Elitesoccer3

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

OCTOBER 2010

NEW!

SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES

MANCHESTER UNITED

SIR ALEX FERGUSON

FORWARD THINKING • Train • Practise • Perfect

Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BARNSLEY

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

BRADFORD CITY

IPSWICH TOWN

LMA AMBASSADOR

MARK ROBINS Passing precision

PHIL PARKINSON Running without the ball

PETER TAYLOR Developing and support play

ANTONIO GOMEZ Pre-match warm-up

MARTIN ALLEN Finishing finesse

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer is published by:

ISSUE 03 OCTOBER 2010: WELCOME & CONTENTS Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148 Email: elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net Publisher: Kevin Barrow Editor: James Evans Contributing Editor: Matthew Amos, LMA Illustrator: Richard Palmer Customer Services: Duncan Heard Operations Director: Toby Curthoys Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths Photos: Action Images

Publishedinpartnershipwith:

League Managers Association The Camkin Suite, 1 Pegasus House, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6LW, UK Tel: +(0)1926 831 556 Email: lma@lmasecure.com President: Fabio Capello Chairman: Howard Wilkinson Chief Executive: Richard Bevan This publication is protected by national and international copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public.

Elite Soccer members who have purchased this report may circulate electronic or hard copies to members of their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain.

However, no part or whole of this report may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website or distributed commercially except under licence from the copyright owners. © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved

2 OCTOBER 2010

03

Top training sessionsfrom thegame’sleadinglights

Sir Alex Ferguson MANCHESTER UNITED

Dear C Coach, We’re delighted to feature a coaching session from fr Sir Alex Ferguson CBE in this issue of Elite Soccer. The Manchester United manager has kept the Red Devils at the top of the tree for two decades, and has taken the time to relay for us a brilliant session which deals with attacking in phases through the centre and from the flanks.

And Sir Alex is one of six top names showcased from the world of football coaching, with Barnsley manager Mark g Robins showing us a session designed to fine-tune passing skills in pressure situations.

Charlton Athletic manager Phil Parkinson describes how running in behind without the ball can produce fantastic results for your team, while former England caretakermanager and current Bradford City boss Peter Taylor explains how to develop a move from front to back.

We also have insightful tactical contributions from LMA Ambassador Martin Allen and Ipswich Town fitness coach Antonio Gomez, all designed to enable you to enhance your own coaching expertise.

Attacking Wing Playand Shooting 06 MarkRobins BARNSLEY

Passing Precision 08 Phil P h Parkinson CHARLTON ATHLETIC CHA

Ru Running W Without th the Ball 10 Peter Taylor y BRADFORD D CITY

Enjoy the issue,

Developing eloping and Supporting porting a Move ove 12 1

James Evans, Editor

Antonio Gomez An IPSWICH TOWN IPS

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

P Prem match W Warm Up 14 Martin Allen LMA AMBASSADOR

Clinical Finishing

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MANCHESTER UNITED

Sir Alex Ferguson Attacking wing play and shooting Overview: This session is about attacking from three different positions and is something that offers versatility in the final third, which is always essential.

We begin with shooting from outside the box, setting up opportunities for powerful accurate shots into the net - we have seen this come off many times, with Paul Scholes’ memorable goal at Fulham this season a perfect example.

Moving on, we look at quick, instinctive interplay on the wing, finishing with a cross into the danger area.

Plus we examine the roles of attacking first and second waves of crosses.

It’s essential to practise these in order to fine-tune the movement of strikers, quality of delivery,andinventive combinations on the wing.

This is a powerful and insightful session that encourages players to practise hard, perfect their roles and reinforce habits, and is at the heart of why we are regarded as such a potent attacking force in the Barclays Premier League.

3 OCTOBER 2010

ATTACKING WING PLAY AND SHOOTING: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA

Half pitch EQUIPMENT

Cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

7 upwards to 20 (one goalkeeper, varying combinations of outfield players)

1

What do I get the players to do?

Use one defender, one attacker, two midfielders and two wide players. This is a two-ball routine.

Positioned outside the D of the penalty box, the midfielder links with the striker and has a shot.

With the second ball, the other midfielder switches the play out wide. The two wide players combine and put a cross in for the inrushing forward and attacking midfielder.

The defender tries to clear the ball.

The crosser must be aware of the defender’s position.

