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FEBRUARY 2012
Soccer Coaching practices from English football league managers and coaches
Paul lambert NORWICH CITY
Developing Premier League players’ technique Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
In partnership with
Crystal Palace
Morecambe
LMA Ambassador
LMA Ambassador
LMA Ambassador
DOUGIE FREEDMAN The defensive screen
JIM BENTLEY Defending in a 3-5-2 formation
kevin blackwell Close quarter finishing
PETER JACKSON Finishing from crosses
MIKE KELLY Movement through midfield
extra-time:
Exclusive interview with former england manager glenn hoddle
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 February 2012
issue 19/February 2012: FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Absorbingcoachingsessionsfrom Englishfootball’sleadinglights Dear Coach, Welcome to the February issue of Elite Soccer. We’re back this month with six more engaging training practices, written by the managers and coaches themselves, and presented to you in a clear, concise and actionable fashion. To begin with, we dip into the Barclays Premier League to present a fantastic session from Norwich City manager Paul Lambert. The Canaries have adapted superbly to life back in the top flight, and this training routine on developing Premier League players’ technique goes a long way to explaining why. From the npower Championship, Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman details a plan that rehearses sides in the key ideas behind the defensive screen. This three-page special goes into great detail in describing how holding players can block attacking avenues, in doing so frustrating the opposition. Moving on, Jim Bentley – who took charge at npower League Two side Morecambe in the summer – presents to us a great session that gains the best reward from defending in a 3-5-2 formation. We’ve also got two sessions from former managers – Kevin Blackwell offers a fantastic selection of drills that benefit close quarter finishing techniques, while Peter Jackson’s contribution is a superb crossing and finishing practice that gets wingers and attackers working in unison. And to conclude, renowned coach Mike Kelly, who has been involved in four major tournaments with England and Switzerland , talks us through the mechanics involved in precise midfield movement, explaining how you can make the most out of dedicated delivery from the middle third. 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
PAUL LAMBERT NORWICH CITY
Developing Premier League players’ technique
6
DOUGIE FREEDMAN Crystal Palace
The defensive screen
9
JIM BENTLEY Morecambe
Defending in a 3-5-2 formation
11
KEVIN BLACKWELL LMA Ambassador
Close quarter finishing
13
PETER JACKSON LMA Ambassador
Finishing from crosses
15
MIKE KELLY LMA Ambassador
Movement through midfield
03 MANAGEMENT MATTERS
Ourreviewofthepastmonth
17 BOOKED Elite sports book review 19 EXTRA-TIME:
...with former England manager Glenn Hoddle www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
management matters
MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Martin O’Neill marked his first month back in football management by scooping the Barclays Manager of the Month Award for December. O’Neill, 59, only arrived at Sunderland on December 3, but he immediately revitalised a struggling side, taking seven points out of 12 in his first four games in charge (having sat out the opening match of the month against Wolves). Sunderland earned victories over Blackburn Rovers and QPR, drew with Everton and slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. The upsurge in form took the Black Cats into the top half of the table.
In the npower Championship, Middlesbrough’s continued ascent up the table was enough to see manager Tony Mowbray given the monthly divisional award. The north-east side are well tipped to regain the Premier League place they lost in 2009, particularly after wrapping up wins against Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City and Hull City in December. They completed the month with a 1-1 home draw against Peterborough United on New Year’s Eve. Middlesbrough: W4 D1 L0
Sunderland: W2 D1 L2 (league only)
CAREERPATH ... ....with Andy Scott, manager of League Two side Rotherham United What’s the best decision you have ever made as a manager? I think the interesting thing is that the longer you spend in coaching and management, the more you realise that your decisions mature in the same way that you do. Certainly, in my first couple of years in management, I would judge most of my good decisions by the players I signed... and the bad ones, too. But as you get older you realise that the decisions you make around the changing room, and how you manage players, counts more. A successful season is the culmination of a period where you’ve made good decisions throughout – in a way, you shouldn’t 3 February 2012
In npower League One, Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson scooped the award after his side won four out of four matches, scoring 10 goals in the process. United moved into the automatic promotion places by seeing off Rochdale, Bournemouth, Notts County and Hartlepool United. They also made it through to the third round of the FA Cup with a 3-2 home win over Torquay United. Wilson’s charismatic style has also seen him win over the home faithful having previously spent five years as player or manager at city rivals Wednesday.
