www.elitesoccercoaching.net
SEPTEMBER 2011
SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES
BLACKBURN ROVERS
STEVE KEAN
PRESSING IN KEY AREAS Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WATFORD
ROCHDALE
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
SCOTLAND
LEEDS UNITED
SEAN DYCHE Attacking from crosses
STEVE EYRE The 100 passes game
JOHN STILL Defending as a zonal back four
RICKY SBRAGIA Link-up combination play
ANDY LEANING Shot-stopping for keepers rs s
INTERVIEW WITH LARISSA MANAGER CHRIS COLEMAN EXTRA-TIME: EXCLUSIVE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Elite Soccer is published by:
ISSUE 14/SEPTEMBER 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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2 SEPTEMBER 2011
Engaging trainingpracticesfrom 3 STEVE the English game’sbiggestnames KEAN
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Dear C Coach, Welc Welcome to the September issue of Elite Socc Soccer. this issue, we’ve asked six more leading In thi soccer coaches to share with us exclusive and socce innovative training sessions. Beginning in the Barclays Premier League, Steve Kean – manager of Blackburn Rovers – presents to us a session on pressing skill, something the 43-year-old says contributed significantly to guiding his side to safety last term. New Watford manager Sean Dyche has produced a session that involves the whole squad in attacking from crosses and working for position, while Rochdale’s Steve Eyre explains the benefits of transitioning play within a challenging 100-passes game. And Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still presents an engaging session that shows the benefits of zonal defending within the back four. We’ve also training contributions from newly-appointed Scotland Under-17 coach Ricky Sbragia, who pieces together a complex drill on link-up and combination play; and Leeds United goalkeeper coach Andy Leaning, who examines the basics of smart shot-stopping. And there’s an interview too with experienced Welsh manager Chris Coleman, who is sampling club management again on the continent, having accepted the role of Head Coach at Greek side Larissa. We hope these exclusive sessions will inspire your team, and look forward to bringing more your way next month.
Pressing ng g in key areas
5 SEAN DYCHE WATFORD
Attacking from crosses
7 STEVE EYRE ROCHDALE
The 100 passes game
9 JOHN STILL and Wayne Burnett DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Defending as a zonal back four
11 ANDY LEANING LEEDS UNITED
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
Shotstopping for keepers
13 1 RICKY SBRAGIA R SCOTLAND S
L Link-up ccombination p play
15 BOOKED
Elite sports book review
17EXTRA-TIME:
... with Chris Coleman www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Steve Kean Pressing in key areas
PRESSING IN KEY AREAS SET-UP AREA
Overview:
Half pitch
This session is about pressing, at first in pairs, and with a view to manufacturing quick and accurate attacking situations. It’s important to practise this because effective pressing is central to ‘player versus player’ scenarios on a football pitch. When the ball is lost it is important to press the opposition in the correct areas of the pitch so as to force errors and win back possession. Our goal scored by Junior Hoilett against Birmingham City at Ewood Park in April highlighted the benefit of this session. We pressed positively on the halfway line, forcing Birmingham back towards their own goal. That resulted in a mistake being made from which we scored an equalising goal that, in the final reckoning, was vital.
EQUIPMENT
“It’s important to practise this because effective pressing is central to ‘player versus player’ scenarios on a football pitch.” 3 SEPTEMBER 2011
1
Balls, bibs, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS
15 SESSION TIME
Session 35mins, games 10mins (each)
What do I get the players to do? At first we play a warm-up in an 8x8yard space. The game is 7v2, one-touch. The working pair must attempt to win the ball (1). Any outer player who relinquishes possession swaps to become one of the central two. We develop this into a half-pitch exercise with two teams of five (whites and blues) and one team of four (reds), plus a keeper. Two 15x10-yard boxes are placed side-by-side in between the penalty box and centre circle with a team in each. The ball is fed into the left box where whites hold possession against two pressing reds (2a). When reds win possession or an error is forced, a new ball is fed into the right box where blues restage the task. This time, when reds win possession they sprint towards goal, receive a cross from the right wing and attempt to score (2b). In the next attack, the cross comes from the left, then rotate the players.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Whites pass one-touch in protecting the ball from the reds
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the first game, reds move into the left-hand box to press the ball
2b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A tackle is made, then again in the right-hand box, which frees play to the winger, who crosses www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PRESSING IN KEY AREAS How do I put this into a game situation?
