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october 2011
Soccer Coaching practices from English football league managers and coaches
arsĂˆne wenger passing through Arsenal
the lines
Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
In partnership with
West Ham United
Hereford United
AFC Wimbledon
LMA ambassador
Nea Salamina
SAM ALLARDYCE Overloads in attacking play
JAMIE PITMAN Possession and support
TERRY BROWN Breaking opposition lines
DARREN ROBINSON Purposeful possession
STEPHEN CONSTANTINE Corner kick routine
Interview with extra-time: Exclusive charlton athletic manager chris powell
In partnership with
Elite Soccer is published by:
Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148 Email: elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net Publisher: Kevin Barrow Editor: James Evans Contributing Editor: Matthew Amos, LMA Design: Jimmy Egerton Illustrator: Richard Palmer Customer Services: Duncan Heard Operations Director: Toby Curthoys Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths Photos: Action Images
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League Managers Association The Camkin Suite, 1 Pegasus House, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6LW, UK Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Email: lma@lmasecure.com President: Fabio Capello Chairman: Howard Wilkinson Chief Executive: Richard Bevan This publication is protected by national and international copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public. Elite Soccer members who have purchased this report may circulate electronic or hard copies to members of their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain. However, no part or whole of this report may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website or distributed commercially except under licence from the copyright owners. © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved
2 october 2011
issue 15/october 2011: FROM THE CHAIRMAN
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Bespoketrainingpracticesfrom someofthebiggestnamesinfootball Dear Coach, Welcome to the October issue of Elite Soccer, which this month features another six soccer sessions, tried and tested on the training ground by professional coaches. Our first offering comes from Arsène Wenger, one of the most innovative coaching names in the game, and who has just completed 15 years as manager of Arsenal. His practice deals with passing through the lines, and highlights some of the principles that have led to the Gunners being regarded as the best passing side in Britain. The session is supported by a detailed description of Arsenal’s winning goal against Barcelona in last season’s Champions League last 16 tie – real proof that practice does work. Hugely respected West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce outlines a training ground move on overloads in attacking areas, and in a similar vein, AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown explains how to break through opposition lines. Jamie Pitman, manager of Hereford United, presents a training practice on possession and support, while LMA Ambassador Darren Robinson outlines the elements contained within switches of play. We’re also stepping overseas for the first time to bring you a fantastic corner kick routine from Stephen Constantine. Now manager of Cypriot side Nea Salamina, Constantine has spent 10 years as an international head coach, enjoying notable success with, amongst others, the Indian and Nepalese national teams. We hope you find these quality sessions interesting and stimulating, and look forward to bringing more your way next month.
ARSÈNE WENGER Arsenal
Passing through the lines
8
SAM ALLARDYCE West Ham United
Overloads in attacking play
10
JAMIE PITMAN
Hereford United
Possession and support
12
TERRY BROWN
AFC Wimbledon
Breaking opposition lines
14
DARREN ROBINSON
LMA Ambassador
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
Purposeful possession and switching play
16
STEPHEN CONSTANTINE Nea Salamina
Corner kick routine
03 MANAGEMENT MATTERS 18 BOOKED
Elite sports book review
... with Chris Powell
20 EXTRA-TIME:
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In partnership with
management matters
MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of champions Manchester United, took the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month Award for August after seeing his side pick up where they left off last term. United won all three of their league matches, including that sensational 8-2 Old Trafford win over Arsenal. The club also defeated their City neighbours 3-2 in the Community Shield.
In the npower Championship, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet took the monthly award by taking his newlypromoted side to the top of the table. The Sussex club defeatedDoncasterRovers, Portsmouth, Cardiff City and Peterborough United in league action, as well as recording wins over Gillingham and Sunderland in the first two rounds of the Carling Cup.Brighton&Hove
Albion: W4 D1 L0
Manchester United: w3 D0 L0 (league only)
THIS MONTH: JIM BENTLeY, MORECAMBE
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel - comprising LMA Chairman
...with Danny Wilson, manager of Sheffield United and former boss of City rivals Wednesday What’s the best decision you have ever made as a manager? That’s a tough question to answer really because every club you go to presents different problems that need to be solved. A manager’s job nowadays is far more difficult than it 3 october 2011
And finally to npower League Two, where Rotherham United manager Andy Scott was the panel’s choice. The Millers made it up to second in the table with four wins from five matches during August. Within that sequence, United clocked up away wins at Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle, plus beat fellow promotion rivals Gillingham 3-0 at home. Bury: W4 D1 L0
MK Dons: W4 D1 L0
PERFORMANCE IN FOCUS
DECISIONS, DECISIONS...