And finally to npower League Two, where Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson was the panel’s choice. The former Premier League outfit had endured a slow start to the campaign, but form picked up in December as victories over Southend United, Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town eased the club clear of the drop places. Parkinson has also continued to oversee the development of the club’s leading goalscorer James Hanson, who has courted the attention of many clubs at higher levels. Bradford C ity: W3 D1 L0
Sheffield United: W4 D0 L0
be able to put your finger on one thing, because the components should merge in with each other. And the worst? I think the important thing about bad decisions is recognising that absolutely everyone makes them, and relatively frequently too. We all know that some bad decisions you get away with and others you don’t, but as long as you are continually learning from them, you’re increasing your chances of not falling into the same trap again. And after all, everyone knows that football is a game that cannot ever be fully learnt. But it is a long road, certainly. I’ve been here less than a year and we are still assessing players who have been here from the start. I love the job though, despite the pitfalls. I was always a student of the game... watching and talking about football
whenever I could. I knew it was certainly the road I was going down when I retired, even if it all happened a bit sooner than I expected after having to hang up my boots on health grounds. But I grabbed the opportunity to manage and coach with both hands; I really grasped the opportunity. You have to do this with every job because there aren’t too many out there. You’ve got to put your all into it so that if it works then great, and if it doesn’t then it wasn’t for the want of trying.
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In partnership with
Norwich City
Paul Lambert Developing Premier League players’ technique Overview: This session encourages quality and regularity of touch in players when the ball is at their feet. It incorporates prime functions such as passing, control and technique. Although some of the elements contained within the session may sound basic, they are fundamental to the game and to the development of our players, notably in their ability to manipulate the football and retain possession of it. In the modern game, players need to feel comfortable whether or not they are under pressure. In both scenarios, their technique should be flawless. We saw an example of this accomplished technique in Grant Holt’s goal in the 1-1 league draw with Everton this season. From Steve Morison’s flick, our striker turned and finished brilliantly. It shows that good practice really can be rewarded in matches. We run this drill every week.
4 February 2012
developing premier league players’ technique SET-UP Area
Up to 40x30 yards
1a
Equipment
Balls, cones, mannequins, goals
10
Number of Players
Up to full squad
iii
Session time
Passing square We start with a 10x10yard passing square, using two players on each cone and two balls. Two players, at diagonally opposite cones, each pass clockwise to the player on the next cone (i), then follow their passes before receiving the ball back (ii) and playing a diagonal pass across the square (iii) (1a). The receiving player opens his body to play anticlockwise (1b). The next receiver plays clockwise, and so on. Continuing this for five cycles ensures that all players return to their start positions. Quick touch In two groups of two, we position players either side of two mannequins, 5 yards apart. In each pair, one serves to the other who, in receiving, performs a specified technique – a volley, chest volley, header, juggle, control on the in-step, or on the thigh - before returning the pass (2). The ball is then re-served with a different instruction and to different areas
iii
ii
Passing square 10mins, Quick touch 15mins, Possession game 30mins
What do I get the players to do?
i
ii
i
10
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball starts by going clockwise, is then received back before going diagonally across the area. Players follow their passes
1b 10
10
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Upon receiving a diagonal pass, players switch direction, in this case going anticlockwise
2 5
5
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Quick touch, a pass is received with a nominated part of the body, then returned www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
developing premier league players’ technique
Paul Lambert Norwich City
He guided Norwich City back into the Premier League last season in spectacular fashion, securing back-to-back promotions in the process.
The 42-year-old also turned out for Celtic, Motherwell and Livingston, and is regarded as one of the brightest young managers in the game.
5 February 2012
In the 10v8 Possession game, the team of 10 are two-touch while their opponents are all-in
4 40
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The progression asks players to use specified skills in retaining possession – here, chesting and volleying only
5 40 F
30
“In the modern game, players need to feel 5 comfortable whether or not they are under pressure.”
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
40
30
The Scot had cut his managerial teeth with great success at Livingston and Wycombe Wanderers previously, following on from a successful playing career which saw him clinch a 10 Champions League winner’s medal with German side Borussia Dortmund.
3
30
Paul Lambert made a huge initial impact on Norwich City when he led former side Colchester United to a 7-1 win at Carrow Road on 10the opening day of the 2009/10 season – 10 days later he returned to Norwich to take his place in the home dug out.
around the mannequin so as to promote good receiving and control. To progress, the ball is now served as a roll. Players control using a variety of touches, taking the ball towards and away from the mannequin. Play each phase for 30 seconds, then swap server. Possession game We put these techniques into competitive use - 18 players (10v8) in a 40x30-yard area. The team of eight plays multi-touch. The opposition is two-touch, with the aim of retaining possession using the technical skills practised in the Quick touch drill (3/4). If a tackle is made or a ball goes out of the area, possession switches. After two minutes at high intensity, we change the technical elements to be practised. To progress, we bring in a floater (F) who has two touches and plays for both teams (5). Which team can hold possession for the longest amount of time? Defensive players limit the margin of error by closing down quickly. Working players must look for space at all times. If they can perfect the key elements of this session in an enclosed area confidence will grow in the larger spaces of a game situation.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The neutral floater plays for the team in possession at all times
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In partnership with
Crystal Palace
Overview:
Session time
Warm-up 15mins, Half-pitch practice 15mins, Three-quarters practice 15mins 6 February 2012
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is fed out to the channel. Reds work as a pair, looking to screen forward passes
1b
5 12
5
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Whites are forced to pass back to the server. Reds regroup and successfully block the through-pass
1c
5 12 2 1
Defenders must work together to ensure balls are not played between them. If any red shows a poor touch, defenders can fly out to win the ball, then retreat quickly if unsuccessful.
