www.elitesoccercoaching.net
FEBRUARY 2011
NEW!
SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
ROBERTO DI MATTEO
ATTACKING
AIMS
•TRANSFER•BALANCE•DEVELOP Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
NEWCASTLE UNITED
NORWICH CITY
TRANMERE ROVERS
TORQUAY UNITED
CRYSTAL PALACE
PAUL LAMBERT Crossing and finishing
LES PARRY Concise corner kick routine
PAUL BUCKLE The passing diamond
BEN WILLIE GARNER DONACHIE Defendingagainst Positivity and counter-attacks awareness
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Elite Soccer is published by:
ISSUE 07 FEBRUARY 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 Design: Jimmy Egerton 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: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Email: lma@lmasecure.com President: Fabio Capello Chairman: Howard Wilkinson Chief Executive: Richard Bevan This publication is protected by national and international copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public. Elite Soccer members who have purchased this report may circulate electronic or hard copies to members of their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain. However, no part or whole of this report may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website or distributed commercially except under licence from the copyright owners. © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved
2 FEBRUARY 2011
3 Focusedtraining ground knowledge 03 andinsightfrom some of the game’s Roberto Di Matteo biggestnames
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Dear Coach, C
Attacking aims
The February F issue of Elite Soccer offers six ta tactical sessions from a wide range of experienced managers and coaches in the expe English game. Engl This month our first session comes from West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo. The Baggies have been a breath of fresh air in the Barclays Premier League this season and Roberto’s drill, which h focuses on positive attacking play and encourages players to be ambitious going forward, gives us an insight into how this has been achieved. Norwich City’s Paul Lambert and Tranmere Rovers boss Les Parry have detailed two sessions which focus on crossing, finishing and positioning at corner kicks. In addition, Paul Buckle explains why the traditional passing diamond is such an effective practice for his Torquay United side.
05 0 Paul Lambert P NORWICH CITY N
C Crossing a and finishing 07 Les Parryy TRANMERE ROVERS OVERS
Concise se cornerr kick routine ne
There are also two brilliant small-sided games from Newcastle United coach Willie Donachie, plus Crystal Palace Academy coach Ben Garner shows how best to defend against counterattacks.
09 Paul Buckle TORQUAY UNITED
We’re sure you’ll find these varied practices of real benefit to your team, and look forward to bringing more your way next month...
The p passing pas diamon diamond 11 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
Ben Garner ner CRYSTAL PALACE LACE
Defending nding st against ercounteratta ack ks ks attacks 13 1 Willie Donachie W NEWCASTLE UNITED NE
P Positivity a and a awareness www.elitesoccercoaching.net www.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Roberto Di Matteo Attacking Aims Overview: This session improves and develops attacking balance when going forward. Often we have to switch play or break out at pace, and it’s important that we retain structure and don’t become onedimensional. To help achieve this we adopt our club philosophy of utilising the full width of the pitch when attacking. We will practise this in training in the same way that we construct it in a match situation, ensuring that players understand how and when to move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. This session has led to the creation of numerous goalscoring chances in the Premier League this season even against the top sides - and we will practise it in training at least once a week.
