www.elitesoccercoaching.net NOVEMBER 2019

SOCCER

Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers

ASTON VILLA DEAN

SMITH INPARTNERSHIPWITH DEEP RUNS FROM MIDFIELD

WEST HAM WOMEN CAMBRIDGE UNITED LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR MATT COLIN LUKE CHRISTOPHER BEARD CALDERWOOD SWINDLEHURST EVANS Reinforcing team Developing Attacking 4-3-3 Compact fundamentals combination play against 4-4-2 defending

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW WITH SHEFFIELD UNITED MANAGER CHRIS WILDER INPARTNERSHIPWITH

Elite Soccerispublishedby ISSUE 112/NOVEMBER 2019: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd Engaging training 4 MBX124 DEAN SMITH 19 Moorfield Road ground activities to ASTON VILLA Slyfield Industrial Estate DDeepeep Guildford improve theplayof GU1 1RU runs United Kingdom anyteam from Email: Dear Coach, mimidfidfi eeldld elitesoccer@ greenstarmedia.net This month, as the season gets really busy, we are pleased to present an attacking session penned by Editor: Dean Smith, the manager of Premier League club Aston Chris Hunt Contributing Editor: Villa. It is designed to encourage attacking midfielders Mark Farthing and wide players to disrupt the opposition back line Consultant Coach: Dave Clarke by making deep runs in behind the defenders. Illustrator: We also have aback-to-basics session from Matt Beard, 8 Richard Palmer MATT Design: who led West Ham Women to the FA Cup final last season. BEARD AT Graphics It will make sure your players are comfortable on the ball WEST HAM WOMEN Photography: Reuters and confident in possession, and as it progresses it works Reinforcing on other elements of the game, such as counter-pressing, team counter-attacking and making penetrating forward runs. fundamentals Cambridge United manager Colin Calderwood offers a Publishedinpartnershipwith: series of activities to improve combination play in tight areas and develop decision making when in possession of the 11 COLIN ball, while Luke Swindlehurst, formerly the head coach of CALDERWOOD League Managers London Bees women’s football team, has written atraining CAMBRIDGE UNITED Association session that will help teams that use a4-3-3 formation St George’s Park DDeeveveloping National Football Centre, to attack opponents that play with a4-4-2 system. combination Newborough Road, Needwood, We close the issue with asession from Christopher Evans on play Burton upon Trent, compact defending –it’s one that he used in the Bangladesh DE13 9PD Tel: +44 (0)1283 576350 Premier League while head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Email:[email protected] Club. It teaches teams to defend in their own half of the pitch, 15 Chairman: while tactically forcing the opposition into wide areas. Howard Wilkinson LUKE Chief Executive: I hope you find that the training sessions in this issue SWINDLEHURST LMA AMBASSADOR Richard Bevan will be of help to your coaching. Elite Soccer will Attacking This publication is protected return next month with five more training practices to 4-3-34-3-3 by national and international make your players think about the way they play. copyright laws. Elite Soccer aagainsgainst will take legal action against any individuals or 4-4-24-4-2 organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public. No part or whole of this report 18 may be circulated elsewhere CHRISTOPHER or displayed on any website or distributed commercially EVANS except under licence from the Howard Wilkinson,LMAChairman LMA AMBASSADOR copyright owners. © Green Star Media Ltd. All Compact rights reserved dedeffeendingnding

