www.elitesoccercoaching.net
DECEMBER 2010
NEW!
SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES
Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers BLACKBURN ROVERS
SAM ALLARDYCE
PENALTY BOX PRECISION •PASSING•MOVEMENT•FINISHING
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
QPR
BRENTFORD
WYCOMBE WANDERERS WOLVES
LMA CHAIRMAN
NEIL WARNOCK Defensive team shape
ANDY SCOTT Adopting a high back four
GARY TONY WADDOCK DALEY Closing down and Matchday pressurisingplay recovery session
HOWARD WILKINSON Spot kick tutorial
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Elite Soccer is published by:
ISSUE 05 DECEMBER 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
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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 DECEMBER 2010
Traininggrounddrillsfromthe Englishgame’sbestcoaches Dea Coach, Dear Welcome to the latest issue of Elite Soccer, the We publication that delves into the brilliant tactical minds p of English football’s leading managers and coaches. This month, our main session has been put together by one of the most recognisable faces in the Premier League - Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce. ‘Big Sam’ is one of the real characters of the modern era, and the knack that all of his sides possess in providing great pace around the box is borne out in a drill that tests attacking intent from all sides of the penalty area. We’re also delighted to present an exclusive session by LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson. The former Leeds United boss has produced a fascinating editorial piece on the set-up and psychology of the penalty shoot-out, utilising the experience he has gained from over 50 years in the professional game. Moving into the Championship, QPR boss Neil Warnock chooses a set-up which helps backlines regain shape after being pushed out of position, while Brentford boss Andy Scott is also ‘on the defensive’, explaining how to maintain a high back four. We also have bespoke and exclusive training sessions from Wycombe Wanderers manager Gary Waddock and Wolverhampton Wanderers fitness coach Tony Daley. Waddock concentrates on closing down and pressurising play in the final third, while Daley focuses on a matchday recovery session that helps players’ bodies revive and reacclimatise after a tough 90-minute minute workout. As always, we hope you enjoy the issue, and look forward to seeing you again next month.
03 Sam e Allardyce BLACKBURN ROVERS
Penalty ty box sion precision 05 Neil Warnock QPR
Defensive am team hape shape 07 Andy Scott BRENTFORD
Adopting a high back four 09 Gary Waddock G W WYCOMBE W WANDERERS
C Closing d down and p pressurising p playy 11
James Evans, Editor
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
Spot kick tutorial 13 Tony Daley WOLVES
Matchday recovery session www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Sam Allardyce Penalty box precision
PENALTY BOX PRECISION: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA
Final third
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This is a pure technical session that works on finishing and movement. We will practise this at various intensities before taking what has been learned into a game situation. As attacking drills go, this is an important one because it helps players become accustomed to attacking the goal from different angles, therefore making it game realistic. It is a session we use regularly at Blackburn Rovers, and is one that always produces good results. It was implemented perfectly in the Carling Cup win against Norwich City in August when El-Hadji Diouf completed his hattrick by running across the box to head home Morten Gamst Pedersen’s ball in from the left.
Supply of balls, fullsize goal, six-a-side goals, cones
“We look for technical excellence in shooting – the type of shot, and the ability to hit the target each time.” 3 DECEMBER 2010
1
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
14 (12 outfield, 2 goalkeepers)
What do I get the players to do? This session is to be worked at relaxed, half and full pace for three minutes at a time. At the edge of the penalty box, create three lines of four players facing the goal - one at each side of the box (red and white teams) and the other in the middle (yellow team). Set up cones around the area as obstacles. From the first line, a red player receives a pass from the coach positioned on the penalty spot, and shoots at goal. He then spins around his cone ready to lay a diagonal pass. The coach now serves to the first yellow player, who shoots. This man runs behind the line of white players and down the wing where he is served another ball to be crossed to either the near or far post. The red player lays a diagonal pass into an advancing white player, who shoots first time at goal. Red and white now take up position around the six-yard box looking to convert yellow’s cross with a shot or header.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is served to the first red player, who shoots then runs back to the start.
