find out how pressing works – page 3
WEEKLY
SOCCER COACH
May 20 2015 Issue 421 $6.99/£4.99
Learn • Train • Develop • Enjoy
PRESSING WHERE AND WHEN STRIKERS PRESS DEFENDERS UNDERSTANDING PRESSING
principles of pressing >THE KEY ELEMENTS >APPLY THE TECHNIQUE
TOUCHLINE TALES SPARE A THOUGHT FOR REFS
5
WAYS TO WIN A TOURNAMENT > SMART INTERPLAY > SHOOT-OUTS
< James Rodriguez AND Patrice Evra
THE BEST SOCCER PRACTICE PLANS EVERY WEEK
Contents
Are You Blind, Ref! fINd OuT HOW PRESSINg WORKS – PAgE 3
WEEKLY
SOCCER COACH
May 20 2015 Issue 421 $6.99/£4.99
Learn • Train • Develop • Enjoy
pressing WHERE AND WHEN STRIKERS PRESS DEFENDERS UNDERSTANDING PRESSING
principles of pressing >THE KEY ELEMENTS >APPLY THE TECHNIQUE
ToUcHline TAles SPARE A THOUGHT FOR REFS
5
WAYs To Win A ToUrnAMenT > SMART INTERPLAY > SHOOT-OUTS
< James RodRiguez aNd PatRice evRa
THE BEST SOCCER PRACTICE PLANS EVERY WEEK
Soccer Coach Weekly Issue 421
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Refereeing is always in the spotlight as officials make huge decisions on incidents that have a big effect on whether teams win or lose – we all see the professionals ranting and raving so what should a grassroots coach do when a decision goes against them? Reacting to the decisions of officials is a very challenging aspect of being a coach, and a tricky thing in terms of making sure your players develop their game in the way that they should.
“Always retain hope that the referee will begin to see a pattern emerging in the game and will get smart to the barrage of appeals” We came up against a team earlier on in the season who claimed for everything, even throw-ins that were obviously not theirs! But coupled with the pressure applied by a band of vocal parents as well, this had an effect on the referee who, in reacting to the side constantly appealing for decisions, gave the team the benefit of the doubt in almost every 50/50 situation. That’s not something that you want – nor expect to see – at this level, but it was evidence enough that it happens. Certainly, I would never recommend
Juventus players ‘react’ to the referee my players to constantly appeal for decisions – it’s not the brand of football I want them to learn. After half-time though, I did recommend they were more vocal when they were sure that possession was theirs, be that from a ball going out of play or an obvious free-kick situation. Otherwise, by accepting that the other team was ‘better’ than we were at claiming a corner, for example, we were giving up a good deal of possession. When you play teams like this where the opposition players and parents put pressure on the referee, it can be very daunting for your team. You will probably find that your own players’ parents begin shouting opinions from the touchline, and the match can descend into something of a farce. The best solution is to talk to the
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It’s good to have somebody to ask for advice when you encounter a problem with your team – and whatever your coaching problem, I’m sure I can help. I’m delighted to offer you a personal service exclusive to SCW subscribers. Just email me your query on any soccer coaching matter and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I’ll give you the advice you need to solve your particular problem‚ and I’ll even send you the resources you need from our archive of coaching sessions. Just email me today: askdave@soccercoachweekly.net
parents of your players and explain that, as a team, we have to get used to coming up against opponents who try to bend the rules. Point out that we want the lads to learn the game in a respectful way, and always retain hope that the referee will begin to see a pattern emerging in the game and will get smart to the barrage of appeals. If he sees the opposition calling for everything but then realises your players are only reacting when they know it is their ball, he will respond accordingly, and your players will get their fair share of the ball having gone about it the right way.
