www.elitesoccercoaching.net
november 2011
Soccer Coaching practices from English football league managers and coaches
Manchester City
roberto mancini Decisive defending
Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
Peterborough United
DARREN FERGUSON Rotation and movement
Wycombe Wanderers
GARY WADDOCK Goalkeeping angles
extra-time:
In partnership with
Torquay United
Mohun Bagan
LMA Ambassador
MARTIN LING Defending in the final third
STEVE DARBY Individual finishing
JOHN BILTON The ‘Box cross’
Exclusive Interview with brighton and hove albion manager
gus poyet
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 november 2011
issue 16/november 2011: FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Bespoketrainingpracticesfromsome ofthebiggestnamesinfootball
4
ROBERTO MANCINI
Manchester City
Dear Coach, Welcome to the November issue of Elite Soccer, which this month features another six sessions, all tried and tested on the training ground. To start, Roberto Mancini presents a session that has helped his Manchester City side reach top spot in the Barclays Premier League. Its defending theme aims to make opponents’ attacking angles predictable, perhaps one of the reasons for the club’s stunning 6-1 victory in the Manchester derby in October. Next, young manager Darren Ferguson reveals the elements of rotation and movement that have made his Peterborough United side one of the most entertaining to watch in the npower Championship. And from League One, we’re delighted to showcase a dedicated goalkeeping session from Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock. Torquay United manager Martin Ling presents a training practice on defending in the final third, while LMA Ambassador John Bilton puts into words the unique concept of the ‘box cross’. And our contribution from overseas this month comes from experienced coach Steve Darby, who reveals a plan for individual finishing prowess that’s used by his club side Mohun Bagan, in India. We hope these exclusive sessions will inspire your team, and look forward to bringing more your way next month.
Decisive defending
6
DARREN FERGUSON
Peterborough United
Rotation and movement
8
GARY WADDOCK
Wycombe Wanderers
Goalkeeping angles
10
MARTIN LING Torquay United
Defending in the final third
13
STEVE DARBY
Mohun Bagan
Individual finishing 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
15
JOHN BILTON LMA Ambassador
The ‚‘box cross’
03 MANAGEMENT MATTERS 17 BOOKED
Elite sports book review
... with Gus Poyet
19 EXTRA-TIME:
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In partnership with
management matters
MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Tottenham Hotspur’s recovery from a slow start to the campaign saw Harry Redknapp land the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month award for September. The north London outfit saw off Wolves and Wigan Athletic, drew with Stoke City, plus handed out a 4-0 thrashing to Liverpool in the month of September. Tottenham Hotspur: W3 D1 L0 (league only)
In the npower Championship, Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray took the monthly award after his side recorded four successive clean sheets. His side’s defence kept out Burnley, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Leicester City in moving to the top of the table – and they recorded another clean sheet in their next match as well, against Reading on November 1.
Notts County boss Martin Allen took the plaudits in npower League One after his side went undefeated throughout the month of September. The 10 goals scored in five matches were enough to move the Meadow Lane outfit into the play-off places, after a slow start to the campaign. Notts County: W4 D1 L0
And in npower League Two, Southend United manager Paul Sturrock scooped the award after guiding his side to the top of the table. The 55-year-old, who has rebuilt the Roots Hall outfit completely over the last 18 months, saw the club record league victories against Gillingham, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town. Southend United: W4 D1 L1
Middlesbrough: W2 D2 L0
CAREERPATH ... with Gary Simpson, manager of Macclesfield Town Did you ever play the game professionally? No, but I enjoyed a good career in semi-professional football, turning out for famous non-league sides such as Boston United, Stafford Rangers, Weymouth and Altrincham. When did your first opportunity to move into coaching come about? That was at Gainsborough Trinity in 1991. I was only 30, and found myself player/manager of a penniless club who were at the bottom of their division. I had to delve even 3 november 2011
further down the ladder to mould a team together, but it was a really good learning experience. By the time I moved on, two-and-a-half years later, the club were joint favourites to win the Northern Premier League. Do you feel that your time in non-league football helped you become a better coach/manager? I’m not sure whether I became a better manager for it, but I was lucky that I was number two to a fantastic gaffer, the late Keith Alexander. We worked together at Ilkeston Town and it was a great experience. Before then I had coached off my own back, but working as a number two to someone was a completely different experience. Keith’s approach was such that very often I didn’t feel like I was a second in command because the gaffer was very willing for me to express myself and make decisions.
