www.elitesoccercoaching.net
January 2012
Soccer Coaching practices from English football league managers and coaches
kenny dalglish attacking movement liverpool
and interplay Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
In partnership with
Glenn Hoddle Academy
Nottingham Forest
Huddersfield Town
Northampton Town
Manchester City
STEVE COTTERILL Crossing and finishing
LEE CLARK Rotational play
AIDY BOOTHROYD Decisive decision making
JIM DAVE CASSELL BEASANT Development Angled shot without pressure stopping
extra-time:
interview with experienced top-level boss peter taylor
In partnership with
Elite Soccer is published by:
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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 january 2012
issue 18/January 2012: FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Completetrainingpracticesfromthe Englishgame’sbiggestnames Dear Coach, Welcome to the January issue of Elite Soccer. What better way to start the new year than by revitalising your training practices? And who better to learn from than some of the leading lights in British football? To begin with, we’re delighted to present a fantastic training session from legendary Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish. He examines the intricacies of attacking movement and interplay in a detailed and engaging practice, and its principles have been at the heart of the club’s revival since he returned for a second spell in charge in January 2011. From the npower Championship, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cotterill details a training ground plan that rehearses sides in the key ideas behind crossing and finishing. And from npower League One, record-breaking Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark looks at how to rotate player positions with maximum effect. Moving on, Aidy Boothroyd – who was recently installed as manager at npower League Two side Northampton Town – presents to us a session that rehearses decisive decisionmaking in all areas. And to wrap up, we have two brilliant sessions from highlyregarded coaches in the game. Former FA Cup winner Dave Beasant, who works at the Glenn Hoddle Academy, presents the technical aspects of angled shot-stopping for goalkeepers; while Manchester City coach Jim Cassell – the man who has overseen the youth development of over 100 Premier League stars – looks at players’ tactical thinking in situations when pressure isn’t being applied by opponents. We hope these exclusive sessions will inspire your team, and look forward to bringing more your way next month.
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
4
KENNY DALGLISH LIVERPOOL
Attacking movement and interplay
7
STEVE COTTERILL
Nottingham Forest
Crossing and finishing
9 LEE CLARK
Huddersfield Town
Rotational play
11
AIDY BOOTHROYD Northampton Town
Decisive decision making
13
JIM CASSELL Manchester City
Development without pressure
15
DAVE BEASANT Glenn Hoddle Academy
Angled shot stopping
03 MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Ourreviewofthepastmonth
17 BOOKED Elite sports book review 19 EXTRA-TIME:
...withexperiencedtop-level bossPeterTaylor www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
management matters
MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Tottenham Hotspur roared into title contention during November with a sequence of results that proved enough to land manager Harry Redknapp the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month award. Spurs recorded three out of three top flight wins - on the road at Fulham and West Bromwich Albion, and at home to Aston Villa. Continuing that run of victories on into December, the north London club are proving themselves potential title contenders.
Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay scooped the npower Championship Manager of the Month Award for November after the Bluebirds won four of their five matches. Following a slow start to the campaign, the Welsh side roared into life in November with away wins at Derby County and Reading, as well as securing home successes against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. They also defeated Blackburn Rovers to make it through to the semi-final of the Carling Cup. Cardiff City: W4 D1 L0
Tottenham Hotspur: W3 D0 L0 (league only)
CAREERPATH ... with John Coleman, long-serving manager of Accrington Stanley Q. You played the majority of your career outside the Football League. Did that make your route into management more difficult? I’m not sure it made it more difficult, but it certainly helped me realise the transitional period that comes with going from parttime to full-time. That is very useful for when I dip into non-league football to bring players into the pro game. Initially, it was difficult because I wasn’t used to full-time training and the mechanics involved in running a football club, but I quickly got to grips with them. I believe that for any coach at any level, new challenges should always be worthwhile experiences – it’s all about grasping them with both hands. Q. So what advice would you give to aspiring coaches who haven’t had the benefit of playing the game at a high level? 3 january 2012
Charlton Athletic extended their lead at the top of npower League One despite playing only three times during November, but the trio of victories were enough to see manager Chris Powell awarded the monthly divisional award. The Addicks beat Preston North End and Brentford, plus ended Huddersfield Town’s 43-match unbeaten league record with a 2-0 victory at The Valley. Former player Powell also saw his side progress in the FA Cup with a 4-0 first round victory at FC Halifax.
And finally to npower League Two, where Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates was the panel’s choice. Unfancied at the start of the season, the Robins moved into the automatic promotion places after wins against Bradford City, Port Vale and Oxford United. The club also secured their passage in the FA Cup with a 1-0 first round victory away at League One side Tranmere Rovers. And a 4-2 win against Luton Town in the next round set them up with a money-spinning third round clash at Tottenham.