1
Up to 18
5
1
Number of Players
1
Ball, cones, goals
12
10
Equipment
5
10
Up to ¾ pitch
What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?
1a
10
Area
Warm-up pressure practice We begin in a 10x12yard area. On the long side there is a 1-yard outer channel, with a 5-yard channel attached to the shorter sides. Set up players as shown in diagram 1a. The ball starts with the white at the bottom, who plays left or right to the nearest team mate in either channel – the aim being for the ball to make it to his opposite white. Side players cannot pass across the area, so defenders work together, moving in to prevent the onward or return pass (1a). If the ball is forced back to the start man, he must attempt to play through the middle to his opposite man. Defenders must stop this pass at all costs (1b). We work for one minute, then switch direction and players. Whites can now lay deeper passes (1c), missing out the first player and requiring defenders to organise themselves quickly.
1
SET-UP
What do I get the players to do?
1
This session examines the role of screening by midfield players, and their responsibilities when the ball is in various areas of the pitch. Defensive screening needs to happen in every game and forms a key part of how effective we can make our back four. Its effectiveness can be seen in the excellent defensive record we’ve achieved so far this term – particularly at home, where in our 13 matches up until the middle of January, we conceded only nine goals.
the defensive screen
1
Dougie Freedman The defensive screen
5
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A deeper pass means defenders must organise quickly so as to cover an onward pass www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
the defensive screen
Dougie Freedman Crystal Palace Dougie Freedman was revealed as manager of Crystal Palace on January 12, 2011. He had already acted as assistant manager at the club to Paul Hart, then George Burley, though earned the job on a full-time basis and successfully guided the Eagles away from relegation danger in the npower Championship. Freedman’s involvement with the south London outfit actually goes back much further though, having spent a decade at Selhurst Park as a player, during which time he scored 108 goals. Half way through his first full season in charge the 37-year-old has guided Palace to the fringes of the play-offs.
“This session is great for helping players use the ball in small and compacted areas.” 7 February 2012
Half-pitch practice Now we play 6v8 on a half-pitch, with a back four with two screening midfielders. Whites set up as shown and, starting with player 1 (top right), must again pass the ball around the area, with red midfielders required to shield any passes into the front two (2a). Successful shielding ensures the ball has to continue around the area(2b). Should it arrive at player 6 (top left), free play results (2c). Should reds win the ball, they play out to the coach, who restarts.
As whites switch again, MFa presses again and MFb moves to cover behind him
MFb
2a
MFa
MFa covers a possible diagonal pass to the strikers
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
MFb presses as MFa moves to cover a possible pass into the strikers
Whites lay an initial pass looking for an angle The back four moves up as a unit
What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically? As the ball is passed around the area by whites, red midfielders must work together to adopt a blocking line. Similarly, the back four need to edge across, covering each other and the threat of a through pass. Screening midfielders should never be more than 15 yards apart, nor more than 10 yards in front of the defence, who must move at the same speed as the ball. If the ball works its way round to player 6, and he runs at the fullback, look for the red midfielders to support. And as practised in the warm-up, there must be no ball played between the two midfielders. If the ball reaches player 6, or a pass is
2b Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball moves across the white midfield
With the ball at player 6 – having been successfully screened around the area – free play develops with, in this instance, a dribble up the wing
2c Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
As the full back is beaten, the closest centre back moves across to challenge, with the other defenders covering the goal area
Midfielders retreat to support the back four
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In partnership with
the defensive screen made into the strikers, free play develops, and screening midfielders react accordingly. Three quarters practice We now use three quarters of a pitch, playing 9v7, plus two keepers. Whites line up 3-2-4; reds are 4-2-1. Starting with their keeper, whites move the ball out, building an attack to the wing (3a). Reds must pressure well, being aware of the distance between the holding midfielders and the backline. If reds win possession, they can counter. When the ball goes dead, play is restarted with the white keeper.
MFa
3a
Whites move the ball out of defence
The back four retains its shape as the midfielders and a lone attacker shuffle across
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3b
The full-back tracks his man as the ball goes wide
What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?
“Defensive screening needs to happen in every game and forms a key part of how effective we can make our back four.” 8 February 2012
If attackers switch, defenders must move across together, ensuring a constant distance between themselves and the holding midfielders. If a pass is fed out to wing attackers, the holding midfielders move across to pressure play and offer defensive back-up (3b), leaving the back four to track only slightly across.