“Players must show good technique given the tight passing environment.” 3 FEBRUARY 2011
ATTACKING AIMS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
45x40 yards with four marked boxes in each of corners EQUIPMENT
Cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS
18 (9v9)
1
What do I get the players to do? Splitting the playing area in two, all players begin in one half of the pitch with the exception of two target men - one for each side - who are located in the other half. The team starting with possession must complete a minimum of four passes before transferring the ball to their target man who is positioned in a small boxed area at the other end of the pitch. Defenders must close down space in trying to prevent the switch. In making their passes, the attacking team can utilise a ‘floating’ team-mate, who is positioned off one side of the pitch and is free to play along the touchline up to the halfway mark. He cannot be tackled. When a switch is successfully made and the target man receives possession, all players move to the other half. Here again, four passes must be made before a switch to the other half, where the former floating player is now fixed in a boxed area. Should an interception be made though, it is now the defenders’ turn to build ‘pass and switch’ moves.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Using their ‘floating’ player, the red team attempts to make four passes
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The switch to the target man is made, and players move to the other half of the pitch
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The target man is now ‘floating’, helping his side construct another four passes www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ATTACKING AIMS: PROGRESSION
Roberto Di Matteo WEST BROMWICH ALBION Popular Italian Roberto Di Matteo enjoyed a hugely successful career as a player, turning out for Lazio and Chelsea amongst others. He remains the scorer of the fastest ever goal in a Wembley final when he found the net for the London club against Middlesbrough in 1997 after just 43 seconds. Roberto was forced into early retirement at the age of 31 through injury, but despite boasting a degree and an MBA in business studies, he remained in football, enjoying his first break in management when being appointed the new boss of MK Dons in July 2008. He led the club into the League One play-offs and, a year later, accepted the chance to become the new manager of West Bromwich Albion. Promotion to the Barclays Premier League was secured at the first attempt, and this season the Baggies have achieved some notable scalps, including victory at Arsenal, a result which helped the former Italy international scoop the Premier League Manager of the Month award for September.
4 FEBRUARY 2011
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Awareness is everything in this session. Any player receiving the ball needs to check over his shoulder to be aware of all opportunities. Players must show good technique given the tight environment, as well as quality passing ability, particularly when the switch is made. Tactically, this session is all about offering balance when the team attacks, ensuring that there is a good flow of forward movement while, in the progression, strong defensive cover is also factored in.
How do I progress the session? We progress the session by adding a goal and goalkeeper at each end. Now, when four passes have been completed and the switch made, the target player has two touches to deliver a ball into the middle which is attacked. But, when a team breaks forward into the other half they must leave defensive players back to protect against the opposition turning over possession, because four quick passes can trigger a counterattacking pass to the their target man. Progress this further by restricting play to three- or two-touch.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the progression, with goals added, the ball again reaches the target player
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
He is allowed two touches before playing in an assist for his strikers
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Red players hold back in the instance of the blue team winning position and switching at pace www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
NORWICH CITY
Paul Lambert Crossing and finishing
CROSSING AND FINISHING: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Final third EQUIPMENT
Overview:
Goal, balls
At Norwich City, we believe that you have to train the way you play, and this is a positive crossing and finishing routine that is direct and makes players adopt good habits. Crossing and finishing are fundamental elements for scoring goals and winning games. This rehearsed set-up of crossing with pace and timing, combined with welljudged and executed forward runs, has paid off for us many times this season. Our top scorer this year, Grant Holt, has 12 goals to his name, including a hat-trick in the East Anglia derby against Ipswich Town. One of his goals that day relied purely on elements rehearsed in this session, so for us it has been proven to be very important.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
“A good sense of timing is essential, particularly for forwards looking to arrive at the front and back posts.” 5 FEBRUARY 2011
9 (6 wingers, 2 strikers, 1 keeper)
What do I get the players to do? The ball starts with one of two strikers positioned outside the D, flanked by two groups of three wingers. Once the ball is passed out to any winger, the strikers sprint towards goal, one ending at the near post and the other at the far post. While this happens, the winger advances down the flank to send over a cross that either frontman finishes past the keeper. Now, you can return the strikers to their original position, or start a rotation of pairs of strikers for each attacking phase. Advance the move by alternating the approach of the wingers and the style of delivery, but involve both right and left wingers in equal measure, and ensure that each phase is conducted at a high tempo.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
After laying the ball to a winger, attackers move towards the near and far posts
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The cross, in this instance, is dispatched at the far post
3
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Passing, crossing and finishing can never be over-rehearsed, but a good sense of timing is also essential, particularly
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The winger varies the move by cutting down the flank to deliver a low cross into the near post
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CROSSING AND FINISHING: PROGRESSION
Paul Lambert NORWICH CITY Paul Lambert has transformed the fortunes of Norwich City since taking charge at Carrow Road in August 2009. At the time, the club were languishing at the bottom of League One, but an incredible revival followed under Lambert who, as a battling midfielder turned out for St. Mirren, Celtic and others, and clinched a Champions League winner’s medal while with German side Borussia Dortmund. Norwich are now looking to regain the Barclays Premier League place they relinquished in 2005, and Lambert is widely regarded as one of the promising new breed of young managers in the game today. Prior to arriving at the Canaries, he took charge of Livingston, Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester United, for whom he masterminded a 7-1 victory against Norwich on the opening day of the 2009/10 campaign. He won 40 caps for Scotland and played in the 1998 World Cup.