David Clarke
In this issue... 3 how pressing works
Player positions and movement
4 where and when
A game that helps you coach where to press and when to press
5 strikers press defenders Get your lone strikers pressing from the front
6 five ways to win a tournament
Check out my tips and advice
7 smart interplay
Good combination play for tournaments
8 score in shoot-outs
Win tournament penalty shoot-outs
Issue 421
SOCCER COACH WEEKLY
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PRINCIPLES OF PRESSING
Reds playing out from the back. Blues press early to stop them and cover all areas to win the ball The keeper releases the ball
The closest attacker presses his man and closes down space...
...his fellow attacker must stay aware of a potential pass infield across the back four. He must be ready to press
The role of the central midfielder is essential – as he recovers he must stay aware of changing game elements around him, being ready to cover a pass infield or a switch
The attacking winger moves into a wider position to cover any run in that area by the right full-back
The Blue full-back recovers to press the wide man to block any passes out of defence
This defender must be aware of potential attacking runs if a long ball is sent over quickly
The midfielder recovers to a central area in order to cover any switched ball, as well as to aid his team defensively
How Pressing Works Pressing is an important part of the modern game with teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich pressing quickly when they lose the ball before the opposition can create with it
I
t is important that coaches and players understand defensive pressing. It’s necessary to practise the key elements to identify how, when and where players can apply pressing technique, and that includes adopting the right shape tactically and togetherness of the group, as well as being able to identify the right moment to close down. This diagram should help coaches to understand how pressing works – good pressing technique is central to the intense brand of football my teams play. The diagram represents a team playing out from the back and highlights the roles of players without the ball and the areas they should cover.
SoccerCoachWeekly.net
THE PRINCIPLES OF PRESSING > Pressing may be done by the individual, but it requires player unity and a shared understanding. > There are three generally accepted types of positional pressing: ultra-offensive (in the opponents’ defensive third), offensive (in the opponents’ half or around halfway) and defensive (in your own half). > Invited pressing is a technique linked to stand-by pressing, which forces an opponent to play the ball in a certain direction so that an aggressive phase of pressing can then be undertaken. > Stand-by pressing is pressing carried out by one player, while team mates stay ‘short’ and concentrate on covering the spaces. Aggressive pressing is typically done on flanks, where space is tight and multi-player pressing can see possession turned over.
> Pressing players will usually move at pace towards their target and slow when a couple of yards away. > Pressing is as relevant and necessary for attackers as it is midfielders and defenders.
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PRINCIPLES OF PRESSING
Where And When A pressing session with different variations and overloads to get players to move and recognise when to press and where to press to force mistakes
WHY USE IT
This is a great session for passing, receiving and pressing to force mistakes.
The team of four must try and keep the ball under pressure from the two players in the 4v2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a point for every three passes
The session starts with a pass from the coach into the team of four
SET UP
s yd 2.5 s 10yd
s yd 2.5
HOW TO PLAY
Split your players into two teams, one of 6 players and one of 4 players. The team of four plays in the smaller square against 2 of the opposition. The other four players are in the larger square but cannot go into the smaller square. The coach passes to the team of 4 who must keep the ball from the two pressing players. Coach the pressing players to work together to win the ball back. The passing team gets a point for every three passes. When the two players win the ball they combine with the outer players â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every pass must go through the small square. No pressure in the outer square at first but you can open the game out once they have done it a few times.
ds 2.5y
s yd 10
You need balls, bibs and cones. Set up an area 15 x 15 yards with a 10 yard square inside it. We used 10 players in the session.
ds 2.5y
Make sure the pressing players are thinking about how they can win the ball together
Here the pressing players win the ball and pass to keep the ball using the outside players Each pass must go through the inner square, players in the outer square cannot pass to each other
TECHNIQUE
Pressing is the key coaching point but body position, passing, receiving and movement are all important
Player movement SoccerCoachWeekly.net
Ball movement
Shot
Run with ball Issue 421
SOCCER COACH WEEKLY
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PRINCIPLES OF PRESSING
Strikers Press Defenders Often a lone striker will be pressing a three man defence which can be a frustrating job. Get your strikers to practise their pressing techniques against three defenders
WHY USE IT
Pressing high up the pitch often means a striker is outnumbered by the defence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but they can still force errors and win the ball.