Charlton Athletic: W3 D0 L0
Cheltenham Town: W3 D0 L0
Well I never played at a high level, but have forged a career in the game, and it’s all about hard work. Volunteering at first is essential, but it’s one of those genuine industries where quality people get noticed. It’s possible to rise through the ranks at most clubs if the application and desire is there. The first step really is in motivating what’s in front of you – your players. They are all individuals and you have to be able to converse with them on things outside of football to really understand what makes them tick. If you can do that then you will gain a better idea of what will motivate them on the pitch. The European approach is to concentrate solely on the sporting aspect, but personally I think that you have to see footballers as men, not commodities. Q. What do the coaching badges offer to aspiring coaches? I’ve done all of mine now and have my UEFA pro-licence as well. While there is no substitute for life experience and coaching players on a day-to-day basis, the qualifications do help to broaden horizons
in terms of new techniques and methods. They also really help your organisational skills, as well as providing focus on aspects of the game that might be outside of a coach’s immediate field of vision. Q. You’ve now been at the Accrington Stanley helm for over 12 years. Did you imagine it becoming such a lengthy spell in charge? All you can do when taking over at a new club is try your hardest and surround yourself with enough support so as to get the job done in the best way possible. Flexibility and adaptability are key, because although I may have bucked the trend, football is a very short-term business.
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In partnership with
LIVERPOOL
Kenny Dalglish Attacking movement and interplay
attacking movement and interplay
Move 1: quick wide attack
Striker 1 must be coached to ‘drop-off’ the defender before coming to receive the ball
Overview: This session helps improve movement and interplay between midfielders and forwards. It’s designed to encourage understanding between players through timing of runs, weight of pass, and expectation of a team mate’s movement. Building this understanding is vital for the creation of chances as a fluid unit, and this session offers a number of set-ups and progressions to test attacking and defending players in equal measure. Each move takes place on a half pitch with four mannequins placed 8 yards apart across the pitch, 10 yards outside the penalty box. These represent the back four.
SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
Balls, mannequins, goal Number of Players
5 (incl. a keeper) Session time
7-8mins for each move, 3-4mins for each progression 4 january 2012
1 The wide man breaks forward to receive the pass
The second striker drops deep to receive
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A pass is threaded through the channel to the wide player
2 A floated cross invites the three players to attack the goal
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
What do I get the players to do?
who has moved deep to support. Timing of the pass is essential The coach starts the drill by laying the ball to so that striker 2 can themidfielder,whohas play a threaded pass two strikers moving off between the centrethe mannequins and a back and full-back mannequins for the winger out wide. wide man to run on to The midfielder plays and cross. the ball in to striker The two strikers and 1, whose double midfielder make their movement means he moves away then turns way into the box for the back sharply to receive cross. We now rerun on the opposite flank. the pass. The striker lays the ball to his team mate
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
The wide man needs to time his run well to ensure he stays onside in front of the line of We must see good eye mannequins, and a good weight of final contact between the midfielder and striker 1. pass and subsequent cross is essential. Passing moves are conducted at pace and with precision, so confident and well communicated link-up play is essential. The double movement of striker 1 is important in terms of him losing his man – he goes long only to come back short. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
attacking movement and interplay
Kenny Dalglish
Move 2: quick central attack
A lofted ball picks out striker 1 with attacking team mates looking to support
LIVERPOOL Kenny Dalglish began his second spell in charge of Liverpool in January 2011, returning to the Anfield hotseat after a gap of almost two decades, having overseen the club’s youth set-up for the previous two seasons. Whilst away from Merseyside, Dalglish took charge at Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Celtic, and enjoyed time out of the game having also experienced a glittering playing career that included multiple domestic and European honours. And in his first full season back in charge, the 60-year-old appears to be shaping the Reds into a force to be reckoned with again with a brand of positive attacking football - the club’s immediate aim being a return to Champions League action.
3 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the central attack, striker 1 feints forward before spinning back around the centre-back Striker 2 rolls his defender
The striker this time pulls wider, and a deeper cross into the centre results
4 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
What do I get the players to do?