22 EXTRA-TIME …interview with Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

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

MATTBEARD manager at Newcastle United, WESTHAMWOMEN Birmingham City, Norwich City DEANSMITH and Brighton &Hove Albion. ASTON VILLA Matt Beard started his He was appointed manager Dean Smith is currently the manager of Aston coaching career as reserve team manager at non-league of Cambridge United Villa, having arrived at Villa Park in October Kingstonian. He worked with in December 2018. 2018. He successfully led the club back to the Charlton Athletic Ladies before Premier League after victory in the play-off becoming manager of Millwall LUKE final at the end of his first season in charge. Lionesses, who he guided to the SWINDLEHURST He started his career as adefender with Villa’s FA Women’s Premier League LMAAMBASSADOR near neighbours, Walsall, and went on to play Southern Division title in 2009. Most recently the head He led Chelsea Ladies to the coach of the professional for Hereford United, Leyton Orient, Sheffield 2012 FA Women’s Cup Final, the development phase at Barnet Wednesday and Port Vale, scoring 54 goals in FA Premier League Cup semi- FC, Luke Swindlehurst was 566 league games during a16-year career. finals, and athird-place finish in previously the head coach After hanging up his boots in January the FA National Premier League. and general manager of the 2005 he returned to Leyton Orient He then took over as boss of club’s sister team, the London as ayouth coach before soon being Liverpool Ladies and was named Bees, competing in the FA FA WSL Manager of the Year. Women’s Championship. appointed assistant manager, aposition After astint in the USA with With extensive experience in he occupied until January 2009. the Boston Breakers, he the women’s game, he has In July 2009, he became head of youth at returned to England to take also managed Fylde Ladies former club Walsall, but in January 2011, charge of West Ham United and enjoyed two spells as the with the team nine points adrift at the foot Women, who he led to manager of Preston North of League One, he accepted the role of the Women’s FA Cup End Women. He held the caretaker manager. He successfully lifted final in 2019. position of first-team coach with Liverpool Ladies and was the club out of the relegation zone before the COLIN previously assistant manager season’s end and he was given the job on a of Manchester City Ladies. He permanent basis when safety was assured. CALDERWOOD CAMBRIDGEUNITED is aUEFA ALicence holder. He went on to lead Walsall to the final of After along career as aplayer the Football League Trophy in 2015 before for Swindon and Tottenham CHRISTOPHER leaving to manage Championship club amongst other clubs, Colin EVANS Brentford in November of the same year. Calderwood started his LMAAMBASSADOR After aninth place finish in his first season coaching career as reserve team Most recently head coach of manager at Spurs. Becoming Dhaka based Mohammedan in charge, Smith substantially rebuilt the manager of Northampton Town Sporting Club in the Brentford side over acouple of seasons in 2003, in his first two seasons Bangladesh Premier League, and earned praise for creating ateam that the club reached the play-offs Christopher Evans is aUEFA played attractive, passing football. and finally won promotion in A licenced coach and sports He was appointed Aston Villa manager 2006 by finishing second in development consultant. in October 2018 and took the club League Two. In doing so, they He has previously coached at set anew club record for clean from 14th in the Championship to the Norwich City, working with sheets in asingle season. the centre of excellence U13s Premier League in his first season. He then became manager of and U14s, and with the club’s Twice awinner of the League One Manager Nottingham Forest, helping shadow academy. Prior to that, of the Month award with Walsall, he was also the club win promotion to he served as academy team voted Championship Manager of the Month the Championship in 2008. manager in non-league football with Aston Villa. He is agraduate of the LMA’s Calderwood has also been and as technical director for Certificate of Applied Management at Warwick known for his close working West London Schools FA. He also worked for Chelsea as a University and amember of the LMA Board. association with Chris Hughton, acting as Hughton’s assistant development centre head coach.

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ASTON VILLA the opposition defenders. What do Iget the players to do? KEY The biggest worry for Intensive midfield circuit Ball Dean Smith movement defenders is the space behind After awarm-up [not shown], Player Deeprunsfrom movement them and unless we have we set up in an area of 24x24 Dribble midfield runners penetrating these yards with three small goals areas, we will not be able to and three mannequins SET-UP disrupt the opposing team’s positioned as shown [1]. We’re AREA back line and create space in using five players, who wait in Up to two thirds of pitch behind or in front of them. EQUIPMENT line at the side of the area to Balls, bibs, cones, 6mannequins, This is asession that creates take their turn to run through 3 small goals, 2full size goals plenty of goal scoring this midfield circuit. Two NUMBER OF PLAYERS opportunities and players coaches set up the play –one Up to 15 players +2goalkeepers tend to enjoy it as they take is positioned at the top of the SESSION TIME great pleasure from scoring area and one is at the bottom. Intensive midfield circuit: 5mins Breakthrough play: 10mins goals and assisting. The first player begins the Breakthrough play progression: 10mins I would tend to run the sequence by making arun to Attack vdefence: 20mins first couple of practices at press the central mannequin least twice aweek, to be before receiving aball played Overview included in the individual from the bottom coach and This session is designed development programme of finishing in one of the mini to encourage attacking the midfield players . Ialways goals at the bottom of the midfielders and wide players try to make these smaller area. Following this, the player to make deep runs in behind sessions position specific. immediately runs to press the

1 INTENSIVE MIDFIELD CIRCUIT

The player then presses the second mannequin and The player heads aball then accelerates thrown by the across the area top coach to intercept a ball played by the bottom coach and finishes quickly into the goal at the top 24 The run is completed with a short movement around the third mannequin and a one-touch finish The first into the final goal player makes a after receiving run and presses a ball from the the central bottom coach. mannequin Then the next before receiving player goes a ball from the bottom coach and finishing in the bottom goal

24

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DEAN SMITH: DEEP RUNS FROM MIDFIELD

KEY Ball 2 BREAKTHROUGH PLAY movement The defensive midfielder plays Player a one-two with the first attacking movement Dribble midfielder and then passes to the second attacking midfielder, who has made arun behind the mannequins

The wide player makes a return pass to the defensive midfielder, who moves to receive the ball

The defensive midfielder in the centre circle moves to receive a pass from the wide player and switches play to the opposite wide player

The second attacking midfielder runs on to the pass and finishes with a shot on goal