Steve Kean BLACKBURN ROVERS Steve Kean landed the manager’s job at Blackburn Rovers in December 2010, successfully leading the Lancashire side to safety last season in the Barclays Premier League. The appointment represented Kean’s first time in the managerial hotseat having previously taken the role of assistant manager at Reading, Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry City. Kean originally arrived at Ewood Park as firstteam coach in August 2009, and impressed last season as Rovers gained eight points from their final four matches to remain in England’s top division.
“Defenders work together to close down, cut off angles and force mistakes.” 4 SEPTEMBER 2011
Sideways game Played in the space between the halfway line and the penalty box, two small goals are placed on each side of the pitch with a coned 10-yard zone in front. This is 8v8 plus an attacking neutral (3). Players play two-touch with a one-touch finish. No-one is allowed in the coned space. Zone game This is again 8v8 plus a neutral, played between the two penalty boxes with a goal and keeper at each end (4a). It’s twotouch apart from in the 15-yard zones in front of each goal, where it’s standard play (4b), but offsides apply in these zones .
3
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the Sideways game, the grey neutral plays for the attacking team
4a
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? In the first sessions, defenders work together to close down, cut off angles and force mistakes. In the Sideways game, goals can be scored from anywhere, so defenders must press quickly. And because offsides apply in the Zone game, defenders must be aware of those around them whilst holding their line.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the Zone game, it’s twotouch in the middle, allowing a good chance of tackling and interceptions
4b
How do I progress the session? Instructing a forward pass after any backward pass ensures that defenders pressurise attackers.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
It’s all-in in the end zones, so the white winger dribbles down the flank and crosses for his team mate to score
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WATFORD
Sean Dyche Attacking from crosses
ATTACKING FROM CROSSES SET-UP AREA
Half pitch
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This session is about attacking from crosses with two centre-forwards. It’s important to practise this because statistics show that most goalscoring opportunities in matches come from the flanks. Players therefore need to be aware of how and when to make the most effective attacking runs. This session encourages good technique and allows players to see a move gradually build in front of them. Examples of attacking from crosses can be seen and analysed every week in the way teams play. Therefore, perfecting this approach creates maximum impact. Our recent goal against Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup came about through great buildup play on the flanks, with a precise Craig Forsyth cross that was poked home by Marvin Sordell.
Balls, cones, goals, mannequins (optional)
“Statistics show that most goalscoring opportunities come from the flanks.” 5 SEPTEMBER 2011
1a
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
20 SESSION TIME
Session 15mins, development 15mins, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? We use a a 50x40-yard area with a goal at each end; unopposed 9-a-side plus two keepers. Four players from each team wait to the right of the goal with three in the right channel (one in a full-back role, then two wingers high up the pitch). There are two attackers in the centre. Both teams work simultaneously and players follow their passes, although we might plan nonchanging roles for key men. To start, the ball is served to the full-back, who plays down the line to one of the two wingers. They combine with a quick one-two or overlap and a ball is sent in to the centreforwards, who make designated runs towards the near or far post, attempting to score (1a). Next we rerun the move but add an extra player infield. And attackers now make crossover runs in the box (1b).
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the first phase, an anticlockwise passing pattern ends with a cross in towards the inrushing attackers
1b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
An additional infield player adds a new passing element and attackers now cross over runs
1c
In the progression, mannequins and defenders add a new challenge for attackers
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ATTACKING FROM CROSSES
Sean Dyche WATFORD Sean Dyche was appointed as the new manager of Watford in June 2011 having served as a youth-team coach before becoming assistant manager to Malky Mackay. Dyche will look to use the experience gained in a 17-year professional playing career to inspire a club working on one of the lowest budgets in the npower Championship. As a fearless and dominant defender, he spent seven years at Chesterfield, much of that time as club captain. Dyche also turned out for Millwall, Bristol City, Luton Town and Northampton Town.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Passing and crossing must be quick and precise. Attackers must make sharp, positive movements, staying focused so as to ensure they don’t arrive in the six-yard box too early.