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Next, the yellow player weaves through the cones and takes a shot.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Red feeds a ball across the box for white to fire at goal, as yellow recovers to the wing.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PENALTY BOX PRECISION: MAIN SESSION
Sam Allardyce BLACKBURN ROVERS Sam Allardyce joined Blackburn Rovers in December 2008 having previously managed Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, Notts County and Limerick. In his first season at Ewood Park, he guided Rovers to Premier League safety, and last year came close to a Carling Cup final appearance, but Blackburn lost an enthralling semi-final to Aston Villa over two legs. In the Barclays Premier League, they finished 10th. Before Blackburn, it was Allardyce’s eightyear reign at Bolton that placed him in such high regard in the football world. The pinnacle of his time at the Reebok Stadium was bringing UEFA Cup football to Lancashire after a sixthplace finish in 2004/05. The Trotters also made it to the Carling Cup final in 2004. In total, ‘Big Sam’ has taken charge of over 700 competitive matches. As a player, Allardyce was a tall and imposing defender who played for a number of sides including Millwall, Huddersfield Town and Preston North End.
At the end of the move, each player retreats to the back of their station. Restart using the second player in each line.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We look for technical excellence in shooting – the type of shot, and the ability to hit the target each time. We are expecting players to score with all four opportunities. The ability to make intelligent runs is obviously vital, as is care and attention over the delivery of a pass or cross. But it is the coach’s job to get the point across that, in any situation, technique should not be rushed.
4 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
5
How would you put this into a game situation? We play 6v6 with two goalkeepers in a 50x40 yard area. There is no pressure from opposition players in the shooting session, so it’s important that the small-sided game is a live and pressured situation. We look for replication of the technical play, finishing, and movement, from the earlier session. We play for 15 minutes before going back to the practice area where we attack on the opposite flank, before returning for another small-sided game.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
4 DECEMBER 2010
A new ball is fed on the wing as red and white attack the six-yard area.
The move is finished with a header or a shot.
Rehearsed running, crossing and finishing techniques are played out in a 6v6 game. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
QPR
Neil Warnock Defensive team shape
DEFENSIVE TEAM SHAPE: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA
Half pitch
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This session is about the reorganisation of defensive shape from a dismantled starting point. The key is to teach defenders when to mark the man and when to mark space, with the philosophy of ‘being in position when out of possession’. There are instances in every match when the defence finds itself out of formation shape, so it’s important for players to be reminded of their roles and positions. We’ll always practise this session on a Thursday ahead of the weekend game.
Ball, goal
“The whole defence is put under threat if one player fails to recover effectively.” 5 DECEMBER 2010
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
18 – 7 defenders (a back four plus 3 midfielders), 10 attackers, and 1 goalkeeper
1
What do I get the players to do? The coach, standing on the halfway line, serves the ball to one of his 10 attacking players, who are lined up in a 3-2-5 formation. In opposition are seven defensive players - three acting as midfielders, plus a back four that is positioned in an unorthodox way, with central defenders pushing in opposite directions and fullbacks wide on the flanks. Depending on the position of the attacking player who receives the ball, each defender or defensive-minded midfielder must react accordingly, either in making a recovery run, marking his man, delaying play, or regrouping into a unit with other defenders. When the ball is served short If the attacking player in possession of the ball can be pressed, defenders should try to force him either sideways or backwards. When an individual cannot press, the whole defence retreats by dropping a defensive
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is served short for attackers to build against a misaligned back four.
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Defensive midfielders delay progress as the backline move up to compress play.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Having recovered space, the defender tracks his man and clears the danger.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
DEFENSIVE TEAM SHAPE: MAIN SESSION
Neil Warnock QPR Neil Warnock took up his first managerial post at Gainsborough Trinity in 1981. He moved on to Burton Albion, before guiding Scarborough into the Football League for the first time in their history. Successful spells at Notts County, Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle and Bury followed, before the likeable Yorkshireman was unveiled as Sheffield United boss in December 1999. A fantastic period of success followed for the Bramall Lane club, including FA Cup and League Cup semifinals, the First Division play-off final and, in May 2006, promotion to the Premier League. Warnock switched to Crystal Palace in 2007, taking the club into the play-offs before, in March 2010, being appointed manager of QPR. Rangers have enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2010/11 campaign and occupy one of the automatic promotion places in the npower Championship. As a player, Warnock turned out for Chesterfield, Rotherham United, Hartlepool United, Scunthorpe United, Aldershot, Barnsley, York City and Crewe Alexandra.