“Thesessionisdesignedtoencourageattacking midfielders andwideplayers tomake deeprunsin behindtheoppositiondefenders” second mannequin where he heads Then the next player starts the defensive midfielder who starts a ball thrown by the top coach. He circuit. Each player completes in the centre circle, two attacking must then accelerate across the five repetitions of the sequence. midfielders who start tight to the two area to intercept apass played by central mannequins, and two wide the bottom coach towards the top midfielders –one on each wing. What do Iget the players to do next? mini goal, finishing with ashot into Play starts with the defensive this goal. The run is completed with Breakthrough play midfielder moving to receive from a short movement around the third We set up on half apitch with afull the wide player and switching play mannequin, where he receives a size goal and goalkeeper at one to the opposite wide player. He then pass from the bottom coach and end and six mannequins positioned goes to collect areturn pass before finishes with one touch into the other outside the penalty area, as shown playing into one of the attacking goal at the bottom of the area. [2]. We’re using five players: a midfielders, who can either set back

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DEAN SMITH: DEEP RUNS FROM MIDFIELD

to the defensive midfielder for a four, making it a6v4 in favour goalkeeper at each end. We’re KEY Ball pass to an attacking midfielder of the attackers, as shown [3]. using 15 outfield players movement who has made adeep run, or split into an attacking team Player We could use alinesman for movement he combines with the other offsides to make the practice of eight (the reds) and a Dribble midfielder to attack behind more realistic. It is free play but defending team of seven (the the mannequins. The move the attackers are encouraged blues). We’re also using a should end with ashot on goal. to make runs from deep and linesman to call offsides. employ what they have learnt Play starts with apass out How do Iprogress the practice? from the previous practice. from the red goalkeeper and Breakthrough play goal scoring opportunities progression What do Iget the players to do should be created using the To advance the practice, we next? attacking movements learnt would add acentre forward to Attack vdefence in the session so far, as shown the attacking team and replace We set up on two thirds of [4a]. The red front five should the mannequins with alive back a pitch with agoal and a be encouraged to make forward

“Thekey thingwe lookfor isthedesireofplayersto makeforwardrunsinfrontoftheball”

3 BREAKTHROUGH PLAY PROGRESSION

For this progression, replace the mannequins with alive back four

Players should make runs from deep to create scoring opportunities

A centre forward is added to the attacking team, making it 6v4 in favour of the attackers

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DEAN SMITH: DEEP RUNS FROM MIDFIELD

KEY 4a ATTACK vDEFENCE Ball movement Player movement Dribble Play starts with apass The red front out from the five should goalkeeper of make forward the red attacking runs in front team of eight of the ball to disrupt the defensive line

The blue defending team of seven attempt to stop the reds scoring

4b

If the blues gain possession, they are allowed to attack and score

Play always restarts from the goalkeeper of the red team

runs in front of the ball to disrupt What are the key things to look out What are the typical mistakes the defensive line –any of them for? players might make and how do I can make adeep run in behind the The key thing we look for is the desire avoid them? back line to make space, not just of players to make forward runs in Players have atendency to play in the player that receives the ball. front of the ball but on the opposite front of the opposition too much To encourage transitions, if the blue side of the ball. The players do not and allow the back line to stay in team manages to intercept the ball have to receive the ball, they are shape with good organisation. or gain possession, they are allowed simply creating space either in front We try to encourage attackers to attack and score, as shown [4b]. or behind the opposition’s back line. to make runs in behind.

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WEST HAM WOMEN types of decision making, both size goal at each end. We’re KEY defensively and offensively. using 16 outfield players Ball Matt Beard movement As it progresses, it adds other and two goalkeepers divided Player Reinforcingteam elements of the game, such as into two teams of nine. We movement Dribble fundamentals counter-pressing, counter- play a9v9 game where the attacking, making penetrating objective is to pass the ball SET-UP forward runs and shooting. and keep possession. AREA Here we are running it as a It’s anon-directional game so Two third of pitch 9v9 session but it is easily neither team should attempt EQUIPMENT to score in the opposition Balls, bibs, cones, 2full size goals, adaptable to 10v10 or 11v11. 6 mannequins It is also possible to add an goal –they must simply aim NUMBER OF PLAYERS overload player into the game to string 10 passes together 16 players +2goalkeepers to increase the challenge. without losing possession to SESSION TIME Players really enjoy this score apoint, as shown [1]. Each activity: 8mins session as it is set in quite a The coaching focus should realistic environment, with be on quick decision making Overview numerous ways to score points. and encouraging players The main objective of this to be smart in keeping the session is to make sure players ball. At this stage of the are comfortable on the ball What do Iget the players to do? session the goalkeepers are and confident in possession. It Non-directional possession unopposed, so they must focuses on the fundamentals We set up between the penalty not be pressed. We play this of team play and covers all areas of our pitch with afull game for eight minutes.