The midfielder moves to the wing to pressurise the winger and block any in-field pass
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3c
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Centre-backs deal with the danger of a cross that lands in front of the goal
The remaining midfielder tracks back to cover the run from attacking white midfielders
The nearest screening midfielder’s task is to cover the near post whilst staying aware of a possible cutback
The winger negotiates a crossing position
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In partnership with
Morecambe
Jim Bentley Defending in a 3-5-2 formation Overview: When defending in a 3-5-2 situation, one of the weaknesses is balls being played into space behind wing-backs. In response to that, this functional practice gets the back three working together as a unit and with the goalkeeper, and includes them linking up with wing-backs and central midfielders. When we develop the practice to an 11v11 game, it extends to team defending and shape in all areas of the pitch. We’ve deployed this formation throughout the season, so it’s crucial that players know their roles and responsibilities within the system.
“This functional practice gets the back three working together as a unit and with the goalkeeper.” 9 February 2012
defending in a 3-5-2 formation SET-UP Area
Up to full pitch Equipment
Defenders react to the first pass, with the nearest defender moving across to pressure
1a
Balls, cones, 5-a-side goals, full-size goals Number of Players
Up to full squad Session time
Functional practice 15mins, Phase of play 20mins, 11v11 40mins
What do I get the players to do? Functional practice In a third of a pitch, we’ve a full-size goal at one end and two 5-a-side goals placed in the corners at the other end. Three centre-backs stand just outside the box, patrolling three attackers. The coach plays the ball in to a server, who turns and passes to the left- or right-side attacker, and the attack begins (1a/1b). Should the defenders win possession, they counter into either 5-a-side goal, while a dead ball restarts with the coach. Phase of play practice We now expand to a 7v6 in two thirds of a pitch, thirds of a pitch, with three attackers versus two defenders and 4v4 in midfield. Again, play is started with a serve and diagonal pass into space in behind, with centre-backs reactive to wing attacks (2a). Recovery runs must be made, with holding midfielders also recovering in relation to the ball (2b).
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The second defender marks the central attacker, while the third defender takes up a covering position
1b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2a
When the ball is switched, defenders need to react and adjust their positions
Centre-backs edge across
The left winger attacks the diagonal ball leading the wing-back to make a recovery run
The wing-back on the other side also recovers
Holding midfielders recover in relation to the ball www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
defending in a 3-5-2 formation
Jim Bentley Morecambe Jim Bentley landed his first managerial post with npower League Two side Morecambe in time for the 2011/12 campaign. Bentley, 35, already had a long association with the Lancashire club, having signed for the Shrimps as a player in 2002. A tough-tackling defender, he was a leading force in their landmark promotion to the Football League five years later, and has already impressed in his first season in charge, guiding his side to the top of the table in September. Prior to signing for Morecambe, Bentley made 161 appearances for Telford United, having originally risen through the youth ranks at Manchester City.
“We’re looking for 1v1 situations with clean tackling and good body shape. The keeper must remind and instruct players as to their defensive shape and responsibilities.” 10 February 2012
This time, if defenders win the ball, they must score into the small goals using no more than four passes. 11v11 practice We now to go full pitch, the ball worked back to the keeper who serves to a full-back or centreback (3a). Now defending from the front comes in to play, with red attackers positioning in relation to the ball. And when play is built out wide, supporting central midfielders defend based on the shape and movement of their winger, and his decision either to hold and delay, or press the ball (3b). The deeper midfielder must cover those two working reds. The defenders react as before.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We’re looking for 1v1 situations with clean tackling and good body shape. The keeper must remind and instruct players as to their defensive shape and responsibilities. We must also ensure that centre-backs do their best to delay attacks until recovery runs are made. In the 11v11 practice, the bigger playing area means players must get to the ball quickly, paying closer attention to distances and angles between themselves and team mates - it’s a common fault for players to get isolated.
Defenders delay the attack until recovery runs are made
2b
The threat of a switched pass to the danger area on the right-hand side is now to be considered
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3a
Depending on the keeper’s pass out, either the wing-back or the midfielder pressures the ball
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
3b
The rest of the team recover and support in relation to the ball
Successful closing down causes the red full-back to retreat and pass back across the defence
The rest of the team react by shifting position accordingly Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Red forwards continue to defend from the front
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In partnership with
LMA Ambassador
Kevin Blackwell Close quarter finishing Overview: This is a striker session that deals with rebounds, one- and two-touch finishing around the six-yard box, and the service that enables attacking players to take their chances from close range. Finishes from close in comprise the vast majority of goals in matches, so although it can be difficult to replicate these situations in training, it’s essential we attempt to. This session is formed of a number of separate drills that enables us to achieve this – all of them to be played at a high tempo.