“Let players act out their own scenarios… providing that the drill maintains its flow and tempo.” 6 FEBRUARY 2011
for forwards looking to arrive at the front and back posts. Quality of first touch is also key, and we’re always looking at accuracy, weight and variation of delivery in a move that should remain gamerealistic at all times.
1
How do I progress the session? We progress the session by continuing to vary the set-up, at first bringing in a defender to block and delay the runs of the attackers. We then invite a full back to close down the winger, which should encourage those on the flanks to combine, changing the start point and the angle of the cross. The attacking duo should also look to cross over runs so as to make themselves more difficult to pick up. It’s important to let players act out their own scenarios as well, so we would continue to add players – an inrushing midfielder, for instance – as well as recommending further variations of cross, so long as the drill always retains its flow and tempo.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
A defender is added to block or slow down the attackers’ runs
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Another defender is added to close down the winger, who is given the option of setting back to a support player
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Strikers need to show movement in the box to lose the defender
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
TRANMERE ROVERS
Les Parry Concise corner kick routine
CONCISE CORNER KICK ROUTINE: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Penalty box
Overview:
EQUIPMENT
This is a set-piece corner kick routine that relies on a quality ball into the box and the intelligent movement of attacking players. Set plays provide great opportunities for scoring goals because the ball is stationary, players cannot be tackled and they have the freedom to work space knowing where they can expect a delivery to land. This session shows just one place where the ball can be delivered and how the attacking players will move in order to create a goalscoring chance. At Tranmere Rovers we vary its placement, and in Alan Creswell we have a left-footed player who can deliver inswinging and outswinging corners with great accuracy.
Cones, balls
“The player on the keeper checks back quickly, then moves forward past the near post. His first job is to create confusion...” 7 FEBRUARY 2011
1
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
8 (6 attackers, 1 kick taker, 1 keeper)
What do I get the players to do? Having already worked on the delivery of the ball from a designated corner kick taker, we specify roles for each attacking player. In the set-up below for a near-post flicked corner, we use six players. Between them, they cover all of the key areas, as detailed. Players will always have a start and end position so that we guarantee movement. The set-up is: • two players on the near post (red) • one player on the keeper (blue) • two players on the far post (yellow) • one player on the penalty spot (white) The movement below happens as the corner kick is struck, although we would at first practise without a ball. Near post movement The two players on the near post peel off, the first stepping back to close in on the keeper. The other moves out to the six-yard line in the event that a nearpost flick (see below) changes ball direction. The player on the keeper The player on the keeper checks back quickly, then moves
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Players take up arranged positions in and around the six-yard box
2
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
At the near post, one player moves away from the post while the other presses the keeper
3
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The player who began next to the keeper checks back then moves past the near post ready to flick-on www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CONCISE CORNER KICK ROUTINE: MAIN SESSION
Les Parry TRANMERE ROVERS Tranmere Rovers boss Les Parry began life at Prenton Park as the Club physiotherapist, having been employed by former manager Johnny King in 1993. A permanent fixture in the backroom staff ever since, the 53-yearold saw nine further first-team bosses come and go before finally getting his chance in the hotseat, when John Barnes’ unsuccessful time at the Wirral club was brought to a close in October 2009. Parry was initially given the job of caretakermanager, but after guiding the club clear of relegation danger having at one stage been bottom of League One – he was given the job on a permanent basis.