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson took the plaudits in npower League One, after his side won six of their eight matches in the month, including a stunning 4-0 success at Barclays Premier League side Norwich City in the Carling Cup. The Dons scored an incredible 23 goals in August in all competitions, enhancing Robinson’s reputation as one of the Football League’s best young managers.
Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that, in the second week in September, the F&C Thames River Performance of the Week Award went to Morecambe, for their 6-0 defeat of former league leaders Crawley
was when I first started in this side of the game 18 years ago. The longevity of your tenure at a football club is short and getting shorter each year, and that in itself makes it more difficult, especially for the younger manager coming into the occupation. The same applies for coaches too - they don’t seem to get a second chance to prove themselves. I suppose I’d say my best decision was deciding to get into management and coaching in the first place! I can’t say that any other decision I’ve made in football has given me greater pleasure.
Town in npower League Two. New manager Jim Bentley said after the game, “It was a great result and I am very pleased because everything came together. Everyone at the club has been working really hard to get things right and we got our rewards.
And the worst? I don’t think it pays to mull over past events too much, nor spend too long gazing into the future. I’ve never had any regrets as a player and I haven’t had any as a manager, so in that respect I’ve got no worries in terms of the decisions I’ve made along the way. I’ve often said there are no bad decisions, providing they give you the experience to make a better judgement next time around, and I think that’s a really valuable philosophy for coaches.
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In partnership with
Arsenal
Arsène Wenger Passing through the lines Overview: This is a session that incorporates quick combination passing, positional awareness and intelligent decision-making. We find it’s important to practise this because receiving and passing are core skills, and fundamental to the success of every football team. Preparation is essential, because playing the Arsenal way means practising what we play and how we play. Players must have seen the situation before it occurs – in this instance, that means always looking up before passing and receiving. Our passing game is renowned and respected in football, and the ability to perfect this offers rewards in all areas of the pitch. So that could be that quick passing from defence into midfield, or precise link-up play into front players. The session is realistic to game situations; we find that making training challenging helps players work out situations quickly.
4 october 2011
passing through the lines SET-UP Area
Playing the Arsenal way
36x12 yards
Still shielding, he turns away from the defender and moves on into the space in front of him
Equipment
Balls, cones (or mannequins)
3
Number of Players
12 Session time
Warm-up 15mins, Section games 2x15mins, Full-size game 16mins
What do I get the players to do? Rotation warm-up We begin with a rotation warm-up in a 36x12-yard area divided into three equal boxes, with scattered mannequins or cones offering fixed obstacles. A player waits in the middle box, with non-working players in lines at either end. All players follow their passes. A player at the bottom dribbles the ball a few yards into the area before passing to the man in middle box. The receiver takes the ball on the turn, runs, and passes to the incoming player at the top, before sprinting out to join the queue in front of him (1). The practice then comes back in the opposite direction and the process is repeated. To develop, can any player receiving the ball move it on with one touch? Passing game We divide players into three equal groups. Each group must remain in their box at all times, and each individual player in a
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1
Key Ball movement Player movement
The player glances over his shoulder as the ball approaches. He is assessing the situation, checking for the positions of team mates as well as opponents
He lets the ball come across him using a side-on stance and shields it from the defender who has closed in. Receiving side-on also allows him to begin moving forward as he sees passing options in front of him
1 In the warm-up, taking on the turn and moving off is the key element
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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passing through the lines
12 In the passing game, reds thread a pass through to their team mates. There is no player movement, just ball movement where the emphasis is on passing zone to zone
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2b 12
12
Players have to remain in approximate areas, but here the reds draw blues over slightly before switching play and sending a ball down the channel
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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20 Changing the area size and increasing player numbers adds different elements to the play
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5 october 2011
2a 12
“Preparation is essential, because the Arsenal way means that players must have seen the situation before it occurs.”
specified area of the box – top left, top right, bottom left or bottom right. Reds in the right box combine (with a threetouch minimum rule) before sending a pass through the blues to the other group of reds (2a). Then a new combination starts (2b), and if the ball makes it back to the right box a point is awarded. If blues intercept, they score a point and play to the opposite four reds, then the game resets. Rotating players within boxes, each group defends for four minutes with a 90-second recovery in between. To progress, we remove the threetouch condition to test players’ decisionmaking, and change player numbers to vary difficulty (3). Movement game Now there’s an 8v4 game in the same three boxes (4a). The top box is 4v2 opposed, with 3v2 in the middle and a lone red at the bottom. Players cannot move out of boxes until the ball is transferred from one end to the other through each box. Once the transfer is made though, middle players follow the ball to make a new 4v2 at the bottom (4b). And from the top box, three reds and two blues move down, leaving only a solitary red. Play now switches back in the opposite direction (4c). The game is again played in phases of four minutes, but scored
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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passing through the lines
Arsène Wenger Arsenal Arsène Wenger is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in world soccer. Dubbed ‘the miracle-worker’ by former Arsenal vicechairman David Dein, Wenger is often credited with revolutionising the modern game. At Arsenal, the 61-year-old has won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, following on from trophy-laden management spells in Japan and his native France. He also took the Gunners to the 2006 Champions League Final. His 2003/04 Arsenal side, labeled ‘The Invincibles’, were unbeaten for the entire Premier League season – the only time this feat has been achieved in the past 132 years.