“This session is formed of a number of separate drills that enables us to achieve this – all of them to beplayedata high tempo.” 11 February 2012
close quarter finishing SET-UP Area
Up to 36x44 yards
1
Equipment
Balls, cones, goals Number of Players
Up to 12 (6v6) Session time
Drills 10mins each, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? Drill one Set up as shown in the diagram with two servers, two strikers and a keeper. The first server plays the ball at pace, below knee height to striker 1, who lets it go past him. Striker 2 has a split second to react and finish one-touch (1). Both players now turn around and the move is reversed. Play 10 crosses from each side; strikers compete against one another. Drill two Here, we sandwich two six-yard boxes together with an 8x4-yard box in the middle – six servers on the outside and two strikers in the central box. Strikers must receive passes at all angles and heights, either letting the ball run past the first man or combining for one- or two-touch finishes (2). Drill three In an 18-yard box with goals at either end, servers and setters operate to the side of each goal, moving along the line to vary angles. Servers pass to setters, who lay off for
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Drill one, striker 2 must be alert to the cross as striker 1 will always dummy the cross
2
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Drill two, central players combine from a served ball in and find the net
3a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Drill three, the server plays downfield to the setter, who lays the ball off for the attacker to score
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In partnership with
close quarter finishing
Kevin Blackwell LMA Ambassador Kevin Blackwell has extensive managerial experience in the Football League having taken charge at Sheffield United, Leeds United and Luton Town. Up against severe financial restrictions, the 53-year-old steered Leeds and Sheffield United into play-off contention in 2006 and 2009 respectively, as well as battling against a 30-point deduction at Luton, during which time he even paid players out of his own pocket. In between managerial appointments in England, Blackwell has toured Europe in pursuit of new ideas and initiatives, and can often be heard as a highly knowledgeable expert summariser on television and radio.
“We look for a variety of served passes, clever movement in the box and smart anticipation of goalscoring chances.” 12 February 2012
reds or yellows to finish (3a/3b) – the first pair to score five times wins. Servers and setters then swap roles. Drill four Removing setters and servers, we add a defender for each team (4). If he wins the ball, opposition strikers become passive meaning he can feed his own strikers. Attackers must set each other up quickly with one-touch play. 6v6 game Finally, we join together two penalty boxes for a 6v6 game, with eight players positioned around the area - two-touch with the exception of players either side of the goal who are onetouch. When the keeper feeds his midfielders, opposing midfielders become passive to allow the ball to be played to wide men (5) or to players stood by the goals. If defenders win the ball, they too feed midfielders. A one-touch goal equals two points and a toe-poke three points. The first team to 10 points is the winner.
3b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Now play is worked to the other end, this time with a longer cross into the goalmouth
4
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In Drill four, adding in defenders creates a new challenge for attackers
5
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We look for a variety of served passes, good attitude to finishing, sound technique, clever movement in the box and smart anticipation of goalscoring chances.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the 6v6 game, a onetouch move sees the ball played wide and crossed into the danger area
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In partnership with
LMA Ambassador
Peter Jackson Finishing from crosses Overview:
This session is used to improve players’ finishing from crosses. It’s particularly important in formations such as 4-4-2, where there’s a real emphasis on providing midfield players with quality crosses, so as to maximise goalscoring opportunities. It’s a high-tempo session that can be built upon with the introduction of additional players.
“There’sareal emphasis onproviding midfield players withquality crosses,soas tomaximise goalscoring opportunities.” 13 February 2012
finishing from crosses SET-UP Area
Half pitch Equipment
1
Balls, cones, goals Number of Players
Full squad Session time
Half-pitch drills 40mins, game 20mins
What do I get the players to do? In front of the centre circle, pairs of players line up, facing the goal. There are two wingers on both flanks and a keeper in the goal. The first pair advance, one player laying a sideways pass to his team mate. Now the ball is fed wide to any one of the four wingers, who combines with his team mate and crosses into the box. The two start players run forward, making crossover runs in the box, and the cross ends in a shot at goal (1). Next, the start position is moved forward 10 yards, and we bring in a lone defender to defend the cross (2). Wide men must ensure they miss the defender on every cross. The defender is rotated after three crosses. Progressing again, we add an additional defender and striker in the box. This time, the first ball is played into the striker’s feet to hold up play, then back to the spare midfielder who plays to the wing (3a). Midfielders again make crossover runs and, combining with the extra striker, must
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2
Midfielders combine, thread the ball to the right wing, then attack using crossover runs
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3a
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the next phase, the start point is further forward and the wingers must avoid the defender now in the box
Bringing in an additional striker enables a ball into feet before the ball is spread wide www.elitesoccercoaching.net
In partnership with
finishing from crosses
Peter Jackson LMA Ambassador Peter Jackson is a vastly experienced football coach, having first moved into management with Huddersfield Town in 1997. After two spells with the Yorkshire club – during which time he achieved promotion to League One – the 50-year-old arrived at Lincoln City, steering the Imps clear of relegation danger despite being diagnosed with throat cancer during his time at Sincil Bank. Having successfully beaten the illness, Jackson then had a short spell at Bradford City at the start of the 2011/12 campaign. As a player, he made over 650 appearances as a defender for the likes of Bradford, Huddersfield, Newcastle United and Chester City.