How do I progress the session? Weprogressbyadding mannequins(orcones) ordefenderstogive attackersanew challenge,enablingusto chooseopposedand unopposedsituations (1c). Next, each side’s infield passer will join the attack. After feeding a winger, he sprints into an additional six-yard box placed behind the first. His aim is to reach any cross that might inadvertently come in behind the two attackers. We refer to these areas as the ‘positions of maximum opportunity’ (1d).
How do I put this into a game situation?
“Attackers must make sharp, positive movements, staying focused so as to ensure they don’t arrive in the six-yard box too early.” 6 SEPTEMBER 2011
1d
For a small-sided game, we play 9v9 plus two keepers in a half pitch narrowed by 10 yards on either flank. An attacker from each side occupies a corner box his team is attacking (2a). Any goalscoring assist must come from these areas. Other players may enter this box, and the winger on the non-crossing side can come into the middle to create an overload of attackers in front of goal (2b).
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Now the infield passing player joins the attack to follow any crosses played in behind the frontmen
In the small-sided game, the intention is to work the ball out to the player in the attacking corner box
2b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A crossing move develops and the opposing winger comes in to create an overload in the centre www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ROCHDALE
Steve Eyre The 100 passes game
THE 100 PASSES GAME SET-UP AREA
Half pitch
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This session looks at transitioning between attack and defence. It’s useful for us because it examines all the elements of pressure, possession, technique and fitness, and isolates in opponents weak areas that can be exploited. When we have the ball, transition play is key. When we don’t have the ball, the ability to make quick and positive decisions comes to the fore, and this session looks at both of those scenarios.
Balls, cones 16 (8v8) SESSION TIME
Warm-up 10mins, game 20mins, development 20mins
To begin, we use a simple warm-up to promote active body and mind. In a 20x20yard passing diamond, we put a player on each of the first three cones, and two players on the fourth cone – this is where the ball starts. Players pass the ball along each edge to a team mate who receives on the halfturn. Each player then follows his pass (1). Next we move on to an 8v8 high-energy passing game in a 20x10-yard area. Teams start in opposing halves. In the example, the coach serves the ball to the white team. Three blues move into the white half to attempt to win the ball (2a). Whites must count the number of completed passes. Once a tackle or interception is made, blues return to their own half, and three whites must attempt to win back possession in a similar 8v3 overload (2b). The first team to achieve 100 completed passes, accumulated from each time they are in possession, is the
20
20
What do I get the players to do?
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
For the warm-up, players work the ball around a passing diamond then follow their pass
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
10
In the high-energy passing game, one of the three blues intercepts the ball
2b
10
7 SEPTEMBER 2011
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
10
“This session examines all the elements of pressure, possession, technique and fitness, and isolates in opponents weak areas that can be exploited.”
1
10
Play now moves into the other half. The coach serves a new ball in with the whites up against an 8v3 overload
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
THE 100 PASSES GAME
Steve Eyre ROCHDALE Steve Eyre was confirmed as the manager of Rochdale on June 12, 2011. The 39-year-old had previously worked as youth-team coach with Barclays Premier League side Manchester City, leading the Eastlands club’s youngsters to five league titles and two FA Youth Cup final appearances. In only his sixth senior match in charge of Rochdale, he masterminded a 2-0 Carling Cup second round victory at Barclays Premier League side QPR. A holder of the UEFA A licence, Eyre is this season tasked with maintaining the club’s npower League One status.
winner. We will vary the number of defenders to change the difficulty of the task.
How do I progress the session? We create a new possession game using two floaters. This fitness-themed task starts off 3v3 in a 15x15-yard box with one floater, who works with the team in possession. The other lone floater is located in a similar box 20-30 yards away (3a). A team has to complete five passes before transferring the ball to other floater, at which point everyone sprints to that box where the task continues (3b). We progress the game further by adding in a third box to give the team in possession a choice of where to direct the long pass (3c).