6 DECEMBER 2010
midfielder in front of the back four to act as a screen, preventing or delaying strikers receiving a pass. When the ball is served long If the ball is played in behind, defenders must make a quick decision - mark the man or mark the space. If, for example, the ball is played into the left-hand corner and the right-back cannot get across to press the ball, he must cover the space to defend the near post. The central defenders then retreat to the middle area and the left-back covers the space at the far post. Adopt this principle on both flanks.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? This is an overload situation, so communication between defenders and awareness of each others’ roles is essential. The decision of when an individual should press the ball or when the defence as a whole should retreat needs to be made quickly, but every decision should be purposeful and aggressive. No matter what the defence does, it must always look to regain shape quickly, delaying the progress of attacking players. Each recovery run is vital, because the whole defence is put under threat if one player fails to recover effectively.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is served long, putting attacking players in behind the defence.
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Defenders either mark space or, if they can get to one, an opponent.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
While one defender tackles, others organise themselves to press opponents and cover both posts. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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BRENTFORD
Andy Scott Adopting a high back four
ADOPTING A HIGH BACK FOUR: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA
Half pitch
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This session is about defending as a group or unit. It looks at the relationships between players and teaches them how to use recovery moves to maximum advantage. Recovering quickly and early lays the foundation for a sound defensive platform, something upon which all successful sides are built. At Brentford, we will work on this session on a weekly basis in order to maintain good habits.
Ball, goal
“The ability to work as a group and as a tight unit is essential in countering the attacking threat.” 7 DECEMBER 2010
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Up to 15 outfield players, 1 goalkeeper
What do I get the players to do? First, we line the players up in a flat back four, with no opposition. The coach moves the ball around in front of the defence in order to ensure players adapt their position depending on where the ball is. If the ball is on the right wing, the left-back presses and the three other defenders move across to cover, up to a point where the right-back adopts the right centre-half’s position. If the ball is switched to the other side, the roles reverse, so the left-back comes as far across as the left centre-half’s position. With this rehearsed defensive structure, we progress to opposed play, using a 6v4 set-up. Here, two forwards, two wingers and two midfielders attack the back four and attempt to score in the goal. Midfielders are encouraged to constantly switch play to ensure defenders can act on the principles learnt in the initial phase. If a goal is scored, an attack intercepted, or the ball goes dead, the attacking team restarts play near the halfway line.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The coach moves the ball across in four phases allowing players to rehearse positions as the angle of attacking approach changes.
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In a 6v4, attackers move the ball across the pitch looking for space.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Defenders work as a unit to organise and tackle when the opportunity arises. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ADOPTING A HIGH BACK FOUR: PROGRESSION
Andy Scott BRENTFORD Andy Scott is regarded as one of the game’s most promising young managers. After climbing into the hotseat at Brentford in January 2008 - having previously filled the roles of assistant manager and caretaker manager - Scott turned around the west London club’s fortunes, leading them to the League Two title in 2008/09. And last season Brentford confounded the pundits to finish in a very respective ninth-place in League One. That his Brentford players are renowned for displaying such battling spirit is little surprise given how Scott had to rebuild a life in football after his playing days were abruptly ended while at Leyton Orient in 2004. The then 31-year-old was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder which restricts blood flow due to a thickening of heart muscles. Previous to that, the Epsom-born striker had played for Sutton United, Sheffield United, Bury and Oxford United. Andy recently attributed his npower League One Manager of the Month Award for October to the club’s fine defensive displays over the month, which saw them lose only one of seven matches.
8 DECEMBER 2010
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Positioning and the back four working in unison high up the pitch are the most important parts of this session. The ability to work as a group and as a tight unit is essential in countering the attacking threat. Defenders should be looking all the time to dispossess and make interceptions, whilst also influencing their opponents’ movements by directing attackers towards the flanks or away from areas where fellow defenders are caught out of position.
How do I progress the session? Progress this to a 6v6 game scenario, adding two defensive midfielders. Also add a three man 20-yard target zone in front of the halfway line. Ifdefenderswin possession,theirjobis tofindanytargetplayer. Iftheballreachesone, thatplayerthen becomesanattacker, restartingtowardsgoal inwhatisnowa7v5 situation.Ifapasstothe targetzoneisintercepted,quickreorganisationofthedefensive lineiscalledfor. When the ball goes dead, the coach reserves. Play for 5-6 minutes, switching teams around when time elapses. This game can be progressed to 11v11.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Adding midfielders creates a tight passing game.
