Creating Attacking Overloads

Home , Danny Cowley, David Moyes, David Pleat, Malky Mackay, Mick McCarthy, Neil Lennon

www.elitesoccercoaching.net APRIL 2018

SOCCER

Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers

CREATING ATTACKING INPARTNERSHIPWITH OVERLOADS

SUNDERLAND LINCOLN CITY BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION BIRMINGHAM CITY LMA AMBASSADOR CHRIS DANNY MIKEY STEVE DAVID COLEMAN COWLEY HARRIS SPOONER PLEAT Counter- Counter- Finishingwith Attacking Developing attacking pressing transition 1v1 &2v2 wingplay

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Elite Soccerispublishedby ISSUE 93/APRIL 2018: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd Innovative training ground Meadow View, Tannery Lane prp actices from the best 4 Guildford, Surrey, PAUL GU5 0AB, UK coaches in British football LAMBERTT Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 STOKECITY Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148 Creatingg Email: attackingng elitesoccer@ Dear Coach, greenstarmedia.net overloadsds Welcome to the April 2018 issue of Elite Soccer, the magazine Editor: Chris Hunt that delights in keeping you up-to-date with all the coaching Contributing Editor: knowledge and training activities you’ll need each month. Mark Farthing Consultant Coach: We kick off this month’s issue with aPremier League session 7 Dave Clarke (Editor, from Stoke City manager, Paul Lambert. It’s all about CHRIS Soccer Coach Weekly) COLEMANCOL creating overloads when attacking and it encourages teams Illustrator: SUNDERLANDSU Richard Palmer to be creative in their passing, even when space is tight. CountCo er- Design: We also are pleased to have acounter-attacking session AT Graphics attackinga Customer Services: from Sunderland boss, Chris Coleman. It is apractice that Duncan Heard creates numerous situations for your players to work on Managing Director: quick attacks, but it also offers defenders the opportunity to Andrew Griffiths develop their approach to stopping counter-attacks too. 10 Photos: Action Images DANNY Counter-pressing is another important topic of focus in this COWLEY issue and Lincoln City manager, Danny Cowley, has written LINCOLNCITY a session that looks at the transition from attack to defence. Counter-r- Publishedinpartnershipwith: It is apractice that shows your players the importance pressingg of winning the ball back as soon as possession is lost. This month we have afinishing session from Mikey Harris, League Managers coach of Brighton and Hove Albion’s U18s. His activities 13 Association work on improving player sharpness, in and around the MIKEY St George’s Park penalty area. We also have an attacking session from Steve HARRIS National Football Centre, BRIGHTON& Newborough Road, Spooner, manager of Birmingham City’s U18s. This is tailoreded HOVEALBION Needwood, to encouraging forward thinking and forward passing. Burton upon Trent, Finishing DE13 9PD Finally, from the Elite Soccer archives, we’re delighted to withwi transition Tel: +44 (0)1283 576350 present aclassic session on wing play from former Tottenhamam Email:[email protected] Hotspur manager and director of football, David Pleat. Chairman: Howard Wilkinson We hope that you find these six activities of use to you 16 Chief Executive: in your work on the training ground in the months STEVE Richard Bevan SPOONERER ahead, and we look forward to offering you another BIRMINGHAMAM CITY This publication is protected selection of top coaching sessions next month. by national and international Attackingking copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action 1v1 &&22v2 against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public. Elite Soccer members who Howard Wilkinson,LMAChairman 19 have purchased this report DAVID may circulate electronic or hard copies to members of PLEAT LLMAAMBASSADOR their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain. However, DDeveloping no part or whole of this report wing play may be circulated elsewhere EliteSoccer isamonthlypublicationfor or displayed on any website professional, semi-professionalandaspiring or distributed commercially except under licence from the soccer coachesandisavailablebysubscriptiononly. copyright owners. 22 EXTRA-TIME © Green Star Media Ltd. All To subscribe email [email protected] rights reserved …with sport psychologist or call on +44(0)1483892894 Lee Richardson

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ELITE SOCCER APRIL 2018 MANAGER PROFILES Here are the six managers and coaches we’re delighted to welcome into this issue of Elite Soccer