Having practical experience like that is essential to anyone wanting to work their way up. Keith and I moved on and oversaw other clubs, including Lincoln City and Macclesfield Town, and he provided for me the link back into the professional game after I’d been away for 23 years, having been released as a youngster by Stoke City in 1980. It must have been devastating when Keith passed away suddenly in March 2010? We had been together for a hell of a long time and to be fair we were a pretty decent double act. He was a fantastic ambassador for every football club that he was at and he was my best mate as well, so it was obviously difficult. Taking over at Macclesfield gave me something to focus on and it is a rewarding experience every day of the week. My route into coaching didn’t come via a professional playing career, but instead hard work and expert guidance. Those are two things that any ambitious coach should be looking for. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini Decisive defending
4 november 2011
60x90 yards Equipment
Balls, cones (or poles) Number of Players
1
15
16 Session time
Netball 5mins, diagonal goals 5mins, gates game 30mins, 11v11 game 25mins
What do I get the players to do? Netball To focus players on moving well to receive passes, we start with the ball in hand, playing a 3v3 throwing and catching game in a 15x15-yard area. Teams score by receiving a pass in either 3-yard wide goal, placed in diagonally opposite corners. A player in possession cannot move with the ball, and must rely on other players to make space for themselves (1). Diagonal goals We now progress to a normal football game, with each team looking to score by passing to a team mate in the goal (2). Gates game We now create a 60x90yard playing area. Using cones or poles, three 3-yard goals are spaced evenly along the longer sides - one centrally with the other two 10 yards in from each edge. This is an 8v8 game with no restriction on touches. The formation players adopt depends on whether we want to rehearse a high
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the warm-up, ‘netball’ is played first. The player in possession cannot move, meaning that his team mates must be fluid at all times
2
15
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3a
Play then progresses to normal football
60
90
“Being decisive at the back is vital.”
Area
15
Being decisive at the back is vital, because the stronger the defensive principles the more defenders can make opposition attacking play seem predictable. We use this session to focus on showing the opposition outside from the front, incorporating solid formation play and effective covering of team mates. The emphasis is always on getting the ball to the relative safety of the wing. This practice also relies on midfielders and forwards being aware of their role in the defending process. It’s a complete team mentality that we’ve seen played out to great effect this season in dominant victories over the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Manchester United.
SET-UP
15
Overview:
decisive defending
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the gates game, effective pressing moves play away from the central area
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In partnership with
decisive defending
15
Manchester City Roberto Mancini will celebrate two years at Manchester City in December 2011. The Italian had previously enjoyed four successful years as manager of Inter Milan, having also taken charge Fiorentina and Lazio.
15
90
As a player, Mancini was a skilful forward who spent 15 years at Sampdoria, during which time he made over 400 appearances for il Doria. He also played for Bologna, Lazio and Leicester City – the latter offering him a brief but definite taste for the English game, which influenced strongly his decision to join Manchester City.
“We regard it a defensive lapse if a goal is scored by any method other than a counterattack.� 5 november 2011
We expect defenders to force play to one side, with supporting team mates in turn pressing to keep the ball in that area (3a). Defenders need to be aware of attackers switching play, and must track runners without compromising the guarding of gates (3b/3c). We regard it a defensive lapse if a goal is scored by any method other than a counter-attack.
How do I progress the session? We progress by moving play into an 11v11 game. The premise here is to isolate space in the centre by forcing the ball to one side. This applies to defenders primarily, but we look for midfielders and attackers to do likewise, flooding the midfield and keeping play away from central danger areas (4).
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A clever switch creates danger but blues press quickly to close down the space
3c
60
90
His move to Manchester came at a time of huge investment and expectation at Eastlands, and Mancini has gradually assembled a number of top-name individuals into a fluid unit, who this season look the most likely challengers for the Barclays Premier League crown currently held by their city neighbours, United.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
3b
60
90
Roberto Mancini
press (emphasis on attacking numbers) or mid press (emphasis on midfield numbers). A coach stands on each side, behind the line, and moves in relation to where the ball is. Players cannot score through a gate that a coach is covering.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A tackle is made, leading to a counter-attack and subsequent goal
4
How do I put this into a game situation? Weplayan11v11game, withmidfieldersand attackershelping defendersisolatecentral dangerareaswhenever possible.(4).
