w w w . e l i t e s o c c e r c o a c h i n g . n e t O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9

SOCCER

Exclusive Training practices from topprofessional managers

LEICESTER CITY BRENDAN

RODGERS INPARTNERSHIPWITH PENETRATION IN BEHIND

BRISTOL CITY WOMEN LMA AMBASSADOR EVERTON CRE8 FOOTBALL ACADEMY TANYA KEVIN ROBBIE AHMET OXTOBY BOND JOHNSON AKDAG Defending Attacking and Defending against Attacking forward principles defending high balls runs

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEWS WITH DONCASTER MANAGER DARREN MOORE INPARTNERSHIPWITH

Elite Soccerispublishedby ISSUE 111/OCTOBER 2019: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd Professional training MBX124 19 Moorfield Road blueprints that will Slyfield Industrial Estate Guildford improve anyfootball GU1 1RU 4 United Kingdom coachingsession BRENDAN RODGERS Email: Dear Coach, LEICESTER CITY elitesoccer@ We’re honoured to kick off this issue of Elite Soccer with Penetration greenstarmedia.net a series of training activities written by one of the most in behind Editor: highly respected coaches working in the Premier League. Chris Hunt Currently manager of Leicester City, and formerly the Contributing Editor: Mark Farthing boss of both Liverpool and Celtic, Brendan Rodgers has Consultant Coach: focused his session on developing the ability of players to Dave Clarke 8 Illustrator: arrive in behind an opponent’s defence when attacking. Richard Palmer TANYA We’re also delighted to share atraining session by Tanya Oxtoby, OXTOBY Design: BRISTOL CITY WOMEN AT Graphics the manager of WSL team Bristol City Women. In this issue Photography: she has presented aseries of activities aimed at improving Defending Reuters decision making and encouraging players to execute her team’s principles defending principles at the right times and in the right areas. Her session works on 1v1 defending and reading the triggers.

Publishedinpartnershipwith: We have ageneral session from Kevin Bond, who until recently was manager of EFL League One side, Southend 13 United. He has selected several of his favourite practices that KEVIN BOND League Managers focus on attacking, defending and keeping hold of the ball. LMAAMBASSADOR Association St George’s Park At Elite Soccer, we like to showcase the work of some of the Attacking National Football Centre, best coaches in the British academy system and this month Newborough Road, and Needwood, is no exception, as we bring you asession by Robbie Johnson defending Burton upon Trent, of Everton Academy. Teaching young players how to defend DE13 9PD Tel: +44 (0)1283 576350 against balls played at them off the ground, his session puts Email:[email protected] teams under pressure when they are trying to retain possession 16 Chairman: from forward passes into or over their defensive line. Howard Wilkinson ROBBIE Chief Executive: We close this month’s issue with asession from Ahmet Akdag JOHNSON EVERTON Richard Bevan of Cre8 Football Academy, who encourages young players Defending This publication is protected to perform different types of attacking forward runs. by national and international against copyright laws. Elite Soccer I hope you find that the activities in this issue will be of high will take legal action help to your coaching. Elite Soccer will return next month against any individuals or balls organisations found to be with five more training practices from some of the best infringing our rights, and will make that action public. professional coaches working in the British game. No part or whole of this report 20 may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website AHMET or distributed commercially AKDAG except under licence from the CRE8 FOOTBALL copyright owners. ACADEMY © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved Attacking forward Howard Wilkinson,LMAChairman runs

24 EXTRA-TIME …interview with Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore

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ELITE SOCCER OCTOBER 2019 MANAGER PROFILES Here are the five managers and coaches we’re delighted to welcome into this issue of Elite Soccer