1 NON-DIRECTIONAL POSSESSION

Play 9v9 including goalkeepers. The objective is to keep possession in anon-directional game

Goalkeepers are unopposed and Teams must make 10 passes are only used to start play and recycle without the opposition winning the possession for their team ball to score apoint

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MATT BEARD: REINFORCING TEAM FUNDAMENTALS

KEY 2 DIRECTIONAL POSSESSION Ball movement Player In this movement progression Dribble the same rules apply but the game is now directional. The keepers Teams can still can now be score by making pressed by 10 passes the opposition attackers

Teams can also score a point by successfully passing the ball to the opposition goalkeeper

3 DIRECTIONAL POSSESSION WITH COUNTER

In this The same progression rules apply. if teams win Teams can possession, score apoint they can now by making counter- 10 passes, or attack and by passing score in the to the opposition opposition goal keeper

switch on defensively and that they HowdoIprogressthesession? the keepers can now be pressed. We play for eight minutes. can quickly get into shape once the Directional possession opposition keeper has received the After atwo-minute break, we ball. play asecond 9v9 game with the What are the key things same set-up as before but this to look out for? time it’s directional. To score a In this first progression we want to How do Iprogress the session point, teams must either make 10 see if players can focus on keeping further? passes or successfully pass the the ball and make positive forward Directional possession with counter ball to the opposition goalkeeper, passes. From adefending stand After another two-minute break, as shown [2]. In this progression point, we want to see that players can we play athird 9v9 game with the

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MATT BEARD: REINFORCING TEAM FUNDAMENTALS

same set-up as before. Again, the offensive focus in on scoring in the opposition goal, KEY Ball to score apoint teams must the counter-attack. but now players can also score movement make 10 passes or successfully points by dribbling through Player movement pass the ball to the opposition Directional possession the mannequin gates and Dribble goalkeeper, but this time, if with dribble driving into space, as shown teams win possession, they can We use the same set-up as [4], or by passing through now counter-attack and must before but for this progression the mannequin gates. try to score in the opposing we position three mannequin If needed, we encourage players team’s goal, as shown [3]. gates on the halfway line. We to drive through the mannequin If the ball goes out, play play another 9v9 game and gates by adding acondition restarts from the keeper. In teams can still score points by that players must dribble this progression the added making 10 passes, or by passing through them before shooting focus defensively is the to the opposition goalkeeper, or creating achance for ateam counter-press, while or by counter-attacking and mate. We play for eight minutes.

“Thefocusdefensivelyisthecounter-press,whilethe offensivefocusinonthecounter-attack”

4 DIRECTIONAL POSSESSION WITH DRIBBLE

To encourage driving forward into space, players Teams can now also score apoint must dribble through the mannequins before shooting by dribbling or passing through the or creating ascoring chance for ateam mate mannequin gates

In this final progression, teams can score apoint by making 10 passes, or by passing to the opposition keeper, or by winning possession and counter-attacking the opposition goal

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CAMBRIDGE UNITED helps players to reach aclear octagon and four players on KEY understanding of when to play the inside, as shown [1]. The Ball Colin Calderwood movement through the opposition and outside players have aball Player Developing when to play around them. each and they look to combine movement Dribble combinationplay It’s acompetitive and game- with their team mates on the related session that the players inside. The two floaters are SET-UP enjoy. As the physical output in the central area and they AREA from the players is limited can support any inside player Up to 60x40 yards by the size of the area and to make acombination. EQUIPMENT the low speeds being used, it Balls, bibs, cones, poles, 2 full size goals is ideal for the first training What are the key things to look NUMBER OF PLAYERS session following amatch. out for? 18 players +2goalkeepers We want to see players SESSION TIME What do Iget the players to do? Technical practice: 10mins making any of the following Possession practice: 20mins Technical practice combinations: 9v9 +keepers: 20mins We set up in a24x24-yard • Play aone-two and square, coned off at the then find another ball. Overview corners to leave an octagon- • Receive from the outside, This session is all about shaped training area. We’re turn and use various receiving improving combination play using 18 players, split into skills, such as front foot, in tight areas. It develops two teams of eight, plus two back foot, no touch turn, decision making when in floaters. Each team has four then play to afree player possession of the ball and players on the outside of the and find another ball.

