WELCOME…
January 19 2011 Issue 195 Under 4s - Under 16s
W E E K LY
...to Soccer Coach Weekly. Our main session this week features two of the most talked about full backs in the world who have proved that attack really is the best form of defence in recent seasons. Plus we’ve got all the usual mix of top training tools, tips and techniques, plus week two of the Formation Knockout Cup. So enjoy the issue and we’ll see you next week...
FIRING FULL BACKS
LEFT FOR DEAD
LEFT FOR DEAD
Gareth Bale and Ashley Cole are two of the best attacking full backs in the world on current form, though both go about their work in very different ways. Typically, Chelsea star Ashley Cole will beat players then cut inside and pass the ball, and much of his play involves short onetwos around defenders.
1
The full back uses his pace to evade the defender and fire across goal
2
Here, the full back plays a one-two before advancing
In contrast, highly-rated Spurs man Bale will use his pace and incredible stamina to beat players, staying wide on the flank and shooting or passing across the goalkeeper towards the far post. While Cole’s passing interchange and tireless running is a great example for young players, Bale’s angled shooting is great for causing confusion in defences. In youth matches, these approach plays can be very successful if the rest of the team is alert and prepared to gamble by running into space. To practise these approaches, you need to set up a situation where the full back has the ball and can run down the wing. If you use defenders don’t let them tackle until the full back has done three or four attacks and knows what to do.
How to set it up: • •
Use half a pitch. 2 yds
The session is designed to be played out with a 4v2 set-up offering an overload of attackers, but can be adapted for different numbers of players. Reduce numbers by removing attacking players in the box, or add more to the move by creating a queue of wing backs ready to attack down the flank, one at a time.
2 yds
direction of run run with the ball
Getting started:
pass shoot
•
In the Bale-style move, the ball starts with the full back who must run to the corner of the 18-yard box before either firing a shot at goal or sending a pass towards inrushing forwards at the far post.
Y THIS! R T W O N
•
Once the move has finished, restart with the full back near the halfway line.
• •
Rotate players so they all get a turn at full back.
In the Cole-style move, add a supporting attacking player and instruct a one-two before advancing to the box, finishing with a cross or shot.
Why this works: This move rehearses players in the benefits of wing play, and while the build-up may vary in terms of a direct run or a onetwo, there are always definite points that will build familiarity and competence – namely the position from where the ball is played across and the decision of whether to shoot or to lay the ball across goal. Practice makes perfect, and your team can develop some brilliant wing weaponry if given the time to get to grips with this move.
2 yds2 yds
2 yds2 yds
•
Set up a 4v4 game in an area 50x40 yards. One team attacks a normal sizeddirection goal andofarun goalkeeperpass - the other team attacks two direction of across. run pass 22yds 2 yds small goals yards run with the ball shoot run with the ball shoot
•
Play normal rules, but with an added incentive for full backs, namely that any goals resulting from a burst down the wing count double. Switch ends at half-time. direction of run pass
run with the ball
shoot
Soccer Coach Weekly 1
COACHING COLLECTION
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SAID WARM-UP LIKE A PRO How to set it up: • •
PRESSURE AND DEFEND
Set up an arched playing area measuring approximately 15x10 yards.
Around the top edge set up four mannequins or cones and give each of these a number.
•
Line up one set of players (the attackers) who approach from the middle of the top edge, and another line (the defenders) who will start from a cone marked in the middle of the bottom baseline.
PRESSURE WARMAND UP: DEFEND 17 WARM UP: 17
The defender presses a stationary object before chasing down the attacker 2
Getting started: • • • •
Tell the first defender to react to the number you call.
1
33
2
1
44
He must then sprint forward to pressure the mannequin or cone. On your call of “go” the attacker dribbles into the area. The defender must now react and stop the attacker getting past the baseline.