TANYAOXTOBY asassistantmanagerofSpurs. BRISTOL CITY WOMEN HeservedQPRasassistant BRENDANRODGERS manager,caretakermanager LEICESTER CITY In2012TanyaOxtobywas andfirstteamcoach,before Currently themanagerofLeicesterCity, appointedmanagerandhead movingabroadfortwospellsas BrendanRodgers returnedtotheEnglish coachofNottinghamForest,a managerofHongKongPegasus. PremierLeaguethisyearafteranotable stint role shecombinedwithplaying Hewasmostrecently managerof inScotlandwhere heachievedthehistoricfeat forDoncasterBellesinthe LeagueOneclub,SouthendUnited. ofsecuringback-to-backtrebleswithCeltic. Women’s SuperLeague. Rodgers startedhiscareerasayouthcoach Thefollowingyearsheaccepted acoachingrole withthereserve ROBBIEJOHNSON atReading,buthishorizonswere broader. He EVERTON travelledaroundSpainstudyingdifferentcoaching teamofWSLclubLincolnLadies, Currently acoachattheacademy methods,andwaseventually invitedbyJose before returningtoherhome ofPremierLeagueclubEverton, Mourinhotoleave hisrole ofacademydirectorat country,Australia,in2014tosetup herowncoachingbusiness.Soon RobbieJohnsonpreviously worked ReadingandjointheChelseaacademyastheir after,shewasappointedassistant atTranmere Roversaslead headyouthcoachin2004.Hewaspromotedto coachforPerthGloryWomen.She foundationphasecoach,focusing reserve teammanagerjust two years later. alsospent18monthsworkingwith ontheU9toU12agegroups. InNovember2008,Rodgers leftChelseato theAustralianWomen’s U20sasan Hespent15yearsasanacademy becomethemanagerofWatford –atjust 35 assistantcoachandvideoanalyst. coachatLiverpool,working years old,hewastheyoungest managerinthe ShejoinedNottsCountyLadies withanumberofplayerswho Championshipatthetime.Heguidedtheclub inearly 2016astheirdirector progressedtotheLiverpool toamid-table finishinhisfirst campaignbefore ofdevelopmentandfirstteam firstteam.Healsospentfour takingontherole ofmanagerofReading. assistantcoach,andalsobecame yearsasmanagerofLiverpool JoiningSwanseaforthestartofthe2010-11 headofwomen’s footballatthe Ladiesandenjoyed aspellasan season,heenjoyedimmediatesuccess,leading UniversityofNottingham. academycoachatWiganAthletic. theSwansbackintothetopflightofEnglish In2017Tanyawasrecruitedby Ininternationalfootball,he footballforthefirst timesince 1983–butittook BirminghamCityLadiestobecome tookoverastheheadcoachof avictoryoverhisformerclub,Reading,inthe anassistantcoach.Shehasalso Jordanwomen’s U17snational Championshipplay-offfinaltoachieve this. servedasthetalentidentification teamin2016,leadingthem AfantasticseasonfollowedasSwanseafinished andtransitionmanagerforEnglish throughthatyear’s FIFA U17 11thinthePremierLeague,recording14clean CollegesWomen’s NationalTeam. Women’s WorldCupFinals. sheetsintheprocessandplayingattractive Shewasappointedmanagerof football.Forthissuccess,Rodgerswasnominated BristolCityWomeninJuly 2018. AHMETAKDAG fortheLMAManageroftheYearAward. CRE8 FOOTBALL ACADEMY Muchindemand,inthesummerof2012hewas KEVINBOND Startinghiscoachingcareer appointedmanagerofLiverpoolandinhisfirst LMA AMBASSADOR asacommunitysportscoach seasoninchargeatAnfield,heguidedtheclub Thesonofhighly regardedfootball inSouthwark,AhmetAkdag toaseventhplace finishinthePremierLeague. manager,JohnBond,Kevin’s enjoyedseveralyearsasacoach Thefollowingseasonhedidevenbetter,asthe coachingcareerbeganasreserve forFulhamFC,workingwith free-scoringRedsnotchedover100goalsto teamcoachathisformerclub, theclub’s eliteyouthplayers. finishPremierLeaguerunners up,theclub’s ManchesterCity. Hisfirstrole as Hehassubsequently served highest finishforfive years.Inrecognitionofhis managerinhisownrightcame CrystalPalace asanacademy outstandingworkattheclub,Rodgers wasnamed withStafford Rangersin1997and scoutandCharltonAthleticasa the2014LMAManageroftheYear–thefirst time hesubsequently servedasAlan coachwiththeacademyU14s. theaccoladehadbeengiventoaLiverpoolboss. Ball’s numbertwoatPortsmouth. Hehasalsoheldseveralrolesas Afterworkinginaseriesof acoachandassistantmanager JoiningCelticinMay2016,inhisfirst season roleswithHarryRedknappat forclubsinnon-leaguefootball. inchargeheledtheclubtoonly it’s fourth Portsmouth,Southamptonand Hecurrently runsCre8 everdomestictreble.Herepeatedtheclub’s Bournemouth,hewasappointed FootballAcademy,working treble winningsuccessthenextseason, managerofBournemouthin2006. tonurture thetalentofyouth becomingthefirst managerinScottish ReunitedwithRedknapponce playersandprogress theminto footballhistorytoachieve thefeat. again,Bondenjoyed alongstint professionalacademies.

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LEICESTER CITY Overview creating and scoring goals KEY For any attacking team, and that’s what players love Ball Brendan Rodgers movement exploiting space behind to do. It’s an attacking theme, Player Penetrationin based on expression and movement defenders is vital. This session Dribble behind is focused on developing creativity with combination players and teams to arrive play, so players really enjoy it. SET-UP in behind the opponents’ AREA defence, either with or without What do Iget the players to do? Up to full pitch the ball using the different Penetration: eliminating EQUIPMENT Balls, bibs, cones, 2small goals, ways you can do that, either by opponents 2 full size goals combination play or individual We set up aplaying area of NUMBER OF PLAYERS skill or running to receive a approximately 35x35 yards, Up to 20 players +2goalkeepers pass. The idea is to improve the positioning six cones as shown SESSION TIME patterns in order to go beyond [1] and three mannequins Eliminating opponents: 5mins Small space penetration: 15mins the oppositions’ defence. representing opposition Big space penetration: 15mins It’s an engaging session for defenders. We’re using eight 11v11 game: 20mins the players because it’s about players, with three starting on

1 PENETRATION: ELIMINATING OPPONENTS

After the ball completes acircuit, the first waiting player steps in to make the starting Each player pass again and play continues passes to the player on the next cone and then follows the pass

The passing should allow players to make one-touch lay offs and to avoid the presence of the mannequins

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BRENDAN RODGERS: PENETRATION IN BEHIND

the first cone and one each on 20x20-yard square near to the pair outside the square KEY Ball the remaining cones. Players the halfway line. We’re using are restricted to one-touch. movement pass the ball in the sequence 12 players split evenly into The team in possession Player movement shown and then follow their three teams of four. Two has to make eight passes Dribble pass with arun to the next teams battle for possession before one of its players can cone. The passing should be in the square, while the third break out to attack the goal. directed to allow one-touch team has two players inside The breakout player has lay offs and to eliminate the the square and two players only five seconds to score presence of the mannequins. outside it, all of whom play after receiving the final for the team in possession. penetrating pass out of the Small space penetration We start play with apass into square. The attacking player We set up on half apitch the square by the coach, as is all in during the final phase. with agoal and agoalkeeper shown [2]. Players in the We play three games at one end. We mark out a square are two-touch while of four minutes.

