WELCOME…
November 10 2010 Issue 185 Under 4s - Under 16s
W E E K LY
... to Soccer Coach Weekly. As usual, we’ve crammed as many tools, tips and techniques as we can into the new issue, looking at brilliant wing play, an energetic warm-up, and a classic all-action small-sided game. We’ve also got some brilliant new features in the offing – more on those next week. In the meantime, enjoy your football!
FOOTBALL FIREWORKS 5yds
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Translating the highlights of a sparkling few nights to your players, with a brilliant 1v1 move...
THE BALE V MAICON CHALLENGE
THE BALE V MAICON CHALLENGE
Even a few nights before the deafening sound of firecrackers, Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale was lighting up the night sky (in north London at least), with a sensational showing of wing wizardry against Inter Milan, just as he had done two weeks previously in the San Siro.
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The stand-out head-to-head battles between the Welshman and Brazilian Maicon - arguably the best right-back in the world – saw the Spurs youngster terrorise his opponent time and time again, by knocking the ball past the experienced defender, sprinting around him, and finishing with the perfect shot or accomplished cross.
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The attacker must negotiate a route past the5yds defender and score in the goal
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In attack, a burst of speed to take a player past an opponent and into the penalty area will often result in a shot at goal or a pass that sets up a team-mate, so here’s a move that can finetune that skill.
After the first 1v1 battle, the race is on to get to the second ball
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How to set it up: •
Set up a two-goal challenge using back-to-back goals. Alternatively, use a single goal with no net and play into both sides.
• •
The ball is held in front on run-up, and the momentum comes from swinging off the planted leg
In front of each goal a ball is placed five yards from the line.
Starting with the left-hand goal, a defender stands 10 yards from the line with his back to goal. The attacker is positioned in front of him.
Getting started: •
The attacker (taking the role of Gareth Bale) must attempt to sprint past the defender and shoot into the goal.
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He will then sprint around to the second goal and attempt to score with the second ball.
run
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The defender (taking the role of Maicon) must try to stay with his opponent, preventing him from scoring.
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Even if the defender is successful in blocking the first shot, he must still be alert to the danger of conceding in the other goal.
Why this works: Young players can fear 1v1 battles, particularly when taking an opponent on in a situation that dictates quick running and good ball skills at the end of it. But repeating this move will instil confidence and reduce the chances of the ‘get out clause’ – the pass to a team-mate. Ideally, you should always look for a winger’s run to end with a shot at goal. When travelling at pace, it is easier for a player to channel that energy and motion into a thunderous shot than it is to make a controlled pass across the box to an attacker.
shot
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Set up a large area of 50x40 yards, with two goals at both ends and no run shot goalkeepers.
Y THIS! NOW TR
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Play 4v4, instructing wing-backs torun attack goals shot from the flanks.
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The large pitch offers plenty of space for players to push the ball past their opponents, yet the large area will mean players tire quickly. That means this progression is great for stamina and fitness.
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COACHING COLLECTION
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WARM-UP
FRONT AND SIDE STEPS
How to set it up: • •
Arrange your players into two groups.
Each group faces two sets of ladders constructed in an L-shape (use cones if you don’t have ladders).
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KEY ELEMENTS
A simple warm-up that uses energy and utilises agility... • Speed • Adjustment
FRONT AND SIDE STEPS
• Agility
Players run through the ladders and sprint for the gates
• Teamwork
Create two gates to the right of the set-up area.
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Both groups work at the same time.
Getting started: •
The first player in both lines must go forward through the first ladder and sidestep through the second ladder.
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They must then sprint through the gates and join the back of the opposite line, ready to go again.
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Ensure that players use their arms to balance themselves well through the ladders, and insist on a sprint finish!
Why this works: Warming up without the use of a ball can actually focus players’ minds more clearly. There are no distractions in terms of technical skills, so it is purely a case of getting themselves into the right physical and mental state. This warm-up requires quick feet and the ability to adjust speed and direction.
player movement player movement
SAID LIKE A PRO This week we talk to Shrewsbury Town winger Mark Wright about his training ground habits... “I’m a big fan of the short and sharp methods when it comes to training. Being a fast winger means always being on the move between attack and defence, so staying supple and mobile is a big thing for me.