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 11v11 game, blues press high up the pitch, determined to force play to the wing
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In partnership with
Peterborough United
Overview: This session is about rotation and movement between players. Central to this is finding the spare man, with players knowing what to do with the ball when they have it. Awareness, movement, passing and communication are key. The practise forms an important part of how we want to play as a team, with frequent rotation of players and an emphasis on overloading areas of the pitch in order to find a spare player or players. This is a situation that happens a lot in games. We know that good preparation pays off in matches. Against Ipswich Town in the npower Championship this season, we perfected a 4v2 overload in the centre of midfield, scoring five goals from this area in a 7-1 win.
6 november 2011
SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
Balls, cones, goal Number of Players
Full squad
1
20
20
Darren Ferguson Rotation and movement
rotation and movement
Session time
20mins per phase
What do I get the players to do? Phase one Inside a 20x20-yard area we play 4v4, though on each touchline there is a floater for each team. Starting in the middle, players have to pass as a four, then find a team mate on the touchline. A player who makes a pass outside the box has to swap positions with the receiver (1). Floating players on the outside can only play one-touch. Phase two This is now a half-pitch practice. Around the edge of the penalty area are four defenders and two strikers, while a 25x25yard square on the halfway line contains four midfielders and three defenders. The drill starts with a long ball from a defender in the area down the pitch into an opposition midfielder (2a). The defender now leaves play. Using their spare man in the box, midfielders have to make five passes. Three players then move out of the box, joining their team mates in a 5v3 overload, and looking to score (2b).
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In phase one, a player passing out of the area swap places with his team mate
2a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In phase two, a long pass from a defender begins a possession exercise in the 25x25-yard box
2b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
After five passes, three players break forward to form a 5v3 attacking overload
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In partnership with
rotation and movement
20
Darren Ferguson Peterborough United Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, is currently in his second spell at Peterborough United having rejoined the club in January 2011. His impact upon returning to London Road was immediate, as the club achieved promotion by defeating Huddersfield Town in the npower League One play-off final at Old Trafford. During his first period in charge, Peterborough had risen up from League Two to the Championship with back-to-back promotions – there followed a short spell in between at Preston North End. As a player, Ferguson worked under his father at Manchester United, though the midfielder’s most notable contribution was at Wrexham, for whom he made over 300 appearances. He also made five appearances for the Scotland Under-21 side.
“We tell players to only ask for the ball when they have two or three options in their heads.” 7 november 2011
Whether a move ends in a goal or breaks down, play starts again with a defender on the edge of the penalty area, and we’ll frequently rotate players within positions. Phase three We progress the session by adding two defensive wide midfield players who can go in or out of the square, and two attacking full-backs, positioned either side of the 25x25-yard square. When the defender plays the first pass he now remains in position. If a defensive player moves into the square he can help his team by negating the overload (3a), but cannot move out, and leaves the attacking full-back unmarked (3b). If he stays out of the square, there remains an overload in the box. Box players must now make seven touches before releasing the ball.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We want to see ambitious forward movement patterns (3c), awareness, communication, good passing ability, and an ability to be able to take the ball into tight areas playing one- and two-touch football. The session will break down if these things aren’t done well. We tell players to only ask for the ball when they have two or three options in their heads.
3a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Defenders now have a choice – send a full-back into the box or leave him outside to help against the breakaway
3b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In this instance the defending wide midfielder goes into the box leaving the attacking full-back a clear line of approach
3c
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Ambitious attacking movement pulls defenders out of position and creates space
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In partnership with
Wycombe Wanderers
Gary Waddock and Martin Brennan
Goalkeeping angles Overview: We believe that, three quarters of the time, goalkeepers are too easily beaten with shots close to them. Therefore, we deliver a training practice that aims to change that. It uses 1v1 scenarios between a keeper and a forward, and close-range shots to examine and rehearse angles. The keeper has to protect the immediate space to the left and right of him as he would do if stood in front of a samba goal. In this session, we aim to combine the spatial awareness of a keeper like Shay Given with the 1v1 blocking ability of Peter Schmeichel.
“In this session, we aim to combine the spatial awareness of a keeper like Shay Given with the 1v1 blocking ability of Peter Schmeichel.� 8 november 2011
goalkeeping angles SET-UP Area
Penalty box Equipment
Balls, cones, goal Number of Players
1a
4 Session time
1v1s 20mins, Samba goal 20mins
What do I get the players to do? 1v1s We begin in an 18-yard box with a keeper starting in the middle of his goal. There are two forwards on the angle of the goal in line with the penalty spot, each with three cones in front of him. The first forward touches the ball to either side of the cones, and shoots at goal (1a). Now the other forward does likewise, but on each subsequent play they must touch the ball out a different distance, so shots might be anything from 12 to six yards out (1b). In the next setup, there are two defenders waiting outside the box and a defender by one of the goalposts. The defender passes in to either forward, then advances to close down the space (2a). Forwards must find a way past the defender to produce a 1v1 scenario with the keeper (2b).