“Building understanding is vital for the creation of chances as a fluid unit.” 5 january 2012
The coach starts the drill by laying the ball to the midfielder, who opens up with a first touch onto his right foot. Striker 1’s movement sees him come short first, before spinning in behind the centreback. The striker is picked out by the midfielder using either an aerial ball or a threaded pass along
the floor that is run on to. At this point the wide man runs diagonally inside the mannequin, while striker 2 also makes a charge for the box. Striker 1 either takes the ball on himself to finish, or plays square for one of the other two inrushing players to finish.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
crucial that his wide man and fellow striker make positive and determined runs into Technique and weight the box for a potential finish. Again, we rerun of pass again come to the fore, particularly for on the opposite flank. the ball played by the midfielder into the feet of striker 1. This pass needs to be perfect so the frontman can take it in his stride. Again, if the striker goes too early he risks straying offside. Assuming he stays onside, it’s www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
Kenny Dalglish LIVERPOOL
How do I progress the drills? Each of these three drills can be progressed by adding in four defenders in place of the mannequins, plus a holding midfielder whose job it is to interrupt the initial approach play.
attacking movement and interplay
Move 3: measured central attack
5 The midfielder makes a positive forward run Both strikers drop, looking to receive the ball
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
6 The supporting midfielder runs from deep to form a two-man attack
Striker 2 passes forward for striker 1 and the supporting midfielder
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
What do I get the players to do?
“The session can be progressed by adding in four defenders in place of the mannequins, plusaholding midfielder.� 6 january 2012
In this move, we substitute the winger for an additional midfielder, positioned on the other side of the coach. To start, the coach touches the ball to the midfielder, who opens up and plays to striker 1, whose movement is once again to fake going long before coming back short.
Striker 2 moves around the front to receive the lay-off from his team mate. He then plays an immediate pass through the back four for the second midfielder to run on to, who ensures he times his run well so as to receive the pass in his stride. The front two move forward looking to score. Once finished, we direct the drill
to the other side as in previous developments.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? The central passing move is now tighter with an additional midfielder, and this increases the need for accurate and wellweighted passing throughout. The double movement
of striker 1 remains important, as does the timing of the midfielder’s run breaking at pace through the defensive line, whilst ensuring he stays onside.
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In partnership with
Nottingham Forest
Steve Cotterill Crossing and finishing Overview:
This session encourages players to make positive and ambitious runs into advanced areas. It’s a practice that rehearses good finishing and requires high fitness levels . It’s important to practise this because crossing scenarios are pivotal to most attacking elements of the game, and having players able to perform positive attacking actions in and around the box is crucial for any team.
“Performing positive attacking actions in and around the box is crucial for any team.” 7 january 2012
crossing and finishing SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
1a
Balls, goals Number of Players
14 Session time
45mins
What do I get the players to do? We position two players at each side of two goals, placed at either end of a half pitch. The server passes to a keeper, who then plays right into player 1 who has advanced onto the pitch. He collects, then cuts inside and plays a reverse pass to player 2 (1a). Player 2 overlaps and crosses the ball as his team mate continues his run towards the box. In the meantime, players 3 and 4 – who started on the other side of the goal – sprint forward into the box, attacking near and far posts (1b). One of the three attackers must score in the goal. Next, an attack starts in the other direction (1c). Further attacks practise consecutive left and right flanks.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
1b
Team mates combine, with player 1 cutting inside and player 2 breaking down the wing. Players 3 and 4 begin their runs
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The three players arrive in the penalty box to attack the cross from player 2
1c
What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically? This session requires precise and wellweighted passes, plus close attention must be paid to the type and quality of touch. The timing of runs is crucial if players are to arrive onto a pass
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The move now comes back in the opposite direction
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crossing and finishing Steve Cotterill Nottingham Forest Steve Cotterill took charge at Nottingham Forest having joined from fellow npower Championship side Portsmouth in October 2011. Prior to arriving at the City Ground, Cotterill had built a reputation as a dynamic young manager, leading Cheltenham Town from the Conference to League One, before spells at Stoke City, Sunderland, Burnley and Notts County. In total, he has achieved four promotions as a manager. Financial worries at Portsmouth hampered his progress on the south coast, although under difficult conditions he did ensure the club’s Championship status, and has now embarked on a similar repair mission at Forest. As a player, he turned out for Burton Albion, Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth.
“This session requires concentration and precision of passing.” 8 january 2012
at the right time, and attacking players in the box must adapt their finish to the type of delivery.
2a
How do I progress the session? We now change the mechanics of the attack. This time, after receiving the ball from the keeper, player 5 lays short to player 6, who plays a long ball forward into the feet of the advancing player 1 (2a). Players 6, 7 and 8 make their way towards the other box, while player 5 sprints up the wing. He receives short from player 1 and crosses to the inrushing attackers (2b). We progress further by adding defenders in the target areas (3). We might also restrict attacking breaks to one- or two-touch.