“I think wingers are pretty unique in what they provide – the supply line from defence to attack, mucking in when matters dictate in the centre of the park, yet always having the limitation of the touchline in terms of how much time and space they can express themselves in. “It’s a position it has taken me many years to perfect, but hard work on the training ground has always been at the centre of it, just as it should be for any player hoping to do well.
“The traditional out-and-out winger’s role has changed...” “Speed drills have been a crucial part my training, as well as quick movement of the feet. And because of what I mentioned about playing a tight game, any technical session that requires good close control is always of benefit. “I think wingers have a place in the game now that hasn’t been there in the past. The traditional out-and-out winger’s role has changed, to be replaced by either a speedy attack-minded player or a rampaging fullback who will play up and down the line throughout the game. I think it’s a reflection of the speed of football today, and the signs indicate that the sport is only going to carry on getting faster.”
FOOTBALL PHILOSOPHIES... SAY WHAT? Majestically mad football quotes from the game’s biggest names... “Radio football is football reduced to its lowest common denominator.” Nick Hornby, English author “Women will not talk about football unless one of them is in love with a football player, and then suddenly you discover that they know everything that is to be known about it.” Jeanne Moreau, French actress and director. “I don’t know much about football. I know what a goal is, which is surely the main thing in the game.” Spice Girl Victoria Beckham “Almost! But in football, almost is almost!” Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho “There are no bungs in football, only presents.” Former football agent Eric Hall “Football is like making love, you should not do it every night.” Football coach Gianluca Vialli
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COACHING COLLECTION
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DAVID CLARKE’S TOUCHLINE TALES This is a great game for angles of defence and changing roles in attack.
KEEPING CONTROL OF PARENTS We’ve been trying a new kick-off with the Under-10s this past month, with mixed success. I get my teams to kick high balls towards the opposition corner flag and follow in with two fast players. It’s a tactic used by some of the best youth teams in Europe. If the ball goes out near the corner flag the opposition have to take a throw-in from a very defensive position, which immediately tests them because they are on the back foot. If my attackers get to the ball before it goes into touch they are in a good position to create something. If the defenders get there first they’ll need to link-up well to get the ball up the pitch, so there are positives all round. In a recent match, the ball went straight to the opposition goalkeeper who fumbled and we scored. My team was delighted and began kicking straight at the keeper after that, as you would expect. But we were then drawn in the cup against a very strong team from a higher division, and found ourselves 3-0 down at half-time.
When we kicked off for the second-half my players’ parents began complaining about the tactic. This was not what I wanted. If something is not working we take it back to our training sessions and address it there. The commotion and mixed messages meant my players became confused and lost the ball. I was not happy with the parents’ reaction so I sent out this letter: ......................................................... Dear all, Please can I remind you that the boys spend a lot of time preparing for situations in matches. Sometimes tactics don’t work on the day. This is not an open invitation for parents to shout at players. They are Under10s and are learning with every step they take.
That it wasn’t working on the day did not in any way have a detrimental effect on the team, but shouting at and confusing the players did. Please come to see me if you have any problems with the way the team are playing. Thank you however for your support, Dave ...........................
It achieved what I wanted and I received a strong and positive response from the parents.
In our last match there was an unpleasant chorus of disapproval at the rugby style kickoff we used on the day. This is just one of a number of things we are experimenting with and, whilst not a typically English style of kickoff, it has been proven to be very effective by youth teams in France and Spain.
SCW SURGERY THIS WEEK’S COACH: DAN DARGAN GROUP: 9-12 YEAR-OLDS Dan is a youth coach in Liverpool with over 20 years’ experience in the game
Q
How do I teach my players to be better dribblers? Stan Wright, Dartmouth.