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Forwards move the ball from behind the cones then shoot at goal
1b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
They advance from different sides and vary the distance from goal that they shoot from
2a
The samba goal principle The samba goal principle effectively breaks the goal in half. It uses the idea of an 8x6-yard samba
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
When the striker goes alone, the keeper and defender communicate and restrict his view of the target
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In partnership with
goalkeeping angles
Gary Waddock Wycombe Wanderers Gary Waddock has now been in charge at npower League One side Wycombe Wanderers for over two years, and having already landed the Buckinghamshire outfit a promotion, is well tipped to deliver further success this season. Wanderers finished third in npower League Two last term playing a brand of football that, while attack-minded and entertaining, also retained strong defensive qualities. Indeed, only three sides in their division conceded fewer goals. Waddock was previously in charge at QPR and Aldershot, while goalkeeping coach Martin Brennan has been at the club since 2008 having also worked at Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient.
“We’re looking for the keeper to decide when to stay in the goal and when to move forward.” 9 november 2011
goal being positioned behind the keeper (3a/3b). A good keeper should keep the ball out of this immediate space nine times out of 10. Only once the samba goal is covered should a keeper then worry about the corners after all, a keeper can’t cover the whole goal as he is only one eighth the size of it.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? For all scenarios, we’re looking for the keeper to decide when to stay in the goal and when to move forward. If moving forward, he must adopt a position that gets lower the nearer he is to the striker, but the movement must be fast and controlled. He must watch the ball at all times, forming a big object in front of the forward. He also needs to be wide, without leaving gaps such as open legs. If the keeper stays, he cuts the goal in half by using the samba goal principle, keeping body weight forward. For the 2v1 attacks, the keeper must communicate well with the defender to ensure the ball is forced as wide as possible and the goal is covered.
2b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Linking properly as a 2v1 though, the strikers can change the angle and fashion a better shooting angle
3a With the samba goal principle, when staying on his line, the keeper can cover the immediate area around him
3b
Coming off his line closes the shooting angle down considerably
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In partnership with
Torquay United
Martin Ling Defending in the final third Overview: This session examines defending in the final third, specifically through the organisation and movement of the back four. While we focus on the defence, it’s important that all players on the pitch know their jobs and are prepared for all eventualities. This is an important session for us and comes with a number of variations designed to keep players on their toes and alert.
defending in the final third SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
Balls, cones, goals Number of Players
15 Session time
Phases 1 and 2 15mins each, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? Phase one We use a half pitch with 10-yard channels on each side, placing cones diagonally from the halfway line to the corners of the penalty box. There is a central 15x12-yard box just inside the half and two 5-yard target goals to the left and right. Three players in the box play five passes before one is released to join two team mates further up the pitch (1a). The players attack 3v2 against two defenders, looking to score, whilst be careful to remain onside. Should play be turned over, the defenders counterattack, attempting to pass through either target goal.
How do I progress the session?
“This session is great for helping players use the ball in small and compacted areas.� 10 november 2011
1a
Now, the centrebacks drop onto the 18-yard line and a deep delivery this time comes from one of the wingers positioned in the channels (1b). We repeat with a deep cross from the opposite side, then rerun the drill. The set-up is then repeated but the winger crosses from further up the line (1c).
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Phase one, after five passes the player emerges to create a 3v2 attacking overload
1b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Phase two, the supply line is a cross from deep into the penalty area
1c
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Phase three features a cross from an advanced wing position www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
defending in the final third
Martin Ling Torquay United Martin Ling joined Torquay United shortly before the start of the 2011/12 npower League Two season – his third managerial job having previously taken charge at Leyton Orient and Cambridge United. The 45-year-old Londoner was faced with a tough rebuilding task at Plainmoor, but his side started the season well with consecutive away wins against Bristol Rovers and Aldershot Town. As a manager, Ling is able to draw on the knowledge gained from a notable playing career during which he made 564 senior appearances for Exeter City, Swindon Town, Southend United and Leyton Orient, amongst others.
