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JANUARY 2011

NEW!

SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES

Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers EVERTON

DAVID MOYES

THE SWITCH CHANGINGATTACKINGANGLESWITH •SPEED•PRECISION•INTELLIGENCE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COVENTRY CITY

LEYTON ORIENT

STEVENAGE

LMA AMBASSADOR

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

AIDY BOOTHROYD Transition game

RUSSELL SLADE Possession and retention

GRAHAM WESTLEY Shooting from distance

DAVID PLEAT Extra man overload play

STEVE SUTTON Keeperreactions anddecisions

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer is published by:

ISSUE 06 JANUARY 2011: FROM THE CHAIRMAN 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.

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2 JANUARY 2011

Tactical ingenuity fromthe biggest names in English football…

C Dear Coach, Welc Welcome to the latest issue of Elite Soccer, the mag magazine - produced in association with the Leag League Managers Association - that providess in-de in-depth coaching knowledge and insight from m coaches and performance specialists. ns We kick off 2011 with six superb sessions that offer a variety of coaching and training scenarios across all areas of the pitch. The first offering g comes from Everton manager David Moyes. The Premier League boss has produced a drill for us that examines the techniques and benefits involved in switching attacking play with pace and precision.

Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd introduces a transition game through zones and sectors, while Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade explains how possession and retention of the ball – particularly in midfield areas – is so valuable.

03 David Mo M Moyes y yes EVERTON

The switch: switcch: changing g g attacking angles 06 Aidy Boothroyd COVENTRY CITY

Transition me game

08 Russell Slade LEYTON ORIENT

Possession n and retention retention

In addition, Graham Westley, manager of Stevenage, provides a training session which focuses on shooting from distance, while LMA Ambassador David Pleat and Nottingham Forest’s Steve Sutton look at extra man overload play and goalkeeping reactions respectively.

10 1 G Graham W Westley STEVENAGE S

S Shooting ffrom d distance

This fantastic array of training ground innovation comes direct from the managers and coaches themselves, so we hope you enjoy the issue and look forward to seeing you again next month.

12 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

David Pleat LMA AMBASSADOR ADOR

Extra ra man and overload p lay play 14 Steve Sutton NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Keeper reactions and decisions www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EVERTON

David Moyes The switch: changing attacking angles Overview: This session is designed to encourage and develop quick and incisive football.

Players should be looking to quickly switch the point of attack, utilising forward and angled passing, one-twos, plus intelligent offthe-ball movement.

The ability to retain possession and switch play quickly and effectively is important for breaking down and moving opposition defences about, therefore creating space for goalscoring opportunities.

This method worked brilliantly in our Premier League match at Blackpool in November.

Attacking down the left side, Blackpool had good cover and forced us to play backwards. Steven Pienaar quickly dropped the ball into John Heitinga who immediately switched the point of attack to the right side, where Seamus Coleman progressed 1v1 with the leftback. Our midfielder won the first ball, moved in on goal, and scored.

3 JANUARY 2011

THE SWITCH: CHANGING ATTACKING ANGLES: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

55x35 yards EQUIPMENT

Set of poles, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

1

14

What do I get the players to do?

We play 7v7, with each team defending three goals spaced at equal points along the longer sides. The coach serves the ball to one team, whose aim is to score in any of the opposition’s three goals. In possession, the attacking team must aim to pass quickly and switch play, looking for forward and angled passes. If they cannot score, they must keep the ball.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The yellow team begins with possession of the ball

2

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

Technically we are looking for players to move the ball quickly whilst maintaining control at all times.

We’d expect the switch of play to vary in its execution - either a number of short quick passes or one long ball.

In addition, there are key tactical aspects to be achieved. If possible, we look for the attacking team to manufacture 2v1 situations on the opposite side of the play (i.e. in non-ball areas). The switch is progressive and should ultimately end with goalscoring situations created from crosses, shots or one-twos.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Players construct quick passing moves

3

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The left-sided player creates space for the switch

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EVERTON

David Moyes

THE SWITCH: CHANGING ATTACKING ANGLES: PROGRESSION How do I progress the session?