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Well, first of all, the player receiving the ball has to be prepared to accept possession. He needs to be on his toes when the pass reaches him, and a good first touch is vital. He should attack a pass out in front to prevent the ball from getting stuck under his feet. As he moves forward, his head needs to be up, ready to see what is in front of him. When advancing, instruct the player to use his laces to aid control, with the ball moving no more than 5-8 yards in front of him at any time. Practise really does make perfect when it comes to dribbling!
Got a question for SCW Surgery? Email it in to us at james.evans@coach-soccer.com
Q
I don’t feel our son’s football coach is doing enough for the team. He frequently has a go at children and finds scapegoats for bad performances. What should I do? Ben Paternoster, Hull
A
Basically, the singling out of players for mistakes or bad performances in a 9-12 age group is unacceptable. Young players taking part in competitive football are still learning and everything about the game should always be a positive experience. The results, to a large extent, are secondary. I think you need to gather opinion from other parents and coaches and confront your son’s coach, asking if he can develop his style, with your help, to make the experience more positive. It is important to hear both sides of the story because the coach may not realise how harsh he is being. Likewise, you may not be party to a lot of positive encouragement that he offers - for instance, during training sessions.
Q
How can I encourage my players to be more assertive and aggressive? Simon Taylor, Bermondsey
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Being assertive is one thing, but playing the game in the spirit it is intended is the most important aspect. As long as your players are tackling fairly and using their strength in the correct manner, being physical is a good thing, but using the word ‘aggressive’ is probably a step too far. So whilst always staying aware that your players aren’t crossing the line in that respect, try a 1v1 exercise in training, so that they have to rely on themselves (and no-one else) to win the ball. At any age some players will hide behind the abilities of their team-mates, but if you do this regularly enough and keep a record of how everyone performs, you’ll see quickly where your weak links are. You’ll also help to dismiss players’ fears that being assertive equals potentially being hurt in the tackle.
Soccer Coach Weekly is published by Green Star Media Ltd, Meadow View, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0AB, UK. Email: james.evans@coach-soccer.com Tel: +44 (0)1483 892894 Fax: +44 (0)1483 894148 Editor: James Evans Publisher: Kevin Barrow Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths Customer Service: Duncan Heard Contributors: David Clarke, Paul Dargan, Chris Galea, Steve Southern © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
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COACHING COLLECTION
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THE ART OF COACHING CHILDREN
GETTING ATTENTION Getting the attention of youngsters can be difficult at the best of times, so here are our top three tips where your football team is concerned...
MOVE YOU, MOVE THEM Get the players to move towards you before starting to talk. It need only be a few metres, but it has the effect of exerting some control. As they move, organise them so they are all in front of you. You can manipulate the group as well, with the likely disruptive elements shifted to the front. You are dealing with a potential distraction in a non-threatening way before they have a chance to chatter. Vary this as well though by moving towards the players – it makes them feel they are important too.
THE HAND
SILENCE
Body language conveys its own message. A strong but non-aggressive stance, facing the players, shows them who the boss is. Some coaches find that putting a hand out in front of them, at about shoulder height, draws the players’ attention well. It is like the coach is asking their permission to speak, the same as they would put their hands up in class. The hand acts a halt signal for chatter.
Wait for silence and expect silence. Use silence sometimes as a weapon. You have called the players in towards you, you have put up your hand briefly to indicate you are ready to speak and you then wait. And wait until you have silence. Look around the group to make eye contact briefly, perhaps focusing on those who are yet to quieten down. And only speak when there is complete silence. And say to the players that you are not going to have people talking while you are talking.
“You are dealing with a potential distraction in a nonthreatening way before they have a chance to chatter.”
That said, don’t overuse silences as a tool. They can break up the flow and players can become distracted in other ways.
FORMATION FORUM THIS WEEK: IS 4-2-3-1 THE NEW 4-4-2?
We delve once more under the surface of the tactical formations that famously make teams tick...