We now also rotate defensive personnel to offer new challenges for defenders and to see how results differ – for example, two full-backs, or a centreback and left full-back, or a centre-back and right full-back. Phase two In the second phase we remove all cones and bring in a back four. This defence is tested against four attackers and two wingers. The serves are as follows: • central and from deep, to land in the 18-yard box (2a) • received by the wide attacker, who takes on the full-back in a 1v1 and crosses, with defenders dropping back to clear • from the left then the right (2b) • a floated pass into the six-yard box • a grounded pass to an attacker who has dropped short to receive (2c)
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
“Defenders must position well, track opposition movement, cover, communicate and close down.” 11 november 2011
Defenders must position well, track opposition movement, cover, communicate and close down. They also need to judge the right time to make a tackle, as well as squeezing so as to compress space. This is a quick-paced session that we assess continuously as play develops.
2a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Phase four features five waves of attack – the first a simple chipped pass through the middle...
2b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Next, a 1v1 on each wing prompts balls to be crossed in from either flank
2c
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Now defenders move out to repel another lofted ball, while a short pass presents the fifth attacking wave www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
defending in the final third How do I turn this into a game situation?
Short ball centre-left attack
We advance this to an 8v6 attacking overload, designed to focus the
The midfielder approaches to press
position of the back four through a series of different serves. We look for organised movement to counter the following attacks:
There is sideways movement of back four
Attack into feet of centre-forward
The server lays a short pass to the wing
Quick high-wing attack The full-back moves forward to close down
The ball is played into the feet of the centre-forward
The nearest centreback pushes out to prevent a quick turn
The centre-back edges across to cover the space in behind
The remaining three defenders close in behind to support, cover and balance
Deep attack through the middle-right
A pass makes it way to the wing
High ball into centre-forward
Space is squeezed centrally with the other centre-back coming in to press
The centreforward drops short to receive
A ball in the air offers time for midfielders and defenders to recover positions
12 november 2011
Full-backs look to tighten space
With the attacker a long way from goal the premise is on positioning in relation to space rather than the man
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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In partnership with
Mohun Bagan
Steve Darby Individual finishing Overview: The session looks at individual finishing with the feet and head. The session can be very fatiguing, something we’re happy to encourage in order to make play game-realistic; but that does mean we need dedicated rest periods throughout. Although the two games showcase basic finishing principles, the aim is to produce realistic chances for a striker, when he is fresh and when fatigued. We want him to react quickly and well to a variety of different and difficult passes – in essence, no simple set-ups. The session was developed after we noted that even national team strikers were wasting training time by taking up unrealistic shooting positions. At club level strikers often have a small window for bespoke training, so every minute must be utilised.
13 november 2011
individual finishing SET-UP Area
Third of a pitch Equipment
Ball, cones (or poles), goal
1a
Number of Players
4 Session time
20 mins per game
What do I get the players to do? Game one In a third of a pitch the striker stands in front of the goal on the penalty spot, with wingers waiting on either side outside the box, and a coach near the halfway line. The coach feeds lays a pass which the striker takes side-on before shooting (1a). The striker now reacts to a cross from the right (1b) before moving across goal to convert a centre from the other winger (1c). Rotate players’ positions after five runthroughs.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Research shows that 80% of goals scored inside the penalty box are either one- or twotouch, so we’re looking for quick positioning and instinctive finishing. Crossers and coaches must vary their starting positions, ensuring the service remains realistic and delivered at a good pace. Goalkeepers must be confident if coming for crosses. In technical terms, the striker must take on a correct side-on
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
1b
In the first game, the player receives side-on, turns, and shoots at goal
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
1c
He then looks to divert a low cross from the wing into the net...
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
...and completes the task by despatching a header from a ball that comes from the opposite side www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
individual finishing
Steve Darby Mohun Bagan Steve Darby was a goalkeeper on the books of Tranmere Rovers, and enjoyed playing spells in the United States and Australia before moving into coaching in 1979, at the age of just 24. Returning to the English game briefly with a spell as youth team coach at Sheffield Wednesday, he flew the nest again, taking up coaching roles in Singapore and Malaysia, plus in Thailand where he worked as assistant coach under national team managers Peter Reid and Bryan Robson. In July 2011 Steve accepted the role of coach at Indian I-League side Mohun Bagan. He speaks English, Arabic, French Thai and Malay.