How do I put this into a game situation? Adopt the same principles for a game with players fixed in wide areas. The ball has to go wide and players can only score from crosses.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2b
In the progression, players 5 and 6 combine before sending a long pass forward
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is touched back for player 5 to cross
3
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Adding defenders increases the need for attackers to time and position forward runs well www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
Huddersfield Town
Lee Clark Rotational play Overview:
9 january 2012
Area
75x65 yards Equipment
1a
Balls, cones, goals
50
Number of Players
22 Session time
8v8 game 15mins, 11v11 game 40mins
What do I get the players to do? In a 50x25-yard area we mark out a small channel at each end, dividing the central area into four boxes. This is 8v8 plus four target men – two at each end in the channels. The objective is effective rotation of movement in receiving and passing, with teams scoring a point by transferring the ball from one end to the other using both sets of the target players (1a/1b). There is a three-touch maximum for infield players, while target players are one-touch, and can play to each other once before passing back out. Infield players cannot play back to a target man after receiving the ball.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We’re looking for a good body shape and positive attacking gestures, such as receiving on the turn. Players are encouraged to rotate positions using good movement and communication; they
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 8v8 game blues, in possession, use the target men to move into space and build an attacking move
1b 50
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
25
“We’re looking for a good body shape and positive attacking gestures, such as receiving on the turn.”
SET-UP
25
This practice is about players supporting and creating space for themselves and their team mates through clever rotation, an awareness of space, and excellent communication. In order to become a proficient passing team, players must learn to create space at all times. It’s a philosophy that we always encourage at Huddersfield Town, and is reliant on a high tempo and dedicated work rate throughout, with quality a vital component as well.
rotational play
They negotiate a route through to the other end and a point is scored
2a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 11v11 game, play is moved through the thirds with team mates moving for and running onto passes www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
rotational play
Lee Clark Huddersfield Town Lee Clark has made a huge impression in his first managerial post, taking his Huddersfield Town side on a 43-match unbeaten league run, which lasted four weeks short of one calendar year. Having lost out in the 2011 npower League One play-off final last season, Clark has galvanised his troops again this year, and his positive, dedicated management style is reflective of the way he played the game during a 16-year professional career. Starting at Newcastle United in 1990, he switched to rivals Sunderland, then Fulham, before ending his playing days back at United in the 2005/06 season. He began coaching at Newcastle under then manager Glenn Roeder, before switching to Norwich City. He was given the manager’s job at Huddersfield in December 2008.
“Players must be willing to fill in to cover team mates who have moved out of position.” 10 january 2012
must create space whilst ensuring passing accuracy. They must also guard against being drawn towards the ball too early, thus killing their space. And it’s vital too that target men are not ball focussed, so are always looking for options before receiving.
How do I progress the session? To progress, we move to a 75x65-yard area, divided into thirds. This is 11v11 and the keeper starts the practice (2a). To score, players have to play through each section by moving forward, before recovering back into their shape (2b/3). Players must be willing to fill in to cover team mates who have moved out of position – for instance, if a defender breaks through into the final third, a midfielder drops back into the defensive line (4). In the progression, a high tempo is required throughout to make this as game realistic as possible.
2b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Blues work the ball into the final third and score
3
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Here, while yellows press, blues rotate players by moving into space vacated by team mates
4
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In this instance, a defender breaks forward, leaving the midfielder to tuck in and cover www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
Northampton Town
Aidy Boothroyd Decisive decision making Overview:
“This session focuses on decisions made by individuals and the team when winning the ball back in a transition.” 11 january 2012
SET-UP Area
Penalty box Equipment
1
12
Balls, cones, goals Number of Players
5v5 upwards Session time
20mins per game
What do I get the players to do? Passing square We warm up using a passing square – four players on cones placed midway along each side of a 12x12yard square. There are two balls - both go anti-clockwise - with two stationary players as opposite target men. The other pair are runners, swapping positions in time to receive passes from the target men before moving the ball on (1). All players are twotouch. We frequently switch pairs’ tasks, so target men become workers and vice versa. We want to see quick, accurate link-up play and working players running onto passes. Five-goal game The five-goal game puts elements practised in the warm-up into a competitive setting. We place five coned goals, each five yards wide, in a 44x18-yard area. There are two positioned vertically in from the left and right touchlines, and another horizontally across the middle. In the example given, this is a 7v7.