Why this works:
KEY ELEMENTS
Defenders are active and alert having run to a designated colour, and should be ready to switch from marking a static object to tracking a moving target. Attackers, meanwhile, know they will be closed down as soon as they are in the playing area, and must negotiate a quick route to the baseline, which may often not be in a straight line.
3
3
• Defending • Attacking movement without ball
• Passing • Movement
movement without ball
run with ball
run with ball
THE ART OF COACHING CHILDREN
BIG MAC FEEDBACK ‘Big Mac feedback’ is a method of giving negative feedback to a player in a positive way, to which they will be more receptive. It is based on ‘sandwiching’ the negative comments between two positive comments - for instance, on areas that the player is strong or improving in. Ideally, when negative comments are given, they should be accompanied by recommendations of how the player can improve.
1. BREAD: Give the player a positive comment first. Focus on one of their strengths and point out the things they do well.
2. MEAT: This is where you discuss the area where the player needs to focus on improving. Before he can start progressing, he needs
to be able to accept that there is room for improvement. Make sure you have examples to give him of where he didn’t perform well, to help him understand the need to keep learning. Never finish without suggesting a way forward for the player, either something they can improve on their own or something you can help them with.
“When negative comments are given, they should be accompanied by recommendations of how the player can improve.”
3. BREAD: Finish with another positive. This time focus on an area the player has been working on to improve. Make sure they can see the link between the hard work they’ve put in and the improvement in their technique. Try this out and see how your players respond to a constructive way of reflecting both the positive and negative aspects of their game.
Soccer Coach Weekly 2
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.
GETTING IN THE ZONE
The new year kicked off for us with a match against very strong local opponents. We had been training indoors due to the state of the training pitch for a few weeks, so I wondered how my players would cope with being back on the slower grass pitches.
So we lost two goals, but gained an idea for something that could be worked on in training. I don’t split my training pitch into zones very often but it is a very useful tool to coach player positions and to show them the areas of the pitch they are covering.
I’m glad to say we played really well. I lost count of the number of passes during the game and was pleased that the indoor training had paid off with this excellent display of teamwork. However, what disappointed me was the fact that we gave away two late goals, both coming as a result of defenders losing their men in the box.
“So we lost two goals, but gained an idea for something that could be worked on in training.”
On each occasion, opposition forwards managed to break into a couple of yards of space before running on to a ball into the penalty area. Simple passes from the midfield left 1v1s with my goalkeeper which, in fairness, he stood little chance of keeping out.
With my defenders, I split the penalty area into four zones and played games where the attackers had to try to score against the defenders. With the boundaries of the zones keeping the defenders in position they could see how the set-up was much more organised for covering and clearing play. And they could also appreciate how much easier it was for the goalkeeper to come and claim
the ball when he was not being crowded out by his own defenders. This technique shows your players how to hold position and mark players, however in the pressure situations of matches don’t expect it to be foolproof all of the time. Defenders take time to adapt to new ideas, but I’m confident that bringing in this new approach and mindset will make a difference and help prevent the backline being caught out in the way they were the other week. I’ll keep you updated with how they do.
SCW SURGERY THIS WEEK’S COACH: MATTHIAS ONGERGRAN GROUP: 8 TO 11-YEAR-OLDS Mathias is an FA-affiliated youth-team coach from Stockholm, Sweden...
Q
Two players in my Under-9s side are under age. One of the lads’ dads wants him to drop down to his actual age level. Is it really of any real benefit to keep him at this level? Don Charlton, Kent.
A
It can do a player some good to keep him playing at a higher level, providing they are enjoying the experience, aren’t out of their depth and don’t feel intimidated by the older players. But most of all, are they learning from those around them? You should be aware that even a gap of a year can be large in terms of both skill and understanding of the game. And with players developing at different speeds there is always going to be the size difference between age groups. But I have worked with a number of kids who needed to be pushed and have benefitted from moving up a grade. I’d monitor the idea through the summer with friendlies and judge for yourself if they will benefit. The main thing is always enjoyment though, so if you are taking them away from their mates, you need to think very seriously about whether it’s the right thing to do.