“Thissessionisfocusedondevelopingplayersand teamstoarriveinbehindtheopponents’defence, eitherwithorwithouttheball”

2 SMALL SPACE PENETRATION The possession team has to make eight passes before an attacker can break out. Players in the square are two-touch

After receiving the final pass, the breakout attacker has five seconds to score past the keeper. He has The unlimited yellows play touches for the team in possession. 20 Two are outside the square and they are one- touch 20

The coach starts play with apass into one of the teams. It’s 4v4 between the blues and the reds in the square

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BRENDAN RODGERS: PENETRATION IN BEHIND

3a BIG SPACE PENETRATION KEY Play starts with apass out from the Ball goalkeeper. The reds attack the end movement Player zone with no goal movement Dribble

Here the reds score two points for receiving a pass in the end zone. Players can only enter the zone to receive apass or if dribbling the ball in

Players should make blind side runs in behind the defensive line 3b Players are limited Here to three- the reds touch in score one their own point for half dribbling into the end zone

Play restarts with apass There is from the no limit on goalkeeper the number of touches in the opposition half

What are the key things passes to retain possession. What do Iget the players to do next? to look out for? When off the ball, we expect to Big space penetration We can replicate an attack around see blind side movements to We set up on just over half apitch the penalty area by making sure penetrate behind the defenders. coned off to the width of the penalty the pressing team includes two If the possession team loses area. Agoalkeeper is at one end centre backs and the possession the ball we want to see fast and in a10-yard end zone, but he team is made up of forwards aggressive pressure from the has no goal. Two small goals are and central midfielders. attackers in transition to positioned at the other end with We want players making simple defence. one goalkeeper to guard both.

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BRENDAN RODGERS: PENETRATION IN BEHIND

KEY Ball movement Player 3c movement Dribble

If the other team wins possession, they must try to score in one of the small goals for one point

Players should use high quality passes to penetrate the opposition team’s defence

“Wewanttoseeplayersrunninginbehind thedefensivelineandusinghighqualitypassesto penetratetheopposition”

We play agame of 10v10 plus Teams are three-touch in their How would you put this into agame goalkeepers. One team attacks own half and have unlimited situation? the end zone and defends the touches in the opposition half. We 11v11 game two small goals. They score two play two games of six minutes. We set up between the penalty points for receiving apass in the boxes of afull size pitch with agoal end zone, as shown [3a], and one What are the key things to look out and goalkeeper at each end. We’re point for dribbling into the zone, for? using 20 outfield players split into as shown [3b]. Players can only We want to see players running in two team of 10 plus keepers. enter the end zone to receive a behind the defensive line and using We play anormal game [not shown] pass or if dribbling the ball in. If high quality passes to penetrate to put the session into focus and the other team wins possession, the opposition. If players are look to see if the coaching points they must try to score in the small failing to do this, we reinforce the have been learned. We play two goals for one point, as shown [3c]. importance during coaching breaks. games of eight minutes.

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BRISTOL CITY WOMEN the right times and in the session as it keeps them KEY right areas. It incorporates constantly thinking, and it Ball Tanya Oxtoby movement 1v1 defending, reading cues gets very competitive. Player Defending and triggers, making play movement Dribble principles predictable, and winning What do Iget the players to do? the ball back in the first, Counter-pressing rondo SET-UP second or third lines. AREA It is ahigh tempo session with We set up an area of 20x20 Up to 80x60 yards constant decision-making yards, made up of four 10x10- EQUIPMENT for the players, which in turn yard boxes with asmaller 4x4- Ball, bibs, cones, 2full size goals means there will be mistakes, yard box in the centre. We’re NUMBER OF PLAYERS which makes it agreat using 16 players split into four Up to 16 players +2goalkeepers learning tool for the group. teams of four. One team is in the SESSION TIME defending role in the small box, Counter-pressing rondo: 16mins This session is adaptable Defending transition rondo: 14mins to be specific enough to the while players from the other 9v9 game: 30mins opposition we are playing three teams can be anywhere against, as although where else in the playing area. Overview and when we apply the The coach starts play with a This session is about players principles may vary, the pass into one of the 10x10-yard developing their decision- fundamentals of what we are boxes. All the team mates of making skills by executing looking to do doesn’t change. the receiving player have to our defending principles at The players enjoy this quickly move into that box to

1a COUNTER-PRESSING RONDO The team in possession must make four passes within the box Play starts with apass into one of before they can transfer to another the three attacking teams: the reds, attacking player from one of the the yellows or the greens 10 other two attacking teams

When the ball transfers to anew box, 10 all players not on the new 4 possession team must vacate the box 4

Once the ball is Once the played in, ball has all players entered from the a box, a receiving defender team have can enter to move from the into the box small to support central box player on and can the ball try to win possession

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TANYA OXTOBY: DEFENDING PRINCIPLES