1 TECHINCAL PRACTICE

Two yellow floaters are inside Encourage players to make the octagon. They can support any more complex combinations in inside player to make acombination this tight space

Combinations can be simple one-twos Each team has four players inside the octagon

24

Each team has four players on the outside of the octagon. Each of the outside players has a ball and they must combine with their team-mates inside the area 24

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COLIN CALDERWOOD: DEVELOPING COMBINATION PLAY

KEY Ball 2 POSSESSION PRACTICE movement 24 Player movement Dribble The possession team can use team- Use the same set-up as before, mates on the outside to support, but apass but there is now just one ball in play to an outside player is worth no points

The yellow The floaters play possession for the team in team possession and passes the are one-touch. ball under They can link pressure. play centrally One point when required is scored for each completed pass in the 24 central area

If the pressers win the ball, they must transition quickly into the new passing team. 24 The first team to 21 points wins

“Thissessionisallaboutimprovingcombination playintightareas.Itdevelopsdecisionmaking wheninpossession”

• Receive from the outside, turn, What do Iget the players to do to one-touch link play centrally. If play out and play the outside player next? the pressing team wins the ball, they in with aone-two. The player Possession practice become the new passing team. inside then goes to the outside. We use the same set up as in the Keep score using the pontoon • Receive from the outside, previous practice but this time only system: each completed pass in turn, play out and play the one ball is in play and the team in the centre scores one point; each outside player in with adribble possession must try to keep hold pass to the outside scores no points to the outside. The player inside of the ball under pressure from the but possession is maintained – then goes to the outside. other team. They combine with each this will encourage players to • Receive from outside, turn, play other inside and use their outside make central combinations in the out and overlap the outside player. team-mates to help them keep the tighter spaces where possible, Receive another pass from him ball if necessary, as shown [2]. The using the outside players only before taking the ball and playing two floaters can also support the for safe controlled passes. The again with someone else. team in possession but are limited first team to 21 points wins.

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COLIN CALDERWOOD: DEVELOPING COMBINATION PLAY

We play for 20 minutes, where the pressure is coming limiting passing options for KEY Ball swapping outside players from and where the space is, their own team. The passing movement with the inside players making quick decisions about team has a10v4 overload Player movement every three minutes. We where to play the ball using including the floaters when Dribble can progress the activity by one-twos and give and go’s. in possession, therefore conditioning the number of Off the ball, players should players should show for the touches of the ball if needed. make runs to create space. ball in aposition that doesn’t block apass to their team- What are the key things to look What are the typical mistakes mates on the outside. out for? players might make and how We want to see players using do Iavoid them? How would you put this into a good receiving and protection In the possession practice, game situation? skills in tight areas. They players will sometimes find 9v9 +keepers should play with their heads themselves inadvertently We set up an area of 60x40 up, showing an awareness of blocking passes to the outside, yards with agoal at each end

3a 9v9 +KEEPERS

The reds must play the ball into the attacking half by going around the central gate before they can shoot

20 40

60

Play starts with apass from the keeper. The reds build an attack on the opposition goal but teams cannot shoot from their own half

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COLIN CALDERWOOD: DEVELOPING COMBINATION PLAY

KEY Ball 3b movement Player movement 60 Dribble Plays always restarts from the keepers

20 40

60 The blues have to play the ball through the central gate before they can attempt ashot on goal

“Oneteamisconditionedtoplayaroundthecentral gatewhenattackingandtheotherteammustplay throughthecentralgate” and a20-yard gate marked across keep possession of the ball but they What are the key things to look out the centre of the halfway line with must play back into their own half and for? poles. We’re using 18 outfield then take the correct route before From the team who have to play players and two goalkeepers, being allowed to score in the goal. through the gate, we want to split evenly into two teams. Goals can only be scored in the see good combination play and Each team must try to score in the attacking half of the pitch –long effective receiving and protection goal at the end they are attacking shots from ateam’s own half skills in tight areas. We also but one team is conditioned to are not allowed. Play for 20 want to see creative passing and play around the central gate minutes, with the teams swapping good movement off the ball. when attacking, as shown [3a], conditions at half-time. From the team who have to play and the other team must play As aprogression, we can run this around the gate, we want to see a through the central gate when game as free play to see if the range of passes, including penetrative attacking, as shown [3b]. players show an understanding passes, and different kinds of If either team takes the wrong route of when to play through and when supporting runs, such as underlaps, into the opposition half, they still to play around the opposition. overlaps and third man runs.

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LMA AMBASSADOR a lone central striker. It’s What do Iget the players to do? KEY aimed at preparing players 9v9 practice Ball Luke Swindlehurst movement to attack an opponent that We set up on three quarters Player Attacking4-3-3 operates with a4-4-2 system. movement of apitch, with afull size Dribble against4-4-2 It’s asession that will help goal at each end. The short encourage teams to play end of the pitch also has a SET-UP out from the back and either mini goal on each flank. AREA play through or around the We’re using 16 outfield players Up to full pitch opposition. It will show players EQUIPMENT and two goalkeepers, split Balls, bibs, cones, 2mini goals, 2full how to attack the opposition and utilise the extra player into two teams of nine, with size goals the attacking team (here, NUMBER OF PLAYERS in the centre of midfield, Up to 20 players +2 goalkeepers switching the play quickly with the reds) lining up as if they SESSION TIME positive penetrating passes. were the 4-3-1 part of a 9v9 practice: 25mins 4-3-3 formation. They have 11v11 game: 35mins It will show teams how to play through the thirds in anumber two central midfielders and a of different ways depending central attacking midfielder, Overview on the opposition’s defensive and are missing the right and This session is designed for structure, and it will allow left attacking midfielders. teams that operate with a4-3-3 all players to demonstrate The defending team (here, system of play, utilising two effective attacking play with the blues) line up as if they wide players and one attacking a number of different skills, were the 2-4-2 part of a4-4-2 midfield player who supports techniques and tactics. formation, minus the full backs.