“Attackers must plan the timing and nature of their runs into the box, always looking to make an assured finish.” 14 February 2012
ensure that near post, far post and mid-goal areas are all covered (3b). The wide men should always look to eliminate defenders with precise crossing.
3b
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? The quality of the pass out to a wide man is vital. In wingers, we’re looking for inventiveness and variation in movement, with a quality cross into the danger area. Attackers must plan the timing and nature of their runs into the box, always looking to make an assured finish.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
From the resulting cross, attackers take up mid-goal, near- and far-post areas against two defenders
4a
How do I put this into a game situation? We play an end-to-end 8v8 game in a 70x70yard area, with a 15x15yard box in each corner. Two players from each team occupy their two attacking boxes. The keeper serves to a central player who takes the ball on and combines with team mates (4a). The aim is to get the ball to either boxed wide man, who then crosses (4b). Players must stagger their attacking runs to mid-goal, near- and far-post areas and finish well. A shot at goal can only be taken if the ball has been delivered from a corner box.
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the small-sided game, the keeper begins the move by passing out
4b
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball needs to go to a corner box before being crossed into the middle www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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LMA Ambassador
Mike Kelly Movement through midfield Overview: Effective passing and movement through midfield are potential match-winning components for any team, so it’s vital to practise this part of the game. This session looks at the skills involved in diagonal and forward passes, as well as rehearsing the timing of runs. In each instance, two or three alternative passes should present themselves, enabling the move to keep going forward. Good team organisation is essential for us to get the most out of this session, along with a good quality of passing, and maintenance of a high tempo throughout.
“Effective passing and movement through midfield are potential matchwinning components for any team.” 15 February 2012
movement through midfield SET-UP Area
Up to ¾ pitch Equipment
Balls, goals Number of Players
Up to 14 (10v3 plus keeper)
1a
Option 1: A longer pass to the full-back
The keeper passes long to the centreback
Session time
30mins
What do I get the players to do? The session is played in two thirds of a pitch. We set up 10 attackers – in an initial 4-4-2 formation – against three defenders and a keeper. The move is one- and two-touch apart from in the penalty area, where it’s all-in, and begins with a centreback controlling a long kick downfield from the keeper. The centre-back can either play short to the central midfielder, or pass across to his fellow centre-back or full-back . The attacking team now combine looking to score. If the ball leaves play or a goal is scored, play restarts with the keeper. Variable player movement can be built in time, but it’s important to bed players in slowly rather than have too many moves that cause confusion. The attacking team now combine looking to score. If the ball leaves play or a goal is scored, play restarts with the keeper.
Option 2: A short pass to the centre-back Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
1b
A short ball is played to the midfielder who drops into the pocket
Option 3: A forward pass into the midfielder Option 1: A ball out wide to the left-sided overlapping full-back
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
1c
A square pass is selected
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
Option 2: A short return pass inside to the deeplying midfielder
Option 3: A switched pass into the rightsided midfielder
Option 1: A lay-off to the onrushing midfielder
Option 2: A ball through the channel to the striker
Option 3: A ball out wide to the rightsided overlapping full-back www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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movement through midfield
Mike Kelly LMA Ambassador Most recently, Mike Kelly worked as assistant to Roy Hodgson at Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League. Kelly, a former goalkeeper with Wimbledon, QPR and Birmingham City, has extensive coaching experience in the game, having also worked with the England national team between 1984 and 1990; and again alongside Hodgson, he helped guide Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup. Two years later, he was part of Terry Venables’ Euro ’96 England side which made it to the semi-finals.
“Full-backs should be encouraged to get forward, usually into wide positions, but can also go narrow to threaten in front of the penalty box.” 16 February 2012
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? The main ideas involved are passing and running with good tempo and build-up of play, with wide midfield players coming infield to receive passes. This clears space for fullbacks to move forward into. Forward-minded players must time their runs well, both in terms of late runs into the box, receiving the ball short, and moving into pockets. Full-backs should be encouraged to get forward, usually into wide positions. However, as a progression, they can also go narrow to provide an unexpected threat in front of the penalty box. The diagrams depict a number of scenarios, showing options for attacking players when the ball is in certain areas of the pitch.