We progress the session with the introduction of sweepers. Each team has one sweeper who plays behind the goal line, therefore off the playing area.

Neither team can score in a goal that the sweeper is protecting.

The introduction of sweepers forces the players to keep their heads up in order to establish where attacking play should be directed.

The presence of this player on each team should encourage the opposition players to switch the point of attack quickly before the sweeper is able to get across and defend.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

“The switch is progressive and should ultimately end with goalscoring situations created from crosses, shotsoronetwos.�

4 JANUARY 2011

Each team now employs a sweeper to block off any of the three goals

The yellow team must work the ball away from a protected goal

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Possession changes hands and a quick switch puts the winger in on an unguarded goal

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE SWITCH: CHANGING ATTACKING ANGLES: GAME SITUATION How would you put this into a game situation?

David Moyes EVERTON Everton manager David Moyes has been the recipient of the LMA Manager of the Year Award on three separate occasions.

The Glasgow-born centre-back always had an eye on the tactical side of the game having started taking his coaching badges at the age of 22. But first he enjoyed a long and successful playing career, clocking up over 500 competitive appearances for Celtic, Cambridge United, Bristol City, Shrewsbury Town, Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton Academical and Preston North End. It was at Preston where the Scot first stepped into management, guiding the Deepdale club into the League Two play-offs in his first full season in charge.

Following promotion, and a high finish the following year, Everton moved to install Moyes as replacement for Walter Smith in March 2002.

The manager staved off the immediate threat of relegation and has since earned the club Champions League and Europa League football, as well as an FA Cup final appearance.

He has also overseen the development of brilliant young players such as Wayne Rooney and Jack Rodwell.

The drill can be increased to 10 or 11-a-side to become a game situation.

In terms of playing area, use a half pitch extended a few yards past the halfway line.

There is one full-sized goal at the end of the pitch and three small goals positioned just beyond the halfway line, spaced equally along the line, as in the diagram.

The yellow team, which has a keeper in place, can score in any of the three goals. It must construct moves building from the back.

The blue team attacks the one full-sized goal.

Tactically, it must retain shape and position and should press from the front given they are shooting at only one target.

We encourage attacking play with a positive outcome every time. Teams must play one-twos, crosses, unleash shots and perform switches between playing areas.

Depending on the coach’s requirements, the session’s focus can alter between the defensive or offensive elements of switching possession play.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Here, a switch is made to the left-winger in space

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

5 JANUARY 2011

The blue team, attacking one goal, constructs passes

In this instance, a shorter pass has been intercepted to create a goalscoring opportunity for the yellow team www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COVENTRY CITY

Aidy Boothroyd Transition game

TRANSITION GAME: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

20x20 yards

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is based on defending in overloads yet incorporates both defensive and offensive elements, as well as helping players feel comfortable when keeping the ball in tight areas. It requires quick movements and good reactions.

It is important to practise this because it brings together all game components in one scenario – attacking, defending, passing, and the need for players to be alert to receiving the ball or stopping an opponent.

The session also looks at recognition of space, when to play beyond the opposition and when to play in between.

Cones, balls

“The session is about recognition of space, when to play beyond the opposition, and when to play in between.”

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NUMBER OF PLAYERS

9 (3 teams of 3)

What do I get the players to do?

We set up a box in the shape of a St George’s flag, using cones to mark out the internal lines. The yellow team starts with the ball, passing amongst themselves and keeping possession in one box. The red team of three places a player in each of the vacant boxes, while the grey team begins in the centre.

In this instance, the grey team acts as defenders.

One enters the threeman box, attempting to win possession from the yellows, whose task is to keep the ball for five passes before transferring it to any red. Should they succeed, the other reds now move to the square where possession is, yellows move to individual squares, and a new grey defender comes forward to break up play (his team-mate returns to the centre).