12
This session focuses on decisions made by individuals and the team when winning the ball back in a transition. Turnover of play is one of the most common occurrences in a football match, and equipping our players to know how to maximise space and possession in these situations means we can make best use of the ball. The session works through a number of different drills, designed to rehearse passing, dribbling pressing and finishing.
decisive decision making
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Passing Square, target players remain stationary while working players swap positions as the ball rotates
2a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the five-goal game, reds look for space and goalscoring openings
2b
When play is turned over, reds’ immediate reaction is to drop back, covering the goals Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
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decisive decision making
Aidy Boothroyd Northampton Town Aidy Boothroyd was unveiled as manager of Northampton Town in November 2011. The 40-yearold had previously been at Coventry City, Colchester United and, notably, Watford, for whom he secured promotion to the Premier League in the 2005/06 season – his first full year in charge. He joined Northampton with the immediate task of steering the club away from the npower League Two relegation places. As a player, Boothroyd starred in the lower leagues for Huddersfield Town, Bristol Rovers, Mansfield Town and Peterborough United, plus had a short spell in Scotland playing for Hearts.
“The team in possession must recognise when to play over their opponents and when to play in front of them.” 12 january 2012
If needs be, we can extend the game right up to 11v11, increasing the area size gradually. In possession, we’re looking for players to make use of the five scoring areas (2a), whilst staying aware of their defensive duties (2b), since turnover of play is frequent and quick. Out of possession, players need to decide whether to press opponents or protect the goals. Handball Handball retains positional awareness whilst focusing players on one set scoring target. In the same 18yard box, we play 5v5 up to 11v11, instructing the defending team to either press high (all players beyond the halfway line) or drop deep (all in their own half) to fashion specific attacking scenarios for the opposition. Therefore, the team in possession must recognise when to play over, and when in front of their opponents. To score, teams pass the ball with their hands into the arms of a target player, who is stood in a six-yard scoring zone midway along the short touchline (3a). We progress the game by playing it with feet (3b). 11v11 game We conclude with a full-size game (4). Tactically,playersmust recognise the right option; technically, it’s about executing a pass, a skill or a dribble in order to make the most of a situation.
3a
In Handball, players position well to receive, then score by playing to their target man
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3b
This develops with the ball on the floor. Here, a longer ball is played before the scoring pass Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 11v11 game, the team in possession needs to judge whether to play to areas in front or behind the opposition www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
Manchester City
Jim Cassell
Development without pressure Overview:
“The session provides players with composure, confidence and the knowledge of how to create space and time in a game.” 13 january 2012
SET-UP Area
Full pitch Equipment
1
Ball, cones, goals
60
Number of Players
18 (9v9 plus keepers) Session time
Warm-up 20mins, practices 30mins
What do I get the players to do? Warm-up In the warm-up, we set up three lines of six players in a 60x40-yard area. Player 2 receives from player 1 and feeds player 3 (1). The purpose is to practise various turns using the inside and outside of the foot, or allow softer passes so players run into space behind. We will rotate players during practice. Practice 1 We now split the area into two sideways pitches with goals and keepers at each end. Outfield, it’s 4v4 in each half plus one midfielder who supports the attacking team. He passes to either attacker on one side. The receiving player must beat his defender and shoot (2). Next, a ball is served to an attacker on the opposite side. We develop this by allowing the midfielder to actively join in – for instance, by following his pass to make a 3v2 overload. Practice 2 Now we place the midfielder in a circle, where he cannot be
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
40
This practice is aimed at encouraging players to develop their decisionmaking. It’s done by allowing them to make choices without pressure being applied. It’s a session that has offered great success where our youth players are concerned. It provides them with composure, confidence and the knowledge of how to create space and time in a game, as well as the skill to select the right pass in the final third.
development without pressure
In the warm-up, each central player receives from his server and, using progressively different turns, passes to his other team mate
2
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Practice 1, the midfielder feeds a pass to an attacker on his left, who attempts to beat his defender and shoot
3
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Now the midfielder is positioned in a circle. He cannot be pressured, so has time to find the right pass
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In partnership with
development without pressure
Jim Cassell Manchester City Jim Cassell is the creator of one of the most successful British talent pools. From 1997 to 2010 he was the leading force and ideas provider of the Manchester City FC Youth Academy, nurturing top stars such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge. In total, 37 of his Academy graduates have played in the Premier League. Throughout the entirety of his career, Cassell has overseen the development of over 120 graduates who have progressed to the highest level of professional football, and 24 of these players have gone onto represent their country at full International level.