“We’re looking for positive passing, clever movement and the ability to receive and move away quickly.” 6 october 2011
so that if defenders win the ball they transfer it to the lone player, something which incorporates movement up and down the pitch.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We’re looking for success before introducing a new challenge. If players have been successful, we might reduce the playing area to increase difficulty. If players have not been successful, we will initially increase the size of the playing area to increase difficulty, then return to the original dimensions. Throughout, players must be alert in receiving and passing. The ball needs to be moved quickly and positively, particularly during the movement game. Looking up and assessing opposition threat is a key quality for attackers and defenders, while the latter need to work both individually and collectively to counter the threat.
How do I put this into a game situation? For a full-size game, we divide a pitch into thirds and encourage passing through sections, as rehearsed in the session. In forward moves, we look for slick one-touch and combination play that leads into and out of side-on passing.
4a In the movement game, receiving side-on is applied to a possession scenario as the ball moves through the areas
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4b When the ball reaches the bottom, middle players follow to create a new 4v2 scenario Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4c With players moving into the middle section to create a new 3v2 and the ball in the bottom box, the direction of play turns back on itself Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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Arsenal v Barcelona
the playbook: gunners’ classic counter attack
Arsenal v Barcelona Champions League Last 16, first leg, The Emirates February 16, 2011
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Phase 1 (four seconds) Messi, under pressure, plays a short ball in but Koscielny steps in to intercept.
The scenario With seven minutes to go in our Champions League last 16 home tie against Barcelona, the scores were tied at 1-1. We had equalised a few minutes beforehand and our Spanish opponents were looking for a goal. The temptation might have been to sit back content and protect the fact we’d got back on level terms, but instead we managed to put together a fantastic attacking move that started on the edge of our own penalty area. The break forward - that involved Laurent Koscielny, Nicklas Bendtner, Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin - was a perfect example of quick passing, great vision and purposeful link-up play. The pivotal part of the move was where Fabregas received Wilshire’s pass side-on, turned, and delivered a fantastic ball forward. It led to Arshavin’s winner, a goal that raised the roof at The Emirates, and one that was created and executed very much in the mould of Arsenal Football Club. Arsène Wenger
7 october 2011
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Phase 2 (seven seconds) Koscielny carries the ball forward and lays it off to Bendtner on the wing
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Phase 3 (eight seconds) Bendtner comes inside, drawing in Barcelona players
Phase 4 (11 seconds) The striker now makes a quick pass to Wilshire. First time, the midfielder plays it forward to Fabregas, who takes the ball on the turn and looks up
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Phase 5 (15 seconds) Fabregas’ pass is into the feet of the onrushing Nasri. The Frenchman advances into the penalty area, stops the ball, then dribbles a yard in
Phase 6 (19 seconds) Van Persie makes a run into the box, but it’s Arshavin who arrives unnoticed. The Russian is picked out brilliantly, and arrows a precise shot into Valdes’ bottom corner.
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Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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In partnership with
West Ham United
Sam Allardyce Overloads in attacking play Overview: Breaking down and dominating the opposition backline is essential if a team is going create genuine goalscoring chances in games. Opposition teams will often set out looking to adopt a very defensive mindset, especially at the start of matches. Therefore being able being able to find a way through with positive and dynamic overload play is a fantastic weapon to have, and one that we rely on a lot at West Ham United.