Should the ball be intercepted by a grey defender, he must attempt to pass out to a team-mate. If he succeeds, rotate teams so that the yellows (who lost possession) become defenders.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The yellow team begins with possession while a grey player looks to intercept

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

After five passes, the ball is moved to a red player

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Yellow players retreat to separate squares as a new grey defender approaches

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

TRANSITION GAME: PROGRESSION

Aidy Boothroyd COVENTRY CITY Aidy Boothroyd was appointed manager of npower Championship side Coventry City in May 2010.

Prior to that, the 39-year-old had guided Watford into the Barclays Premier League just 14 months after becoming the Football League’s youngest manager.

Although the Hornets spent only a solitary season in the top flight, they did claim an FA Cup semi-final berth, and responded the following year by finishing in a play-off spot.

After Watford, Boothroyd joined Colchester United, guiding the Essex club to eighth in League One before switching to Coventry.

As a player, the Yorkshireman turned out for clubs including Huddersfield Town, Bristol Rovers, Hearts, Mansfield Town and Peterborough United; and after his career cut short his playing career at the age of 27, he accepted senior academy coaching roles at Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion, as well as landing the job of first-team coach at Leeds United.

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

Defenders need to get out quickly and all players should show awareness of others’ positions in such tight passing areas, as well as being quick to react to possession being overturned. No players should ‘ball watch’.

The move also requires quick thinking in the event of possession changing hands.

How do I progress the session?

Progress the session by adding more players, varying the number of touches, or changing the number of passes that need to be completed by the team in possession.

Making the playing area bigger increases the need for accurate passing over greater distances.

We also like to add in a goalscoring element whereby if a defender wins possession and passes out to a teammate, they then turn to attack a goal in any of the three squares protected by a lone opponent.

The player can choose to go alone or might combine with a teammate to score. Teammates of the player whose goal is under attack must track back to prevent a goal being scored.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Approaching goal he decides whether to go alone…

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

7 JANUARY 2011

Grey wins possession and his team breaks out on the attack

… or involve a teammate, though opposition yellows are closing in

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LEYTON ORIENT

Russell Slade Possession and retention Overview: The fundamental principle of retaining possession occurs in every game. In particular, the ability to hold the ball in midfield areas is crucial to any side, with an eye on good movement and fluid rotation from forward and wide players.

Gaining control of the midfield often equates to gaining control of the game, so this is a session that will we practise often.

“Gaining control of the midfield often equates to gaining control of the game.”

8 JANUARY 2011

POSSESSION AND RETENTION: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

40x40 yards with an inner 15v15 square EQUIPMENT

Poles, marker discs, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

16 (7v7 plus two neutral players)

1

What do I get the players to do?

We play 7v7 in the large square, with a pole positioned centrally along each long touchline. Two players from each team are fixed to poles opposite one another. These players can only be released when brought into play by a teammate, who must pass the ball to him and take his place on the pole.

The team in possession can use the two neutral players (who must always remain in the small square) for overload advantage, therefore creating a 9v7 game.

The result is a passing and possession game between fixed and mobile team-mates.

Should the ball go out of play or possession be turned over, the other team restarts and can now utilise the two neutral players.

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

This is a session that requires quality passing, intelligent decision-making and excellent movement and rotation. Players must adopt good passing angles, clever timing and strong

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The white team combines to free a player fixed to the pole, who is then replaced by his teammate

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

They utilise the two neutral players

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

A tackle is made and the orange team combines to good effect

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

POSSESSION AND RETENTION: PROGRESSION

Russell Slade LEYTON ORIENT Russell Slade has been in charge of London side Leyton Orient since April 6, 2010, and succeeded in preserving the club’s npower League One status last term.

This year, Orient are performing well again despite limited resources relative to some of their rivals, though it is a scenario that Slade thrives on having previously steered Yeovil Town and Brighton & Hove Albion to strong finishes in the division on small budgets.

Slade began in coaching as caretaker manager of Notts County in 1994, and moved on to Sheffield United before taking charge at Scarborough in 2001.

He performed heroics at the Conference club, in particular guiding them on an enthralling FA Cup run that ended with a tight 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

He moved on to Grimsby in 2004, taking them to the League Two play-off final, before switching to Yeovil, where he achieved the club’s highest-ever league finish – fifth in League One.