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Possession is won, and the aim is to work the ball to a player in the target zone.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A completed pass frees the target zone player to drive forward as an attacker in a 7v5 overload. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WYCOMBE WANDERERS
Gary Waddock Closing down and pressurising play Overview: The more possession the team has, the more goalscoring opportunities they create. With that in mind, this session concerns itself with winning the ball back as quickly as possible by closing down and pressurising play. While regaining possession is the main aim, the session boosts fitness levels given that it is such an intensive workout. We like to try to win the ball as high up the pitch as we can, because this will invariably lead to better goalscoring chances. A good example of this is the first goal in our recent FA Cup first round match at Hayes & Yeading United, which set us on the way to a 2-1 victory.
CLOSING DOWN AND PRESSURISING PLAY: MAIN SESSION SETUP AREA
36x18 yards EQUIPMENT
Ball, cones
1
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
16
What do I get the players to do? We use 16 players in a 36x18 yard area – 8v4 in opposition with a further four resting. The team of eight starts with the ball and must retain possession for as long as possible against four opposition players whose job it is to close down and press. We’ll work this scenario at high tempo for 90 seconds to see how many times the defensive team can win the ball. When that happens, it is returned to the coach who reserves to a player on the team of eight. At the end of each 90-second period, switch the defensive players with the other group of four. Once this has been played out twice, the roles are reversed, with the eight players now splitting into two groups of four to act as the defenders.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
2
Defenders must press, trying to win possession against an 8v4 overload.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
3
Closing down will create opportunties to tackle or intercept.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
“The more possession the team has, the more goalscoring opportunities they create.” 9 DECEMBER 2010
In order for the four players to win possession, they must get close to the opposition, cut off passing lines, and approach from all sides. Closing down is always done by the man nearest to the ball, and
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Defending players are switched after 90 seconds.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CLOSING DOWN AND PRESSURISING PLAY: PROGRESSION
Gary Waddock WYCOMBE WANDERERS Gary Waddock took over a manager of Wycombe Wanderers in October 2009 having started his coaching career at QPR, filling the reserve, youth, assistant and first-team manager positions. It was a golden period at Aldershot Town that really enhanced the former Republic of Ireland international’s worth though, winning the award for NonLeague Football Manager of the Season 2008 after guiding the Shots to the Nationwide Conference title. In Aldershot’s first season in the Football League, Waddock steered the club to a comfortable mid-table finish, and when he departed for Wycombe in October 2009, the Shots were sixth in League Two. Gary has put his own mark on Wanderers, who have started the 2010/11 season well, having lost only two of their first 16 league matches. As a player, he made over 500 senior appearances with spells at QPR, Luton Town, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Belgian side Charleroi.
should be attempted as quickly as possible. In an overload situation, an opponent who has possession should always be ‘shown inside’. If not in an overload situation, the opponent should be shown to the outside.
m
30
1
How do I progress the session? We progress the session by setting up a 5v2 scenario in a square measuring 10x10 yards. Around that is an outer square of 30x30 yards containing a further nine players. In the 5v2 game, when the team of two wins possession they remain in the square, but begin a passing game involving the other nine players - in effect an 11v5 game. The group of five must move to the outer square and attempt to win the ball back. When possession is retrieved by the group of five, play reverts back to the smaller 10x10 yard area. Each of these sessions lasts 20 minutes, with a break in between for drinks and a recap of the exercise’s goals and aims.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Pressurised play in a tight 5v2 situation.
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A tackle is made and the ball is released to the outer players. Attackers must break out and regain possession.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
10 DECEMBER 2010
m
10
If the ball is won back, play reverts back to the smaller playing area. www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
LMA CHAIRMAN
Howard Wilkinson Spot kick tutorial
SPOT KICK TUTORIAL
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Overview: The penalty shootout is an incredible phenomenon in the game of football, and responsible for producing some of the most memorable moments in the history of sport. Yet it has almost nothing in common with normal events in a football match. It is for that reason that it deserves special attention. The shoot-out represents a part of the game that requires fantastictemperament, and this session aims to highlight some of the tactics, techniques, psychology and philosophy involved. It is a challenge that even some of the best players in the world have found too great – there are many tales of the most technically gifted players who have failed in a highpressure shoot-out scenario. In most cases, the failure is due to a breakdown in technique which, given the skill of the players in question, can only be because of the combined effects of pressure and tension.