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
“Intensity of passing and communication is essential throughout.” 8 SEPTEMBER 2011
3a
Intensity of passing and communication is essential throughout. In the 20x10-yard game, the emphasis is on defenders to press as a three, with attackers expected to make a minimum of 10 passes per phase. For the two-box possession game, we’re looking for the speed of transition and players’ versatility in combining short and long passes.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The progression uses two boxes 20-30 yards apart
3b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
When five passes are made, play switches to the other box
3c
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Adding a third box and a new floater presents an additional long passing option www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
John Still and Wayne Burnett
Defending as a zonal back four Overview: In this session, we try to give players an understanding of their roles and responsibilities in defensive zones in and around the box – this includes defending individually and as a back four unit. We also look at covering, team balance, and the ability to support. It’s important to practise this because, more than anywhere else on the pitch, defensive players need to have a complete understanding of roles. When on the attack, opposition teams may play an array of systems, but the principles of zonal defending do not change, so being able to solve problems and identify different scenarios is important. We practise this session at least twice a week, for up to 45 minutes at a time, and rotating players frequently.
9 SEPTEMBER 2011
DEFENDING AS A ZONAL BACK FOUR SET-UP AREA
Half pitch
1
EQUIPMENT
Balls, cones, goal NUMBER OF PLAYERS
9 (4 attackers, 4 defenders and a keeper) SESSION TIME
Session 15mins, development 30mins
What do I get the players to do? We create four 15-yard channels. In each is a defender, starting just outside the penalty area. He must stay in his zone. On the coach’s whistle, a server plays the ball to one of the four attackers, who have all moved forward from the halfway line. The attacker must advance into the zone and take on his opposite number (1). If blocked, he can pass sideways. If an attacker makes it to the penalty area, restrictions are lifted, meaning all players can work for position. But should the ball come back out of the box, players have to return to their allotted zones.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2
The centre-back thwarts the attacker’s progress by making a tackle
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3
Now with the middle line removed, the centre-back pushes out. His fellow defenders close in behind him to cover
How do I progress the session? At first, we remove the middle line to encourage more movement from attackers (2). In the next phase, all internal lines are removed so that that the full width is used (3/4). Next, we add two extra attacking players in central midfield (5).
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Quick interplay results in a ball through the middle, but the full-back and centre-back recover well
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
DEFENDING AS A ZONAL BACK FOUR
John Still DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE Dagenham & Redbridge manager John Still completed an impressive double when he guided the Essex club into the Football League in 2006, having also achieved the feat with Maidstone United 15 years previously. Still’s down-to-earth style is reflective of his extensive experience in the non-league game, having taken his first managerial job at Leytonstone and Ilford back in 1982. Spells at Dartford, Redbridge Forest, Peterborough United, Lincoln City, Barnet and Bristol Rovers followed. At Dagenham, the club has exceeded expectations in the Football League. After consolidating at first, promotion to League One arrived in 2010 with a 3-2 victory over Rotherham United in the club’s Wembley play-off final. Although they have now returned to League Two, Still’s likeable character and ability to pick gems from the non-league game have made him one of the most respected coaches in the Football League.
10 SEPTEMBER 2011
This creates a 6v4 scenario, increasing the pressure on the defensive line, and the likelihood of balls being played through the defence. The keeper must also be reactive to this danger. We progress further to an 8v4 overload, adding two attacking full-backs (6).
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We’re looking for the defender’s angle of approach - can he close down quickly, tackle or intercept a pass? The aim is to make the attacker play backwards or sideways because protecting the goal, rather than gaining possession, is the number one priority. Defenders must decide quickly whether they need to hold the line or not - therefore communication and the awareness of team mates’ positions is vital for good covering positions and balance. Defenders must be able to see the ball and the man, and should be in line with the goal. They cannot get too tight as there is the threat of the server playing in behind for the attackers to run on to. If attackers’ runs are too early can defenders catch them offside? And if the ball is played back, can defenders push out?