“As the session progresses, we expect a notable and recognisable increase in shooting accuracy and link-up play.” 14 november 2011
position, and offer an accomplished first touch when moving the ball out of his body. The quality of the final strike is obviously of great importance too. As the session progresses, we expect a notable and recognisable increase in shooting accuracy and link-up play. The message to players is to always pass well and then hit the target. Game two In game two, we place two poles just outside the box, in line with each goalpost, and different distances from goal. Further out, four cones form a triangle, with the three attackers starting on the parallel cones. The ball is placed next to the remaining cone. The central attacker runs forward and touches the ball back to the left attacker, before making a run around the far pole, then cutting back towards goal (2a). The left attacker plays a diagonal pass to the right attacker and heads towards the near post. The right attacker chases the pass and prepares to cross it from the wing (2b). In the middle, the two attackers attempt to find position and shoot one-touch (2c). Rotate players’ positions after three run-throughs.
2a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2b
In the second game, the first attacker interchanges with a team mate before taking a long route towards goal
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2c
His team mates combine – another attacker heads for the box while a wide pass is played
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
On this occasion, the resulting cross is turned into the goal after the initial shot is blocked www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
LMA Ambassador
John Bilton The ‘box cross’ Overview: This session develops a team’s ability to cross the ball from inside the penalty area, specifically into the ‘gold zone’ – an area where 80 per cent of goals are scored from. It also develops shooting ability. It’s important to practise the ‘box cross’ session because, presently, in the English Premier League, strikes from the gold zone are on target 80 per cent of the time. And one in every 2.2 shots finds the back of the net. This is an intense practice that involves up to 14 players at any one time.
“In the English Premier League, strikes from thegoldzone are on target 80 per cent of the time.” 15 november 2011
The ‘box cross’ SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
Balls, cones, goals
1a
Number of Players
18 (8v8 plus keepers) Session time
Session 12mins, development 15mins
What do I get the players to do? Practice 1 In a penalty area, we add two additional sixyard boxes in front of the existing one. There is a goal and keeper at each end. This ‘gold zone’ represents the key area where chances are converted. The drill involves three teams of four players – a team waiting behind each goal and one working team, though the working team will start from behind a goal. The first team of four attacks. One wide player maintains his line while the other runs into the gold zone, joining the two central attackers. Staggering their runs, they must work a first-time shot on goal from their team mate’s box cross (1a). Upon completion, the team moves behind the goal, and is replaced by the next group attacking the opposite goal (1b), and so on.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In practice 1, one blue player stays wide and a box cross is made into the gold zone
1b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Once the move is complete, whites attack, coming back in the other direction
2
How do I progress the session? We progress the session by adding in two defenders whose job it is to track attackers in the gold zone (2). Moving forward, we add in
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Adding in defenders creates a new challenge for each team
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The ‘box cross’
LMA Ambassador John Bilton has just completed an 18-month period at Fenerbahce SK.
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In the half-pitch practice, each team builds from the back, with defenders looking to cut out the box cross
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Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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In progression, opposition central midfielders become active
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16 november 2011
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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“Wide players must use quick, grounded passes into the gold zone, using the inside of the foot or instep.”
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He has delivered UEFA A and Pro Licence courses in Turkey and Cyprus and was the England women’s national team manger from 1991 to 1993.
We look for hightempo passing and running. Wide players must use quick, grounded passes into the gold zone, using the inside of the foot or instep. Timing of runs is important, with strikers arriving to stroke the ball home. Practice 2 This is played in a half-pitch narrowed on both sides by 10 yards, with a penalty area placed at either end. It’s 8v8 (plus keeper), in 2-4-2 formations. Teams attack each length in turn, building on alternating sides of the pitch, with only defenders allowed to tackle at first (3). A pass is laid into a striker, who advances and makes a box cross into the gold zone, with inrushing midfielders also ready to shoot. Next, play comes back the other way. We now progress by making opposition centralmidfielders active (4), then all defenders and midfielders (5). Finally, we allow free play to ensure that centre-backs go wide, midfielders receive open and play forward quickly, strikers come into the hole and full-backs get the opportunity to deliver the box cross.
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He had an extensive career in English nonleague football as player and manager before moving into youth development, serving the likes of Leeds United, Rotherham United, Singapore National Academy, Notts County, Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
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two wide defenders to cover space in the channels.