“There are only ever two types of penalties good ones and bad ones!” 11 DECEMBER 2010
13% SHOTS TAKEN
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57% SHOTS TAKEN
Penalty taking The ‘grid’, within the goal above, shows the placement of all 30 successful penalties in the Barclays Premier League for the first three months of the 2010/11 season (source: Prozone). The percentage statistics, around the edge of the goal, relate to the Journal of Sports Science’s 2009 research detailing the previous year’s worth of penalty data from the same league. It shows horizontally where penalty shots are placed, and vertically the relative success of aiming at either the left, centre or right of the goal.
Practising Penalty Kicks Practice has to be as real as possible in order to be as effective as possible. Clearly it is difficult to replicate pressure, nevertheless to not practise because of that would be a big mistake. Golfers spend hours on the practice green and I am sure the stars of the game will tell you that the best practice available is better than no practice at all. While we cannot replicate pressure, we can make every other condition the same. The player must treat every penalty as a crucial match-deciding moment. The coach needs to control this setting, making sure players go through the whole routine, including the walk from the centre circle and the kick only being taken when the whistle is blown. The coach should also use different goalkeepers to present new challenges in terms of who the
The research also revealed that in a shoot-out scenario, the first penalty was the one most often converted (87% of the time), while the fourth kick was the least (73%), notwithstanding sudden death efforts (64%).
penalty taker faces, and gradually build within the taker a routine. The coach is instilling in the team, and the individual, the philosophy that they have been ‘there’ before. And this formal practice needs to be for all players. I have often found that quieter or less prominent squad members have exactly the right temperament for taking a penalty, even if they are one of the final few to come forward. Use your practice, not a matchday situation, to find these players.
Tactics As a coach, you must consider carefully the best permutation for penalty kickers. There are varying schools of thought in this regard. Some managers will prefer that the club’s best penalty taker steps up first to set the tone for the others to follow. Others have been known to adopt the idea that the best penalty taker should go up third, because this is the first point at which a penalty shoot-out could potentially be lost.
Kickers should always be ranked before the game – this is generally a task for the assistant coach – and never rule out the possibility that your goalkeeper may be better at despatching a penalty than an outfield player. In addition, you should know long before the coin toss if you want your team to go first or second. And obviously, at the end of standard play, you need all of your key penalty takers on the pitch.
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SPOT KICK TUTORIAL Howard Wilkinson LMA CHAIRMAN Howard Wilkinson is Chairman of the League Managers Association, and this year celebrates half a century of involvement in professional football. The 67-year-old has achieved a huge amount during his time in the game, most notably winning the First Division championship with Leeds United in 1992. He is the last homegrown manager to clinch top flight honours in England. Wilkinson has always been passionately committed to the development of young talent in the game, in particular formulating his ‘Charter For Quality’ when Technical Director at the Football Association. Sheffield-born Wilkinson has taken caretaker charge of the England team on two occasions, and has managed Notts County, Leeds, Sheffield United, Sunderland and Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhau. In May 2010, Howard agreed to become Interim Chairman of Sheffield Wednesday. As a speedy winger, he turned out for Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion and Boston United.
Player Type There is no player type that sits above any other in terms of converting a good penalty kick, as long as that player is confident in his approach. Some of the best penalty takers are poles apart in terms of style and mindset. Providing you have confidence in them, and they are reliable and trustworthy, you should get the result you hoped for your players.
Psychology Uncertainty generates stress and fear, so it is the coach’s job to remove those psychological doubts as much as possible. Give the players trust in what they do, belief in their own ability, and remind them that a penalty shoot-out is a team exercise. It was the team whose efforts, over 90 or 120 minutes brought about the shootout, and it is the same collective unit who will either succeed or fail from 12 yards, not the individual. The best way for a player to relax is to adopt a set practised routine. Proper practice will ensure the
routine becomes embedded in the mind. You must always protect against fear. It is the responsibility of losing a crucial game that creates fear. Can you, the coach, absorb that worry, or at least take some of it away from the players?