4
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
5
In this instance a wing attack develops, and the defensive line shifts across to cover
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble Potential movement
6
In the 6v4 progression, defenders and the keeper must be aware of areas into which through-passes might be made
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble Potential movement
Now as an 8v4, concentration must be high from defenders to counter key overload areas such as on the wing
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
LEEDS UNITED
Andy Leaning Shotstopping for keepers
SHOT-STOPPING FOR KEEPERS SET-UP AREA
Penalty area EQUIPMENT
Overview:
Ball, cones
This high tempo session is used to improve a goalkeeper’s footwork and mobility around the six-yard box. It helps him to move into line and set quickly, always encouraging him to adopt a good body shape. This practice gives a keeper time to make good shotstopping decisions. It’s important to practise this because modern day football is very quick. Additionally, with increased ball movement and better technical ability in players, snapshots in and around the box can catch keepers off guard. These contributing factors make it vitally important for them to adopt correct positions. The practice benefits keepers at all levels. Effective footwork and mobility along with a good technical base is the difference between a fingertip save and a goal, or a comfortable catch and a counter-attack.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
11 SEPTEMBER 2011
1
4 (3 attackers, 1 keeper) SESSION TIME
Drills 15 mins each, game 15mins
What do I get the players to do? Footwork and handling technique This rehearses keepers in footwork practice, using a line marked out by cones. Across all three movements (see diagram) the idea is for the keeper to show balance, coordination, rhythm and tempo (1). Next we use one goal and three servers. Server 1 is on the six-yard box in line with the left post, server 2 is located 12 yards away from the post diagonally, while server 3 is on the penalty spot. The goal width is divided into thirds using cones. Server 1 fires one of three shots towards the near post in order to produce a low dive, a mid dive or a full extension (2a). The keeper is straight up to take a ball into the chest from server 2 (2b). Now server 3 despatches one of six shots – a volley, a flat low half-volley, a scoop, a half-volley, a drive or a dipping shot – towards the middle of the goal (2c). The keeper rolls the ball back to the server after each save.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2a
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
i A five-yard sprint to start and finish, and a wide step on the chicane ii The keeper sidesteps down the line and arcs forward iii The keeper sidesteps down the line but now backpedals
Server 1 fires one of three near-post shots
2b
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The keeper must get back on his feet quickly to take a volley from server 2
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
SHOT-STOPPING FOR KEEPERS
Andy Leaning LEEDS UNITED As a goalkeeper, Andy Leaning made over 300 league and cup appearances for York City, Sheffield United, Bristol City, Lincoln City and Chesterfield before hanging up his gloves in 2000. Following his retirement, the 48-year-old moved into specialist goalkeeping roles at Chesterfield, Scarborough and Barnsley, plus had an eight-year spell as first-team coach at Sheffield United. He now works for the Leeds United academy.
We perform four rotations, then switch the drill to the other side of the goal so the keeper, starting on the other cone, dives the opposite way. Skill shot-stopping We now place a second goal 10 yards to the left of the first. Nonworking players wait behind the line. Server 1 begins 12 yards away at an angle, with server 2 outside the 18-yard box. Server 1 receives and plays two-touch to server 2, who shoots. Server 2 now sprints between the goals and joins the opposite group. All players follow their passes or shot, and both sides work at the same time (3).
2c
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Back across goal, server 3 fires one of six possible shots, before the sequence starts again
3
How do I put this into a game situation?
“Outfield players must shoot realistically – no chips or curlers – just one- or two-touch snapshots that rehearse keepers’ shotstopping abilities.” 12 SEPTEMBER 2011
We play 5v5 in a 20x15yard area (4). The first team to score three goals remains while the losers rotate with another group. The small playing area encourages players to shoot on sight. Resting keepers serve new balls in.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? For the keeper, we look at footwork, setting position, technique and decision-making catch, deflect or parry. Outfield players must shoot realistically – no chips or curlers – just one- or twotouch snapshots that rehearse keepers’ shot-stopping abilities.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the next phase, the ball is fed out on each side. Players work a shot then join the back of the other group
4
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the game situation, the small playing area creates multiple shooting opportunities
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
SCOTLAND
Ricky Sbragia
LINK-UP COMBINATION PLAY
Link-up combination play
SET-UP
Overview:
Balls, cones
Movement, support and running off the ball is essential in the modern game, and fine-tuning these abilities in players can really enhance attacking options throughout the team. Therefore, this unopposed drill is designed to examine receiving, touch, layoff, link-up play and third-man running, so that players can work together in tight areas to maximum effect. For simplicity, we have depicted this drill using one ball in one direction. As players progress, both directions can be played as one revolving move. And progressing further, we would use a ball in each channel at the same time.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
EQUIPMENT
Full squad SESSION TIME
Session 10mins, development 30mins
What do I get the players to do? We set up a 25x10-yard practice area. Play is contained in the right side of the area, with two central players working off each other. Waiting players stand in lines at both ends of the area, as indicated. The basics are: • Server makes a long pass to the right-side player who makes a forward run and spins to receive • Server makes leftside run • Short pass is played by right-side player to team mate who arcs his run then feeds server • Server dribbles forward and passes to the receiver at the front of the top line (1). The player joins the back of the line ahead while central players return to their positions.