CHRIS COLEMAN appointed manager of Salisbury PAUL LAMBERT SUNDERLAND City in the Conference Premier, STOKE CITY Chris Coleman is currently the making him the youngest full-time manager in English football at In aplaying career that included lengthy manager of Championship side the time. He had been Salisbury’s spells with St Mirren, Motherwell and Celtic, Sunderland. He previously spent five assistant manager since he was Paul Lambert won just about every domestic seasons as manager of Wales and 23 and had helped the club to two honour in the Scottish game, but the undoubted led the country to the semi-finals of promotions in three seasons. highlight of his time on the pitch was winning the the 2016 European Championship. Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in He first moved into coaching after 1997. He also earned 40 caps for Scotland and ending his playing career at Fulham STEVE SPOONER BIRMINGHAM CITY represented his country at the 1998 World Cup. in October 2002. Staying on at Amuch-travelled pro who started After choosing to qualify for his UEFA Pro Craven Cottage, he was appointed manager at the end of the season, his playing career at Derby License in Germany, Lambert kicked off having spent the tail end of that County, Steve Spooner is lead his coaching career back in Scotland with campaign as caretaker manager. professional development coach Livingston in 2005. He soon moved to the After four years maintaining at Birmingham City Academy fourth tier of English football and led Wycombe Fulham’s position in the Premier and is manager of the U18s. Wanderers to the League Cup semi-finals in League, he enjoyed ashort spell in 2007. After earning ashock home draw with He enjoyed his first experiences of Spain as manager of Real Sociedad. Chelsea in the first leg, the Chairboys were coaching as caretaker manager at He has also served as manager of Burton Albion, before becoming eliminated at Stamford Bridge in the return Championship club Coventry City. game, but it was aremarkable achievement. head of youth development at Building on this form the following season, he Rushden &Diamonds. He also DANNY COWLEY served as Rushden’s first team took Wycombe to the League Two play-offs. LINCOLN CITY coach and helped the club to win Following abrief spell in charge of Colchester Danny Cowley has been manager the Division Three title in 2003. United, he joined Norwich City in 2009 and of League Two side Lincoln City After aspell as centre of excellence immediately turned around the fortunes since 2016 and in his first season manager at his former club, Derby of the Canaries, leading the club to the at the club he won the National County, he moved to Notts County as League One title in his first season. His League title and led the Imps back first team coach in 2004. He joined achievement was recognised when he was into the Football League after a Birmingham City’s academy in 2006. voted LMA League One Manager of the Year. six-year absence. He also guided The following season he took Norwich back them to the FA Cup quarter-finals, to the Premier League after an absence making Lincoln the first non-league DAVID PLEAT LMA AMBASSADOR of six years, finishing runners up in the team to reach that stage of the One of the most respected coaches Championship. This meant that Norwich had competition in over acentury. in British football, Pleat has become the first club since Manchester City in Starting his coaching career in taken charge of ahost of leading 2000 to secure successive promotions back into the Essex Senior Football League sides, including Luton Town, the Premier League. He was again rewarded with Concord, he achieved three Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield with the divisional Manager of the Year award. promotions in six years and took Wednesday and Leicester City. Despite leading the club through one campaign the club to the National League At Spurs, he created ateam that in the top flight and achieving asuccessful South. He also managed Braintree won much praise for the beautiful mid-table finish for the Canaries, soon after Town to the National League attacking football of players like the end of the 2011-12 season he accepted play-offs before joining Lincoln. Ossie Ardiles, Chris Waddle and the opportunity to manage Aston Villa. In his Glenn Hoddle, and he guided them first season at Villa Park he guided the club MIKEY HARRIS BRIGHTON &HOVE ALBION to athird-place finish in the league to a15th place finish in the Premier League and to the 1987 FA Cup Final. He later and to the semi-finals of the League Cup. Mikey Harris is professional development phase coach at returned to the club as its director of He has subsequently managed Blackburn Brighton, working with the U18s, football, spending most of the 2003- Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the a role he also performed at 04 season as caretaker manager. Championship, before returning to the Premier Portsmouth for nearly four years. Pleat is also afootball pundit and League as manager of Stoke City in 2018. Previously, at just 28, he was co-commentator on TV and radio.

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STOKE CITY Overview regularly, so that players Paul Lambert This training session is all about learn they should always give Creating attacking creating overloads in attacking passing options to their team situations, whether that be mates when in possession. overloads while playing out from the SET-UP back, attacking in wide areas, What do Iget the players to AREA or attacking in the ﬁnal third. do? Up to 40x36 yards It challenges players to play EQUIPMENT Build or break in tight areas and encourages Balls, bibs, cones, 4target goals We set up an area of 38x22 NUMBER OF PLAYERS them to be creative and positive yards with two target goals at all times. It also has them KEY 12 players and a10-yard defending zone Ball SESSION TIME probing defences and keeping at each end. We’re using 12 movement Player Build or break: 10mins pressure on the opposition. players, split into two teams; movement Switch play: 10mins We would run this session each team has two defenders, Dribble

1a Play starts with a After three passes they can pass from the coach to play forward. The midﬁelder one of the defending returns to his zone and one pairs in the end zone defender can support, making a 4v3 overload in the middle The team must ﬁnd a way to play into the striker in the end zone as soon as possible 1 22 3

Two midﬁelders can join the striker to create a 3v2 in the end zone. The 10 The defenders must 18 idea is to score 10 pass the ball in their zone. but they can also A midﬁelder can drop in to earn agoal for six support, making it 3v1 passes in the zone

three midfielders and them a3v1 overload. This overload in the midfield to keep the ball in the end one striker positioned in will encourage players zone. They must play into zone and pile pressure their appropriate zones. to play out from the back the striker in the attacking on the two defenders. The coach starts play and give them confidence zone as soon as possible. The same basic rules by passing to one pair playing in tight areas. Two midfielders can join and principles apply if of defenders and they After three passes have the striker to create a3v2 the defending team win must string three passes been made, they can attacking overload and the ball back, as shown together under pressure then pass forwards or the idea is to score in one [1b]. After regaining from the opposition drive with the ball into of the unguarded target possession, they must try striker, as shown [1a]. the midfield zone. The goals. If they cannot find to score on the counter One midfielder can drop midfielder returns to the net, every six passes attack, creating overloads into the end zone to assist his zone along with one will score them one goal. and by building play the defenders and to give defender, creating a4v3 This will encourage them or breaking fast.