“Players should keep their heads up when running with the ball, use a selection of passes, and be willing to take on defenders.” 14 january 2012
pressurised. This enables him time to select the right pass(3). To develop, we allow the midfielder to run the ball out of the circle. He can take three touches before feeding a pass in to a striker. (4). Full pitch game We move to a full pitch, 9v9 plus two keepers. It’s 4v4 in each half, while both midfielders can move unopposed in the central area, which is 20 yards deep (5). Starting play with either keeper, defenders must receive the ball and feed the midfielder, who plays the ball to a front or wide player. Midfielders can pass early or run with the ball (6).
4
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
To develop the drill, the midfielder can move out of his circle
5
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? In Practice 1, we’re looking for good movement when receiving the pass from the midfielder – so crossovers, spins, movement off the shoulder etc. Practice 2 and the main game are designed to enable greater freedom in controlling, turning, and timing passes. Players should keep their heads up when running with the ball, should use a selection of passes, and must be willing to take on defenders.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
On a full pitch, midfielders are unopposed and positioned in a 20-yard channel
6
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Play must start with the keeper, but midfielders are free to roam outside their start area
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In partnership with
Glenn Hoddle Academy
Dave Beasant Angled shot stopping Overview: Angled shotstopping looks at the principles of moving around the goal in order to give a keeper the best chance of reacting to danger. It’s based on an innovative concept which examines angles inside the penalty area, notably an ‘imaginary triangle’ around the six-yard box, two edges of which the keeper traverses. The set-up forces shot-stoppers to think differently about how they stand and the positions they adopt, because every week in the Barclays Premier League there are examples of keepers taking up incorrect positions. This session aims to reinforce an understanding of angles and distance from the goal.
“This session aims to reinforce an understanding of angles and distance from the goal.” 15 january 2012
Angled shot stopping SET-UP Area
Penalty area
1a
keeper y
Equipment
Ball, cones, goal Number of Players
4 Session time
Practice angles 40mins, shooting 15mins, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? Practice angles In a penalty area, we place two angled coned gates outside the six-yard box. A keeper is stood by each, with the main working keeper in goal. There are also red cones on the six-yard line, in line with each goalpost, plus yellow cones at 45 degree angles three yards outwards from each goalpost. Goalkeepers work around an imaginary triangle which extends diagonally from both posts to a point about four yards out, and in line with the penalty spot. From the penalty spot, the coach serves a volley or half-volley into the keeper (1a), then half-volleys to keeper X, on his right. As the ball is travelling, the keeper in the goal works down the angle of the triangle towards the post, and into position. Keeper X catches the ball and serves at goal (1b). If a saved shot goes to the right of the yellow cone, it’s safe. But if it falls anywhere around
keeper x
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
1b
In the first part, the coach serves a volley or halfvolley into the keeper keeper y
keeper x
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The keeper then moves along the line of the imaginary triangle to block a shot from keeper X
If the ball is outside the post the keeper must not be drawn towards the ball, but should stay on the line of the imaginary triangle to improve the saving angle www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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Angled shot stopping
Dave Beasant Glenn Hoddle Academy Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final when his spectacular stop to deny John Aldridge helped unfancied Wimbledon to a 1-0 Wembley success in 1988. He played for Newcastle United, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Southampton amongst others, before moving into specialist goalkeeping coaching, with posts at Fulham and the Northern Ireland international team. Beasant now works with the Glenn Hoddle Academy, giving a second chance to young keepers who have been released by professional clubs in England.
the red cone, keeper Y can follow up. We repeat on both sides, and through different gates to vary angles. Shooting The coach now lays a pass into a striker on the 18-yard line behind a central mannequin, who must turn either way and try to beat the keeper with a firsttime shot (3). Next we use supporting midfielders – the striker holds up the ball for his team mate to receive and move through the gate. The striker then follows in for any rebounds (4). Small-sided game We conclude with a 36x44-yard game. It’s 7v7 (plus keepers), played at high intensity, with players allowed to shoot from anywhere (5).
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
“Keepers must ensure they adopt correct angles, using the imaginary triangle as a guide.” 16 january 2012
Keepers must ensure they adopt correct angles, using the imaginary triangle as a guide. We’re looking for them to get in position quickly, save well, and deflect the ball into safe areas, not back at players. In the small-sided game, the tight area means rebounds are a real threat for keepers, while players must shoot regularly, close down and find space.