As a coach you can make the defender defend either the near post or back post cross.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Attacker and midfielder combine to set up a shot from distance.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Play immediately builds on the wing. Inrushing players move toward near and far post areas.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The winger selects his target man and invites the attacker to finish.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ATTACKING WING PLAY AND SHOOTING: PROGRESSION How do I progress the session?

Progress this session to a three-ball routine with a complete back four plus a defensive midfielder to defend.

Add wingers on the other side on the pitch and an extra attacker and midfielder.

The midfield players now work in pairs.

Together with the striker, they try to outplay an opponent in order to get a shot on goal. The attacker who previously laid the pass off can now spin away from his marker and shoot. Strikers should run in anticipating rebounds.

In the next phase, the full-back must try to stop the wide men from crossing. The wide men must try to outplay the full-back in a 3v1 situation.

When this ball goes dead, the opposite wide men put another cross in for the attackers and defenders to react to.

Defenders and strikers must always readjust their positions to deal with the next ball arriving.

The aim is to make the routine more competitive and, at the same time, demand more creativity and unpredictability in forward play.

“The strikers in the middle must be mobile and versatile.”

4 OCTOBER 2010

What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?

We are looking for accuracy of passing and finishing, plus a variety of crosses.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The three-ball routine starts through the middle.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

More players means complex wing patterns.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The overlapping striker meets a third phase of attack coming in from the right.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ATTACKING WING PLAY AND SHOOTING: PROGRESSION

Sir Alex Ferguson MANCHESTERUNITED In November this year, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE celebrates 24 years in charge of Manchester United. The Glaswegian is the longest-serving and most successful manager in British football, having clinched 43 trophies for the Red Devils.

His early years in management saw him enjoy spells at St Mirren and East Stirling, before joining Aberdeen in 1978. His record of 10 trophies in seven years signalled the most successful period in the Dons’ history, and after managing Scotland at the 1986 World Cup, United came calling.

It took him four years to secure a first major honour south of the border – the 1990 FA Cup – and a further three to land the Premier League title.

But Ferguson hasn’t looked back, winning a further nine league championships and numerous other domestic honours, plus the European Cup twice.

He has also been named England’s Manager of the Year nine times, the LMA Manager of the Year twice, plus the Manager of the Decade for the 1990s.

5 OCTOBER 2010

On the wings, rhythm and flow of passing is essential, and players must protect against mistimed runs or erratic passes.

The strikers in the middle must be mobile and versatile – they must run to the near post and far post, whilst still being prepared to receive passes in and around the penalty spot or further back.

How would you put this into a game situation?

Work this into a 10v10 game (including goalkeepers) across a half-pitch, marking out two wing channels.

Only one defender can enter the wide zone to defend the cross.

This encourages 2v1 situations on the wing and ensures many crosses into the penalty area.

The approach should be varied, sometimes attacking down the wing to fire a cross into the six-yard box, on other occasions cutting back inside to set-up a long-range shooting chance.

If a ball from the wing is delivered into the box, players must finish using one touch. Award two goals for crosses that finish with a header or a volley. If the defending team wins possession, they break upfield.

This game would usually last 45 minutes. The training session in total takes 75 minutes.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the game situation, only one defender can go out to close down a winger in the channel.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The winger cuts back inside to set up a longrange shooting chance.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

When making use of the wing, ensure he finishes with an accurate ball into the six-yard box.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BARNSLEY

Mark Robins Passing Precision Overview: This session combines short and long passing.

It’s great for helping players use the ball in small and compacted areas, teaching them when to hold possession, and when to switch play.

This is a scenario that occurs regularly in matches. We’ll draw a team into an area by retaining possession and making use of short, accurate balls in to feet. We’ll then switch play with a longer pass, breaking out and opening up space upfield.

“This session is great for helping players use the ball in small and compacted areas.”

6 OCTOBER 2010

PASSING PRECISION: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA

Three 15x15 yard boxes laid end to end EQUIPMENT

Cones, a ball NUMBER OF PLAYERS

18 (2 x groups of 6 as attackers in end boxes, 1 x group of 6 as midfielders in middle box)

1

What do I get the players to do?

The ball is played to either of the attacking groups in the end boxes – here, it’s the white team. They must make five passes amongst themselves before threading the ball through the midfielders to the red team in the other end box. All passes must be made along the ground.