How do I progress the session?
25 The server passes long to the first receiver, who links with his partner. A pass is made to the server who is making a ‘third-man run’
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2a 25 The receiver drops off to take a short pass, combines in the middle then feeds the overlapping player
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2b 25
10
For the first progression, the server can now pass short. If he chooses to, the left-side player on the halfway line comes towards him, spins ‘around the corner’, then feeds the rightside man, with the
1
10
13 SEPTEMBER 2011
25x10 yards
10
“Runs have to be well timed and players should be allowed to take an extra touch to ensure the move continues.”
AREA
In this variation the receiver makes a forward run before linking play further up the area
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
LINK-UP COMBINATION PLAY
Ricky Sbragia SCOTLAND
Sbragia moved to become first-team coach at Bolton Wanderers, before rejoining Sunderland. Following the departure of Roy Keane, he took charge of the Black Cats as caretaker-manager before accepting the manager’s job on a permanent basis in December 2008.
In August, Sbragia was unveiled as the new Scotland Under-17s coach.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We want good pass weight and accuracy, early movement and support. Runs have to be well timed and players can take an extra touch to ensure the move continues. 14 SEPTEMBER 2011
Now, with no ‘third-man run’, short passing moves to a long pass to the target player, who touches back to complete the move
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3b 25
10
He secured the club’s Barclays Premier League safety the following May but opted to change roles, becoming the chief scout, a position he held until April 2011.
3a 10
After retiring from playing football in 1987, Ricky Sbragia enjoyed great success with youth teams at York City and Sunderland. He then accepted the post of reserve team coach with Manchester United, helping to develop the careers of such players as Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher.
move then continuing as before (2a). Progressing further, the variation now sees the central player drop short and play a ball into the path of his onrushing team mate. A short pass is then squared to the server who collects (2b). The distance and angle of link-up play in the middle determines the receiver’s reaction time, and whether he chooses to start the return phase with a long or short pass. In the next progression we introduce a stationary target on each top line. The server plays a one-two then feeds the target while the other working player links up to receive the lay-off, before passing to the receiver in the line (3a). The initial server becomes one of the middle players and the move continues in both directions, using short and long passes (3b). Finally, we progress this into a shooting session around the box, looking at the movement of the two front players and runs from midfield, with markers introduced to increase difficulty (4).
Here the server chooses to make a long pass and key passing and movement is concentrated in the middle part of the area
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the shooting practice, midfielders and forwards link up to fashion goalscoring opportunities
4
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE
The power of the mind Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Carol Dweck Ballantine Books 278pp Amazon £6.20
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he way you view your own intelligence can determine how successful you are in life. That’s the premise from Carol Dweck, an American educational psychologist, who believes that the achievement of one’s full potential in business, parenting or coaching comes down to one thing: mindset. Dweck claims to have established in her research that people tend to have either a “fixed mindset” or a “growth mindset”. Those with a fixed mindset largely believe that their intelligence, or talent, cannot really be improved, and that as a consequence tend to focus on looking smart, or at least not looking stupid. They avoid difficult challenges that “show them up” and hate making mistakes. Fear of failure means their learning and development of knowledge, skills and abilities is hindered. Those with a growth mindset, on the other hand, view intelligence as a potential that can be developed. They put effort into learning and performing and into developing strategies that enhance learning and long-term accomplishments. An implication is that it pays off to help children and students invest in a view of intelligence as something that can be developed. Dweck does 15 SEPTEMBER 2011
not deny that people differ in their eir natural abilities but she stressess akes that it is continued effort that makes o abilities blossom. Children who h have learned to develop a growth mindset know that effort is the e main key to creating knowledge and skills. How do you know if players have a fixed or growth g mindset? Simply by challenging them, according to Dweck, with statements like: “You have a certain amount of intelligence and you can’t really do much to change it.” People who agree with this kind of statement have a fixed mindset. Those who have a growth mindset agree that: “You can always substantially change how intelligent you are.” The illuminating case studies of coaches and business people throughout this intriguing book overcome a slightly leaden writing style, and references to sports players and coaches will appeal to readers looking to apply the lessons of mindset to the world of soccer. Basketball player Michael Jordan wasn’t a natural, but he had a growth mindset. In his early years, though talented, he was not picked out as a star. He was dropped from his school team and wasn’t recruited by the college team he wanted to play for. But Jordan was a hard working athlete. His response to being dropped was to get up at 6am every day to practise. He worked on his weaknesses.