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PAUL LAMBERT: CREATING ATTACKING OVERLOADS

If the defending team wins the ball, 22 they try to score on the counter-attack

It’s vital that teams try to score as quickly 10 18 10 as possible

If it’s too easy for the attacking team, allow a defender to follow the striker into the midﬁeld to create a5v4 22

Look for midﬁelders to make runs into Progress the the space that 10 18 session by allowing 10 the defender the striker to drop into has vacated the middle zone like a false 9. This creates a 5v3 in midﬁeld

We would play two overload in favour of the zone that the defender What do Iget the players four-minute games but team in possession. has just vacated. to do next? times could be adjusted To progress the session As it progresses, the Switch play depending on our further, and to challenge session becomes more We set up an area of 40x36 schedule and how close the previous progression like anormal game, with yards with an eight- to match day we are. if it makes the practice players making their yard channel on each too easy for the attacking own decisions about side. We’re again using team, we would encourage when to drop based on How do Iprogress the one of the defenders to what the opposition are four target goals, one session? follow the striker into the doing. But they must positioned at each end of To progress the session, midfield zone, making always follow the same the wide channels. We’re we would allow the striker it 5v4 in favour of the underlying principles: can using 12 players, with two to drop back into the attackers. Now we are they create an overload teams of five in the middle midfield zone like afalse looking for midfielders to in every area of the pitch zone and two neutrals 9, as shown [1c]. This make runs in behind and and can they score as who play for the team in creates a5v3 midfield into the space in the end quickly as possible? possession, one in each

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PAUL LAMBERT: CREATING ATTACKING OVERLOADS

channel, as shown [2]. allowed to join the play together, it is awarded quality of the pass and the The coach starts play by in the channel, creating one goal. This will type of pass being made: passing to one of the teams a 2v1 in the wide areas. encourage the defending is it positive and what is in the middle zone. The The aim is to score in that team to come out and put the immediate outcome? game is directional and goal, but if the chances pressure on the ball. Also, the movement teams must try to score at don’t come, encourage We would play two of players is crucial the end they are supposed teams to come out of four-minute games. to the success of this to be attacking. Teams the channel and recycle session. They must be must get the ball out to a the ball in order to score aware of the spaces neutral player in one of the in the other channel. What are the key things to left by opponents and wide channels, with one If the team in possession look out for? how they can punish the attacker and one defender can string 10 passes We would look at the opposition immediately.

KEY Play starts Ball 2 with apass from movement Player the coach into movement the middle zone, Dribble where it’s 5v5

One defender can also follow the ball into the channel to stop the attacker and the neutral scoring

36 If the attackers can’t create a chance in one channel, they should Teams play the ball recycle the ball and try into the wide channel to switch it to the other where the neutral channel. They earn a plays for the team point if they string 10 in possession. One passes together attacker can join him in the zone and they must try to score

8824

“Players must be aware of the spaces left by opponents and how they can punish the opposition immediately”

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SUNDERLAND Overview and more influential on results. Chris Coleman We originally used this session to From aphysical perspective, we find Counter-attacking work on defending acounter-attack that players work in much the same when playing with aback three. But way they would in amatch, with high it has since evolved into an attack levels of intensity and extensive SET-UP versus defence session because it AREA running for the attacking players. successfully creates so many situations Full pitch At Sunderland we like to do this drill EQUIPMENT for players to work on quick attacks and Balls, bibs, cones, 2full size goals combination play with an end product. once aweek. It takes place on aday NUMBER OF PLAYERS Players find this session engaging when we want to give the players a 20 players +2goalkeepers because it is very real and focuses on physical hit in avery game-related SESSION TIME counter-attacking, apart of the game manner. We usually run it three Total: 20mins that is becoming more vital to the team days before amatch (MD-3).

KEY 1a The three attackers Ball support the pass to movement the centre forward, Player movement creating a4v3 Dribble attacking overload. CF They must try to score Defender as quickly as possible

Attacker 18

The drill starts with a pass from the server to the The centre forward attackers in moves onside by front of their running between the own goal defenders and receives a forward pass from his team mates

The receiving attacker 18 then passes to one of the team mates either side of him

What do Iget the has adesignated centre to one of the three “Players ﬁnd this players to do? forward. It’s awave attackers who start in session engaging We set up in the space drill and only one set of the 18-yard area in front between penalty areas defenders and one set of their own goal. The because it is real on afull size pitch, of attackers are active receiving attacker then and focuses on with agoal at each end at atime, with the rest passes to one of the and an 18-yard zone waiting for their turns team mates on either counter-attacking, a marked out in front to go. We are also using side of him. This pass of each goal. We are two crossers, one on allows time for their part of the game that using two sets of three each side of the pitch in centre forward, who is becoming more defenders and three an unopposed channel. starts off the pitch at sets of four attackers. We begin the drill with the other end, to move vital to the team” Each set of attackers a pass from the server onside by running