“We’re looking for precise and determined movement of players, as this is the only way they can guarantee to be unopposed when attacking the ball.” 8 FEBRUARY 2011
forward past the near post. His first job is to create confusion, before getting into position to flick the ball across the goal. Far post movement One player on the far post moves forward to close in on the keeper. The other drops back in case a corner is struck unintentionally long, or if a flick carries it over the heads of the group of players. The player on the penalty spot The player on the penalty spot moves forward to the edge of the six-yard box, anticipating the ball landing at his feet, either directly or from a knockdown. Having run through this drill without a ball, we would then begin the supply from our designated corner kick taker. To progress to a fully competitive point, we then bring in defenders to mark each attacking player.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We’re looking for precise and determined movement of players, as this is the only way they can guarantee to be unopposed when attacking the ball. Ideally, each corner routine will end with a goal or a shot on target. We would practise this for a total of 45 minutes.
4
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
At the far post, one player moves towards the keeper while the other protects the deeper area away from the post
5
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The player on the penalty spot advances to the six-yard line
6
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The set-up is played out with the delivery of a ball and defenders in place
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
TORQUAY UNITED
Paul Buckle The passing diamond Overview: The passing diamond is a coaching move that, while simple in its set-up, is crucial for players in rehearsing passing accuracy and tempo. It is also important for general ball work and encouraging the use of both feet. Modern day football is built upon a constant passing game, so the ability to conduct simple and fast-paced passing moves has never been more important. We work on this session three times a week, varying and changing elements so as to always keep it fresh and relevant for our players.
“We encourage playerstotake ownership of the quality of their passes because if any are misplaced the whole session is delayed.” 9 FEBRUARY 2011
THE PASSING DIAMOND: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
8x8 yards up to 25x25 yards EQUIPMENT
Cones, balls NUMBER OF PLAYERS
16 players, 4 on each cone
1
What do I get the players to do? We place four players on each corner cone and begin passing using two balls, starting at the top and bottom tips of the diamond. The session is unopposed and should be up at game tempo. Passes should always be made along the floor. The ball goes clockwise from A to B, and C to D. Each player always follows his pass, joining the back of the next clockwise queue. After every couple of minutes we will change passing direction. This ensures that mentally, players remain alert at all times, while on a practical level, they are working both feet during the exercise.
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The ball is passed clockwise around the diamond
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
The player always follows the ball to join the back of the next queue
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? We encourage players to take ownership of the quality of their passes because if a pass is misplaced then one half of the entire session is delayed. We’re also looking for players to maintain concentration despite the move’s repetition. T he first touch when receiving the ball should be outside
3 SWITCH!
KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Play is reversed frequently to ensure players are alert and that passes are made with both feet www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
THE PASSING DIAMOND: PROGRESSION the bo body, and the ball should be received on shoul the back foot. theba
Paul Buckle TORQUAY UNITED Paul Buckle is the third longest-serving manager in npower League Two, having been appointed manager of Torquay United on June 2, 2007. After ending his playing days at United’s Devon rivals Exeter City in the Conference in 2007, Buckle took the decision to hang up his boots in order to fuel Torquay’s promotion ambitions from the touchline. In his first season as manager at Plainmoor, he led the Gulls to a third-placed finish in the Conference where the club would miss out in the play-offs, beaten by former club Exeter. But Buckle landed the club Wembley play-off final success the following season with a 2-0 victory over Cambridge United – a result that sealed a Football League return for Torquay. League Two status was comfortably retained last year, and this season, having been top at one stage, the club remain well placed for the play-offs. As a player, Buckle began his playing career at Brentford and would go on to represent Wycombe Wanderers, Torquay United, Exeter City, Northampton Town, and Colchester United, amongst others.