The midfield team, in yellow, line-up centrally in their box – we may mark some lines to ensure they remain in the middle section of that box, but will allow two men forward to press.

The group’s aim is to intercept any throughpass to the red team.

Whetherapassis successfullymade orintercepted,play restartswiththered team.Theyellowsthis timeneedtopreventthe redteamthreadinga passbacktothewhites, andsoon.

Rotate teams so that each one takes on the role of the intercepting midfielders, ensuring as well that different players each time are sent to press the attackers.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2

The whites must make five passes. The defensivelyminded yellows come forward to close down angles of a through-pass to the reds.

The whites must work space to make the throughball possible.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

3

The reds must repeat the task. Can those in yellow close down the angles and intercept the ball?

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

In partnership with

passing precision: progRession

Mark Robins barnsley Mark Robins was appointed Barnsley manager on September 9, 2009.

The former Manchester United and Norwich City star had enjoyed an impressive playing career, winning the FA Cup, Charity Shield, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Football League Cup. Having turned out for a number of other clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester City, Walsall and FC Copenhagen, Robins took his first steps into management as assistant to Alan Knill at Rotherham United.

Knill’s departure saw Robins confirmed as the club’s new manager after a short spell as caretaker.

In 2008/09, Rotherham finished 14th in League Two despite starting the campaign with a 17-point penalty. When Robins departed for Barnsley in September 2009, United were top of the League Two standings.

After plotting another successful fight against relegation last season, Robins has organised the Barnsley into an efficient and dangerous Championship side.

They have recorded some impressive results already this term including a 5-2 win over Yorkshire rivals Leeds United on September 14.

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

We are looking for a good first touch, quality of pass, and the intelligence to release the ball at the right moment. Decisionmaking is a key part of this session.

1

How do I progress the session?

Progress by allowing the two pressing midfielders to move outside of their box into the attackers’ area.

However, moving forward this far means they’ll need to react quickly to get back should the ball make it through to the team at the other end.

Also limit the number of touches allowed for the attacking team - a two-touch game at first, then one-touch.

Finally, reduce the size of the playing area, adding even greater need for accuracy and speed of thought.

How would you put this into a game situation?

Pressing players in yellow can now enter the opposition's zone.

Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2

Quick recovery is essential should the ball work its way to the opposite end of the pitch.

Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Split a full-size pitch into thirds. Teams score a point either by making a successful pass through the midfield, or by intercepting the ball.

3

In a smaller playing area quality of passing and speed of thought become essential.

Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

7 october 2010

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Phil Parkinson Running without the ball

RUNNING WITHOUT THE BALL: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA

75x40 yard playing area, 5 yard scoring zones at each end

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

We will practice this session at least once a fortnight. Running in behind without the ball is extremely valuable because it steers players into dangerous areas of the pitch. Constantly offering different threats to the opposition defence is important, but this move also helps us retain possession, which is vital.

This set-up has already paid dividends for us this season. In our away league game at Leyton Orient we had been reduced to 10 men and were being held 1-1 with half-anhour left.

We had to soak up pressure and break forward at pace.

Our second goal on the night came from a great run in behind by Lee Martin, who picked out Scott Wagstaff to score. Wagstaff then turned provider for Chris Solly in the final minute as we emerged 3-1 winners.

Balls, cones

8 OCTOBER 2010

1

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

16 (two teams of 8)

What do I get the players to do?

Each team of 8 players attacks an end zone. A point is scored when a player makes a run into the zone and receives a pass. That is the only time attackers can enter that area - they cannot stand there waiting for a pass.

The same applies for defenders , who must remain outside until they are tracking a run.

We always insist on playing at high intensity because as well as being good for positioning and tactical play, it’s great for improving and maintaining fitness levels. Players can only score by making a run, so that encourages good and plentiful movement.

What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?

For attackers, quality of passing is essential.

We have some very good footballers at Charlton Athletic, but you can never overpractice passing the ball, and this move tests accuracy and weight of pass in a pressured situation.

Individually, players need to show they can make intelligent and

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The team in possession pass and move at a high tempo.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Attackers and attacking full-backs must look to make runs into space, drawing defenders out of position.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The full-back's overlapping run allows him to receive a pass in the end zone and score.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

RUNNING WITHOUT THE BALL: PROGRESSION

Phil Parkinson CHARLTON ATHLETIC Phil Parkinson was appointed manager of npower League One side Charlton Athletic in December 2008, having previously been caretaker manager.