3
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4
In the shooting practice, the striker turns on his mannequin and shoots first-time
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
5
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Now a supporting midfielder must receive and dribble through a gate, thereby fashioning a wider shooting angle
The compacted nature of the small-sided game means keepers have to be aware of shots coming in from all areas
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booked: this month’s choice
SacredHoops Sacred Hoops
Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior Phil Jackson Hyperion Books 224pp
P
hil Jackson is up there with the best basketball coaches in history, enrolled in the sport’s Hall of Fame with a record 11 National Basketball Association (NBA) titles. With the Chicago Bulls (aided by one Michael Jordan – undisputably the best basketball player in history) Jackson won the NBA title three years running – twice. Proving that it was not all about Michael Jordan, Jackson then went on to win five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers between 2000 and 2010. Jackson supplemented his knowledge as a title-winning New York Knicks player with teachings from Zen Buddhism and the Lakota Sioux Indians, earning himself the nickname ‘Zen Master’. He decorated his team room with native American totems and symbols and started and ended each practice with the players in a circle to symbolise forming a sacred hoop. He even tried to get the bull on the Chicago logo replaced with a white buffalo (a sacred Indian symbol) but that was considered going too far. Jackson believes that what drives most basketball players (and 17 January 2012
presumably most sportsmen and woman) is not money or adulation but their love of the game. “They live for those moments when they can lose themselves completely in the action and experience the pure joy of competition.” One of the main jobs of a coach, he believes, is to reawaken that spirit so that the players can blend together effortlessly. The core of Jackson’s vision was getting the players to think for themselves. When he took over at the Bulls, the younger players were used to being berated by their former coach when they made mistakes, and would look at Jackson after an error, expecting to be admonished and told what they had done wrong. “Why are you looking at me,” he’d ask. “You already know you made a mistake.” Being in the moment and not thinking characterises Buddhist thinking and Jackson made big efforts to get his players into a “cocoon of concentration” without shutting out the world. One method was to practise meditation so that the players could experience stillness of mind or mindfulness, in a low pressure setting off the court. Getting players to meditate caused amusement for some. One said it gave him extra time to take a nap. However, Jackson insists that even those players who didn’t really
“He was asking the world’s best basketball player to give up the ball and take fewer shots.”
engage got the basic point that awareness is everything. Occasionally, he would conduct an entire on-court practice in silence, forcing players to concentrate and use nonverbal communication. Jackson said the results never failed to astonish him. Being mindful means resisting distractions. Though it didn’t always work, players were advised that when they were fouled by opponents they should take a deep breath, stay composed and focus on the goal: victory. Getting buy-in for this non-belligerent approach required continuous reinforcement, admits Jackson, particularly in such a physical sport. Against their arch-enemies, the Detroit Pistons, in 1991 “everyone on the team was slammed around” but they laughed it off and the Pistons didn’t know how to respond. “We completely disarmed them by not striking back.” That is not to say that the Bulls didn’t give as good as they got on occasions, when Jackson admits he lost control. As a coach, Jackson wanted to take a middle road between a relaxed approach – letting players do what they want – and what he accuses many coaches of being: “control-oholics”. He identifies with a style described as “compassionate leadership” by www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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Phil Jackson Career history As player:
1967–1978
New York Knicks 1978–1980
New Jersey Nets As coach:
1989–1998
management consultant James O’Toole. This leads with the pull of inspiring values, rather than the instinctive push of ideas and instructions - particularly difficult to avoid when things are going badly. The ultimate goal of a valueled leadership philosophy is that the leader becomes ‘invisible’. “I wanted to create a team in which selflessness – not the ‘me first’ mentality that had come to dominate professional basketball – was the primary driving force,” said Jackson. One of his trademarks was giving everybody equal or close to equal playing time. While most NBA teams use seven or eight players regularly, Jackson tried to use all 12 in the squad in rotation. In a 1992 game against the Portland Crusaders, the Bulls were down by 17 points in the third quarter and sinking fast so Jackson put on his second unit. His staff and the press thought him mad but within minutes the subs wiped out the deficit and put them back in the game. One wonders how many times this tactic would work and whether Michael Jordan and other stars were really regularly asked to be benchwarmers. To realise his vision, Jackson acknowledges that he had to win over Michael Jordan, telling him: “You’ve got to share the spotlight with your team mates because if they don’t, they won’t grow.” Basically, he was asking the world’s best basketball player to give up the ball and take fewer shots.
Chicago Bulls 1999–2004 Chicago Bulls’ Phil Jackson with Michael Jordan in 1997.