1a 9v9 PRACTICE The red full backs move 12 yards up Play starts from the keeper of the the wing from the penalty area to give red team. The reds line up in apartial the keeper further options to play out 4-3-3 formation minus the wide attacking midfielders

The reds 12 must play through the thirds and can score in either the central goal, as here, or in one of the unguarded wide mini goals

The red centre backs move one yard wide of the penalty area to give the keeper options to 12 play out from the back

The blues line up in apartial 4-4-2 formation, minus the full backs. If they win possession, they attack the single goal

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LUKE SWINDLEHURST: ATTACKING 4-3-3 AGAINST 4-4-2

KEY Ball 1b movement Here the red full back surges forward to create Player width and scores in the wide mini goal, representing movement a pass to awide attacking midfielder Dribble

12 Play always restarts with the keeper of the red team

12

The reds should be looking to quickly combine in midfield and switch play to the wide areas where there is more space to attack

“Thissessionwillhelpteamstoplayoutfromtheback andpenetratethroughandaroundtheopposition”

The reds are set up to play out from through the opposition, or switch middle third as the ball moves the back. The centre backs should play to the wide areas so they can forward into attacking areas. move to apoint one yard wide of the play around the opposition where In the middle third we want to see penalty area and the full backs move there is more space to attack. movement and creativity from the 12 yards up the wing from the penalty central players and passing options area, giving passing options for the What are the key things to look out in front and in the wide areas. Players goalkeeper. The team should then for? should move the ball quickly and build up an attack through the thirds. We want to see teams playing switch the ball to play through and The red team can score in either the through the thirds. In the defensive around opponents. The full backs main goal, as shown [1a], or in one of third we want to see teams playing must move forward to create width. the wide mini goals, which represent out from the goalkeeper, with passing to awide midfield player, players creating space and passing How would you put this into agame as shown [1b]. The attacking team options. The keeper should pass situation? should be looking to take advantage onto the front foot of the receiving 11v11 game of the 3v2 overload created in central defender’s stronger side and then We now set up on afull pitch for midfield and combine quickly to play the defence should push out into an 11v11 with agoal at each end,

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LUKE SWINDLEHURST: ATTACKING 4-3-3 AGAINST 4-4-2

adding in the two players with ahalf-time break for the ball and one of them should KEY Ball missing from each team coaching interventions. always attack the back post movement in the previous practice. when the ball is on opposite Player side of the pitch in the attacking movement The reds are still in a4-3-3 What are the key things to look Dribble third. The wide attacker should formation and the blues line out for? also threaten the outside of the up in a4-4-2. We play anormal We want players to use the 11v11 game with offsides. full back and dart in between principles of playing out from the full back and centre back. Where the 9v9 practice could the back that were coached In the attacking third we want end with apass to the wide in the 9v9 practice and bring to see high tempo passing attacking midfielders (the them into the 11v11 game. with combinations to unlock mini goals), now the game As play builds up through the the defence. Players should moves on to creating scoring thirds, we now get the players be willing to get into the box opportunities in the final third, work on how the wide attacking and score goals, and we want using balls played in from midfielders fit into the overall to see the striker using good wide areas, as shown [2]. picture. They should make hold-up play and an ability to We play for 30 minutes good movements to receive anticipate through balls.

“Thewidemidfieldershouldalwaysattacktheback post whentheballisonoppositesideofthepitchinthe attackingthird” 2 11v11 GAME

Where the 9v9 practice ended with apass into the For the red 4-3-3 team, the focus ‘wide midfielders’, the 11v11 game moves on to attack should be on how the wide attacking the final third. Here the reds score from across midfielders now fit into the game

The wide midfielder should make arun In the 11v11 game, the players should use attacking the back post when the ball is on the principles of playing out from the back the other side in the attacking third that were coached in the 9v9 practice