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CHRIS COLEMAN: COUNTER-ATTACKING

KEY Ball movement Player 1b The crosser can cross ﬁrst movement time, or take the ball past the Dribble 18-yard line to cross. Both Optional options are shown here movement

After the ﬁrst attack is complete, the attackers must retreat back past the 18-yard line

The server plays the next ball in. The attackers must pass it wide to either of the crossers

between the opposition shown [1b]. This time, attack centrally and they receive their first ball from defenders, as shown [1a]. they must play it wide to have alimit of seven the server and attack the Once onside, the centre either of the crossers in seconds to try to score. fresh defenders guarding forward receives along the unopposed channels. On completion of this the opposite goal, looking forward pass from his The crosser must either third attack, the players for their centre forward at team mate. The three cross first time, take the again come back out of the other end to get onside attackers then support ball past the 18-yard the 18-yard zone and the to receive apass. The two the pass, creating a4v3 line to cross, or check attackers receive afourth crossers must switch to attacking overload. The back to deliver across. and final ball from the the channels in the other forwards must try to score On completion of the server. This time they must half to attack that goal. as quickly as possible. second attack, all the pass to the other crosser Before playing the On completion of the first players must again come and then attack in the starting pass for each attack, all the players back out of the 18-yard same manner as before. attack, it is very important come back out of the zone and the attackers After the completion of the the server allows the 18-yard zone and the receive athird ball from fourth and final attack, the attackers to retreat back attackers receive another the server, as shown [1c]. next set of attackers must past the 18-yard line. ball from the server, as This time they should step in straightaway. They We work on four blocks

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CHRIS COLEMAN: COUNTER-ATTACKING of four minutes. This achieves the What are the key things to look physical targets that we aim for. out for? “We can progress the We want see agood defensive session by putting atime How do Iprogress the session? balance, with one defender limit on the attackers, We can progress the session engaging the ball and the by putting atime limit on the other two defenders taking tomake sure they attack attackers, to make sure they effective covering positions. attack quickly and with purpose. Communication is key to this. quickly and with purpose” Another way is to introduce a The speed of attack is also defender from the other end important and it is vital that, of the pitch to put pressure on on transition, the counter- KEY Ball the attackers from behind. attack is quick and direct. movement Player movement Dribble 1c

After the fourth ball goes dead, anew wave of players For the third 18 step in to attack the defenders attack, players should at the other end, repeating the attack centrally. They same four attacks have time limit of just seven seconds

On completion of the third attack, the blues receive afourth ball from the server and must After the second attack via the crosser that wasn’t attack, the attackers used in the second attack retreat back past the 18-yard line again and the server plays the next ball in

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LINCOLN CITY KEY Ball Danny Cowley The coach passes movement Player 4runs to press to player 1. On this Player Counter-pressing movement player 3the moment player 1 trigger player 2runs passes. Player 3then passes Dribble SET-UP to press player 1as right to player 5and moves to he is receiving AREA 1a the cone on his left. Player 4 Up to 24x18 yards takes player 3’s place EQUIPMENT Balls, bibs and cones Player NUMBER OF PLAYERS 5 passes 3 Up to 15 players right to SESSION TIME player 7and Total: 70mins moves left Practice 1: 15mins 6 5 4 Practice 2: 25mins 1 6v6 +3 rondo: 30mins 2 10 Overview Player 1 This session is aimed at gets apass inﬂuencing player behaviour away to player on the loss of possession. We 3 on his right Player 7 passes and moves to work very hard to affect player back to the start, 7 the cone on behaviour in the transition where 2and3wait, his left. Player from attack to defence, as the and then moves left. 8 2 takes player This pattern continues 1’s position counter-press is an important until 90 seconds is up feature of our playing style. We aim to be ahigh energy, hyper mobile team. We see 10 Switch! On the giving the ball away as an coach’s call, opportunity to win it back and the ball goes 1b 5 the other way know that we can be at our using the most dangerous after winning same pattern. the ball back high up the pitch. The pattern Here player 2 passes to The belief gives our players continues for 90 seconds until the player 8while freedom and conﬁdence in coach calls for a being pressed possession, as they aren’t switch of direction 3 by player 6. scared of losing the ball. Player 2then 7 2 runs to his At some point in every 6 right training week we will do some counter-pressing work. The nature of counter-pressing 10 4 work means you can achieve Player 8 receives excellent physical returns and is pressed by from your players through player 4 but gets a 8 the high intensity running pass off left to player 7 before running to and accumulative sprints. the cone on his right If we are playing against 1 possession-based or counter- attacking teams, we will often use counter-pressing 10 drills as the focus of our work in the lead up to games.