10 FEBRUARY 2011
How do I progress the session? The natural progression for the passing diamond is to get players passing across the playing area as well as around it. Here, A passes to B, who then sets it back to A, and a pass is made across the diamond to cone C. C and D perform the same move, with C passing across the diamond to the players on cone A. Because the original passing players A and C are on the move, the second player in the A and C cone queues is the man who receives the cross-diamond pass. Rotate direction after each cross-diamond pass so that players on all cones are active. We can step-up the physical requirement by asking the player who receives the ball on a cone to check, running two yards away to another marked cone before heading back to receive.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the progression, a one-two is made…
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
… before the ball is played to the opposite cone
How would you put this into a game situation? Construct a simple ‘keep ball’ exercise in a large playing area between two teams, 8v8. This will give them the opportunity to rehearse the basic yet essential elements of passing and ball control that they have learned in this practice.
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Cone players can also ‘check’ back ensuring a high intensity is maintained www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CRYSTAL PALACE
Ben Garner Defending against counterattacks Overview: Defending against the counter-attack and reacting quickly to these transitions of play is important. That’s because in the modern era, once teams win possession they are capable of breaking forward at great speed and with real quality. The ability to make the correct countering defensive decisions is a core part of being a successful defender. In every match we play we see teams attempt to counterattack, particularly when they are playing expansive, passing football, or are chasing a game. We will often flip this session on its head and change the focus so that it is intended for own our attackers when they break forward at pace.
“Players should know when to stay with movement and when to prioritise attacking the ball.” 11 FEBRUARY 2011
DEFENDING AGAINST COUNTER-ATTACKS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Half pitch plus 10-yard channel past halfway line, in which are two target boxes EQUIPMENT
Cones, balls, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS
16: Team 1: 1 keeper, 4 defenders, 1 def mid, 2 target players Team 2: 2 full backs, 2 central mids, 1 attacking mid, 2 wingers, 1 forward
What do I get the players to do? Play starts from the keeper, with the white team attempting to play forward, working the ball to either of their target players who are fixed in the target boxes past the halfway line. Whites must use their numerical advantage in midfield to play between or over the four defenders on the halfway line. The blue team uses their fixed line of defenders to remain disciplined in front of the halfway line, screening the two white target players. Their aim is to block the route through to the target players and turn over possession. If the white team can get the ball to either target man they score a goal and play restarts with the keeper. If blues gain possession of the ball though, all players are free to counterattack. The white target players are also freed and must attempt to recover quickly, but their isolated position effectively means
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Quick build-up play from the back results in a point being scored as the target player receives the ball
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In this instance, the rigid line of four defenders achieves its aim and turn over possession
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Blues launch a counterattack, though a white target player recovers quickly to hold-up play
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
DEFENDING AGAINST COUNTER-ATTACKS: PROGRESSION
Ben Garner CRYSTAL PALACE Ben Garner is Academy Coach at Crystal Palace, and for the past six years has been responsible for bringing through a new wave of talent at the Selhurst Park club. The recent development of stars such as John Bostock and Victor Moses has been a shot in the arm for supporters of the south London club, given Palace’s challenging financial situation. It is hoped the latest breed can find their feet quickly on the pitch as the npower Championship club look to avoid dropping into npower League One for next season. Garner, 30, was formerly on the books at Crystal Palace, but an ankle injury at the age of 19 ended his playing career. He has coached six different age groups at the club, from Under11s upwards.
“The ability to make the correct countering defensive decisions is a core part of being a successful defender.” 12 FEBRUARY 2011
that blues have an 8v5 counter-attacking overload. If a blue player scores in the goal, the ball goes out of play, or whites get back to regain possession, the game reverts back to its original shape and play restarts with the keeper.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically? Defenders must be asking themselves how they can affect the ball, how they drop, delay, apply pressure and recover. Prioritising the danger is also important – for instance, knowing when to force an attacking player wide and away from goal.
How would you put this into a game situation? We use a goal at each end of a 70x50 yard area, with a keeper and four defenders taking on three attackers in each half. One midfielder on each team works both halves. The keeper plays out releasing a defender into the attacking half, creating a 5v5 scenario, including the two midfielders. On transitions, there is always a 3v3 situation in the defending half plus counter-attacking players, so all the factors worked on come into play in this free-flowing game.
