers reverting sharply to the authoritarian method while working in Ireland during a period when he was finding success elusive.

An authoritarian approach by another coach seemed to work, so Ruddock tried it out and it also worked. But only for a short time. Then things started to go wrong again, with players leaving and results fading. He has since returned to his original method which, he says, gleans much greater long-term success.

At the heart of the debate is the reality that winning and longterm enjoyment of sport are two different things. Or rather there can be more than one definition of ‘winning’, ranging from winning a game, to winning by achieving personal goals. In addition, individuals learn differently, with some needing and expecting more robust leadership and others having the aptitude to develop themselves.

Whether the old school like it or not however, the authors’ views are being reflected (and in some cases have prompted)

WIN ACOPYOF ATHLETE CENTRED COACHING

“At the THREE PRACTICES AT THE HEART OF heart of ATHLETE-CENTRED LEARNING... the debate 1. A clear team culture 2. Using games for 3. Questioning is the understanding The culture covers the Rather than the reality that standards and values of This is an approach coach being the font how a team operates, that uses purposeful of all knowledge and winning and covering ‘the way we games for athletes the transmission of to learn skills, information being long-term do things’. “A team without a vision or team techniques and tactical one way – from enjoyment goals is like a team understanding of a coach to player – a without a rudder,” say sport. The emphasis questioning approach of sport the authors. A coach is on the player to helps athletes learn are two must establish the solve problems posed to ‘problem solve’ goals for the season by the game or one’s themselves. Coaches different and a strategy to meet opponents through can feel uncomfortable things.” them. He or she must learning in context. This using questioning formulate the values of approach favours ‘just the team and develop playing’ over drills. strategies to meet them. Finally, the coach must create a single mission statement, and practise and reinforce the values.

the athlete-centred coaching process to be a key component of many national coaching bodies’ methodology. Game officials have accepted the arguments that to promote the best long-term athlete development, starting too early and too competitively is out.

As dropout rates are increasingly scrutinised as a leading measure for the health of a sport, they are acutely aware that for individuals to remain playing after childhood the activity must be more enjoyable.

The authors acknowledge the dilemmas with an athletecentred approach. Following such a method takes more time than is often available. For amateur, volunteer coaches already giving up large amounts of precious time, it is unrealistic

To win one of four copies of AthleteCentred C Coaching, ssimply tell us which Wales W Grand Slamwinning w coach is featured fe e in the book.

compared to the direct approach as some believe it shows weakness, however it is a method of ensuring that players understand.

Source: Athlete-centred Coaching

to suggest they should further increase their commitment.

The book does come with some technical issues perhaps stemming from the authors’ determination that it is first and foremost an academic work. But even a dedicated researcher into this subject will tire at the overly lengthy verbatim quotations from interview subjects that cry out to be cut down to size.

Even withstanding some needy repetition of the core philosophy, some judicious editing of interview subject quotations might have slimmed this volume down to a leaner and meaner 200 pages with little loss of impact, and made it more accessible.

Buy this book from www.coach-soccer.com/ athletecentredcoaching

Send your answer to: elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net before July 18th, 2011. Winners will be chosen at random and announced in the August issue of Elite Soccer.

Last month’s winners of our reviewed title ‘Effective Coaching’ were Ricky Clarke and Kerry Smith from the United States, Thomas Gallagher from Ireland and Mark Hughes from Australia. They correctly told us that author Myles Downey believed that, in its most essential and simplistic form, coaching was the transfer of knowledge.

Full competition rules available on request.

17 JULY 2011

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EXTRA-TIME: PAUL JEWELL Paul Jewell talks to the LMA about the challenge that he and his Ipswich Town side face this season – namely, to regain their Premier League status...

ou were appointed as Ipswich manager in January – the third time you had come into a job mid-season. How difficult is it to hit the ground running in that situation?

It is difficult. All the jobs have been different. Bradford City came completely out of the blue.

I was a player-coach there when Chris Kamara departed. I was just asked to take over for the next game really. Luckily enough, we managed to win it and the rest, as they say, is history.

At Derby County I tried to change everything overnight, and I think with a bit more experience I might have calmed down a bit and thought for a bit longer before making big decisions.

With Ipswich, I spoke to Marcus Evans, the owner, about his plans for the future and it really got me excited. The team had just beaten Arsenal in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final, yet in the league it looked as though a relegation fight was on the cards.

But all credit to the players, they dug themselves out of that and we finished comfortably in mid-table the end.

Y

pswich have a great reputation for their youth policy and development of young talent.

That must be encouraging ?

Ipswich have got a fantastic academy, but you can’t keep rolling out top-class players year after year. That just doesn’t happen. A lot has been said about our young star Connor Wickham, but unless an offer comes in that is mind-blowing and the player wants to go, I am very happy to see him progress at Ipswich. He

I

18 JULY 2011

is only just 18, so I am in no rush to “Ipswich sell him. havethe But it’s swings and potentialto roundabouts as a manager. For beaPremier as many youngsters you bring through you also lose top-quality League players for nothing because they team. are at the end of their contracts.

Theyhave We’ve learned a hard lesson at the club, namely that you have to start aterrific ground,a renegotiating contracts earlier goodowner, than we have been. We shouldn’t be letting the contracts of top fantastic players run down. facilities ext season will be your first full season; what targets have you and the club set?

Our targets are probably the same as 15 or 16 other teams in the Championship, to try to have a chance of getting in the promotion motion shake-up. It is probably going ng to be the toughest league it has as been for a while. West Ham United ed have just come down, and they hey are a top club. Brighton & Hove Albion have just come up and nd they are moving into a new stadium. Southampton are ea big club.

All those coming up or going oing down are good teams. There re are already an awful lot of sidess in the Championship who are of similar ability. As long as we can progress ogress and try to be somewhere near ear that top six, we’ll be happy.

N

andgreat support.It’s myjobto gettheright playerson thepitch.”

is no doubt about that. They have a terrific ground, a good owner, fantastic facilities and great support. It’s my job to get the right players on the pitch, and to get them winning matches. It sounds really simple when I say it like that!

At Wigan we didn’t have a great training ground or the biggest support in the world, but we had a hard working team that was very difficult to play against. If we can get that type of spirit on the pitch added to all of that stuff on the outside then we have got to be in with a chance.

ou masterminded promotion out of the Championship previously with both Wigan Athletic and Bradford radford City. How confident are you u that you can repeat that feat with h Ipswich?

Ipswich have the potential al to be a Premier League team - there here

Y

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