Tools, Tips & Techniques
26 August 2009 issue 122
Under 4s - Under 16s
Running passes take players a step ahead Passing the ball while running is often a difficult development for young players to apply because so many different elements make up a good running pass. It takes a lot of practice, says David Clarke
Development from moving to running pass One of the reasons why training sessions are so important to your players is that they enable them to advance their technique step-by-step. Developing players from static passing to passing on the run means you need to focus on control, accuracy and correct weight of the pass. Remember other players are also moving so you can add anticipation to that list and you realize it’s not as simple as it seems.
Passing on the run S
1
10 yds A
To get your players advancing from passing while standing still to passing on the move you can use this session.
C
B
5 yds
How to play it A, B & C line up with a ball each and take it in turns to run with the ball. They run for about 5 yards then pass using the inside of their foot towards server S who is ready to receive, control and return the pass into the path of A. You can then advance this so S must play it with one touch, but the importance here is the accuracy of the pass from A on the run.
2
10 x 10 yds A
B
Once A, B and C have run to the other side they turn and run the exercise the opposite way. This time they need to use their left foot so the players have to use both feet in this exercise.
S
Get players to moving and passing
C
In the second part of the exercise the players are moving around the server (S) who will return passes to them. A, B & C have a ball each, and they play the ball to S, who plays it back with one touch so they can run on to the pass. All players should jog around the square, with their ball under control and when S faces them they should they make the initial pass. S should shout out the name of the player so they know it is their turn and make a firm pass and move.
player movement run with ball
pass
“He showed good instincts in terms of his passing and finishing, demonstrating his strength and poise” Sheffield Utd manager Kevin Blackwell on the debut of £3m attacker Ched Evans
Traditional line up with players in a 2-2-2 formation
Coach development
weekly ~
Under 4s - Under 16s
Laws of of thecoaching game made easy The art children
Are coaches, players or parents at your club struggling with the laws of the game? This series will break them down into easy to digest chunks.
Law 3 - The number of players
Law 3: The number of players 11-a-side A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than seven players. Mini soccer and 7-a-side The minimum number of players to begin a match in small-sided games should be one less than the number required on the field. Non-competitive matches There should not be a minimum for U8s and below. Clubs, administrators, coaches and referees should be encouraged to allow players from the team with sufficient numbers to ‘loan’ a player or two to the team that is short players and then play.
V At 7-a-side teams consist of six outfield players and one goalkeeper, at U8 and below sides should be even.
At 11-a-side teams should consist of 10 outfield players and one goalkeeper. A match may not start if one team has less than seven players
Substitutions can take place at any stoppage in play. In most youth leagues players can come off and go back on any number of times (check local league rules). The number of substitutes is usually limited to 4 or 5 players (check local league rules).
being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee. l The substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match. l The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play.
To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be observed: l The referee must be told before any substitution is made. l The substitute only enters the field of play after the player
Any of the outfield players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that: l The referee is informed before the change is made. l The change is made during a stoppage in the match.
David Clarke’s touchline tales Troubleshooting an attack that couldn’t get past the opposition defence This was ideal for the opposition defence who could keep their shape and clear the ball easily.
I had to do a spot of troubleshooting during a match at the weekend. My team had a lot of possession but the attackers were struggling to turn it into goals. They were getting the ball but the defenders were able to easily tackle them by crowding out the route to goal.
Half time discussion
Where we were going wrong
We discussed this at half time, and how we could stretch the defenders so we were creating space at the back. We decided to pull the attackers wider and get the wingbacks and wingers to hold onto the ball longer and cross into the area from different angles.
The wingers and fullbacks were playing the ball too early into the attackers who were going straight at the defence down the middle of the pitch. We had no width and the attackers were playing tightly together in the middle trying to feed off the balls played in.
The attackers benefitted immediately getting much more space enabling them to run at the defenders creating 1v1s and space to play in. From the next 20 attacks we had 15 shots on goal - a much better return.
We had 20 attacks which resulted in only two shots at goal.
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26 August 2009
Player development
weekly
Under 4s - Under 16s
Player positions
Play like a fullback You often find coaches will put their least creative players at the back, so they have the ball in front of them and they can just kick it forward. You shouldn’t think of the fullback like this, as they are a vital part of both defending and attacking in your tactical set up, says David Clarke
Tactical role of the fullback
The fullback is a very versatile role where speed of body and speed of mind are vital.
Postion on pitch
A
At 11-a-side the fullback will protect the wings and force attackers away from goal. They will have to move into the middle and take up a central midfield position to cover space at the back. They will also overlap and become a winger to support the attack.
10yds
At 7-a-side/mini soccer the role at the back is more central and they will combine the position with a central defensive role, while still covering the wings and forcing attackers wide and away from goal. In this set up they will also support the attack in a winger role.
C
Tackle, jockey and intercept
Fullbacks need to work on the sideways stance, which can help force an attacker away from goal down a route which they may not want to go.
10yds
B
10yds
Fullbacks will face key moments in matches often involving a 1v1, or 2v1 situation. In these instances the fullback needs to hold up the attackers and move them away from goal. They should use a jockeying technique, where they keep their body between the attacker and the goal without jumping in to tackle. This slows the attack allowing fellow defenders to get into position. When you coach your players in the fullback role they should be alert, on their toes, being prepared to skip sideways or backwards, keeping the body balanced ready to tackle if the attacker shows too much of the ball.
B
D
A
Winning the ball with a tackle or interception is a vital part of the fullback’s role. The timing of the tackle is crucial any mistimed tackles will give away free-kicks or leave the fullback out of position with the attacker past them.
10yds
C
direction of run
D
pass
dribble
How to play it Using a 10 yard square, you need two players, and one ball. The defender passes to the attacker, then as soon as the attacker controls the ball the defender moves quickly to challenge the attacker who must try and dribble over line A-B. Make it harder for the defender by letting the attacker dribble over line A-C or B-D as well. There should be no tackling initially until the coach feels players can jockey successfully. 3
26 August 2009
Games workshop
weekly
Under 4s - Under 16s
Small-sided game
Two goal and end zone
KEY BALL MOVEMENT
SHOT ON GOAL
PLAYER MOVEMENT
This game combines two small-sided games so your players are constantly changing the way they play. It gets them thinking then using different skills for each game
Set up l Pitch size: 30 x 20 yards (minimum) up to 40 x 25 yards (maximum). l Two goals, one on each of the shorter sides. l Two end zones, 5 yards deep, on each of the longer sides. l Two teams of four players.
1. The teams start 4v4 attacking the normal goals.
Rules l Each team attacks one goal and one end zone. l The aim of this game is to score a goal in the goal when playing the two goal game or by stopping the ball in the end zone when playing the end game. l You call out the name of the game to be played. l The players must react to your call in order to change games quickly and take up any advantages. l Make it clear to the players which way they are attacking in both games, but tell them only once, they must work it out quickly during the exercise.
THE MATCH DAY PLANNER IS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AT: www.bettersoccercoaching.com/MDP.pdf
2. When you call for the end zone game, the attack changes.
3. The white player must stop the ball in the end zone to score.
Soccer Coach Weekly is published by Green Star Media Ltd, Meadow View, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0AB, UK. Email: info@coach-soccer.com Tel: +44 (0)1483 892894 Fax: +44 (0)1483 894148 Editor David Clarke Publisher Kevin Barrow Managing Director Andrew Griffiths Customer Service Representative Duncan Heard Š Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
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26 August 2009