KEY All other attacking Ball players vacate the box movement 1b Player as the possession team movement tries to string four Dribble 10 passes together

10 4 Here the greens have received the ball and they become the new 4 possession team

A blue defender enters the box. Here he wins possession and clears the ball out of the area. Play restarts with apass into another box by the coach “Theplayersenjoythissessionasitkeepsthem constantlythinkinganditgetsverycompetitive” support the player on the ball, shown [1b]. If the ball is won by their team mate in pressing. The The possession team must then the defender, it should be cleared remaining passive defenders in make four passes within that out of the area. Asecond ball is the small square can now try to cut box before they can transfer the played into adifferent box by the out any balls close to their area. ball into another box, passing it coach and the game continues. If the defenders win the ball and to aplayer from one of the two Each team has two rotations can play one pass between them, other attacking teams. When this in the defending role. We play they quickly swap roles with the happens, players from the team eight 90 second games with 30 team that gave the ball away. receiving the ball must all move seconds of rest between games. quickly into that square and all players from the other teams What are the key things to look out must vacate it, as shown [1a]. How do Iprogress the activity? for? Each time the ball is played into a After four passes, if the team We want to see the correct shape of new box, one defender can enter in possession doesn’t transfer press and shadow press, plus good from the small central box and the ball out of their square then 1v1 defending with acceleration must try to win the ball back, as another defender can enter and join and deceleration. We also want to

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TANYA OXTOBY: DEFENDING PRINCIPLES

see effective passing from the the pressing team and the box to help support play and KEY Ball possession team to ensure teams in the two end zones create angles, as shown [2a]. movement the defending team has to must work together to keep Player If the defending team wins movement work hard to win the ball. possession and should transfer the ball back, or if it goes Dribble the ball across the central zone out of play, they switch What do Iget the players to do without it being intercepted. roles with the team that lost next? The central pressing team can possession, as shown [2b]. Defending transition rondo send two players into the end Play always restarts from zone to chase possession. This is afirst and second line the coach. We play three defending transition rondo. The team in possession must four-minute games with one We set up in an area of 36x25 make four passes before minute’s rest in between. yards divided into three 12- transferring the ball to the yard zones. We’re using 15 other end zone. The ball can’t outfield players split into go over chest height while How do Iprogress the activity? three teams of five. One team being transferred. The team After the possession team starts in each zone. The team supporting from the other makes four passes, progress in the central zone is always end can drop into the middle the activity so the defending

2a DEFENDING TRANSITION RONDO

Play starts in one of the end zones. The possession team must make four 12 passes before they can pass The ball to the team in can’t go over the other end chest height zone while being transferred

The blue team in the central 12 zone is the pressing team and they can send two players into the end zone to win the ball 12

The team supporting possession from the other 25 end zone can push into the central zone to help create angles to receive. Here one receives, passes to ateam mate and returns to the end zone

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TANYA OXTOBY: DEFENDING PRINCIPLES

KEY Ball 2b movement Player movement Dribble If the defending team wins the ball, or if it goes out of play, the defenders switch roles with the team that lost possession

12

12

12

25

team can send as many pressers see effective 1v1 defending and not restricted to the zones. into the end zone as they like. players taking up agood shape of We play three games of eight To progress further, still allow press to force opponents into an minutes each, with two minutes the defenders to press with as area for the next line to win it. rest between games. many players as they need, but now take away the passing target How would you put this into agame What are the key things to look out for the possession team –they situation? for? can now transfer the ball as soon 9v9 game We want to see players making as the opportunity arises. We set up in an area of 80x60 yards good decisions on when to press with agoal and agoalkeeper at and when to set the trap, based on What are the key things to look out each end. We also add zones to a number of factors including the for? the pitch, as shown [3], to help zone the ball is in. We also want We want to see defenders the players know which area they to see players using what they’ve closing down on the ball early are in and to help guide them on learnt in the previous activities, and putting pressure on the the pressing zones. These are including good 1v1 defending and possession players. We want to for guidance only and players are keeping an effective shape for the

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TANYA OXTOBY: DEFENDING PRINCIPLES

press to force opponents into an It’s vital that this occurs, so don’t fall into the trap of KEY area for the next line to win it. Ball that the session is realistic to pressing everything all of the movement what the players will face on a time, because this is when Player movement What are the typical mistakes match day and so that the speed they can get themselves Dribble players might make and how at which the players will have into trouble. We speak to the do Iavoid them? to make decisions replicates players continuously about To make this session work a game scenario. Once this is not always having to be the properly, our possession happening, then the pictures one who directly wins the ball, principles must be present we want to see will start to but to shape the press to help and the passing players appear and we can begin to the next line –the midfield should be moving the ball solve the problems that are or the defence for example, with quality and in the likely to occur in the next match. so they are able to be on the manner that the opposition The reason we add in the front foot with their defending will in our next game. progressions is so players and step in and win the ball.