Technique I don’t feel that one type of run-up or one type of execution is better than another. It is always of more importance that players stick to the same method. They need to arrive at a technique that can be replicated under pressure. It has to be well embedded in the subconscious. It is for that reason that it is a risk to attempt a tactic that has become more and more popular with modern-day footballers, namely waiting for the keeper to dive before shooting. There should be no need for this because every player should rely on their ability to put the ball where they want it to go in the knowledge that, if struck properly and at the right angle, it is impossible for the goalkeeper to save.
The Shoot-Out Itself It is important to establish a shoot-out routine, as would a golfer hitting a ball off the tee or a sprinter preparing to burst out of the starting blocks. 1 Ensure you and your team are clear on how they should act in the centre circle. 2 Be clear when a player should leave the centre circle to walk forward for his kick. 3 Recommend for that player a composed walk to the penalty area, with body language that is confident and assured.
12 DECEMBER 2010
And in terms of a player giving his opponent ‘the eye’ as a bluffing tactic, I cannot see a quality keeper being fooled. As a coach, I would be worried as well about encouraging players to sacrifice accuracy for power. Accuracy must always be the first concern, with the top and bottom corners to be aimed at. The taker must always keep his eye on the ball, knowing where he wants it to go without ever changing his mind. And remember, there are only ever two types of penalties - good ones and bad ones!
The lead-up And don’t threaten your perfect preparation by creating uncertainty in the immediate lead-up to a shoot-out because you’re unclear on the rules or the process. Ensure you know how the end the penalties should be taken from will be decided. And plan not only your first five takers, but those who may be called into action should sudden death result.
4 Make sure he spots the ball properly – and never encourage him to cheat by moving it forward from the spot. 5 Ensure he always makes the same run-up. 6 Ensure he always uses the same technique – his favourite one. 7 Tell him he must never change his mind once he has decided where to aim. 8 Be certain that he kicks the ball in an assured manner, with good pace and placement.
PENALTY SHOOT-OUT WINNERS AND LOSERS • Belgium, Paraguay and South Korea have never missed in a World Cup finals penalty shootout. Conversely, Switzerland have never scored in a penalty shoot-out, missing all three of theirs in a 2006 defeat to Ukraine. • West Germany have only ever missed one penalty in four shootouts, scoring 17 of their 18 penalties – a record of 94.4%. • England have never won a penalty shootout at the World Cup. • The team taking the first penalty holds a slight advantage in a World Cup shoot-out situation, with 59.1% of them winning – 13 of 22. • Former Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Goycoechea has saved the most World Cup penalties in a shootout, stopping three against Yugoslavia in the 1990 quarterfinal and then two of Italy’s in the semi-final match. • Only two of 18 World Cup finals have gone to penalties (the 1950 tournament was played with a round robin format and, as such, there was no ‘final’). •HelmuthDuckadam, the goalkeeper of Steaua Bucharest, saved a record four consecutive penalties in the European Cup final of 1986, against Barcelona.
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WOLVES
Tony Daley Matchday recovery session Overview: It is important for players to ensure their bodies recover well from the rigours of matchday, so this session is designed as a recovery programme to be conducted no more than 24 hours after the game. The main reason for doing this is to prevent injuries suffered post-match. We need to reduce fatiguing effects as soon as possible, because in a tired state they are more likely to suffer tweaks and knocks. Our final league game in October was a Saturday Premier League clash against Manchester City, which we won 2-1. Sunday was therefore designated as a rest day, with Monday the recovery day, which included this session. By conducting this, we enabled players to be ready again for full training on the Tuesday.
“The sooner players are active and training again, the better their condition.” 13 DECEMBER 2010
MATCHDAY RECOVERY SESSION again, the better their condition, and the fresher they will be for Recovery Session the next game. schedule The basis of the To play for 90 minutes Recovery Session is is demanding, but we a combination of lap are always looking for running and stretches. players to be disciPlayers jog around a plined and to adopt full-size pitch three good habits. This applies as much on the times at a very gentle pace. The aim of this training ground as it does on the pitch. The is to get joints moving but only in the form of a sooner players are light jog. Vary the pace active and training
What do I get the players to do?
of the laps slightly, but each of the first two should be taken at less than 50% of running speed – not much more than walking pace. This helps to get the body at the correct temperature whilst allowing the muscles to move and relax. A gentle jog also helps to disperse lactic acid around the body. This makes muscles
contract more efficiently, and helps the players’ ability to recover. During the third lap, include gentle dynamic stretches as the players are moving, concentrating on the groin and hamstrings. The dynamic stretches should be conducted as explained in the table below:
Dynamic stretches GROINS Sides
Lateral movement, bend knee, straight upper body, swing arms. Continue over 10 metres, then repeat on the opposite side.