“Positive and dynamic overloadplay is a fantastic weapon to have, and one that we rely on a lot at West Ham United.” 8 october 2011
overloads in attacking play SET-UP Area
Full pitch Equipment
Cones, balls Number of Players
1a
22 Session time
3v2s 10mins, 4v3s 15mins, Overload build-up 20mins
What do I get the players to do? 3v2 in and around the box In a third of the pitch, we start with two defenders inside and three attackers outside the area. The coach feeds in to a defender, who plays the ball out to an attacker (1a) . This player must link up with his team mates to fashion a 2v1 situation, as highlighted (1b), overcoming the lone defender then supplying the striker - who is 1v1 – for a positive end product. To keep things fresh we’ll rotate defenders and attackers. 4v3 overload We divide a 72x44yard space in four. Attackers start in areas 1 and 3, while defenders begin in 2 and 4 - three players in each. The keeper serves into area 1, and an attacker passes through to area 3, with a team mate advancing for a 4v3 overload in that half (2a). Defenders can advance up to the halfway line in attempting to block the attack. If play is turned over, we either signal a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 3v2, two attackers must work together while their team mate looks for space
1b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Two attackers approach one of their opponents, leaving the other defender exposed 1v1 against the remaining attacker
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2a
18
18
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 4v3, the full-back advances to create a 4v3 overload as a through-pass is made
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In partnership with
overloads in attacking play
Sam Allardyce West Ham United Sam Allardyce was unveiled as the new manager of West Ham United on June 1, 2011. The former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United manager had grown a reputation as a forward-thinking and progressive coach, embracing new technologies on the way to achieving notable success with supposedly unfashionable sides. His first managerial post came at Limerick in 1991, and spells at Blackpool and Notts County followed before he arrived at Bolton. In eight years he guided the Trotters into the Premier League, and earned the club UEFA Cup football for the first time as well as a place in the Carling Cup final.
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After a brief spell at Newcastle, he switched to Blackburn, ensuring the club’s Premier League survival in 2008/09 season, before achieving a 10th-placed finish the following year. This year, he has organised a West Ham side relegated from the top division last year, with the Hammers well tipped to gain promotion at the first attempt.
9 october 2011
restart or allow the counter-attack (2b). Overload build-up play The last game is played in the space between the two penalty areas. The area is split into thirds – clarets set-up as a 4-3-3 while whites are 4-4-2. Again, the same principles apply, so in the first third it’s 4v2, with two full-backs moving forward with the ball to form a 5v4 overload in the middle zone (3a). In the final third, two progressing midfielders create a new 5v4 (3b). Attackers are therefore always switching overloads in their favour, looking to exploit mini 2v1 situations in each third. We again have the option of restarting with the keeper or allowing a counterattack to develop in the opposite direction.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We require good movement in manufacturing 2v1 situations at every opportunity, and a worthwhile end product – a shot, pass or cross. For defenders, shape is important – when repelling a planned attack that starts with the opposition keeper, but also when players have to regroup quickly in the event of a counter-attack.
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2b
18 18
18
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A good interception sees play coming back the other way. Whites attack with the claret player looking to regain position
3a Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the final overload game, the 2v1 develops within the 5v4 overload in the middle section
3b Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Midfielders press forward to maintain the attacking overload advantage in the final third
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In partnership with
Hereford United
Jamie Pitman Possession and support Overview:
18
Area
46x44 yards Equipment
Ball, cones Number of Players
1a
10
18
10 Session time
Session 45mins
What do I get the players to do? Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Blues combine and switch play to their receiver
1b
18 10
18
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Working players switch to the other zone while two players hold back ready for the return phase
1c
18 10
18
44
We divide 46x44 yard area into three zones – two large outer zones (the size of a penalty box) and a 10-yard middle zone. The game is 5v5 (blues versus yellows). In the bottom box it’s 4v4; 1v1 in the top. The four blues begin, making quick passes amongst themselves before transferring the ball to their team mate in the other box, who must find space to receive the ball (1a). His marker can attempt to intercept the pass. If he fails to, he can make a tackle. Once blue receives, three players from each team follow the ball apart from a blue and a yellow, who remain, ready for the move to come back in the opposite direction (1b). A team scores a point every second time the ball is played to the other zone and possession is maintained(1c). If an interception or tackle is made, yellows now attempt the same task with a new ball being served in the box containing their four players (2).
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10 october 2011
SET-UP
44
Possession is vital in football, and to be able to keep possession, teams need to offer good support to the man on the ball. Teams that are unable to keep good possession of the ball clearly limit themselves in their ability to create decent goalscoring chances. As a manager, there’s nothing more satisfying than your team putting together a long passing move that ends in a goal. Last season, and in only my third match in charge, we constructed a 15-pass sequence at Northampton Town that involved players offering quick early support to the man on the ball. The move ended with a fine strike into the net in a vital 4-3 win. This is an intermittent game-based session, with exercise bursts of five minutes each followed by a minute’s rest. The flexibility of the set-up allows us to run through a number of combinations.
possession and support
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Receiving the ball back represents a second successful switch and a point is scored
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possession and support How do I progress the session? Jamie Pitman Hereford United Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman has been in charge of the npower League Two club for a year now having accepted the post of caretaker manager at Edgar Street in October 2010.
As a player, Pitman was a livewire midfielder, who made over 200 appearances for the club, as well as turning out for Swindon Town, Yeovil Town, Woking and Forest Green Rovers.