9 JANUARY 2011

positional awareness.

Holding onto possession and being willing to free a fixed man are the main aims of the session.

How do I progress the session?

We progress by creating a scenario that rehearses players in gaining control of the game specifically in midfield areas. We use 14 players in a 60x30 yard playing area - the longer side split into three 20 yard zones. On each side of the central zone is an area extended 5 yards outwards.

The overloads are 5v1 in the far zone, 3v1 in the middle section (with two attackers fixed wide) and 3v1 in the near zone.

In the 3v1 near zone, an attacking player starts with the ball. A minimum of two passes are made before a long ball is played into the far zone. At least two passes are made before a pass to either of the wide players in the central 3v1 zone.

Receiving a pass frees both wide players. Two of those in the middle now head to the near zone to create a new 5v1 overload. Two attackers from the far zone move into the middle zone to occupy the now vacant wide areas. Play can now be played back in the other direction.

The key area is the middle third, yet players are using both end zones to launch midfield player exchanges, a weapon that can be utilised to great effect in matchday situations.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Both end zones are utilised before a pass is laid into the middle zone

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The wide orange players can now move infield with the defender looking to break down the move

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The oranges switch into the original starting zone and are replaced – therefore the 5v1 and 3v1 end zones have been switched www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

STEVENAGE

Graham Westley Shooting from distance Overview: This is a session designed to improve shooting ability, particularly for midfield players in and around the edge of the penalty box. The ability to contribute a good quantity of goals is an important aspect of any midfielder’s game. At Stevenage we rely a lot on this contribution, and in a recent league match against Rotherham United, John Mousinho fired home from outside the area in style to salvage a point at one of the League Two promotion favourites.

We play three stages of the session for eight minutes each then conclude with a 12-minute smallsided game.

“The ability to be able to contribute a good quantity of goals is an important aspect of any midfielder’s game.”

10 JANUARY 2011

SHOOTING FROM DISTANCE: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

Two penalty areas pushed together, with cones laid diagonally from each goalpost to the halfway point of the touchline on each side EQUIPMENT

1

Goals, balls, cones NUMBER OF PLAYERS

12 (6v6, 4 players and a keeper in the defensive half, 1 player in the attacking half)

What do I get the players to do?

We play 6v6 with each team attacking a goal – play begins with the keeper who must roll the ball to a player in his half. In stage one there is only one player forward in the attacking half.

Players cannot cross the halfway line and must construct passing moves to the point where a player takes a shot from inside his own half.

The lone forward in the attacking half needs to be alert to any rebound opportunities.

In stage two, three players and a goalkeeper are in the defensive half, with two in the attacking half. A shot must still be dispatched from the defensive half, but the two attacking players must work to draw defenders across and obscure the keeper’s line of vision, whilst continuing to stay alert to rebound opportunities.

In stage three, we progress to chances in and around the goal

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Stage one: yellow receives a pass and shoots from within his own half

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Stage two: with an overload in each half, defenders and attackers work for position and space.

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Stage three: long-range shots are combined with passing moves into the opposition half

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

SHOOTING FROM DISTANCE: PROGRESSION

Graham Westley STEVENAGE Graham Westley is the popular, forwardthinking manager of npower League Two side Stevenage.

The 42-year-old is now in his second and most successful spell in charge at Broadhall Way having secured the club promotion to the Football League for the first time last season, as they strode to the Blue Square Conference title in style.

Westley, who is known for his motivational team-talks, has taken charge of over 400 games for the Hertfordshire outfit, plus Farnborough Town, Rushden & Diamonds and Kettering Town. He won Stevenage the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2009.

Westley had a long playing career in London and the Home Counties, turning out for the likes of QPR, Barnet, Gillingham, Wycombe Wanderers, plus a host of non-league clubs.

“We look for players with vision to be able to create space by using quick interchange play.”

11 JANUARY 2011

where the ball can be passed into the attacking half.

Players will always have an overload in one half or the other.