Pre–turn
Over 10 metres, laterally, bring the left leg up and down in a circular motion (do not bring left leg across the right). Then repeat on the opposite side.
Side groin drops
Conduct side steps, followed by three side squats, then repeat on the opposite side.
Wide skips
Skip with legs bent and raised, facing outwards. Repeat over 10 metres.
HAMSTRINGS High leg raise
Walk a distance of 10 metres, raising a straight leg with each step at a comfortable height. Keep the head forward and the upper body still. Then jog back to the start and repeat.
Russian walk
Walking, raise a bent leg towards the chest, then straighten leg out – the movement is similar to a door in front of you that you are trying to scrape your studs down. Keep the head forward and the upper body still. Jog back and repeat.
Stork stretch
Walking, lean forward with a straight leg, then raise leg backwards at 45 degrees. This pattern of movement should be done with every step. Repeat over 10 metres then jog back.
Quick feet hamstring
Over 10 metres, shuffle feet in numerous directions for a couple of metres followed immediately by touching toes with a slightly bent lower limb. Repeat over 10 metres.
Hamstring clap
In a dynamic manner, raise leg and clap hands underneath raised lower limb. Continue over 10 metres then jog back to the start.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
MATCHDAY RECOVERY SESSION
Static stretches Tony Daley WOLVES Tony Daley is fitness coach at Barclays Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 43-year-old took up the position at Molineux in 2007 having previously filled coaching roles at Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Forest Green Rovers. As a player, Daley was a livewire winger, shooting to prominence in Graham Taylor’s successful Aston Villa side of the late 1980s, and later won seven England caps under the same manager. Indeed, the Birmingham-born flanker would be signed twice more by Taylor before the end of his playing days. He made over 200 appearances for Villa before switching to Wolves in 1994, though appeared only 21 times in four years after injured curtailed his progress. He finished his career with spells at Watford, Walsall and Forest Green Rovers. Daley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Wolverhampton University.
At the completion of the three laps, players assemble in a group to perform static stretches. Here we concentrate on each muscle group for no more than 20 seconds, but will repeat the stretches two or three times. For static stretches, we concentrate on the quads, hamstrings, calfs and groin. Two sets of each stretch below should be performed, at 15 seconds per stretch.
Static calf stretch Starting with the left calf, stand facing a wall at arms’ length. Place hands on the wall at shoulder height, then step back slightly with the left leg, keeping the back upright. Keeping your weight through the left heel, sway forwards onto a slightly bent right knee. You should feel a stretch in your left calf. Repeat on the right.
Side-lying quad stretch Lie on your side with the leg to be worked positioned on top of the other. Reach back and grasp the ankle. Relax the leg and gently pull the ankle towards your buttocks.
It is important to note the difference between dynamic and static stretches. There is a lot said about how the two vary and their relative value. Our stance is that dynamic stretching is extremely valuable because it 14 DECEMBER 2010
has been shown to increase strength and power prior to training and matches. Static stretches prior to the game should be avoided. The majority of studies have noted a detrimental effect on performance
Static groin stretch Sit with soles of the feet together on the floor and close to the body. Grasp feet with both hands and position elbows on the inside of the lower legs. Press knees towards the floor with elbows and hold the stretch.
Hamstring wall stretch Lie on your back with a leg elevated and positioned against a doorway wall, as shown. Buttocks should be about five inches from the wall, and your back flat on the floor. Gently slide your buttocks towards the wall, keeping the knee straight, until a stretch is felt. Relax and repeat. (specifically, a reduction in power). However, static stretching after the game appears to increase players’ range of motion. We therefore feel that these stretches are a valuable part of the
Recovery Session. If players are told to adopt this Recovery Session from an early age, they will carry it on throughout their careers, becoming fitter and more consistent because of it. www.elitesoccercoaching.net