2
Option 1: A cross into the inrushing white attackers
The ball goes out to the left-sided overlapping full-back
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
3
A short return pass inside is made to the deep-lying midfielder
Option 2: A cut-back to the supporting midfielder
Option 1: The midfielder takes the ball on and finds the leftsided full-back on the flank
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
4
Progression: Centre-back plays a direct pass to the right midfielder
In a variation to usual play, the full-back and midfielder switch positions, the full-back coming in-field and midfielder going wide
Option 2: He takes the ball on into the box and shoots
Option 3: He feeds it through for a striker to latch onto
Option 1: The right full-back comes inside, narrowing play and threatening in front of the box
Option 2: The receiving player takes the ball wide to find space to cross www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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booked: this month’s choice
Thethinking approachtowinning Mind Games
Inspirational Lessons from the World’s Finest Sports Stars Jeff Grout and Sarah Perrin Capstone, £8.99
I
nterviewing top sports stars to discover the lessons they learned on their way to the top is a great idea. This book, compiled by Jeff Grout – former England rugby head coach Sir Clive Woodward’s business manager – and freelance journalist Sarah Perrin, provides a combination of anecdotes, analysis and instruction. And for those interested in performance development there are some intriguing insights and plenty to enjoy. Olympic hurdles champion Sally Gunnell recounts telling fellow Olympian David Hemery that she started to visualise (mentally rehearse) a race the night before. Hemery told her she should start the process at least a year in advance. England footballer Alan Shearer had a technique of literally blowing away missed goal scoring opportunities, clearing his head and moving on to the next chance with renewed focus. “He breathes and it is gone. He sniffs up his nose and that is his way of saying it’s gone,” said colleague David Platt. In the World Athletics Championships in 1993, sprinter Linford Christie, known for his use
17 February 2012
of psychological tactics to gain the upper hand, warmed up in opponent Andre Cason’s lane, making him run around Christie, and putting Cason at a potential disadvantage. “Straight away, Cason had lost the race,” said athletics coach Ron Roddan, who knew Christie well. Christie did indeed go on to win. For team coaches, the most relevant chapters are those on coaching relationships, team talks and team spirit. Don Revie, the Leeds United manager would insist on spending up to three quarters of an hour after lunch on match days giving his team details of the opposition. “He itemised every player – how they played, where they played the ball, whether they were good, whether they were quick,” according to Jack Charlton, who played for him. Although much to Revie’s annoyance some players would switch off during the briefing, the attention to detail meant the team knew in advance where their opponents would cause them problems. Accepting that captains and coaches have different styles and that “being yourself” is important is highlighted by former Australian
“Some intriguing insights and plenty to enjoy”
rugby captain Michael Lynagh. Describing himself as quiet and reserved, he was uncomfortable with a cheerleading, rousing orator role and delegated this to his vice-captain Nick Farr-Jones, preferring instead to speak privately to individual team members before a game. “If I stood in the dressing room and starting thumping the table and swearing at the forwards and saying “come on you have got to do this and that” they wouldn’t have take me seriously because they knew that wasn’t me,” said Lynagh. There is agreement that coaches need to create a supportive environment. Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman and the Football Association’s former Technical Director, insists that obtaining “buy-in” or consensus from all players on a set of values that the team will operate by - the team objectives and the process for achieving them - is essential. Wilkinson says there are no tricks or gimmicks, no shortcuts. “It’s about having an identifiable coat of arms or trademark for the way to do things; making certain values important and emphasising www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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booked: this month’s choice
them all the time: respect, trust, being fair, sharing, and doing your best.” In the build-up to one of Chay Blyth’s sailing challenges, he took his group of 25 sailors to a tiny cottage in Scotland and followed a training programme designed to simulate conditions on a yacht. “We lay on army camp beds. They had to make their beds up and keep the place clean and tidy. We went for a run every morning. We had discipline. We’d break into watches. We did various activities so we had to work as a team,” said Blyth. Underlining the value of team spirit, Roger Black recalls how the British 4x400m relay team beat the Americans in the 1991 World Championships. Although the fastest runner usually runs the last leg in the 4x400m, the British decided to change their running order to unsettle their opponents. Black was happy to give up the glory role for the sake of the team, agreeing that Kriss Akabusi, the lead runner, would instead take the final leg, and Black would start. The new, unexpected order had an unsettling impact on the Americans before the race, according to Black. “We had the Americans beat because they were going, ‘Wow, what’s he doing going first? What’s going to happen?’ They were being reactive and we were being proactive.” By putting ego aside the British won a rare and famous victory. An insight into how some athletes ‘use’ coaches is intriguing. Sprinter John Regis had six coaches during his career, finding that after a while he had learned all he could from
Australian rugby captain Michael Lynagh had a “quiet and reserved” style of captaincy that suited his personality but was nevertheless effective.