The players follow the passing, What do Iget the players to do next? What do Iget the players to do? pressing and movement pattern Practice 2 Practice 1 shown in the diagram for 90 seconds We set up for this training We set up in the same 10x10-yard until the coach calls for aswitch in practice in an area of 10x10 area as before. Here we’re using the direction of play. Players then yards, with four cones marking 12 players, split into two teams of out apassing diamond. follow the same passing, pressing and six. Half the members of each team For this activity we are using movement pattern in the new direction. start on the cone opposite the other eight players positioned on We work in three-minute blocks half of their team, as shown [2]. the cones, as shown [1a]. and rest before repeating. Here Team Bstart as the defending

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DANNY COWLEY: COUNTER-PRESSING

KEY Ball 2 movement Player A3 A2 movement Dribble

Team Bstart as defenders. One player goes to the centre Team Astart to stop the attackers as attackers. The ﬁrst player B5 B6 dribbles across B4 B3 B2 and beats the defender in a1v1 B1 10 A4

If the defender If the attacker wins the ball, makes it across, he team Bbecome passes to ateam attackers. He mate, who now tries A1 dribbles towards to dribble across and A5 A6 his team mates. get past the defender The old attackers must now take on the role of defenders 10

changes hands and the attackers – they must try to keep possession “Look out for the immediately become the defenders. using the assistance of the three reactions to the loss Encourage players to react quickly magic players. The six defending to the changes in possession. players are in the centre of the area of possession –you Every time adribbler successfully and they must try to press and win want to see players makes it across to the other the ball back, as shown [3a]. side, his team earns apoint. If the defenders win the ball, they counter-pressing At the end, the team with the must secure their possession by most points is the winner. passing to one of the magic players quickly on transition” at one end of the area and then continue to play from there. How do Iprogress the session? team and one player goes into The team that has lost possession the centre of the area. Team A 6v6 +3 rondo must now set up as the new are attacking and the ﬁrst player We set up an area of 24x18 yards. defending team, with the four dribbles across the square and We’re using 15 players, split into a outside players switching places attempts to beat the defender in a possession team of six, adefending with four of the defenders in the 1v1. If the attacker makes it across team of six, and three neutrals, or centre. As they have become the the area, he passes to ateam mate “magic” players. The three magic new defending team, they must on that side, who now dribbles players set up with one at either immediately start to counter- across in the other direction and tries end and one in the centre. The press and must try to win the ball to beat the defender. If the defender possession team has four players back from the new possession wins the ball, as shown, possession on the outside and two in the middle team, as shown [3b].

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DANNY COWLEY: COUNTER-PRESSING

The possession team can score the touch restriction can go to They should be forcing opponents points if it is able to string six one-touch. This will create more on to their weaker foot. The angle passes together, or if the players turnovers of possession. of approach is important when manage to move the ball from one pressing, and players should end magic player to the other. try to keep play on one side, What are the key things Touch restrictions can be introduced making the pitch small and using so that after six passes the to look out for? the sideline as adefender. possession team is restricted to Look out for reactions to the loss of We also want to see our players two-touch. If they are able to put possession –you want to see quick securing possession once they two sets of six passes together, counter-pressing on transition. have won the ball back.

KEY Ball movement 3a Player movement Dribble

The red possession team has four players on the outside and two in the middle. They must keep possession using the neutrals 18

The three yellow neutral players set up with one The blue defending at either end team of six is in the and one in the centre and must press centre to win the ball back

The original defenders are now the possession team

On turnover the The team losing defending team must possession becomes the secure possession by defending team, with passing to aneutral at their four outside players one end. They then play switching with the four from there defenders in the centre. Now they counter-press

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BRIGHTON &HOVE ALBION Overview stop shots and defend as aunit. If Mikey Harris This is ahigh intensity session that they win the ball back they should works on improving player sharpness look to hit the two target goals. Finishing with in and around the penalty box, arguably Players love this practice because transition the most important area of the pitch it is intense. There are also plenty of and one where games are won or opportunities to be ahero, both by SET-UP AREA lost. It’s afinishing session but it scoring or making crucial blocks. It Final third of pitch is as much of adefending practice challenges all aspects of the game EQUIPMENT for the team out of possession. and it has something for everyone: Balls, bibs, cones, 1full size goal, For the team attacking the large goal, attackers, defenders and keepers. 2 mini goals the session is all about creating scoring The great thing about this session is that NUMBER OF PLAYERS opportunities, both as an individual a coach can use it to work on specific 12 players +1goalkeeper and by combining with team mates. outcomes, which can change each time SESSION TIME When the attackers lose the ball it it is used. For example, it could be used Total: 30mins is important they react positively one week to work on finishing with back in transition by pressing the ball to goal and then the next week the coach KEY Ball quickly or defending the mini goals. could condition the practice so that movement Player For the team defending the large goal, the servers cross and then it becomes movement they must get tight to the ball carrier, a finishing from crosses practice. Dribble

The attacking team attempts to create ascoring opportunity by making the space to shoot, either through 1a individual skill or through team play

Servers start play by The defending team passing the ball into the and the keeper try to stop team attacking the large the attackers from scoring goal. The servers can take turns or respond to a call from the coach