Athletic finished 4th in his first full season in charge, losing out to Swindon Town in their play-off semi-final.

The 42-year-old first moved into management with Colchester United in February 2003, transforming the club from League One relegation candidates to Championship play-off contenders.

Parkinson joined Hull City in June 2006 before agreeing to become Alan Pardew’s number two at Charlton.

Parkinson took charge of first-team affairs in November 2008, being handed the job on a permanent basis on New Year’s Eve. As a player, he gained a reputation as a tough-tackling central midfielder at Reading, clinching two Player of the Season awards and clocking up 361 appearances for the Royals.

well-timed runs, and instinctive decisionmaking is also key.

For defenders, the job is to approach and tackle, whilst always being aware of opposition runs in an around them. Mostly, these runs will come on the wings, but they also need to be aware of breaks through the middle.

How do I progress the session?

We progress the session by reducing the size of the scoring zone at each end to 4 yards, then 3 yards.

This creates the need for increased accuracy and timing.

Award a point if a team manages eight consecutive passes.

This will focus the attacking team, whilst forcing defenders to press their opponents knowing that they cannot sit deep.

Additional space is created in behind which helps to naturally advance the session further.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Attacking team use this to draw defenders into a certain zone.

How would you put this into a game situation?

Use the full length of the pitch with a scoring zone at each end. Play 10v10, always looking for the runs coming in from behind.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

9 OCTOBER 2010

Introducing the eight pass rule forces defenders forward to intercept play.

The team can either complete eight passes to score, or utilise added space to release a pass into the end zone. www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BRADFORD CITY

Peter Taylor Developing and supporting a move Overview: This session progresses a move from the back into midfield and the strikers, with a strong emphasis on supporting runs and getting extra players into advanced areas.

Movement is all about creating space which is vital in giving players the time and freedom to express themselves.

It’s important to practice this because it gives players the opportunity to show and call for the ball.

Building from the back creates better possession and chances, and getting more players forward obviously provides more opportunities to score, particularly in 2v1 overload scenarios, which this move is great at finding.

“Passing technique is a major part of this session.”

10 OCTOBER 2010

DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING A MOVE: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA

70x40 yard area (the length split into 25, 20 and 25-yard zones) EQUIPMENT

2 goals, bibs, cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

18 (9v9 incl. keepers)

1

What do I get the players to do?

The session begins with the keeper.

Ahead of him are three players in the defensive zone, three in midfield and two attackers in the final zone. He plays the ball out to a defender who can combine with other players in his zone, taking a maximum of three touches. The defender who feeds a midfielder will himself advance into the midfield zone to create a 4v3 overload.

The midfielder continues the trend, again with three touches or fewer, passing into the final third and moving forward to support his frontmen. Strikers can take as many touches as required before shooting at goal.

No player can run with the ball into a new zone, and when a team is defending, its players must all remain in their designated zones.

Extra players create extra chances, so forward movement is essential. When a move comes to an end (either with a goal or a defensive tackle), restart play with the defending team’s goalkeeper, switching

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Goalkeeper and defenders begin the move.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

P Play is moved into the midfield zone. Once he has released the pass, the full-back moves to the next zone to support.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The midfielder, in turn, passes forward, supporting the striker who chooses to take the chance on himself.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

In partnership with

Developing and supporting a move: progRession

Peter Taylor bradford city Peter Taylor was named as manager of Bradford City in February 2010.

Previously, he had enjoyed a wealth of managerial roles, the most notable being taking charge of the full England team in November 2000 when he was appointed caretaker manager for one match, in which he gave David Beckham the captain’s armband for the first time.

At the time, Taylor was manager of Leicester City, having previously managed Dartford, Southend United, Dover Athletic, and the England Under-21 side.

After departing Leicester in 2001, he joined Brighton and Hove Albion, then, with notable success, Hull City, gaining the club successive promotions in 2004 and 2005 and, consequently, a place in the Championship.

Taylor left to join Crystal Palace in June 2006 before spells at Stevenage Borough and Wycombe Wanderers, as well as rejoining the national team for a further three years as England Under-21 coach.