“Every time you train it’s a rehearsal”
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 February 2012
each of them. Sally Gunnell, by contrast, had just one, whose role was, apparently, simply to keep her on track and disciplined, regularly reminding her what to do. And Frank Dick, the former UK national athletics coach, shows the need for supportiveness to be mixed with a hard edge. He was tough on athletes failing to show commitment to training, once sending one home for forgetting his shorts. Dick said: “Every time you train it’s a rehearsal. It has to demonstrate the unshakeability of what’s going to happen in the arena.” On the downside for the reader, there is much platitude and generalisation among the utterances of the stars, leaving this reviewer frequently frustrated at a lack of detail, and wondering whether the interviewers were always asking the right questions. Former England football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson explains that whilst coaching in Italy he had a great centre-forward, who
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
suffered from fear of failure during a game and was scared of being kicked. Despite “working with him” (what this means is not explained) for a year, Eriksson could not help and passed the player to a sports psychologist “and after six months he was the best centre-forward in Europe.” Excruciatingly, we are given absolutely no clue as to what actions the psychologist took to turnaround the player’s mindset, which would have been interesting. Self evident statements are maddeningly frequent: “Strong motivation is an absolutely essential requirement for any sporting champion.” (page 55). “The relationship between sportsperson and coach develops over time.” (page 149). “Building a strong team takes time and commitment from all involved.” (page 255). “Winning races or scoring matchwinning goals doesn’t come without some degree of pressure.” (page 117). You don’t say? Some re-reading and judicious sub-editing could have served the authors well here. And on a final whinge, although these interviews were billed as being about providing lessons from top sports stars, several other ‘expert’ but unknown voices – sports psychologists and psychiatrists mostly – creep in with their two pennyworth and sit oddly. One sports consultancy is mentioned 34 times. This is great material, worth reading, but it is a shame about the editing.
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
Glenn hoddle Glenn Hoddle needs little introduction in the world of football. One of the finest modern-day playing talents, he appeared at two World Cups with England before guiding the Three Lions to the 1998 tournament as manager. Having taken charge at club sides Swindon Town, Chelsea, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves, he now devotes much of his attention to the Glenn Hoddle Academy, which gives new belief to young players released by pro clubs.
G
iven your own experiences of playing abroad, would you say English football has become a friendlier environment for continental flair players? I think world football has become better for technical players, not just in England. You’ve got to look at how the rules of the game have changed, certainly since I was playing. It’s protected the technical player without doubt. When I went to France I was instantly man-marked at Monaco, something we didn’t really do in England, and that was a new challenge for me as a player. But I think under the rules as they are nowadays you can’t really manto-man mark anyone - so we see likes of Messi and Ronaldo running riot. They are fantastic players, but they’re hard to compare with Diego Maradona because he was man-for-man marked in every game, and it was very difficult for him. There were a lot of dreadful fouls and refs wouldn’t even think of getting a card out. Also, one of the greatest things now in England is the condition of the pitches. When you’re playing on pitches that are like carpets, technical players will come to
19 February 2011
J
the top. Nowadays players can thrive all year round. That’s where we have to set our sights with homegrown players - we need to look at kids who have talent on the ball.
H
ave we become more appreciative of flair players as a nation? Maybe 10 years ago players like Rafael Van der Vaart or Nani would have been dismissed as a ‘luxury’? After playing both in England and abroad, hearing that word ‘luxury’ does make me laugh, and it always has done. I used to get called a luxury player. Yet a luxury player is one who can’t control the ball, can’t see a pass or produce any quality - I’d call it a luxury if you can afford to carry one of those in your team. My mindset was different from the norm.
W
hich players in particular have stood out for you this season? David Silva is top of my list. The thing anyone wanting to make it as a professional needs to remember is it’s about how you see a picture, and this lad sees it quicker than anyone else. He sees everyone on the pitch, and he’s got the ability with it to pick people out. You just can’t defend against that. He hurts the opposition with the ball.
“WhenIwent toFrance I was instantly manmarkedat Monaco, something wedidn’t reallydoin England, andthat wasanew challenge formeasa player.”
ust like Andre Villas-Boas, you were only 36 when appointed Chelsea manager. How difficult is it for a new manager to make changes when he comes under pressure so early in his reign? Andre Villas-Boas is a young manager and though he’s had success in Portugal, it was very quick success, and he’s gone to Chelsea straight away. When I was at Chelsea the foundations were being built. Now the house has been built and it is starting to come down again with an ageing squad. So whoever comes in now is expected to pick the reins up quickly and provide instant success. It’s a bit unfair on the manager, but I’m sure he would have expected it going into the job so it won’t be a surprise. It’s now that he’s going to learn a lot about his management skills.
Y
ou took Michael Owen and David Beckham to the 1998 World Cup when there were questions over their maturity and readiness – how do you nurture young players and introduce them to the team without piling too much pressure on them? You just have to go with talented players. Beckham, Owen - and Paul Scholes for that matter - had immense talent, and there are some similarly talented young players emerging now who should be looked at closely leading up to the Euros. I wouldn’t judge England too much on the Euros this time around; I think we have got some great youngsters who will really mature in the next two or three years. If the next manager can blend those in with some experience then I think there could be a bright future. www.elitesoccercoaching.net