“Players love this What do Iget the players to do? area as servers. If the coach chooses, We set up in the final third of the pitch, the servers can also act as bounce practice because with afull size goal in its normal players for the attacking team, it is intense. There position and two mini target goals passing back (on one or two touch) positioned outside the penalty area. to help create scoring chances. are also plenty of We are using 12 outfield players and a Play starts with aserver passing a opportunities to goalkeeper, who guards the main goal. ball into the attacking team, as shown The outfield players are divided into [1a]. The servers can take it in turns be ahero, both by three teams of four: one team attacks to play the ball in, or the coach (or a the main goal, one team defends player) can call out the name of the scoring or making the main goal, and the third team is server to play the ball. The attacking crucial blocks” positioned around the outside of the team attempts to create goal-scoring

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MIKEY HARRIS: FINISHING WITH TRANSITION

KEY Ball 1b movement Player Once the ﬁrst attack movement has ended with ashot, the Dribble next ball should be quickly played in by the servers

If the defenders win the ball they must now try to If the keeper gathers score in the mini the ball, he can start goals. Both sets of a counter-attack with players must react either athrow or apass quickly to achange – directly to the mini in possession goal or to ateam mate

opportunities by making the space defenders, and the defenders What are the key things to look out to shoot as an individual, or by using become servers, as shown [1c]. for? team play to create an opening. Play until all players have been When in possession, we look for Once the first attack has ended, the attackers, defenders and servers player movement to create space next ball is played in immediately by at least three times each. for afirst-time finish. We also want one of the servers. If the defenders To ensure realism, use alinesman to see skilful ball manipulation win the ball, or if the keeper saves to call offsides. Keep score and give and agood first touch to create the and keeps hold of the ball, they the players some reflection time in opportunity to finish under pressure. must now try to score in the mini between sets to discuss what they Players should show us they are alert goals, as shown [1b]. The keeper need to improve and any changes in and can follow up on any rebounds. can distribute to ateam mate, or strategy they might want to make. When out of possession, players he can score directly in the mini need to maintain the correct goal himself with either apass or a How do Iprogress the session? distance from the ball carrier throw. This forces the attackers to The session can be adapted or to stop shots. Their body shape react quickly in transition, as they progressed in anumber of ways. when defending is also important, need to decide whether to press the We can increase the challenge for as is the angle of the press. counter-attacking defenders or the attackers or the defenders by In transition, whether attacking or drop deep to defend the mini goals. reducing the numbers in order to defending, players should react It helps to explain to the players create an overload for one team. fast. If they have lost possession, that, in relation to the 11-a-side We could challenge or condition players should recognise when to press or drop. If they have gained game, the mini goals represent the the players attacking the large possession, we want to see the midfield unit for the defending team. goal to “go it alone” and find away transition to aquick counter-attack. This shows the importance for the to finish on their own. We could attacking team to respond quickly also vary the role of the servers, and appropriately on transition. to make them involved in the What are the typical mistakes that We rotate the players every three game –they can be conditioned to players might make, and how do I minutes: the servers become pass, to deliver acertain type of a avoid them? attackers, the attackers become cross, or across of their choice. The team attacking the large goal

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MIKEY HARRIS: FINISHING WITH TRANSITION is typically slow in transition. become defenders. when the ball is live. Even when This is because when they If the coach has decided that serving the ball in, they should are trying to score, they think the servers are involved as be on the move –shifting the they are just an attacking bounce players or crossers, ball with their ﬁrst touch before KEY team, but players need to be ensure they play an active part passing or dribbling to the Ball reminded that when their in the game and don’t just pass byline to give the offensive team movement Player team loses possession of or cross from the same place the time make the movement movement the ball, they immediately each time. They should be ﬂuid needed to attack the ball. Dribble

Play for three minutes before rotating 1c teams: now the servers become attackers, the attackers become defenders, and the defenders become servers

Here an attacker has made a well-timed run to receive the ball from the server and scores

If the coach chooses, the servers can also be used as bounce players to return the ball to the attacking team. Limit them to one or two touch

“Players need to be reminded that when their team loses possession of the ball, they immediately become defenders”

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BIRMINGHAM CITY Overview challenges decision-making, Steve Spooner This session is all about helping creativity and awareness Attacking players to develop apositive It’s asession that can be used mindset for attacking in 1v1 when you want ahigh-intensity 1v1 &2v2 and 2v2 situations, and in 2v1 physical practice and it allows overloads, predominantly from for aconsiderable amount SET-UP the central areas of the pitch. It of collaboration between AREA also enables supporting runs coaches and sport scientists. Up to 45x35 yards in order to gain, and exploit, EQUIPMENT an attacking overload. It also allows for the defensive Balls, bibs, cones, 3small goals, aspect of the session to be 4 full size goals The session encourages handled by ashadow coach. KEY NUMBER OF PLAYERS forward thinking and forward Ball Up to 18 players +4goalkeepers This is agreat session to keep movement passing play. It stretches Player SESSION TIME the learning progression the players motivated and movement Total: 54mins through each activity and it the enjoyment levels high. Dribble Each practice: 18mins In each zone, play starts What do Iget the players to do? 1a with aball from aserver Attacking carousel We start the session using a three-part carousel practice, It’s a 2v2 with a1v1 in zone A, a2v1 in in zone C zone B, and a2v2 in zone C, as shown [1a]. Each zone has a goalkeeper and one small goal. The size of each zone should be tailored to suit the age of the group and the physical outcomes required. The attackers Players experience spells in have a2v1 all three zones, playing one overload ball in each zone until either in zone B a goal is scored, the keeper saves, or the ball goes out of ZONE A ZONE B ZONE C play –then one defender and one attacker move into the The red attackers go against the blue next zone if it is free, or wait defenders in each zone and try to score past at the side until it is vacant. the keeper. It’s 1v1 in the shorter zone A The attacker and defender One defender and one attacker from Amove to B; the defender from Cmove to Aand play resumes and one of the attackers move 1b from BtoC; and one defender and one attacker move from C to A, as shown [1b]. Play three four-minute sets, with two-minute rests between. Timings can vary, depending on the physical outcomes decided before the session. “This is all about helping players The defender and one of to develop a the attackers from Bmove to C positive mindset for attacking ZONE A ZONE B ZONE C in 1v1 and 2v2