4 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Whites recover defensive positions and a tackle is made
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In the game situation play builds from the back, with the right full back pressing into the opposition half to create a 5v5
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
Blue makes a tackle - a ball into the opposition half now creates a 3v3 counter-attack
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Willie Donachie Positivity and awareness Overview: This session teaches players to stay positive and aware in game situations, with a focus on moving play forward at all times. It encourages players to think about what’s ahead of and around them and relies on a good first touch and the use of clever angled passes. In the Premier League, the better the players we face, the less time we have to make correct decisions, so rehearsing this session improves players’ offensive mindset, which is important not only in creating chances, but in terms of ball retention as well.
“Excellent body shape and strong decision making is essential in order to keep the ball moving forward.” 13 FEBRUARY 2011
POSITIVITY AND AWARENESS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA
Game One: 30x30 yards Game Two: The area in between penalty boxes EQUIPMENT
Cones or poles, balls, goals
1
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
18
What do I get the players to do? KEY We play each of the Ball movement Player small-sided games movement Dribble below for 20 minutes. Game One: Crosspassing goals Having placed two poles on opposite sides of the playing area 10 yards in from the corners, we stand a blue player on each. On the remaining two sides are poles with yellow players on so that, in total, four players from each team occupy fixed positions on poles. One ‘pole player’ from each team starts with a ball. In the central playing KEY Ball movement area is a two-ball 4v4 Player movement battle. Players must Dribble receive the ball from their team-mate on a pole and thread passes through to one of the two players on the opposite edge. A point is scored for each ball that makes it across. Attacking is only one part though, as players need to respect their defensive duties. They must be ready to switch direction, in doing so combining attacking build-up play with a defensive strategy that stifles the opposition. If they break KEY Ball up an opposition attack, movement Player movement they can score by feeding Dribble the ball to one of their own fixed players.
Each team starts with a ball and passes out
2
Two blues construct a quick one-two to break into space while the other two press the yellows
3
Blues score a point but a long pass has freed the yellow player who has switched from defending to attacking mode www.elitesoccercoaching.net
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
POSITIVITY AND AWARENESS: MAIN SESSION
Willie Donachie NEWCASTLE UNITED Willie Donachie is Development Manager at Barclays Premier League giants Newcastle United. As a player, Donachie represented Scotland at the 1978 World Cup finals in Argentina, and in total won over 35 caps for his country. Much of his playing career was devoted to Manchester City, for whom he appeared more than 300 times. Since moving into coaching, he has worked at Oldham Athletic, Sheffield United, Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday. Spells followed at Ipswich Town and Millwall - for whom he became first-team manager - plus he took charge of the Antigua and Barbuda national team, before joining Newcastle United’s Academy in December 2009.
“Both of these games can be progressed by limiting play to one or two touches, or by insisting that the ball remains on the ground at all times.” 14 FEBRUARY 2011
Game Two: Playing forward In this game we place goals on the 18-yard lines and play in the space between the two penalty boxes, with a 15-yard zone in front of each goal. This is again played 8v8. We play a small-sided game whereby the ball must go forward until it reaches the 15-yard zone. This is the only area in which it can be passed backwards. If it goes back anywhere else, possession is given to the other team’s keeper. Attacking players must always display positive forward movements and a willingness to break into space. Both this and the Cross-passing game can be progressed by limiting play to one or two touches, or by insisting that the ball remains on the ground.
What are the key things to look out for tactically/ technically? In game one, players need to be side-on to play. We are looking for attacking desire, with players displaying an urgency to defend and break up the play that is coming towards them at a 90 degree angle. Players must keep their body open and never end up with their backs to play. In game two, excellent body shape and strong decision making is essential in order to keep the ball moving forward.
1 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
In game two, the keeper serves the ball out to his defender who plays forward
2 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
As blues press, yellows must continue to move the ball upfield
3 KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble
All yellows are marked, so a ball into space creates the opportunity for a cross into the middle www.elitesoccercoaching.net