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LMA AMBASSADOR crosses, which is an opposition area help to keep possession, KEY weakness. It also encourages while an attacking pass across Ball Christopher Evans movement compactness and teaches the middle of the area may be Player Compact players how and when to press. more dangerous but would movement Dribble defending This was asession that Iused score apoint for the possession regularly when Icoached team if received successfully. SET-UP in the Bangladesh Premier The other team presses hard AREA League because my players and tries to win the ball, as Up to full pitch lacked coordinated technical shown [1]. We encourage teams EQUIPMENT detail, especially on their to press in intense 10 second Balls, bibs, cones, 2mini goals, 2 full size goals individual roles and how bursts, to work on their fitness NUMBER OF PLAYERS their own roles would fit into and synchronisation. If they win 16 players +2goalkeepers the larger tactical picture. the ball they transition quickly SESSION TIME into the new passing team. Pressing 4v4: 10mins We would usually have two Pressing 8v8: 10mins What do Iget the players to do? Compact defending: 15mins Pressing 4v4 group playing simultaneously. 9v9 game: 20mins We set up in an area of 10x10 yards. We’re using eight outfield Pressing 8v8 Overview players split into two teams We set up in an area of 30x20 This session is all about of four. We play a4v4 game yards with five-yard cone gates learning how to defend in with the team in possession at either end. We’re using our own half, while tactically trying to keep the ball while 16 outfield players split into forcing the opposition into passing and receiving. Passes two teams of eight. We play a wide areas and encouraging around the inside edge of the directional 8v8 game, using

The blues pass to keep possession. Apass around 1 PRESSING 4v4 the inner edges of the area keeps possession for the team but apass across the centre scores apoint if successfully received by ateam-mate

The reds 10 press to win the ball in intense 10 second bursts. If they win possession, they quickly transition into the passing team

10

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CHRISTOPHER EVANS: COMPACT DEFENDING

KEY Ball 2 PRESSING 8v8 movement Player The reds pass the ball to build an attack. If they movement manage to pass through the cone gate at the end Dribble they are attacking, they score apoint

5 20

If the blues win the ball, they transition 30 The blue pressing team should drop, into the attacking team and must create an keep compact and press intensely, as opportunity to pass through the cone gate at individuals and as units, to force the the end they are attacking possession team wide

“Thissessionisallaboutlearninghowtodefendin ourown half,whiletacticallyforcingtheopposition intowideareas” the same passing and receiving A goal line is marked out at the the wide box. He must pass to one principles as in the previous practice, other end, with two mini goals of the red forwards in the midfield but this time the possession team and two wide boxes of 10x5 yards area. The blue defending team scores by passing through the gate positioned on it, as shown [3]. should press as aunit and force at the end they are attacking. We’re using 15 outfield players and play into the wide channels –the The pressing team should be one goalkeeper. One team is made reds should be made to cross or are encouraged to drop, keep compact up of eight outfield players (here, pushed back into the wide boxes. and press intensely, both as the reds) and they line up in a2-3-3 The blue midfielders should support individuals and as units, to force the formation attacking the main goal, their defenders by tracking runners possession team wide, as shown [2]. with one full back in each of the wide and screening the ball in the boxes. The other team lines up with dangerous central areas, while the Compact defending a goalkeeper, four defenders and blue centre backs should remain in We set up on just under half apitch three midfielders (here, the blues). the central areas if possible, picking with agoal and agoalkeeper in A full back for the red attacking up threats and defending crosses. their usual positions at one end. team starts play with apass out of If the blue defending team wins

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CHRISTOPHER EVANS: COMPACT DEFENDING

possession of the ball, they should be expected to use the players, an assistant coach KEY Ball can attack either of the mini all the defending principles can feed balls into the attacking movement goals at the other end. that were practised in the team to quickly restart with Player movement previous activities. a full back in the middle third Dribble 9v9 game and the full back can play fast We set up on half apitch with How would you put this into a into the striker’s feet, meaning a goal at each end. We’re game situation? the defending team has to get using 16 outfield players and To finish the session, we its ‘block’ in place quickly. two goalkeepers, split into progress the previous 9v9 It’s important that any two teams of nine. We play a activity into an 11v11 game session of this nature is 9v9 game, with play always played on afull pitch [not played out in an 11v11 game, restarting quickly with apass shown]. This could be with so we can assess what real out from the goalkeeper or without restrictions learning has taken place. of the blues, who are the depending on the progress If it seems that the players attacking team, as shown [4]. that the players have made. have failed to take the coaching We coach the reds, who are For example, if it is felt there is a points onboard, then we the defending team. They need to impose restrictions on can readjust the original

3 COMPACT DEFENDING The blue team has seven outfield If the blue defending team wins players and agoalkeeper. They line up possession, they can counter-attack with akeeper, four defenders and three either of the mini goals 30 midfielders. They defend the main goal

5 10 2 The red team has eight outfield players. They line up in a2-3-3 formation attacking the main goal, with one full back in each of the wide boxes

2

A red full back starts play with apass The blue defending team press as aunit and try to out of the wide box. He must pass to one of keep play in the wide channels where the reds can the red attackers in the midfield area only cross or are forced back into the wide boxes