“Tomakethissessionworkproperly,ourpossession principlesmustbepresentandtheplayersshouldbe movingtheballwithquality”

3 9v9 GAME

The game starts with apass out from the keeper. Play anormal 9v9 Good team pressing by the blues forces the reds to pass the ball back and wide

60

The blues quickly press 1v1 out wide 80 and attempt to win the ball back

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LMA AMBASSADOR keeping the ball. They are Play starts with aball played KEY competitive and enjoyable from an outside floater into Ball Kevin Bond movement for the players and we hope one of the teams in the main Player Attackingand they provide an engaging area and they have to work movement Dribble defending learning experience. the ball from one end to the Some of the activities, such other to score, using the help SET-UP as the directional possession of the central floater to give AREA warm-up, are performed them an overload. They do Up to full pitch on adaily basis, while the so under pressure from the EQUIPMENT remainder are probably other team. If the defending Balls, bibs, cones, 2full sized goals run at least weekly. team wins the ball, they can NUMBER OF PLAYERS play to either end to start with Up to 20 players +2goalkeepers SESSION TIME What do Iget the but they must then play back Directional possession: 15mins players to do? to the other end to score. 11v11 attack: 20mins Directional possession Defending 2v3: 20mins We set up in an area of 35x25 What are the key things to yards. We’re using 15 outfield look out for? Overview players, split into three teams This activity makes players This is ageneral session that of five. One team are floaters turn out and they do not always is made up of various practices and they play for the team in play the way they are facing, that Ilike to run with teams at possession –they have two which is an easy habit to get training on aregular basis in players at each end and one into. To run this successfully order to form good habits. in the main area. The other players must develop a The focus of these activities is two teams are also in the much greater awareness on attacking, defending and main area, as shown [1]. of what is around them.

1 DIRECTIONAL POSSESSION

The yellow floaters play for the team in To score, the team in possession must possession. They have two players at each end and work the ball from one end to the other, one in the centre. Play starts from an end floater using the central floater if needed

25

The defending team presses to win 35 the ball and if successful, they can play it to afloater at either end. They then become the new possession team

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KEVIN BOND: ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

To begin with the attack is unopposed and KEY Ball 2a 11v11 ATTACK: UNOPPOSED the defending team do not press or tackle movement Player movement Dribble

Play starts with apass from the keeper The attackers are not allowed to shoot but must pass to the opposition keeper, who then launches an unopposed attack in the other direction. Play five minutes The unopposed and attacking team five minutes builds up play slightly opposed by passing through the thirds

To progress the activity, teams should 2b 11v11 ATTACK: OPPOSED attack with match pace and intensity

The attackers are now allowed to shoot and The score defending team can now press and tackle

What do Iget the players to do next? The teams line up for an 11v11 game not allowed to shoot, so each attack 11v11 attack and play starts with apass out from should end with apass from the the keeper. The team in possession attacker to the defending team’s Next we set up on afull size pitch. initially attacks unopposed and must goalkeeper, who then launches For this activity we’re using 20 build up play from the goalkeeper an unopposed attack in the other outfield players and two goalkeepers, to the final third, as shown [2a]. To direction. We play for five minutes split equally into two teams. start with the attacking team are and then progress the practice for

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KEVIN BOND: ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

KEY Ball 3 DEFENDING 2v3 movement Player movement The defending pair should try to Dribble delay, forcing the attackers wide and away from goal if possible

40

36

The attackers work in waves of Play starts with apass from an attacker three, taking on two defenders and to adefender. The defender then passes trying to score in a3v2 back to one of the attackers and play is live

“Eachwaveofattackersmustcombinetogoagainstthe defendersandtheyshouldattempttoscore” a further five minutes, now making Defending 2v3 Each wave of three attackers must each attack slightly opposed. We set up in an area of 40x36 yards combine to go against the defending For the final progression we with agoal and goalkeeper at pair and they should attempt to score. introduce finishing, making sure the one end. We’re using 15 outfield For their part, the defenders should teams attack with match pace and players split into nine attackers try to delay the attack rather than win intensity for 10 minutes, as shown and six defenders. The attackers the ball, driving the attackers wide [2b]. As this is now opposed, it can work in waves of three and the and away from the goal if possible. either be an attacking of defending defenders work in waves of two. This is good for basic defending session and we would concentrate on Play starts with apass from an principles as well as providing a our key principles, stopping to coach attacker to adefender, who passes lively test for the goalkeeper. The the players when necessary. Play still back to one of the three attackers. coach should call offsides. We starts and restarts from the keeper. The attack then begins, as shown [3]. play two games of 10 minutes.

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EVERTON It also creates opportunities helps to improve the kicking KEY for players when defending techniques of the players who Ball Robbie Johnson movement in groups and helps them have to pick out spaces with Player Defendingagainst with unit co-ordination. their longer passes. When movement Dribble highballs It creates repeated match-type out of possession, the session situations that will put young encourages the midfielders SET-UP defenders under pressure to recover in support and it AREA and it allows them to be helps the defensive unit to UP to 80x35 yards challenged by the conditions, cover and tuck around the EQUIPMENT testing players when they are player attacking the ball. Balls, bibs, cones, 2full size goals trying to retain possession Besides the obvious technical NUMBER OF PLAYERS from the opposition’s long competencies that will be 18 players +2goalkeepers developed, it also works on SESSION TIME forward passes into or over 6v6 with target zones: 10mins their defensive line. compactness, communication 7v7 with target zones: 15mins The techniques looking to and the reactions of the 9v9 with target zones: 15mins supporting players. 10v10 with goals: 15mins be developed are required to prevent aloss of possession either in the first or second What do Iget the players to do? Overview phase of an attack. These 6v6 with target zones This session helps to develop skills are expected at the We set up an area of 60x35 the technique of young players highest levels of the game. yards, divided into zones as when they are dealing with balls For the team in possession, shown [1] and with atarget played at them off the ground. the size of the target zone zone at each end. We’re using