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Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the progression, there can be a limit on touches or time
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3
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Penalties for losing possession might include the player at fault having to complete a circuit of the area
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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4
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Switching between zones is crucial, so players must be ready to react quickly, passes should be quick, and the defending team must constantly work hard to win back possession.
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11 october 2011
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
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“Players must be ready to react quickly, passes should be quick, and the defending team must constantly be working hard to win back possession.”
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With the club in danger of dropping out of the Football League, Pitman – who had been club physiotherapist up until that point – took the Bulls on an impressive run of form and, subsequently, clear of the relegation places.
We progress by awarding an additional point when 10 passes are completed. We’ll also bring in a time restriction to ensure that players are passing quickly (3). We can also insist that a designated number of passes need to be made in the zone before the ball can be switched. Given the large playing area, we’ll also experiment with one- and two-touch play. And we can create penalties for players losing the ball, such as press-ups, or having to sprint around the playing area perimeter. In the time that it takes them to do this, their team is a man short. Finally, adding players to both teams in equal numbers increases the pressure on passers - more players in the same area means less space and time on the ball (4). We can use any combination of progressions at the same time to vary difficulty.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Adding additional players increases passing intensity and the prospect of mistakes being made www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
AFC Wimbledon
Terry Brown Breaking opposition lines Overview: This is a finishing session for midfielders and forwards which works both feet, and rehearses positive attacking play. We perform it as a series of practices before it develops into a competitive session. It’s important to practise this because at AFC Wimbledon we set our team up to break lines and get in behind the opposition back four. The exercise gets forwards playing off defenders’ shoulders, and it’s a training ground move that everyone seems to enjoy. The first competitive goal we scored this season – against Crawley Town in the Carling Cup preliminary round – saw this tactic work brilliantly, as Jack Midson peeled off the shoulder of his marker on the edge of the box to fire home.
12 october 2011
breaking opposition lines SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
Balls, cones (or mannequins), goal, poles
1
Number of Players
Squad Session time
Warm-up 15mins, development 40mins, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? To warm up, we mark out a 20x20-yard area, with a cone on each corner. Player 1 lays a pass along the edge and follows it. The ball is played back to him by player 2, who begins running to the next cone. One-touch, player 1 makes a pass inside, which is picked up by player 2 (1). The move progresses around the square. In the half-pitch main session, we require at least three players and a keeper, and use one and two-touch passing. We set up three gates, each three yards wide – one in front of the centre circle, and two at angles to the left and right, each 10 yards away. A striker stands in front of three mannequins lined up outside the penalty area. Servers stand in the left and right gates. From the halfway line, a midfielder advances, receiving a pass from a server. He controls one-touch, then moves through the central gate with a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the warm-up, players move around the passing square one-touch
2
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
For the main session, the striker peels off the mannequin, controls and shoots
3
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Adding in a second striker rehearses one-touch link up play between the frontmen www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
breaking opposition lines
Terry Brown AFC Wimbledon Terry Brown was one of the non-league game’s most recognised and respected managers when he guided AFC Wimbledon to Blue Square Premier playoff final success against Luton Town in May. The reward for his side – a place in the Football League for the first time – was richly deserved for a coach who has also provided dedicated service to Hayes and Aldershot Town in an 18-year managerial career. As a player, Brown turned out for Hayes, Sutton United, Slough Town and Wokingham Town, and he has seen his AFC troops begin their npower 2011/12 League Two campaign well.
“As the move progresses, forwards should grow in confidence and be willing to shoot from as close to the 18yard line as possible.” 13 october 2011
second before passing forward. The forward peels off the central mannequin. His first touch takes him inside the full-back and he shoots with his second (2). We’ll rotate players regularly. To progress, we use two forwards - the first laying a diagonal pass to his team mate, who also peels off a mannequin en route to the box (3). Finally, we’ll replace mannequins with defenders (4a/4b). Attackers must time their runs to stay onside.
How do I turn this into a game situation? For a game situation, we have each team attack a different goal. Teams challenge each other to see who can score most times in a set time period. For this game, we would start by using mannequins, though might add in defenders as it progresses.
4a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? The exercise requires accurate assists from midfield, good control and quick movement. The competition aspect ensures players work at a high tempo. As the move progresses, forwards should grow in confidence, find ways to evade their markers, and be willing to shoot from the edge of the box, working both sides and both feet.
Now using defenders, strikers are under greater pressure to make the turn and despatch shots quickly
Here, underlapping and blind-side running creates space in the box
5 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In a game situation, teams challenge each other, looking to score most times in a set time period
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In partnership with
LMA AMBASSADOR
Various practice areas Equipment
Balls, cones Number of Players
Squad Session time
20
1
Drills 20-25mins each, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do?