The pressing players must try and force the passing trio into making a mistake
SET UP
5yds
1
s yd 30
You need balls, bibs and cones. Set up an area 50 x 30 yards including two 5yd end zones. We used 8 players in the session.
s 40yd
5yds
Pressing quickly can result in the player looking down and mistiming the pass to his team-mate
HOW TO PLAY
Split up your players into two teams of three passers and one team of two defenders. The red passing team goes into one half of the pitch and the blue passing team goes into the opposite half. The defenders must start on the central line. To start, the coach passes to the red team and one defender immediately runs onto the pitch and tries to defend. The red team completes three passes and then looks to transfer the ball to the blue team. Play for 10 minutes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; new defenders are selected after two minutes. If the ball leaves play, then the coach serves a new ball into the pitch. Allow both defenders to go together if the pressing is not working. If the defenders win the ball they can try and get it into the end zone.
The teams must make three passes before they can pass to the other team
2 3
By keeping tight to the three passers the pressing player has more chance to intercept the ball After three passes the ball is transferred to the other side and the next defender runs to press
TECHNIQUE
Important to emphasise the pressing aspect of the game. Passing is important.
Player movement SoccerCoachWeekly.net
Ball movement
Shot
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TOURNAMENTS
5 Ways To
Win A Tournament Tournament season is in full swing in the UK with the rest of the world ready to follow suit. Cut out and keep these tips for the next time you play
PREPARE FOR the WEATHER CONDITIONS It is vital that you prepare your team for the weather conditions on the weekend of the tournament. Are there trees to give shade or should you arrange for some tents or parasols? Sun tan lotion and sun block are also essential if the weather is hot. If it is unseasonably cold or raining, you will need sweatshirts for your players and something to keep them dry between matches. TOP TIP: Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the area hosting the tournament and inform parents of the likely conditions.
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Choose the level of play The level of play is crucial to how successful your team is going to be. You want to win the tournament, not lose games 11-0. Most tournaments have websites that carry the results of the previous year’s event. Take a look at them and see if there are any familiar teams. TOP TIP: Call coaches you know who have competed in the tournament to ask their opinion on how your team might fare.
2
GO ON THE Attack straight away Going straight on the attack in tournament games is vital to get on top, both physically and psychologically. If the pitch is fairly small and you have a player who has a powerful kick, get him to shoot straight from the kick off. It is perfectly legal and even if your team doesn’t score, it gets the ball in the right half of the pitch immediately and your players can follow the shot in and press high up the pitch if the opposition pick-up the ball. Be prepared to point the referee to the rule book if he takes issue with the tactic because goals scored like this have been disallowed before.
3
TOP TIP: Use one of your best kickers for a shot – or if the goal is too far away, kick for touch in the opponents’ half and press high. PREPARE FOR THE GAP BETWEEN GAMES There is always a lot of down time at tournaments and you should be prepared for the amount of hanging around involved. No matter how many games your team plays in one day, players will spend the majority of time waiting rather than playing. As a coach, you should think about the purpose such time serves and the opportunities it allows. Players may want to take their boots off and wear comfortable trainers or flip-flops. Most players will want to hang out and bond, so make sure a group of parents is willing to stay with them. TOP TIP: Ensure your players snack every two or three hours – energy bars or bananas are perfect. They should also drink water regularly to keep hydrated.