As a player, he made over 250 appearances for Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur combined, and also appeared for Southend United, Leyton Orient, Oldham Athletic and Exeter City.

11 october 2010

play, so his team are now on the offensive.

Players can only run into the next zone if they have passed the ball in there.

What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?

Passing technique is a major part of this session, but the ability to find team-mates relies upon players running intelligently into space, making good supporting decisions along the way. Getting forward to provide extra options is essential.

1 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Progress the move by allowing nonpossession players to move into the next zone as soon as the ball has.

How do I progress the session?

Allow any player to move forward into a new zone, as long as the ball has already entered that zone.

We are also looking to create as much space as possible for players to run into and might alter the defensive unit.

We would also look to maximise supporting space, for instance by asking midfielders and forwards to stay central, encouraging runs into wide areas.

2 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Instruct defenders to stay central so as to maximise the effect of attacking full-backs.

How would you put this into a game situation?

Use this session on a full pitch, keeping the playing area divided into thirds, but playing 11v11. This means that the execution remains very realistic, making players show for the ball, whilst promoting high tempo forward movement.

3 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Chances should be worked through the middle as well as on the wings.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

IPSWICH TOWN

Antonio Gomez Pre-match warm-up Overview: This pre-mach warm-up helps us include different activities like mobility, active stretching, passing awareness practice, a possession game, patterns of play and sprints.

It’s important that the warm-up routine gives the players the best physical and mental preparation for the game that will follow. We try to prepare the whole body – muscles, joints, but mindset as well, to include technical and tactical abilities. Combining all of these elements helps players perform at the highest level during the game whilst maintaining concentration and helping to prevent injuries.

The warm-up would be started 35 minutes before kick-off.

“It’s important that the warm-up routine gives the players the best physical and mental preparation for the game that will follow.”

12 OCTOBER 2010

PRE-MATCH WARM-UP: MAIN SESSION SETUP Short sprint zones (2mins)

AREA

Half pitch

Long sprint zones (3mins30secs)

EQUIPMENT

Balls, cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Full squad

What do I get the players to do?

Across a half pitch, set-up a number of exercises, each offering a different type of drill. Players move between each, switching from simple sprint runs, to stretch areas, short passing drills or mini-games. The specific exercises are important, but so too is the idea that we are introducing dedicated time to concentrate on individual skills.

Add an active zone for stretching exercise to be predetermined by the coach.

Passing Awareness Game Create a 25x20 yard square, with five players inside and five outside the area. Three balls are rolled in and players must move continually, trying different movements and passing in triangles, involving players in the area with short passes while also feeding longer balls to those outside the marked box. With no opposition, this promotes relaxed passing techniques.

Move this on so that it becomes a 5v5 Possession Game, using just one ball and incorporating a twotouch maximum rule.

1 Active stretching zone (5-6mins) Attacking and defensive phase games last 7-8mins

Passing awareness and possession games (5mins) The playing area is divided up so as to mark off individual exercises in designated areas.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Players pass in triangles, varying short passing to those inside the box with longer passes to those who remain outside.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Progress to a simple 5v5 possession game using just one ball.

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PRE-MATCH WARM-UP: PROGRESSION

Antonio Gomez IPSWICH TOWN Antonio Gomez joined Roy Keane’s backroom staff at Portman Road as fitness coach in June 2009.

His appointment saw him link-up once again with the former Manchester United captain, having previously coached under him at Sunderland in June 2008. Prior to that, the 32-year-old spent two years as fitness coach at Liverpool with Rafa Benitez.

Antonio, born in Murcia, Spain, gained a degree in physical education from Leon University.

He later achieved a FTB Masters.

He went on to assist Real Murcia, FC Orihuela, FC Cartagena and UE Lleida before heading to Anfield in 2006.

Construct as many passes as possible., keeping a high tempo.

The Main Pattern Of Play Drill is built on the idea that there is no opposition.

Attacking Phase Release the ball from the halfway line. Look for defensive central midfielders to build on the wings or through the middle.

Defensive Phase This is used to cement understanding for the back four’s positioning.

The coach releases the ball to the rightback, encouraging the defensive line forward as one, playing the ball from side to side. This simple advancement up the pitch acts as a strong psychological rehearsal for a competitive match.

Sprint Drills Set-up two lines of 15m, and two lines of 5m. For the 15m sprint, two teams race around parallel cones.