“He would not tolerate coasting. If players were not putting in the effort during practice he was known to turn the lights out and inform his team that they had lost the opportunity to improve that day.”
He practised for hours after He tthe he last game of the year – to g e ahead for the following get sseason. ea One of his coaches com commented that Jordan was “a gen who constantly wanted genius to upgrade up to his genius”. Pe Perhaps the best coaching exam of fixed mindset is example Bobb Knight, the controversial Bobby colleg basketball coach. Dweck college sayshe says he could be unbelievably kind and gracious, yet was also monstrously cruel. He was incapable of accepting failure, taking every defeat personally. A loss made him a failure, obliterating his identity, and as a result he demeaned his players. Players deemed guilty of losing the game were banned from going home on the coach with the rest of the team, as they were no longer worthy of respectful treatment. He threw chairs across the court, grabbed players by the neck and exploded at the slightest mistake. This was justified as toughening up his team to play under pressure, but in reality he was out of control. Was Knight a successful coach? Well, he won some championships, but Dweck quite rightly questions at what price this was achieved. Knight’s players spoke of a poisonous atmosphere and it was too much for some to bear. Growth mindset coach John Wooden led the UCLA basketball team to championship victory in 10 out of 12 seasons, and www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE once had a winning streak of 88 games. He started in 1963 with a weak team, poor facilities and a losing atmosphere, but with an approach that winning or losing was not the most important consideration. Players got equal time and attention. He didn’t ask for mistake-free games or demand that his players never lose. What he wanted was full preparation and maximum effort. “Did I make my best effort?” If so, he says, “You may be outscored but you will never lose.” But he would not tolerate coasting. If players were not putting in the effort during practice he was known to turn the lights out and inform his team that they had lost the opportunity to improve that day. “There are coaches out there,”
“Forme,concern, compassion,and considerationwere alwaysprioritiesof thehighestorder.” Wooden says, “who have won championships with the dictator approach, among them Vince Lombardi and Bobby Knight. I had a different philosophy… For me, concern, compassion, and consideration were always priorities of the highest order.” Dweck provides some telling insights into how those with differing mindsets react to success and failure. Her theory is that those with a growth mindset found success by doing their best, by learning and improving. Setbacks, rather than being seen as demoralising or depressing, are seen as motivating, informative and Here at Elite Soccer, we value highly the knowledge and judgement of you, our subscribers. Over the past few months we’ve been delighted to put forward some fantastic coaching literature that examines
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FIXED MINDSET Intelligence is fixed
GROWTH MINDSET Intelligence can be developed
Leads to a desire to look smart and therefore a tendency to…
Leads to a desire to learn and therefore a tendency to…
CHALLENGES
…avoid challenges
…embrace challenges
OBSTACLES
…get defensive or give up early
…persist in the face of setbacks
EFFORT
…see effort as fruitless or worse
…see effort as the path to mastery
CRITICISM
…ignore useful negative feedback
…learn from criticism
SUCCESS OF OTHERS
…feel threatened by the success of others
…find lessons and inspiration in the success of others
As a result, they may plateau early and achieve less than their full potential
As a result, they reach ever higher levels of achievement Source: Mindset, Nigel Holmes
a wake-up call. People with growth mindsets in sports take charge of the processes that bring success – and that maintain it. The book is largely anecdotal and draws on biographical sources, and one criticism is that there is little hard data to back up what ultimately is still a theory. Having said that it is a convincing one – we all know people who operate in a fixed mindset – and Dweck has a talent for applying her psychological analysis to behaviours, drawing what seem like logical conclusions. How can soccer coaches put the psychological side of sports practice, but there are undoubtedly a number of gems we’ve not uncovered. We’d like to hear from you if there’s a coaching book that has really helped to shape and focus your side. Contact us at elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net, and we’ll
Dweck’s theories into practice? David Clarke, the editor of Soccer Coach Weekly, organised drills for an Under-10s group designed to deliberately cause them to fail. It was a simple running and passing drill, but as he challenged them to perform better they at first made mistakes but then learned how to correct them, and improved. His conclusion: “Players need to feel comfortable in an environment where mistakes are accepted. At my last club I had a sign in the players’ changing room which simply said: ‘If you don’t make mistakes you aren’t learning.’”