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2
20
(v) Player 3 follows his pass and the move will continue anti-clockwise around the square
Players use angled passes across the area and straight passes up the sides
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Warm-up passing drill We begin with a practical warm-up passing drill in a 20x20-yard area. The ball is passed around the square using one-touch passing and players following their passes (1). Extended passing drill Next we set out players at six points around a 30x20-yard area as shown. Their twotouch passes form a two-ball criss-cross pattern (2). The ball needs to go around the back of each cone, meaning that the weight and quality of pass, as well as first touch, must be good. Progressed passing drill In the same area we combine the first two drills, but now with two players on each cone. This time, players advance to meet the ball (3). And joining two groups together side-byside adds to the complexity, requiring added awareness and communication with four balls in play (4). Switching play game For players in need of game-specific
(iii) Player 1 follows his pass and plays into player 3, (iv) who passes to player 4 at top right
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
(i) Player 1 feeds diagonally into player 2, and follows his pass.
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Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
(ii) Player 2 drops off back to his team mate.
20 0 3
14 october 2011
Area
3
This session is about positive directional possession. The biggest advantage to effective movement and smart switching of the ball in matches is that flanks can be hit with opposing fullbacks exposed in 1v1 situations. It’s important to practise this because I believe, at times, coaches are guilty of putting on ‘keep ball’ sessions for their own convenience. Expansive passing and attacking moves should be at the heart of any team’s play because positive possession leads to the creation of good goalscoring chances. I would generally run this session in the early part of the week when the players are fresh and happy to run around. There are several variations used in order to maintain stimulus and enthusiasm whilst keeping players fresh.
(i) Player 1 begins the sequence, feeding into player 2, (ii) who drops the ball off then peels out to join the queue at top left
SET-UP
0
Overview:
purposeful possession and switching play
2
Darren Robinson Purposeful possession and switching play
(iii) Player 1 passes first-time around the corner to player 3
(iv) Player 2 follows player 1’s pass
(v) Player 3, who is moving up the line, passes to player 4, and follows his pass www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
purposeful possession and switching play
Darren Robinson 2
LMA AMBASSADOR
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Player movement Dribble
How do I put this into a game situation?
In the Switching play game, teams use the neutral players to score by passing and receiving
6 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
60
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The session is dependent upon space, movement and penetration. Players must pass the ball with good weight, and move into space before a pass arrives. We look too for good non-verbal communication.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
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We go 7v7 in a 60x40-yard area - six outfield players per team and another guarding behind the goals. Teams attack a designated end, scoring by passing through any unguarded gate (6). The guards also act as supporting players for teams to switch back to and recycle possession. We progress the game by allowing dribbling through the gate, and by restricting players to three touches.
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15 october 2011
Key Ball movement
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“Expansive passing and attacking moves should be at the heart of any team’s play because positive possession leads to the creation of good goalscoring chances.”
The Progressed passing drill ends with two set-ups, sideby-side, and two balls in each being played at diagonals across the areas
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Robinson has also coached at Coventry City as well as the Derby County Academy, and has a wealth of qualifications including his UEFA Pro Licence, plus those gained whilst training in sport psychology, plus fitness and conditioning.
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Darren Robinson is an emerging coach who, until recently, worked with the firstteam squad at npower Championship club Nottingham Forest.
conditioning, we create a 40x30-yard area with three two-yard goals spaced equally along the top and bottom edges. It’s 4v4 in the middle with two neutrals in the area behind the cones (5). Teams can score at either end by passing through a cone to one neutral and receiving it back through a cone from the second neutral. And players can be given man-toman responsibilities to increase accountability.
In the game, teams must switch play to thread a scoring shot through an unguarded goal
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In partnership with
Nea Salamina
Stephen Constantine
Corner kick routine
Corner kick routine
SET-UP
Overview:
Equipment
This session looks at the art of the corner kick routine. Set pieces play a vital role in deciding the outcomes of football matches, so it’s crucial for sides to have rehearsed and prepared routines in order to make the most of these unique opportunities. Corner kick routines are particularly important, and the outlined session presents a firm template on which teams can build familiarity and expertise. We will start this session unopposed and at walking pace, before gradually stepping up the tempo and adding passive defenders.