Q
Q
A
A
What is the proper technique to teach players how to intercept? My Under-8 players are aggressive on defence but are missing the key moment to get their foot in. What do you suggest? John Reinheimer, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Jockeying the attacking player is the only way to ensure your man stays close and in the best possible position to attempt an interception. Jockeying is a semicrouched ultra-alert stance that is as much about pressing and slowing down an attack as it is producing an interception and the defender should stay on his feet at all times. Recommend your defenders jockey in two different ways in order to unsettle their opponent – namely by hovering close to them but blocking the route to goal, or by keeping very tight on their man so as to apply physical pressure on him. Choosing the right moment to tackle can only be learnt over time, but by varying the way they confront their opponents they can at least judge the right approach to use on the right player.
Although some of my players are very good in training, they are nervous in the lead-up and during games. How can I help them keep the nerves at bay? Tim Burbridge, Leicester. As frustrating as it may be, nerves are a part of any sportsman’s game. Some say that a failure to get nervous about a game is a sign of not caring or being complacent, and channelling that nervousness, anxiety and adrenalin is actually really useful in producing results for your team. As a coach, you need to be understanding to this fear factor, so give your players time to ease into a game, and never shout at or discourage them. The fact that your side are okay in training means that they have faith in their own ability – because a lack of confidence is a different thing altogether – so with some encouragement, and over time, you should find that they will flourish and even relish the pressure.
Got a question for SCW Surgery? Email it in to us at james.evans@coach-soccer.com
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.
Soccer Coach Weekly 3
COACHING COLLECTION
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WEE
FOOTY FORMATION KNOCKOUT CUP
K LY
• QUARTER-FINAL • 4-4-2 DIAMOND vs 4-3-1-2 •
4-4-2 DIAMOND
4-3-1-2
ATTACKING STRE NG DEFENDING STRE TH ................................... 6 NGTH ............... MIDFIELD STRE NGTH ............... ................... 9 ..................... VERSATILITY/FL 7 EX STAMINA REQU IBILITY .............................. 7 IREMENT ......... ... TECHNICAL REQU ......... ... ....... 6 IR MENTAL REQUIR EMENT ............................ 7 EMENT ............ ... ... ... ........... 7 RECOGNISED SU CC POPULARITY ... ESS ................................. 6 ........................ ..................... 7 This set-up of fe
8 .................... NGTH ............... 8 ATTACKING STRE TH .................................. NG 6 RE ST ... G ... IN ... ND ... DEFE ......... 7 NGTH ............... MIDFIELD STRE IBILITY .............................. 7 EX FL . Y/ ... IT ... IL ... AT ... RS ... VE T ............... EN EM 8 IR . QU ... RE ... A ... ......... STAMIN IREMENT ......... 9 TECHNICAL REQU ENT ............ ... ... ... ........... EM 7 IR ... QU ... RE ... L ... TA MEN ......... 7 CCESS ............ RECOGNISED SU ....................................... ...... ... TY RI LA PU ina PO m nt AC Milan’s do
g of choice durin rlo Ancelotti. The formation days under Ca ue ag Le s on llow Italian Serie fe Champi ing at in 2003, be Trafford, and d They triumphed Ol on penalties at s us nt ve Ju e po sid er ol two year A lead against Liv 0 ep 3de a a ay of e aw threw e. The us inating the gam . nt ne later after dom po m is the key co lying playmaker
67
TOTAL
WELCOM E...
...to the se in Socc cond quarterrather u er Coach We final e n game’s scientific take kly’s finest fo o oty form n the This we a e tions. k o ur T esque in terpreta op Trumpsti o n of pla system s yin Diamon pairs up 4-4-2 g d w ith 4-3Here’s 1-2. how th ey got on...