situations, and in When the ball goes dead, one defender and one attacker from each zone move into the next 2v1 overloads” zone. Both players from Amove to B

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STEVE SPOONER: ATTACKING 1v1 & 2v2

Breakout 1v1 use their outside team mates in the central zone and each Next we set up an area, as to help them do this. After they team has adefender and an shown [2], with the size of the have managed to string five attacker in the outer zones, boxes relevant to the player passes together, one player creating a1v1 in front of goal. numbers we have available. can break out of the central Play starts with apass from the Here we are using 18 outfield area and go 1v1 against an server into the central zone and players divided into two teams opposition defender in an outer teams have to keep possession of nine and four goalkeepers. box. The aim is to beat the until they can create an opening We are playing 7v7 in the central defender and score in the goal. to link up with their attacker area and we position the two Play three four-minute sets, in the final third. When their additional defenders from each with two-minute rests between. attacker receives the ball, he team in the outer zones –one in can go 1v1 with the defender each of the four outer zones that Breakout 2v2 and should try to score. has agoal and agoalkeeper. We set up a45x35-yard area Another attacker and one more KEY A server starts play with apass divided into three 15-yard defender can also break out Ball movement into the central area. The team zones, as shown [3]. We are of the central zone to support Player receiving the ball must try to using 18 outfield players and their team mates, making it a movement keep possession but they can two goalkeepers. We play 7v7 2v2 attack on goal. If adefender Dribble

The passing team can use the help of their team mate outside the central box After ﬁve passes have been made, aplayer can break out and go 1v1 against adefender

The receiving team A server starts pass the ball around play with apass into the central area to the central area keep possession

“We would hope to see apositive mindset from players so we know that they really want to attack the defender”

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STEVE SPOONER: ATTACKING 1v1 & 2v2 manages to win possession, they can play the and possess creative ﬁnishing skills. ball out to ateam mate in the centre zone. The defenders must prove they have agood technical and tactical understanding of What are the key things to look out for? defending, both in 1v1 and 2v2 situations, We would hope to see apositive mindset from and when defending against an overload. players so we know that they really want to attack the defender. They must also possess What are the typical mistakes players might good technical knowledge of both running make, and how do Iavoid them? and dribbling with the ball, and should Players may make poor decisions in relation KEY demonstrate good spatial awareness and an to attacking space, passing when they should Ball understanding of supporting runs, both in shoot, or taking too many touches when movement Player behind and in advance. Players should show attacking the defender. And, in my experience, movement they have the ability to make the right decisions there may be alack of communication. Dribble

The receiving team keeps possession until creating an opening to pass to their attacker in the ﬁnal third 15 A server starts with apass into the central 7v7 area

Another attacker can break out of the An additional defender central area to assist can break out of the central his team mate area to make it 2v2 15 The attacker goes 1v1 against the defender and tries to score

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LMA AMBASSADOR Overview winger (your number 7), his midfield David Pleat This is aprogressive and precise session team mates and other players, and Developing that outlines some of the intricacies this session demonstrates the real of smart wing play. It has been put positive effects that can be gained from wing play together to offer abasic wing set-up a concentrated training exercise. before advancing this through various SET-UP stages, and using the involvement of What do Iget the players to do? AREA 30x20 yards additional team mates. It also gradually Three players EQUIPMENT introduces opposition players to make We set up as shown in the first diagram, Balls, bibs the session more real to the game. with anumber 7tightly marked by an NUMBER OF PLAYERS Good play on the flanks is aprerequisite opposition defender. The aim is for him Up to 8players for any football team. You cannot be to receive the ball safely under pressure SESSION TIME successful without fully utilising the and, if possible, get past his opponent Each practice: 10mins linkup play between the receiving into the marked target area of the pitch

KEY Ball movement Player Three Players: The number 7 movement learns to lose his marker by Dribble dropping and then checking back to receive the ball

2 Three Players: As an 1a alternative way to shake off his marker, the number 7 comes forward, then spins back to run on to a pass from his team mate

8 7

2 Four Players: The number 7 darts forward and plays square to the number 8, who moves in to play a forward pass back to the number 7inthe target area

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DAVID PLEAT: DEVELOPING WING PLAY

KEY Ball 3 movement Player movement Five Players: The 2and 8now Dribble offer alternate starting passes. Optional The number 7pulls his marker movement and chooses to receive from 8, leaving space behind that he can exploit. The blue arrows show his alternate run to receive from the 2