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Finally, all opposition defenders and midfielders can block attacking movement
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booked: this month’s choice
TheScienceand RealityofSkill Acquisition Developing Sport Expertise in sport, such as what causes Researchers and coaches put theory into practice Damian Farrow, Joe Baker, Clare MacMahon (editors) Routledge 215pp
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his book lives up to its subtitle by providing, in the words of top coaches, an insight into the reality of delivering skill development. Thankfully for ordinary readers, the way the coaches put it is easier to understand than the way the sports scientists sometimes do, otherwise Developing Sport Expertise would be a very dry read indeed. As it happens however, whilst each of the 13 chapters is written by guest academics or one of the editors, the Coach’s Corner at the end of each one is provided by practising senior coaches from sports including rugby, swimming, basketball, football, cricket, rowing and hockey. This makes for some welcome light relief, plus some good explanations of the theory in practice. Each chapter is also a specific discussion of one aspect of the latest (as of the 2008 publication date) thinking on an aspect of skill development as it applies to elite athletes, and the people who coach them. Overall, it is authoritative, well written and addresses some of the most intriguing questions 17 november 2011
choking? Perhaps the most relevant chapter for coach development is entitled Expert Coaches in Action. If you are interested in what makes a good coach and how you might become a better one, there are many suggestions here, some of them going against conventional thinking. What makes a good coach is unclear, as the measurement of success can really only be undertaken by measuring the success of a coach’s players. For team sports, winning is an obvious yardstick, yet that overlooks the impact of star players. Researchers have therefore focused on other lines of questioning. These are: What do expert coaches see that other coaches might miss? Do expert coaches organise training sessions that are more efficient and effective than those of others? The difference between expert and non-expert coaches has been highlighted by research, shedding light on these questions. In one experiment coaches were asked to observe video recordings of four swimmers of different skill levels, were asked to analyse the strokes and provide instruction. Novice coaches were vague and
“Ifyouare interestedin whatmakes agoodcoach andhow youmight become abetter one,there aremany suggestions here.”
superficial in their analysis, while expert coaches were able to provide deep insight into the technical issues, could “see” more and offer better feedback. Intervention by expert coaches can therefore result in feedback and error correction that has an immediate and larger impact on skill development. Experience counts. Regarding the second question, the answer from research is an unequivocal yes. It is the job of coaches to design deliberate practices that are the most effective at developing skills. Analysis of the coaching actions of the highly successful UCLA basketball coach John Wooden (featured in the last issue) showed that 75 per cent of his behaviours consisted of some form of instruction. The other key factor appears to be that Wooden, and others of his ilk, do not waste a second of time at practices. The authors point out that for team sports, practices that are even under constant supervision often suffer from under-utilisation of time. In one study of practices of high-level junior ice-hockey players it was found that they were inactive 48 per cent of the time. Contrast this with a similar study of practices undertaken by www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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booked: this month’s choice Expert practical contributions from:
a volleyball coach which showed that her athletes were active 98 per cent of the time. Even the seven per cent if inactivity was rest breaks during which the coach continued to instruct. The authors suggest that developing drills that simulate game scenarios is something that is common to all great coaches. Drills should match the physical demands that players face in matches, and the most inventive coaches will come up everything from games designed to score points in the dying seconds, to bringing fans to heckle. Wooden is said to have spent as much time preparing his practices as delivering them. So much for the theory section. Patrick Hunt, a senior Australian basketball coach, ends the chapter with a plea for more research and information on what needs to be considered to develop coaching expertise, and area where research has only scratched the surface. He thinks coach education courses are vital but only a small part of the collection of tools and experiences that should be used to develop an expert coach. Among the others are playing experience, informal coach development experiences, trial-and-error practices, competitions and self-evaluation. “It might sound like a cliché, but the best coaches learn from every experience they have,” says Hunt. Coaches will find the debate on the play versus practice moves on through a clear analysis. Not enough play and too much
Eddie Jones (rugby union)
Shannon Rollason (swimming)
Patrick Hunt (basketball)
“Notenough playand toomuch deliberate practice tooearly canleadto burn-out, injuryand disillusion”