Historical success of 4-4-2:
4-2-3-1 strengths over 4-4-2:
4-4-2 has been the formation of choice for clubs and national teams around the world since the mid 1960s. It gained particular popularity in England with Liverpool’s great teams of the 1970s and 1980s playing the system, along with Manchester United’s treble winners of 1999 and, of course, England’s ‘wingless wonders’, who won the 1966 World Cup. The formation’s origin can be traced as far back as the 1940s, when alternative formations to the classic 2-3-5 ‘pyramid’ system were sought.
The freedom enjoyed by the front three midfielders in the 4-2-3-1 system causes marking problems to the two flat banks of four employed in a 4-4-2 formation.
Recent times: The last 10 years have seen a marked decline in the use of 4-4-2, with 4-2-3-1 now the system of choice in Spain and France in particular. In 2010, none of the winners of the English, Italian or Spanish leagues used 4-4-2, nor did Spain’s World Cup winners.
Rise of 4-2-3-1: The rise in the 4-2-3-1 system has presented problems to sides operating 4-4-2. A notable example was England’s heavy defeat to Germany at the 2010 World Cup. Fabio Capello’s insistence in playing a rigid four across the midfield allowed the German trio of Khedira, Schweinsteiger and Ozil to find space between England’s back and midfield lines, creating confusion in terms of who should be picking up the runners.
The two deep-lying midfielders in 4-2-3-1 also make it difficult for 4-4-2 teams to attack down the middle of the park, leaving forwards increasingly isolated and forced to come deep to gain possession. The rise of 4-2-3-1 is prominent across Europe and considered a tactical revolution, with other teams following suit in order to play ‘like-for-like’ tactics. Fewer than half of teams in the Premier League still play 4-4-2 regularly.
4-4-2 strengths over 4-2-3-1: While 4-2-3-1 seems destined to reign supreme as the formation of choice for top club and international teams over the next decade, 4-4-2 remains the universal system for lower league sides.
PREMIER LEAGUE FORMATIONS 2010/11 4-4-2
Birmingham, Bolton, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Ham
4-3-2-1 or 4-2-3-1
Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Stoke, Wolves
4-5-1
Aston Villa, Everton
4-3-3
Blackpool
4-1-4-1
Blackburn, West Brom
4-4-1-1
Wigan Athletic
The reason for this is because the 4-2-3-1 set-up is reliant on a side possessing three technically gifted, attacking midfielders to succeed. 4-4-2 is also easier to teach, offering total pitch width, where 4-2-3-1 is focused on attacking through the centre.
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GAME ON
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SMALL-SIDED GAME
FOUR GOAL AND TWO GOAL •
Pitch size: 30x20 yards (min), up to 40x25 yards (max). • Set up two normal goals (centred) and four mini goals (towards the corners). • There are two goalkeepers and two teams of four outfield players.
SKILLS
How to set it up:
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Shooting
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FOUR GOAL AND TWO GOAL
Passing Reactions
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The game starts out as a normal 4v4
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Tell your players to play the four-goal game. Can they score quickly?
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Then call a two-goal game and see if they can adjust
Awareness
The rules: •
This is really two games played at once, namely a standard two-goal game and a larger four-goal game. • The coach sets the duration, but play for a minimum of 10 minutes. • The coach starts proceedings by playing the two-goal game with each side attacking one standard goal. • At any given point, call out to instruct that play is switching to the four-goal game. Players can now score in either of the opposition’s goals, both of which need to be protected by the keeper. • The players must quickly react to your call in order to change games and make the most of advantages created by opposition defenders being pulled out of position. • Continue to switch between both games to keep players on their toes at all times.
Why this game works: First and foremost this is a competitive 4v4 encounter, but switching the goalscoring targets means giving players a lot to think about in terms of positional play, covering runs and defensive organisation. Similarly, attacking options either become centralised or well spread, and you’ll learn a lot about your team in terms of whether they are better suited to keeping things tight at the back or making the most of a changing attacking landscape.
Let us know how you get on. Soccer Coach Weekly is always keen to hear your feedback, so email in to us at
james.evans@coach-soccer.com
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