Six Players: The number 9 now has amarker and receives under pressure. He then sets back for the number 8to thread aball into the run of the number 7 9

7 8

further down the wing. In the ﬁrst full back, then spin round and race receive under pressure and makes a practice, we test the number 7to beyond his marker to receive along square pass to the number 8, whose see if he can drop off his marker. As pass from the 2, as shown [1b]. movement enables him to pass inside shown [1a], he sees that his number Considerations for your number 7: of the full back and into space for the 2 is open to play him apass to feet Q. Is there space? Where is the space? number 7to run on to, as shown [2]. and he spins round and takes the Q. Is he happy to receive the ball in Considerations for your number 7: opposition full back away with asharp front of his marker or behind? Q. Is there space ahead and agood burst of 10 yards or less, quickly angle for the passing player? checks, and then returns to receive Four players the ball to feet in front of his marker. We introduce amidﬁelder (number Five players Alternatively, if he knows there is 8) to the attacking side, in order to Now we introduce astriker (number space behind, the number 7can help the winger progress into space 9). Also, the number 2and the make adummy run towards his own behind. Now, the number 7comes to number 8can now work together

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DAVID PLEAT: DEVELOPING WING PLAY to change the point of the mark number 9. As shown by introducing more starting pass. The number [4], the number 9has drawn opposition players to “Youcannot 7 attracts his opponent his marker away from the make it afully competitive besuccessful in tight and makes arun centre and towards the practice. As shown [5], withoutfully to receive from either the wide area. He receives the we can add amarker to number 2or the number ball from the number 7and the number 8, or have the utilisingthe 8, and after receiving he lays back to the number 8, coach feed the number linkupplay plays around the corner who plays aforward pass 9 or the number 2, who to the number 9, who into space. The number 7 will immediately be betweenthe has moved towards him. has spun round to lose his pressed by the opposition receivingwinger, The striker plays the ball marker and can run into the wide left player. into space behind the full yourmidﬁelders space to receive the pass. Considerations for back for the number 7 to Considerations for andother run on to, as shown [3]. your number 7: your number 7: Considerations for Q. Is he aware of all of players” Q. Can he receive your number 7: his different passing comfortably, and is the options and is he capable Q. Has he attracted the number 9aware and full back in tight enough to of making the correct looking for the ball at leave good space behind? decision quickly? a 45-degree angle? Q. Can he play left-footed Q. Has the movement of around the corner ﬁrst time, What are the key things to so as not to break stride? the number 9dragging look out for? the centre-half towards We are looking for quick play helped make space? Six players passing and precision, The number 2and the and for players to How do Iprogress the KEY number 8are still working demonstrate an awareness Ball session? movement together to vary the starting and understanding Player pass, but we now introduce Eight players of the positions of movement an opposition defender to We progress the session their team mates. Dribble

Eight Players: More opposition players are brought in to make the practice less passive, with opponents closing down attacking players at every opportunity. As aprogression, the coach can start play

8 7

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EXTRA-TIME FEATURE: SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

THEPSYCHOLOGY BEHINDTHE PERFECTPENALTY No matter how many balls they’ve ﬁred into the net in practice, it’s what’s going on in their head that really counts, says sports psychologist and LMA member Lee Richardson…

SELF-CONFIDENCE, or more to find it very hard to approach the accurately ‘self-efficacy’, is key to task with the right mindset. taking the perfect penalty. Self-efficacy is the underlying belief that someone FOCUS should be on where the ball Trying in vain to avoid it actually has the capability to complete atask is going to go. Many studies of closed decreases self-efficacy and and it’s influenced by various factors. skills, such as kicking afootball creates more nerves. Past success, for example, raises unopposed or throwing aball at a self-efficacy, while failure lowers it, target, suggest that external focus (ie. PREPARATION IS KEY, because so aplayer might just as easily have focusing on the target) reaps better low confidence because of alack of results than focusing internally on the taker needs to be confident and experience as feel pumped by their self-talk or other internal experience. have more than one trick up their memory of past achievement. The player also needs to stays totally sleeve. These strategies need to It is also affected by how well we focused on the job in hand, rather than have been practised multiple times see others do, because we feel thinking ahead to the consequences with as much realism, in terms that if they can do it, then we can of scoring or not scoring. of scenarios and pressure, as do it as well. If aplayer with low possible. Deliberate, repetitive and confidence follows someone who TAKING CHARGE of the tempo of consistent practice will embed the has just missed the net, it’s likely to the penalty, slowing it down to suit skill and confer apositive mindset. lower their self-efficacy further. their own state, strategy and skill execution, can be important in In a playing career spanning 450 games, KEEP IT POSITIVE, because influencing the goalkeeper’s state. Lee Richardson was a penalty taker for discouragement can have apowerful several clubs and never missed. He was negative effect. If someone has ACCEPT THE UNCOMFORTABLE manager of Chesterfield between 2007 been ridiculed in the past for their because psychological pain and and 2009 and is currently a psychologist attempts at goal, they are going discomfort is part of the territory. with Lancashire County Cricket Club.

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