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USE SubsTITUTES TO win games Most tournaments have a roll-on, roll-off style substitute policy – so make sure you use it to your advantage. Players have to run so much in such a short space of time, it needs a good coach to make sure everyone is being used to the maximum of their ability. If you need goals, try subbing on your attackers – and when you score, get your defenders back on and defend your lead. Or if you have a great
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SoccerCoachWeekly.net
DAVID CLARKE SAYS… I took two teams to a tournament last season and thought everyone was singing from the same hymn sheet. It turned out that wasn’t the case. The two teams had different schedules but I could manage them both with help from some of the parents. The first team’s opening match went like clockwork and the referee was just about to blow his whistle to start the second team’s opener when I looked around and counted the players. I was one short – where was Billy, our leading goal scorer? I looked to where another player was pointing. There was Billy, merrily trampolining on a bouncy castle. “Go and get him,” I shouted to his dad, who explained that he had only just paid and Billy had another 10 minutes left. So we played without Billy. His dad hadn’t looked at the schedule – teaching us a valuable lesson in making sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities at a tournament. freekick taker and he is on the bench, get him on the minute you get a free-kick. TOP TIP: Make a list of your subs and ensure you use all of them by switching players at regular intervals. Issue 421
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TOURNAMENTS
Smart Interplay The session is about quick and inventive play around the edge of the 18-yard box. It’s about being inventive, first in tight areas, then in a large area to finish with an end product
WHY USE IT
Smart interplay around the penalty area gives players the green light to take risks and be inventive to create goalscoring opportunities.
Play starts with a pass from each end by a winger into an attacking midfielder
After the pass the winger follows the ball and becomes the attacking midfielder
SET UP
s 10yd
s yd 10
You need balls, bibs and cones. Set up an area 30 x 10 yards. We used 6 players in each set up.
s 10yd s 10yd
HOW TO PLAY
Three players start at each end, two ‘wingers’ playing into an attacking midfielder. Wingers begin with a ball each in this continuous drill. They play a 10-yard pass inside, then follow the pass Receiving inner midfielders must be inventive as they move through the cones, playing a pass out on the other side. They then remain in place to receive the next pass and the move continues. To progress the session tell wingers to create quick and precise combination play with one-twos to team mates around the cones. You can alter the style of passes – quick, to left and right feet, chipped, even driven.
The attacking midfielder moves around the cones and passes the ball at the other end to the ‘winger’
Now add a one two from the winger to the attacking midfielder as the ball moves forward
TECHNIQUE
Look for quick, positive and accomplished passing, good first touch and excellent player anticipation and awareness. Players can be inventive with this part of the session – get them to experiment with their passes
Player movement SoccerCoachWeekly.net
Ball movement
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TOURNAMENTS
Score In Shoot-outs Use this knockout scoring game to improve the ability of your young players to score from the spot and cope with the pressure of a penalty shoot-out
WHY USE IT
In this knockout game the penalty becomes just another aspect of scoring goals. The pressure is on the individual but there are three different shots to ensure that the pressure on young shoulders is not as great as it could be.
The goalkeeper cannot move off his line for the penalty and must stay in the six-yard box for the other two chances
Players must use good technique with the penalty to start off their three chances
SET UP
You need a goal, a goalkeeper, two servers and plenty of balls for this session. You also need a number of players to make it a worthwhile competition.
HOW TO PLAY
Each player has three goes to get through to the next round of the competition: a penalty, a turn and shoot technique, and a header. The first shot is the penalty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then the player must run to touch the goalpost before returning to a ball played in by a server and turning and shooting with one touch. He must then follow that shot in to place a header in the net. Start by saying players must score with one of the chances, then after round one make it two â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and as players are knocked out, make it all three chances.
After taking the penalty, the player must run to the post and touch it before turning to run back
The server times a pass into the penalty area for the returning player to run on to and shoot on the turn
TECHNIQUE
There are three ways of scoring but because the player has to concentrate on what follows the penalty, the pressure is much less on the actual kick. Players should show good technique and a fearless attitude that they can carry with them into a penalty shoot-out.
Player movement SoccerCoachWeekly.net
After taking the second shot, the player must direct a simple header at the goal to try to catch the keeper out
Ball movement
Shot
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