look to showcase the best going forward. In striving to make Elite Soccer the ultimate monthly soccer coaching title, we’re always keen to hear your feedback on the magazine’s content - be that our book reviews, bonus manager features, or the coaching sessions themselves.
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EXTRA-TIME: CHRIS COLEMAN Chris Coleman talks to the LMA about the new challenge that confronts him in Greece.
When Chris Coleman was appointed Fulham manager at the age of 32, he became the Barclays Premier League‘s youngest ever manager. But some nine years on, the likeable Welshman is taking on new challenges, having accepted the role of Head Coach at Larissa, in the Greek second division. ell us a bit about Larissa. The city itself has a population of about 200,000 people. There is only the one football club and they all support Larissa. And we are fortunate that they’re so passionate about their sport. We’ve been helped too by the fact that the club itself has got a brand new £40million stadium. My first training session was at the club stadium in July and 5,000 fans turned up; it was unbelievable. The atmosphere was incredible and I’ve honestly never seen anything like it. I liaise directly with the Club President about players we would like to sign, budgets etc. So I am the manager, but in this country they call it Head Coach. ou’ve already worked in Spain at Real Sociedad and now you are managing in Greece; gaining overseas managerial experience appears very much a focus of your career path. I’ve decided to come out here, enjoy it and learn as much as I can. I am here by myself and have appointed a new backroom team of Greek coaches who speak English and know Greek football inside out. It is a tough league that we play in but it is a challenge, and a new challenge provides different problems than when you
economy at the moment and the football clubs are not immune to that. Some clubs can’t afford to pay their players but we are fortunate that our club is able to invest in the squad; it gives us the opportunity to try to rebuild a good team. And the club really needs reshaping as it has been on a little bit of a downward slope for the last two seasons.
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hen accepting the role, how much did you know about the Greek League and Greek football in general? Has it been a steep learning curve? Since December, when the opportunity initially arose, I have watched about 100 match DVDs, looking at both our own players and those who would count as potential targets. I now know a fair bit about Greek football but, of course, when I am signing a player I like to go and watch him play in the flesh at least twice to get a feel for him. The Greek league is a tough league, very physical and demanding, plus the pitches can be poor, so I know that it is not going to be easy.
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“It’s a relief now the season is actually starting. It’s great to get that feeling back because football management is an addiction really.” are managing in England. It’s a relief now the season is actually starting. It’s great to get that feeling back because football management is an addiction really. hat expectations do you face as the Head Coach of Larissa? The club didn’t perform to the level it should have last season so we must look to improve and get back to where we feel we belong. That said, we can’t go out and start spending money that we don’t have on players. Finances are tight in general in the Greek
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ou know what it’s like to be the Premier League’s youngest manager. What are your thoughts on Andre VillasBoas’ arrival at Chelsea? If he’s good enough then he’s old enough. A manager’s job is a very hard one, especially at a club like Chelsea where the expectations are so high, but Andre Villas-Boas did ever so well at Porto. He’s going to be managing world class superstars - he’ll have to win their respect and they’ll have to earn his respect too, but that’s football.
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