VS
rs similar quali ties to the 4-4diamond and 2 was used by th e ‘wingless wo of England du nders’ ring the 1966 World Cup trium The utilising of ph. a man in behin d the two strik usually the ke ers is y to its succes s, something Ar used to great ge effect to incor porate the talen ntina Juan Roman Ri t of quelme.
TOTAL
62
FOOTY FORMATION KNOCKOUT CUP BATTLE NARRATIVE
4-3-1-2’S ATTACKING INTENT
4-4-2 diamond versus 4-3-1-2 puts into direct combat two of the game’s more expansive football formations. The latter, if expressed well, can be notoriously difficult to contain, with three players creating solidity in midfield and another pulling the strings in the hole behind the forwards, quick to create 2v1 overloads and ready to break into the box. Players should possess good pace and vision – give them an inch and they can threaten even the rigid four-man backline of their opponents. But the diamond has the ability to counter that threat, utilising the holding man to stifle the opponents’ creative link between midfield and attack, and from there taking advantage of space options in midfield to break forward. And the fluid movement of the midfield link player and strikers in the 4-3-1-2 will mean that, in stamina terms, it is an energy-sapping set-up. Scoring first playing 4-3-1-2 may prompt the side operating
WINNER:
4-4-2 DIAMOND
the 4-4-2 diamond to progress forward in search of a goal. But if it is the team playing the diamond who net the opener, it would be a simpler task to utilise the formation’s defensive qualities, relinquishing territory but constructing a formidable backline of four defenders plus the deep-lying midfielder. And therein lays the key to this battle. Strong defensively, the four ‘diamond’ players take care of a large area in the centre of the park. And the key defensive player in that diamond has the opportunity to cut off the main supply line to the opponents’ front two. Sure, 4-3-1-2 can push forward looking to bypass the defensive midfielder, but only at the price of leaving its own midfield exposed. The diamond can also start play from deep, passing through the sparse central areas and exploiting gaps, so better defensive protection and greater midfield coverage should swing this clash the way of the 4-4-2 diamond.
AGREE/DISAGREE? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this gripping quarter-final that has seen the 4-4-2 diamond formation progress. Drop me a line at
james.evans@coach-soccer.com.
BREAKING OUT USING THE DIAMOND
NEXT WEEK:
3-5-2 vs 4-3-3 Soccer Coach Weekly 4
GAME ON
W E E K LY
movement SMALL-SIDEDplayer GAME shot
pass
TWO GOAL AND END ZONE GAME •
Create a playing area that is 30x20 yards (min) up to 40x25 yards (max).
•
The game is played between two teams of four players.
•
You’ll need two goals, one at either end of the pitch.
•
SKILLS
How to set it up:
• • • •
Awareness Passing Shooting
player movement shot
pass
player movement shot
pass
TWO GOAL AND END ZONE GAME
1
The teams start 4v4 attacking the normal goals
2
Switching to the end zone game, the attack shifts and the white team look to feed their player in space
3
The white player must stop the ball in the end zone to score a ‘goal’
Reactions
On the long sides, create two end zones. These are five yards deep.
The rules: •
The match begins with one team in possession. They score by firing the ball into an allocated goal.
•
On the coach’s call, the scoring option now changes to one of the end zones. Players must dribble the ball or be on the end of a pass into the end zone positioned to the right of the goal they are attacking.
•
The choice of where to score is dictated by the coach at all times, who shouts “goal” or “end zone”, and will alternate these scoring areas as the game progresses.
•
Players can use any recognised method of scoring in the goals. But for a point to be scored in the end zones, the ball needs to be dribbled or passed into the area, and must be stopped in the zone by a player for a point to be awarded.
Why this game works: This is a simple 4v4 game that keeps players switched on to varying scoring opportunities. When shooting at the goal their mindset is about close control and tight, organised play. Yet when the end zones become available, the direction of play has changed. Play becomes expansive and more ambitious, and you should see your players adapting to the different conditions by varying their passing, running and positional play. The tempo must remain high at all times.
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
player movement shot
pass
Soccer Coach Weekly 5