To make the most of this session, they are encouraged to take shooting opportunities and look for quick play in and around the box in order to create goal scoring chances.

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

In this session, we look for players with vision to be able to create space by using quick interchange play. Technical ability is important given the limited space available, while players receiving the ball on the half turn need to be aware of all forward options around them, whether that’s a pass to a teammate or a shot.

How would you put this into a game situation?

To put this into a game situation we set up an area of 54x30 yards, with the length divided into three 18-yard zones. Play a standard 9v9 game, with the goalkeeper beginning play from the back.

Ensure that goal scoring only comes as a result of a shot from the middle zone, and only after play has been built into the end zone and the ball laid back.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The yellow team builds from the back

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The ball must be laid back from the final third before a shot can be taken

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The keeper saves but the rebound finds the target

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LMA AMBASSADOR

David Pleat Extra man and overload play Overview: This is a progressive practice session that trains players in the usefulness of forward passing and the benefits of overloading areas. The session embraces all key elements of the game, including freeing up space, keeping possession, making passing angles and, notably, finishing.

The practice starts with a basic set-up and designated players in each third of the pitch, but a coach can add difficulty by increasing playing numbers and adjusting the size of the zones, up to a point where the entire squad is involved.

“The setup for this practice is perfect for any imaginative coach because the variations and aims are endless.”

12 JANUARY 2011

EXTRA MAN AND OVERLOAD PLAY: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

80x18 yards, the length divided into the three areas (25, 30 and 25 yards) EQUIPMENT

Cones, goals, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

10

What do I get the players to do?

The coach serves a ball into the defensive third where one of the two defenders receives possession.

The lone opposition player works to delay play and, if possible, intercept and clear.

In this 2v1 situation a pass is played into the middle third where there is a 2v2 arrangement. Once the ball has been received, either of the defenders can move forward to make a 3v2 overload.

The three in the middle zone now work to keep the ball against the two defenders before the opportunity to pass forward to the final zone, where there is a 1v1 situation. Once the ball is moved forward, one of the middle three advances to make a 2v1, the two working for an early shot at goal.

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

An appreciation of when and where to pass is crucial, as is the use of soft, angled and shorter passes, plus positive and early shots at goal. Players need to work for space whilst

1

A 2v1 overload in the first third works the ball into the next zone

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

2 A supporting player joins the middle third and play advances again

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

3

The final overload results in a shot at goal

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EXTRA MAN AND OVERLOAD PLAY: PROGRESSION

David Pleat LMA AMBASSADOR David Pleat is a vastly experienced figure in the football world – most notably a former manager of Luton Town, Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield Wednesday.

He currently combines TV work with the role of Consultant for npower Championship club Nottingham Forest, and his advice is regularly sought by the football authorities.

Pleat’s time in management is most synonymous with the 1980s, having masterminded Luton Town’s top flight survival over the course of a number of seasons.

Moving on to Spurs, Pleat led the north London club to a thirdplace finish in his first year at White Hart Lane, as well as an FA Cup final appearance. A short spell at Leicester City followed, and after a brief return to Luton, he took the reins at Sheffield Wednesday, guiding the club into Europe in 1997.

Later, he returned to Tottenham as Director of Football before concentrating on his broadcast career.

As a footballer, Pleat played in the lower leagues before injury cut short his playing career at the age of 28.

13 JANUARY 2011

reta retaining possession, so tthe timing and communication of com forward runs is essential. Players should never get caught square of each other, and movement towards and away from the ball (‘going’ and ‘checking’) is important in creating space.

The diagrams below illustrate three selected progressions

1

How do I progress the sesssion?

There are several progressions including: a. A player cannot advance until the recipient in the next zone has had contact with the ball. b. The player who played the ball into the next zone cannot be the player who advances one of his team-mates must react instead. c. Players must keep the ball for a specified time before being joined by a new player or progressing themselves. d. When the ball enters the attacking zone, a strike on goal must be achieved within a certain amount of time. b. At the end of an attack, the move can be reversed so that the opposite end is attacked - another goal and keeper is required. f. After an attack is completed, a server crosses the ball into the attacking zone for a goalkeeping practice.