1 6v6 WITH TARGET ZONES

The opposition defenders must drop The red defenders pass until creating into the target zone to clear the ball a chance to play the ball into the opposite without it touching the ground, using target zone. Points are scored if the ball either aheader, avolley or by chesting it lands on the ground inside the target zone TARGET E

Defenders N can only drop into the target zone when ZONE one of them is clearing the ball and they T 35 ZONE

should move E out after the clearance G R A T

10 10 10 10 10 10

The midfield pair should support the clearance and combine to set up their defenders to launch ascoring ball into the opposite target zone

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ROBBIE JOHNSON: DEFENDING AGAINST HIGH BALLS

KEY Ball movement Player 2 7v7 WITH TARGET ZONES movement Dribble

The defender receives the ball from the striker and attempts to Here the score by passing the ball into the defenders drop opposition’s target zone into the target zone and one saves apoint by preventing the ball touching the ground with a

TARGET clearance A R ZONE

T 35 Z ZONE ET RG TA

10 10 10 10 10 10

A striker is added to each team. The striker is locked into the opposition half but cannot enter the target zone. He can win the ball back or combine with team mates

“Thissessionhelpstodevelop thetechniqueofyoung playerswhentheyaredealingwithballsplayedat themofftheground”

12 players, split into two teams of The defenders can only drop into as before but astriker is now six. Each team is made up of four the target zone when one of them added to each team, as shown [2]. defenders and two midfielders. is clearing the ball and they have to In this progression, the striker Play starts with the coach, who follow the ball out of the area after is not allowed in the opposition’s passes into the main area. The the clearance. Their midfield should target zone, but if he wins the ball defenders pass the ball around support the clearance by receiving back he can combine with his own until setting up an opportunity to the out ball and then combining to midfielders to quickly recycle play the ball into the opponents’ set up their defenders to launch the the ball back to the defenders. target zone. Points are scored ball into the opposite target zone. The Then the team can attempt to if the ball lands on the ground midfielders can go in either half of the score by playing the ball into inside the target zone but it is the pitch but not into the target zones. job of the opposition defenders the opposition’s target zone. to stop this happening and they The striker is locked into the must try to clear the ball without it HowdoIprogressthesession? attacking half of the pitch, whereas touching the ground, using either 7v7 with target zones the midfielders can go in both halves a header, avolley or by chesting it. We use the same set-up and rules but not into the target zones.

17 OCTOBER 2019 www.elitesoccercoaching.net INPARTNERSHIPWITH

ROBBIE JOHNSON: DEFENDING AGAINST HIGH BALLS

9v9 with target zones line, which is between the to each end. Play starts and KEY Ball We use the same set-up defensive zone and the restarts with the goalkeeper, movement and the defenders of the Player and rules as before but a midfield zone. They should movement second striker is now added communicate the step up with possession team are still Dribble to each team, along with a each other and reset their line encouraged to play balls into third midfielder. One of the ready for the next attack. the opposition’s target zone forwards is now allowed into (conditioned to do so within the opposition target zone four passes if necessary), but if How would you put this to try to win the ball back but the forwards win the ball from strikers are not allowed to into agame situation? the opposition defenders, they go beyond the last defender 10v10 with goals can now attack for real and try without the ball, as shown [3]. We use the same set-up and to score in the goal, as shown After the defenders play the rules as before but the playing [4]. Defenders can actively ball forward to the opposite area is extended by 10 yards work to stop them scoring target zone, they must now at each end. Agoal and a and will have to react quickly all step up past the defensive goalkeeper are also added to any loss of possession.

3 9v9 WITH TARGET ZONES

After the blue defender plays the ball forward The space created by the blues towards the opposite target zone, his defensive stepping up over the defensive line unit must step up over the white line between the encourages the reds to launch aquick defending zone and the midfield counter-attack and they score apoint

A third midfielder is also

T added to each team A E R N G O ET Z 35 Z O N E TARGET

10 10 10 10 10 10

A second striker is added to each team. Here the red defender One striker is allowed into the opposition saves apoint by clearing the target zone to win the ball but they are not ball out of the target zone to allowed to go beyond the last defender a team mate without the ball

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ROBBIE JOHNSON: DEFENDING AGAINST HIGH BALLS

4 10v10 WITH GOALS

The red striker is too The pitch is extended by 10 yards at quick for the blue defenders each end and agoal and agoalkeeper are and scores in the goal also added to each end. Play starts and restarts from the goalkeeper T A R G E ZONE

T 35 ZONE RGETR A T

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Here the blue defenders drop The defenders are encouraged into the target zone to clear the ball to play the ball into the target zone but one loses possession to the red within four passes and they must then striker and the defenders must react all step up into the midfield zone quickly to the transition

“Whenhemakesthefirst touchoutofhis feet,thedefendershouldbereadytodrop andreacttothepass”

What are the key things they should attack the ball in the What are the typical mistakes to look out for? air, either with their head or with players might make and We want to see the defenders a clearing volley. They should how do Iavoid them? reacting quickly to the triggers make sure their first touch does Sometimes we see defenders when the opposition player is not drop in the scoring area but reacting too slowly to the triggers making the pass. If his head is it must be played to supporting and struggling with the quality down or when he makes the midfielders or defensive partners. of their first contact with the first touch out of his feet, the The attackers are introduced once ball, resulting in afailure to defenders should be ready to the basic principles of the session play to the supporting players. drop and react to the pass. are understood and are being Clearing into dangerous areas is Once the ball is played towards achieved. Initially they are restricted a problem, as is afailure to scan their own scoring zone, defenders in their contact but, as the session for team mates and opponents should not let the ball bounce; progresses, they can play for real. prior to the ball arriving.