“Set pieces play a vital role in deciding the outcomes of football matches, so it’s crucial for sides to have rehearsed and prepared routines.” 16 october 2011
Area
Final third Balls, goal
1a
Number of Players
10 Session time
Session 45mins, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? We set up with a corner kicker, an attacking player hovering around the edge of the six-yard box, and four attackers 15 yards out, positioned in a line to the centre right of the goal. There is also a keeper in place. The corner taker drives the ball in to the player on the angle of the sixyard box. The receiver can either approach late for a near-post header or wait on the edge of the six-yard box and flick the ball on. Three of the inrushing forwards head towards the goal ready for the flick – albeit by staggering their runs – whilst the player furthest left makes an arched run behind his team mates to receive any ball that ends up at the far post (1a/1b). In the next set-up, a defender is in place to prevent the flicked corner, while a midfielder provides a short corner option (2a). The corner taker feeds this midfielder on the corner of the 18-yard box, and a whipped ball in across the face of goal invites
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the first phase, the nearpost player prepares to flick the corner into the danger area of the six-yard box
1b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Players stagger their runs as the ball is flicked into the danger area
2a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the next phase, a diagonal ball is played out to the advancing midfielder
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In partnership with
corner kick routine attackers to score (2b).
Stephen Constantine Nea Salamina Stephen Constantine has over a decade of top-level international experience, having managed the national teams of Nepal, India, Malawi and Sudan. At club level, he has enjoyed three spells in charge of Apep FC of Cyprus, and last year returned to the country as head coach of Nea Salamina. A UEFA Pro Licence holder, the Londonborn 48-year-old began his coaching career in the United States in 1989, and has leant his experience to English clubs such as AFC Bournemouth and Millwall.
How do I progress the session? To progress, we add a defender and a deep midfielder. The attacking midfielder comes to receive a short corner - he stops the ball dead and the corner taker, having followed his pass, now feeds the deep midfielder on the edge of the box. The corner taker continues his run looking to drag the defender with him, leaving the midfielder a free run inside the box (3a). This player receives the pass from his team mate and crosses (3b). Once we’re happy with the execution of these moves, we may add further passive defenders.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
“We will start this session unopposed and at walking pace, before gradually stepping up the tempo and adding passive defenders.� 17 october 2011
Delivery is vital in any set piece, as is player awareness. Tactically, players must know where and when to go, plus have the ability to stagger their runs.
How do I put this into a game situation? We play a standard game, halting play every few minutes to award corners or free-kicks, thus manufacturing these rehearsed tactical scenarios. Players must react quickly for the set play that has been called.
2b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The pass creates a new crossing angle, and a ball to the back post is headed back across goal
3a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In this variation, two midfielders help to overload the set piece and provide a clever pass in behind the defender
3b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The resulting cross ends in a chance which is taken because the attackers stagger their runs
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booked: this month’s choice
Chapterandverse computing student just at the beginning of the IT revolution but also was hy are certain fortunate enough to individuals get privileged access successful and to one of the first others not? What makes them major computers. special and what are they like The advantage this as people? gave him to get The myth about those programming who succeed, according to hours under his Malcolm Gladwell in Outliers, belt set him way is that they are born in modest ahead of others in circumstances and pretty the field and was the much, through talent alone, launch pad for the creation of fight their way to the top. the giant software company In fact, he argues, they Microsoft that made him a usually have many additional billionaire. advantages, cultural legacies The Beatles, accomplished and opportunities, and above songwriters, became superb all, the benefit of good timing. performers only through their All these factors mean success extraordinary experience is less about individuals and in Hamburg where they more about conditions, leading sometimes had to play for up to Gladwell to conclude that eight hours at a time. In seven with society organised slightly years they played 1,200 times differently, success could be live – more than many modern attainable by more people. The bands would play in an entire world would be a better place. career. Their success may have Outliers contains been guaranteed but would persuasively argued examples they have been so big without from business, music and being a great live act? sport. Bill Gates was a keen There is something unusual Outliers - The Story of Success Malcolm Gladwell Penguin 309pp
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18 october 2011
“The world could be so much richer than the world we have settled for”
about professional Canadian ice hockey players not their height or the colour of their hair, but the fact they are most likely to have been born in the first half of the year. In fact, in any group of elite Canadian ice hockey players, 40 per cent will have been born between January and March, 30 per cent between April and June, 20 per cent between July and September and 10 per cent between October and December. Why? Perhaps rather obviously, in Canada the eligibility cutoff for age-class hockey is January 1. So some players can be almost a year older than others when talent is being identified and selected. Representative teams are chosen early – at age nine or 10 – and those selected as ‘talented’ are likely to be the larger and more coordinated players, who simply benefit www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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booked: this month’s choice
from extra months of maturity. Once chosen, those players get the benefits of playing more games against better opponents, better coaching – and at least twice as much practice. “If you make a decision about who is good and who is not good at an early age; if you separate the ‘talented’ from the ‘untalented’; and if you provide the ‘talented’ with superior experience, then you’re going to end up giving a huge advantage to that small group of people born closest to the cut-off date.” Gladwell notes that this phenomenon is evident in many sports where players are selected, streamed and differentiated. In England the eligibility date is September 1, and in the Premier League at one point during the 1990s, there were 288 players born between September and November compared to only 136 arriving between June and August. “It tells us that our notion that it is the best and the brightest who effortlessly rise to the top is much too simplistic. Yes,
out·li·er \ noun 1: something that is situated away from or classed differently from a main or related body 2: a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample
“Is there really that much unfulfilled talent out there?”