2005–2011
Los Angeles Lakers Source: Wikipedia
“This is the struggle every leader faces: how to get members of the team who are driven by the quest for individual glory to give themselves over wholeheartedly to the group effort”
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
18 January 2012
Los Angeles Lakers
Jackson addresses the challenge of coaching genius in a dedicated chapter. Jordan said he didn’t need “that Zen stuff” and Jackson concedes that the star already had a positive outlook on life and quality of mind, which allowed him to stay relaxed and focused. Jordan rarely got depressed, bounced back from failure, and had a mesmerising effect on other players which could lift the mood of a team. Jackson believes Jordan was transformed from a gifted solo artist into a selfless team player during the time under his wing. This occurred after Jackson apparently explained to Jordan that the sign of a great player is not how much they score but how much they lift their team mates’ performance. There’s only so much a coach can do to influence the outcome of a game. Jackson believed that if you push too hard to control what happens, resistance builds and “reality spits in your face.” Jackson said he was far more effective as a coach “when he balanced the masculine and 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
feminine sides of his nature. I find that when I can be truly present with impartial, open awareness, I get a much better feel for the players’ concerns than when I try to impose my own agenda.” But he rigidly adhered to his philosophy despite being up against the money culture of modern basketball, where the stars with dramatic eye-catching moves are paid astronomical sums and the team players get the minimum wage. “With so many people telling them how great they are, it’s difficult and, in some cases, impossible, for coaches to get players to check their inflated egos at the gym door.” His dedication to the Triangle Offense empowered everyone in his teams by making them more involved in the offense, and demanded that they put their individual needs second to those of the group. Jackson says: “This is the struggle every leader faces: how to get members of the team who are driven by the quest for individual glory to give themselves over wholeheartedly to the group effort. In other words, how to teach them selflessness.” Not everyone agreed with his approach. When Jackson was employed one summer early in his career at the Quebradillas club in Puerto Rico, he was fired after three weeks because the team’s superstar didn’t like the selfless system of basketball he had implemented.
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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Picture credit: Steve Lipofsky www.basketballphoto.com
booked: this month’s choice
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EXTRA-TIME
peter taylor bahrain Peter Taylor has a wealth of managerial experience, from non-league football to the very top level. Indeed, it was he who handed David Beckham the England captaincy for the first time when he took temporary charge of the Three Lions in 2000. He recently accepted the task of overseeing the fortunes of the Bahrain national team.
W
hat brief do you have as the Head Coach of Bahrain. What are you expected to deliver? Bahrain are at 102 in the world rankings at the moment though they have just narrowly missed out on qualifying for the last two World Cups. They’ve done well because despite it being only a small country, they are football fanatics. Every time you drive around you see kids training. I’m hoping the reason they asked me to come here is because they know that they have got to be a little bit more professional on certain things, and hopefully I can help them to improve that.
W
hat is the standard of football out there like and where do the players you are selecting for the national team play their club football? We have got about four professionals in the squad - one plays in Switzerland, a couple play in Qatar and one in Saudi Arabia. Apart from that they are local players playing in the local leagues here. A lot of the players in the squad have to work as well as play football. It can be frustrating but you just have to accept it.
19 January 2011
In terms of the standard of football, I would say a good non-league side – maybe in the Conference – would give us a real test. The players here are very slight in build, but we are getting there and they are pretty skilful on the ball. When I first arrived they didn’t take things as seriously as I would have liked, and I believe the only way you can improve that is by training very seriously. At first I thought this was going to be a problem but they have been magnificent. The spirit we have within the camp now is very good and they are training more and more professionally with every session.
H
ow does the club league structure work in Bahrain? There are only two divisions with about 20 teams in them. Not all sides have stadiums, so a lot of the teams play at the national stadium. Having footballs, cones and mannequins are things that we take as a given in England but we’ve only got five mannequins here and it can be frustrating. However, you have to realise that they are still learning and developing. Hopefully in six months’ time we will have improved in all areas, both on and off the pitch. I probably drive them mad telling them how we used to do things with the English national side!
H
ow does the climate and culture in Bahrain affect your preparations? I came out here in July and because of the heat we couldn’t train before 8pm at night, which
“Ihavenever beenaway frommy familyas muchand thattakes someadjustingto. Butitwas theopportunitytogain somenew football experience andIdo enjoyinternational football.”
meant we were finishing at 10pm or later - it was about 40 degrees. Then you have to take into account Ramadan, when the players won’t eat until sunset. So how you prepare is dictated by many different factors.
H
ow are you finding living overseas for the first time? It’s a very new experience. I am staying in a nice apartment on the 20th floor of a complex. I have never been away from my family as much and that takes some adjusting to. But it was the opportunity to gain some new football experience and I do enjoy international football.
T
he Premier League is celebrating its 20th anniversary this season; what level of interest does it hold out there? It’s amazing how much coverage there is out here. So many of the players follow the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City. It is really good because when they say to me that Wayne Rooney is their favourite player, I can then make points about why he is good and how they need to improve and progress to be like him.
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