19 OCTOBER 2019 www.elitesoccercoaching.net INPARTNERSHIPWITH

CRE8 FOOTBALL ACADEMY attacking runs: runs in behind, can be easily transferred KEY diagonal runs, runs from deep from an attacking session to Ball Ahmet Akdag movement or overlapping runs. It enables a defending session without Player Attackingforward players to take decisions having to change the set-up. movement Dribble runs independently and to look To make it relevant to match for the right opportunities day, Ican also have one of SET-UP to be creative in the types of the teams set up in aspecific AREA forward runs they make. formation or playing style and Up to full pitch The session demands create ascenario that replicates EQUIPMENT players constantly make our forthcoming opponents. Balls, bibs, cones, 2full size goals decisions that will affect their NUMBER OF PLAYERS physical, technical, tactical 20 players +2goalkeepers and psychological state in a What do Iget the players to do? SESSION TIME 4v4 +targets 4v4 +targets: 15mins match specific situation. 10v10 +goalkeepers: 25mins I like to deliver this session We set up in an area of 40x20 11v11 game: 30mins every week as it gives me the yards with afive-yard zone at opportunity to make players each end. We’re using groups of Overview understand my philosophy 10 outfield players split into two This session is about players and the key principles of the teams of four, plus two neutral demonstrating that they can way we play. The session target players. One target perform different types of structure is also flexible and player starts in each end zone.

1a 4v4 +TARGETS Play starts with a pass from the target One point players in the end is scored for zone. Only atarget dribbling into the player can stand end zone. Here two in the end zone but points are scored other players can for apass received enter to receive by ateam mate in the end zone 20

Play 4v4 in the main area. Teams score points by getting the ball into the end zone they are attacking 5 30 5

1b Teams score three points if they pass to the target player who plays out to the same team and they make athrough pass into the The target 20 end zone which players is received by restart the a team mate game with a running in pass to the other team as if there has been a transition 5 30 5

20 OCTOBER 2019 www.elitesoccercoaching.net INPARTNERSHIPWITH

AHMET AKDAG: ATTACKING FORWARD RUNS

We play a4v4 directional game into the end zone and two points 10v10 +goalkeepers KEY Ball in the main area starting with for apass into the end zone We set up between the penalty movement Player a pass from one of the target that is received by ateam mate, areas of afull size pitch, plus movement players. Teams must try to as shown [1a]. Three points we add two end zones that Dribble score points by getting the can be scored for apass to the each contain agoal and a ball into the end zone that they target player, who plays out to goalkeeper. We’re using 20 are attacking –only the target the same team and they make a outfield players, playing 10v10 player can stand in the end zone through pass into the end zone in the main area. Teams are in but players can make aforward that is received by ateam mate formation and play starts with run into the zone with the ball running in, as shown [1b]. a pass out from the keeper. or make an attacking off the If the ball goes out of play or As in the first activity, the ball run into the zone to receive if one team scores, the target possession team scores one a pass from ateam mate. players restart the game point for dribbling the ball into The possession team scores with apass to the other team the end zone and two points for one point for dribbling the ball to replicate atransition. a pass into the end zone that is

“Thissessiondemandsplayersconstantlymake decisionsthatwillaffecttheirphysical,technical, tacticalandpsychologicalstate”

2a 10v10 +GOALKEEPERS Teams score one point for dribbling the ball into the end zone and two points for apass into the end zone that is received by ateam mate, as seen here END ZONE ZONE END

Play starts from the keeper. Teams line up in formation and play 10v10 in the main area

21 OCTOBER 2019 www.elitesoccercoaching.net INPARTNERSHIPWITH

AHMET AKDAG: ATTACKING FORWARD RUNS

KEY Ball movement Player 2b movement Play always restarts Dribble from the goalkeeper END ZONE ZONE END

The possession team can also score two points by passing into the hands of the opposition goalkeeper, as here

“Wewanttoseeplayersmakingforwardorcurved runs.Theyshouldreallycommittotherunand attackthespace” received by ateam mate, as shown Howwouldyouputthisin play we want to see in the game. [2a]. The attacking team can agamesituation? As shown [3a], number 5passes into also score two points by passing 11v11 game number 7who links with 8. Number into the hands of the opposition This is where we will observe 2 makes athird man run to receive goalkeeper, as shown [2b]. the players to see what learning from 8and crosses into the box. The team in possession can has taken place and if they are As shown [3b], number 3plays also recycle the ball back to transferring their knowledge and the ball to 8, who is breaking the their goalkeeper to change understanding from the previous line. Number 9drags defenders the point of attack. practices into agame situation. out of position with arun towards We play two matches of nine We set up on afull pitch to play number 8, allowing number 7to minutes each, allowing us an 11v11 game with no added fool the defenders with arun to to make some key points conditions or rules. The diagrams receive in the penalty area, setting between matches. show two examples of the kind of up agoal scoring opportunity.