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
19 october 2011
the hockey players who make it to the professional level are more talented than you or me, but they also got a big head start, an opportunity that they neither deserved nor earned. And that opportunity played a critical role in their success.” Gladwell points out that with cut-off dates for selection in sport, players born in the second half of the year have all been “discouraged, or overlooked, or pushed out of the sport”. By personalising success, some miss opportunities to reach the top rung, achievement is frustrated and people are prematurely written off as failures. Two or three cut-off dates throughout the year could develop athletes on separate tracks and selectors should wait to pick all-star teams later. “If Canada had a second hockey league for those children born in the last half of the year, it would have twice as many adult stars,” claims Gladwell. “Now multiply the sudden flowering of talent by every field and profession. The
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
world could be so much richer than the world we have settled for.” He has a point, but Gladwell overlooks the doubling of resources required to stream, coach and differentiate a second group of those being groomed for the elite. And is there really that much unfulfilled talent out there? This is not a book primarily about sporting success but there are nevertheless fascinating chapters - on why some planes are more likely to crash than others and why the Chinese are so good at maths that make it worth the detour. Critics have accused Gladwell of alighting on four or five main points and stretching them to make a book, and each chapter could easily be a standalone essay on a similar theme. However, Gladwell’s engaging style means Outliers is an easy read and the reader is not left out. The author also provides little diverting tests here and there, such as: “Why are manhole covers round?” You’ll have to read the book to get the answer.
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 powell charlton athletic
Having served under experienced names such as Sven-Göran Eriksson, Nigel Pearson and Paulo Sousa, former LMA Chairman Chris Powell is now well into his stride as a Football League manager. Indeed, the 42-year-old has guided Charlton Athletic to the top of npower League One in his first full season in charge at Valley Parade.
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ou had three successful spells as a player for Charlton during an eight-year period; it must have been beneficial for you to start at a club whose culture and expectations you understood well? “People questioned if it was wise for me to go back to a club that I spent so much time at as a player. But the fact is I know a lot of people who still work here from my playing days, even though it has been a tough period for everyone in between with the club dropping into League One. The fact is, to get back to the good times we have to remember them, as they are a great spur for the fans and everyone else. For us to get back to those heady days we are going to need players and supporters to be one. It may be a while yet but we will endeavour to get there.”
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hen did you first start having thoughts about going into management? “I was always thinking about what would I do beyond playing and the idea of going into coaching and management really came to the forefront when I signed for Nigel Pearson at Leicester City. I joined the club as an older and experienced left-back and I think both Nigel and I knew that while I wouldn’t play all of the time, I could take the full-backs under my wing and lend my experience to the squad. It evolved from there. Nigel gave me a chance to break into coaching when he asked me to stay on as development coach. I had a fantastic year learning how to prepare and organise a team under Nigel, Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh. That education was invaluable for me.” hat did you learn from a manager like Sven? “I remember him preparing us really well on the training field whilst being very calm in the dressing room. I think that all of the teams he manages are always calm, and they reflect his personality. Ahead of England matches he just wanted you as a player to be in your own zone and to prepare in your own way. You always felt there was clarity,
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20 october 2011
WORDS: Sue McKellar
“IwillalwaysbefairandIwillalways beapproachable.Afterall,Ican’tdo myjobwithoutthoseplayers.” and that his players knew what was expected of them. I know as a young manager that I am not always going to get it right but if I have that clarity with my team I believe I will get the response I need. “I will always be fair and I will always be approachable. After all, I can’t do my job without those players. I want them to feel comfortable with the ball, to attack with pace and to feel happy that when they’re out there they know exactly what is asked of them.”
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ow important is it for you too to be a positive role model for other black managers and coaches? “I think now it’s a question of visibility because there have been a lot of black players who might have gone into coaching and managing, but who, for whatever reason, haven’t. Being a positive role model is something that Chris Hughton, myself and others will have to undertake now in the same way that Keith Alexander did in the past. It’s a similar situation to when young black kids saw Cyrille Regis and Luther Blissett make a career as players. If we can just inspire one or two others that there is a possibility of coaching and managing in the league, I really feel we can make an impression.” Source: LMA newsletter
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