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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deliberate practice too early can lead to burn-out, injury and disillusion among players. Getting the balance right at the three key stages of athlete development (6-12, 13-15, and 16+) is crucial. Deliberate practice can only improve current performance and playing and having fun through sport is essential for children. Too much early specialisation in a sport should be avoided. A down-to-earth view on this is provided by former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones at the end of this chapter with his observation that in his experience elite players that have played more different sports in their earlier years are tactically more astute. Those who specialised too early often show a lack of creativity. “Rarely do players initiate their own warm up with a ball. They have to be told by coaching staff to get underway. In past generations players would arrive early simply to throw the ball around before the formal training session began. A lack of creativity means we have fewer players with the decision-making skills required to win games of rugby,” says Jones. Does practice make perfect? The link between performance and time spent practicing is almost a given a chapter on this subject emphasises that the quality and nature of practice is also important. How odd to think, as they authors point out, that Roger Bannister while preparing to break the four minute mile limited himself to half an hour or training per day,
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
fearing that the human body could not take any more without damage. Modern thinking is that deliberate practice, in the right measure, is a requirement, and the authors have done well to find Shannon Rollason, head coach at the Australian Institute of Sport Swimming Program to explain what this concept means to him. “I always ask of my swimmers that if they are going to get into the pool to train then they must give 100 per cent and focus on what is required. Sometimes we can make this training fun, but often it is simply hard work.” Bringing a softer side to the coaching process, Rollason also points out that sometimes being a good coach simply means reading the signs in athletes in terms of their readiness to train. He uses body language, facial expressions and “what they do and don’t say” to assist him to formulate a training plan for the week or a given session. Theory mixed with simple, practical advice. This is an indepth analysis of sport expertise development with an element of accessibility that is missing in similar volumes. About the Editors Damian Farrow is the Senior Specialist in Skill Acquisition at the Australian Institute of Sport. Joe Baker is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University, Canada. Clare MacMahon is a Lecturer in the School of Human Movement, Recreation and Performance at Victoria University, Melbourne.
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: gus poyet brighton and hove albion
Former Chelsea and Spurs midfielder Gus Poyet has eased comfortably into management, guiding Brighton & Hove Albion to the npower League One crown last season. With the club tackling the demands of the Championship well in the opening months, the Uruguayan took time out to reflect on two years in the job.
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ho has influenced you most in terms of your management style? “I guess I am influenced by a number of people. When Gianluca Vialli took the job at Chelsea I realised that I needed to pay attention to everything that was going on around me. I quickly went back and looked at how things had worked under Ruud Gullit and then kept learning from people like Claudio Ranieri, Glenn Hoddle and David Pleat. I also played under a manager called Victor Fernandez when I was with Real Zaragoza and he made every day of training a pleasure, so I try to do that too. “Naturally, you take different things from different people. I would love to be as relaxed outside football as Ruud Gullit is, but that’s not my character. Also, I would like to understand the game and to see the quality of things in the way that Glenn Hoddle did, but he had his own unique way. I think I’ve taken things from everyone I’ve played for, while at the same time avoiding the bits that I didn’t like... which, of course, I won’t tell you!”
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t’s been a great ride so far for Brighton, and one that has built expectations. Does that put you under pressure? “Obviously fans must be careful not to take things for granted. We have a group of players who haven’t played in the Championship before and this is a totally different division; it’s really tough, with big teams spending big money. The experience is great for all of us, but sometimes when you put everything together – a new stadium, new players and so on – it takes time. But we’ve got a decent, middle-of-the-table budget, and we’re competitive, so we’ll have to wait and see. “At the end of the day though the Championship has more quality than League One. It’s got some massive teams and they’re all pushing for the Barclays Premier League. If you’ve got, say, 10 teams pushing for promotion and only three can go up, does that mean that the other seven have failed? Every year you have teams who promise their fans that this is the year they are going to make it, but that’s unrealistic. It’s great to have ambition, but you need to be careful and realistic. And if we do go up, I want us to stay there.”
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“Wehave theclub working thewaywe likeit,and Ibelieve thatwe’re creating something thatwewill beproudof fortherest ofourlives.”
our jobs, we knew how much we could spend and we knew we could convince people that we were going places. To have a Chairman like Tony Bloom in my first managerial role is perfect. I know how ambitious he is; he wants to get to the Barclays Premier League but I know that he is cautious when he has to be. So even if we want to get there as quickly as possible, he knows that it may take a few years. For me, that’s great... there’s pressure, but it’s not crazy.”
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ou seem completely content at the moment. “I am. We have the club working the way we like it, and I believe that we’re creating something that we will be proud of for the rest of our lives. Right now, the first-team and the reserves play in exactly the same way and this season we are going to take that down to the Under18s and Under-16s too. We’re slowly building a style and an identity for this club and for me as a manager that’s absolutely amazing.”
any hailed the signing of Craig Mackail-Smith as a real sign of intent. Did you see it that way too? “That signing was the result of good work by the whole club, especially the chairman. We all did www.elitesoccercoaching.net