22 OCTOBER 2019 www.elitesoccercoaching.net INPARTNERSHIPWITH

AHMET AKDAG: ATTACKING FORWARD RUNS

What are the key things and watch the ball the whole team mates to exploit and KEY way. The timing and angle of be able to break lines and Ball to look out for? movement the run is also important. disrupt the opposition’s Player Technically, we want to see movement Tactically, we want to see block. Above all, we want Dribble players making forward or players showing an ability to players to be able to recognise curved runs. They should recognise the space to attack when the opportunity to really commit to the run and and spot if the opposition attack arises and make the attack the space. Players are playing ahigh line. They transition from defence should angle their bodies should also create space for to attack successfully.

3a 11v11 GAME

2 Number 5 Here number has passed 2 exploits 5 into 7, who the space links with 8 and makes a first time third man run, 7 receiving apass from number 8 to cross into the box 8 4 9

10 6

Play a normal 3 game with no added 11 rules or conditions

3b

Number 3 The tries to beat the number opposition’s low 3 11 9 drags block by playing defenders the ball to out of number 8, who is 5 position breaking the line 8 with arun towards number 8 4 9 7 10 6

Number 2 7 fools the defenders with arun to receive the ball in the penalty area and shoots

23 OCTOBER 2019 www.elitesoccercoaching.net INPARTNERSHIPWITH

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: DARREN MOORE PLAN AND ADAPT Responding to change is an essential leadership skill. Here, Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore reflects on his career journey so far and explains how effective change management has driven his success

here’s no quick route to to work. I then continued to build at West Brom. For example, in my success in management. on those skills every day as youth various roles at the club I became You have to build yourself coach and U23s coach, and during adept at communicating with people Tup gradually and try to get the time I was caretaker manager at all levels, with the commercial yourself into situations where and manager of West Brom. While team, club CEOs, staff and players. you’re managing people and gaining that period of my career ended I developed multi-disciplinary skills experience. in tththehee sprspringing,, and gained a good understanding of BefBefoorree movivinngg intiinnttoo manmanagagemenementt I’I’vvee ccoontntinuedinued ttoo club structure and resources. at WWeesstt Bromwiomwicchh Albibionon,, I waswas imimprproveove aanandndd ggrrooww.. At Doncaster, we’re making use of resposponsinsible for loan deals the loan market to try to maximise for the club’club’ss aaccaaddememyy the strength of our squad and plplayayers. TThaThathatt ggotgoott mmee get the right blend of players, so talking to mmananagers, I learnearnedd a lot my previous experience as loans watching games, manager is a real advantage. understanding how aaboutbouut thethe qualityquality to manage people and standards UPS AND DOWNS anandd reportiporting bacbackk to Of course, there are times when others in the club. requiredd at thethe you develop faster than others and, I leararnneded a lot ababoouutt the for me, the learning curve was ququalalityity aandnd standandarards top of ththee gagameme particularly steep when West Brom requirquired at the top of tththehee were relegated. game. The Championship presents very By thtthehee ttimetimime I moved Over the summer, different challenges to the Premier into a coaching role, I’d ahead of myfirst season in League and it meant huge changes alalrreeadady tickticked a number of charge of Doncaster Rovers, for us. Whereas in the Premier boxes and bbuilbuiuiltt uupp a rouuggh I spent time reflecting with League you’ll normally play one templmplatate of hohoww I wwaantnted my peers on what I learned game a week on a Saturday, in the

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EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: DARREN MOORE

Championship it’s two or three, possibly including evening and midweek games. With all of the travel, we had maybe 48 hours to prepare for each match, sometimes only half that. For ateam dropping out of the Premier League into the Championship, it can be ashock, mentally and physically, so Iknew I’d have to think carefully about how we’d deal with it. Istarted not with the players, but with the staff, because suddenly all the routines and systems they’d put in place in the Premier League would have to change. That’s always going to be disruptive, so it was important that I found ways to keep them energised, forward thinking and supportive of each other. We had to adapt to our new circumstances. Players and staff would come in on Sundays to prepare for Monday or Tuesday games, and we trained much later because we needed to get used to playing evening matches. That, of course, then impacted on everyone working at the club. Travel, recovery schedules and breaks, eating times, everything and perform at its best. We were the needs of the players; you can’t was different and had to be detailed strong throughout the season, expect them to adapt to you. Every to precision to help the team adapt never dropping out of the top six, single member of the squad is and I think all our hard work and important and you have to show your preparation played abig part in that. commitment to each one. I’ve always tried to be consistent A TEST OF with my staff and players . Ithink CHARACTER that’s important, When you’re a because people manager, everyone You havetobeable need something they in the club needs toadapttotheneeds can believe in, relate something from you and to and adhere to. At youhave to be there for oftheplayers;you West Brom everyone them. At the sametime, understood how I however, you have to can’texpectthemto worked, their own allow yourself asmuch adapttoyou responsibilities to space as possible to the team, and the make decisions and standards, work manage your time. That means ethic and competitive finding time toswitch off, to go edge that Iexpected from them. for awalk or to the cinema, Exactly the same is true now at or to see friends and family, Doncaster Rovers. anything that takes your mind off things for abit. I learned early on as a manager that it’s essential to be adaptable and to keep anopen mind, because all kinds of scenarios will come your way, whether concerning the game itself or staff and other stakeholders. But, first and foremost, you have to beable to adapt to

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www.elitesoccercoaching.net SummER 2013

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