The set-up for this practice is perfect for any imaginative coach because the variations and aims are endless.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Natural Progression Bigger teams and a larger playing area offers room for more intricate passing moves in this progression

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Progression C The coach can determine a minimum time for the ball to be retained within a zone

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Progression F In this progression, a second ball is crossed into the middle for an additional attacking phase

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Steve Sutton Keeper reactions and decisions Overview: This session involves decision-making, angle work and reactions in a restricted space.

The tight playing area, combined with the challenge of shots being fired in at varying height and speed is designed to replicate instances of loose balls in the penalty area (for example, from corners and freekicks).

It is important to practise this session because it tests brilliantly goalkeepers’ reactions, decision-making and awareness of angles, as well as the ability to pick up on loose balls.

We frequently see this session producing notable results. In our recent Championship match against Cardiff City, goalkeeper Lee Camp was called upon to make a string of reaction saves in order to protect our lead. We went on to score a second goal to clinch the game 2-0.

14 JANUARY 2011

KEEPER REACTIONS AND DECISIONS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

Centre circle EQUIPMENT

3 goals, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS

5 (3 keepers, 2 or more set-up players)

What do I get the players to do?

Each keeper takes his place in one of the three goals positioned around the centre circle. From the open side, the server fires the ball towards a player positioned in the centre of the playing area. This target man’s job is to either leave the ball or deflect it into one of the three goals.

All three keepers remain on their goal lines, and must be reactive any time the ball changes direction.

Before moving on to the next stage, rotate keepers.

We now progress to varying the serve angle – each keeper must remain on his line so as to create situations where he needs to react quickly to a deflection. Rebounds, however, are ‘live’, and the ball in the area must be smothered or dealt with.

Next, we bring the goals in to within 8 yards from the centre spot. This tightened space serves to increase the need for good reactions from the goalkeepers. The central player has three big targets to aim at, while the server can also fire directly at goal if a keeper appears out of position.

1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The target man deflects the server’s ball to his left

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

This time he flicks a header towards a different goal

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Bringing the goals in makes saving shots increasingly difficult for keepers

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

KEEPER REACTIONS AND DECISIONS: PROGRESSION

Steve Sutton NOTTINGHAM FOREST Steve Sutton is goalkeeping coach at npower Championship club Nottingham Forest.

A former top-flight keeper, Sutton is best known for his time spent working under Brian Clough at the City Ground throughout the 1980s. The Hartingtonborn stopper made 199 appearances for Forest before leaving the club in 1992 when he signed for Derby County, as replacement for the legendary Peter Shilton.

Sutton went on to play for Reading, Birmingham City and Grantham Town before hanging up his gloves at the age of of 37. He took up coaching posts at Leeds United and Notts County before finding his way back to Forest, and has been bringing through the next breed of goalkeeper at the club since since 2006.

“Each keeper must ensure he is covering his goal at all times, even when the ball is past it.”

15 JANUARY 2011

In the fourth stage, the servers move to the opposite side of the centre circle meaning that two of the keepers are unsighted with the ball being played in from over their shoulders.

1

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

Keepers need to be on their toes and alive to all situations. Quick foot movements, good hand positions and speedy reactions to second balls are essential. Each keeper must ensure he is covering his goal at all times, even when the ball is past it.

How do I progress the session?

We progress the session by taking the keepers into a 9v9 game situation, using full-size goals on a half pitch that is the width of the penalty area. A tram line runs down each flank where a neutral winger is positioned.

The keeper distributes to a wide man who can use two touches to send a variety of different crosses into the box. All other players are one-touch, and are encouraged to rotate positions and make breaks into the box in order to divert crosses towards goal. Progress this to developing play that builds from the back into midfield, and then wide to the flanks.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The serve position has changed leaving the keeper unsighted until the last second

2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In a game situation, keepers must deal with a variety of balls from the flanks

3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Play is this time built through midfield before being sent wide where the end result is a cut-back

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