Perform this exercise for 3mins 30secs.

For the 5m sprint, place teams in competition for between one and two minutes, ensuring that each player makes four or five sprints.

What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?

Physiologically, we want to be sure that the players are 100% ready whilst referencing all of the things learnt during the week in training. The six practices mentioned should take 25 minutes in total.

13 OCTOBER 2010

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the attacking phase, players construct forward patterns without the distraction of defenders.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Utilise the wings as well to encourage long and short passing in attacking moves.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the defensive phase, defenders play sideways to build positional understanding. www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LMA AMBASSADOR

Martin Allen Clinical Finishing

CLINICAL FINISHING: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA

Penalty area

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

I always instill in my strikers the difference between shooting and finishing. We see shooting in every game – a chance comes along and the forward puts his laces through the ball. But finishing is very different and much more valuable, particularly in the modern game where the number of clearcut chances that develop in matches is decreasing.

Finishing is all about technique inside the box, being clinical, and controlling a shot, generally by using the side of the foot.

True finishing technique can be picked up from any age. I signed DJ Campbell for Brentford when he was 23. He was very raw and had come into the professional game late, but he learnt quickly. And his finishing for Blackpool in their Championship play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest last season was technique exemplified – finding position, staying calm, then passing the ball beyond the goalkeeper into the net.

Two or more balls, goal, cones

14 OCTOBER 2010

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

1 goalkeeper Any number of strikers

1

What do I get the players to do?

Place a cone a yard inside each goalpost.

The striker, standing in the centre of the D outside the penalty box, passes the ball to the coach, who is standing directly in front of him on the 18-yard line. The coach will touch the ball out to either side, the striker must side-foot past the goalkeeper between the left or right cone and the post.

He can follow-up any rebounds. Strikers retrieve their shots and return to the start area.

The coach will switch play from side to side to test the left and right foot in equal measure.

Next, we tell the striker to shoot across the keeper, with an additional forward in place to follow-up any loose balls with a one-touch finish. We are always looking to alter the shooting angle, by changing the placement and weight of the set-up pass.

To progress, stand the forward at the junction of the D and the 18-yard line on the other side of the box.

A ball is played to the penalty spot where the striker meets it for a finish into the bottom

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The striker's pass is touched to either the right or the left for a shot on goal, aimed between the post and the cone.

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The striker now shoots across the goalkeeper with an additional forward ready to react to rebounds.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The coach now serves the ball from the goal line to the penalty spot for the player to shoot across the keeper. www.elitesoccercoaching.net

In partnership with

clinical finishing: progRession

Martin Allen lma ambassador Martin Allen’s first managerial job saw him take charge at Barnet in March 2003 after a spell as assistant manager, and his success in north London led to him being appointed as Brentford boss in 2004.

His original and personable style helped him guide the Bees to safety in his first season, and in the next two campaigns the west London club finished in the play-off places, as well as progressing to the fifth round of the FA Cup twice.

After Brentford, Allen managed MK Dons, Leicester City and, most recently, Cheltenham Town.

Accepting the job at Whaddon Road saw him follow in the footsteps of his father, Dennis, who was manager of Cheltenham between 1974 and 1979. Allen and the Robins parted company in December 2009.

During his playing days, he played for QPR, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Southend United and he earned two England U21 caps.

corner. Repeat the drill from both sides using both feet, but maintaining a high tempo throughout.

What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?

Striking the ball sweetly and cleanly is essential. The player’s shoulders and head have to remain still. His head must be over the ball, his body upright, and he needs to follow through on the shot.

The technique must be like a golfer holing a putt, not a ‘Happy Gilmore’ smash!

How do I progress the session?

The best progression of this is practice.

Players need to build confidence by aiming for small targets and placing the ball accurately. I will always tell my players to watch the scoring techniques of the game’s very best players. We will also compile DVD material of our own players finishing well to praise those doing well and to build confidence.

Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Set up as a 5v2 overload of attackers in half, and begin from the back.

2 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Utilise free men to create clear goalscoring chances.

How would you put this into a game situation?

Play in the space of two 18-yard boxes placed next to each other. In each box, organise a 5v2 overload of attackers. Start play with one of the two defenders who passes forward into the opposing half, and progress from there.

15 october 2010

1

3 Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Strikers finish by passing the ball into the net. www.elitesoccercoaching.net