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CHRISTOPHER EVANS: COMPACT DEFENDING

KEY Ball 4 9v9 GAME Play a9v9 game. Play starts and movement Player restarts with aquick pass out from the movement keeper of the blue attacking team Dribble

The reds must defend compactly as aunit and try to force the blues wide

The defending midfielders should screen for attacking passes and track runners “We lookatthefirst pressandwhetherthepressingplayeristimingthe presscorrectly,aswe wanttoseeifhecanaffecttheball” activities to take account of any to see if he can affect the ball. We central midfielders track any runners holes in the players’ learning. also want to see if the players around in pockets, especially between the him are aware of their compactness full backs and the centre backs What are the key things to look out relative to the area of the pitch. when the full backs are pressing. for? Tactically, we want to see that all Technically, we’re looking at the players are dropping to defend and What are the typical mistakes players players’ body posture without the whether the shape is what we are might make and how do Iavoid them? ball, their distances from the ball, looking for in any given situation, Pressing too early or too late will and whether they are observing the including outlets if the ball is won. massively affect the ability of the ball. Their eyes should be focused We will look at forcing play wide to team to defend successfully, so it both on the ball and the opposition. encourage the opposition to cross is vital that players recognise the Then we will look at the first press and making sure we are compact triggers that tell them when to press. and whether the pressing player is at the edge of the box to stop pull Use coaching breaks to talk players timing the press correctly, as we want backs. We also want to make sure the through the relevant triggers.

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EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: CHRIS WILDER THE WILDER SIDE Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder talks about his long and winding road to Premier League management

ince being appointed to Liverpool or going to Sheffield Those core values have shaped manager of Sheffield United to visit grandparents. At that time the culture I’ve built at Sheffield in 2016, Chris Wilder has Liverpool were dominating football, United, one of honesty, openness and Sinspired his home-town and so my loyalties were pulled in two inclusion. It’s essential that everyone boyhood team to two promotions. He directions until we moved back to live in the staff and playing team is was even voted LMA Manager of the in Sheffield. Then United became my pulling in one direction, but at the Year in 2019 after leading the club to sole focus. same time Iunderstand that they’re the top flight of English football. all individuals and Iwant them to With the Blades now back in the “My parents worked feel able to express themselves. It’s Premier League for the first time hard for everything important to me that in 12 years, he is adamant that he is we had.” I think football they know they each not about to make radical changes At one point, my dad have an important part to their game or to his authentic and even had three or four management is to play in the success inclusive style of leadership. jobs at the same time. of the team and that When things aren’t so relentless and they enjoy coming “Football has always been my handed to you on aplate, to work every day. obsession.” you have to go out there unforgiving that Communication is, I can clearly remember playing and work really hard to you can’t allow therefore, massively football in the back garden of my achieve them. Certainly, important, so Ispeak mum and dad’s house when Iwas five it’s from my parents that yourself to becomme with the players alot or six. My family’s connection with I got my values and my and encourage an Sheffield United goes back quite a hard-work ethic; Inever complacent open doors policy. long way, as my grandad had atrial take my foot off the gas. The same goes for Sheffield United Reserves. He I believe that, like any manager, for my support staff. played football part time and worked I need to keep learning, improving I have great people at the local steelworks. and moving with the times, but the around me, from our sports science I also have aconnection with positive values Ihold –honesty, and first-team coaching staff to my Liverpool, as my dad is from there. commitment, working as ateam, assistant manager, Alan Knill. I’m At one stage his work took us to being competitive –still underlie very inclusive, so while I’ll make the live in London, so for three years everything Ido. They also help to final decisions, Ialways welcome and my summers were spent travelling keep me grounded. value other people’s opinions.

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EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: CHRIS WILDER

“Some of my approaches stem from my time as aplayer.” I think back to those times and ask, in what environment and under what leadership did Iplay my best football? Then, of course, you also have to adapt your approach to the players in your team and the club you’re at. At Sheffield United we really engage with our fans and, as aSheffield man myself who has supported the side since the age of 10, Ifeel areal connection with the supporters and the city. “You have to stay grounded in this game.” I think football management is so relentless and unforgiving that you can’t allow yourself to become complacent. If ever you think you’ve cracked it, you’ll probably come unstuck. But I’ve always taken the approach that you have to believe in what you’re doing, in the system you want to play and in your players. different ways to win agame of top of the game. Ihave amassive We’ve developed our game over a football and to be successful. amount of respect and admiration number of years and, as much as for managers at the elite level who possible , Iwant us to keep playing “Winning LMA have to deal with quite different the same style of football we’ve Manager of the Year challenges, not least employed successfully over the last was validating.” We want to be hard- the incredibly high three years. It was an honour for expectations and I know, however, that you have to me, the players and the working and not get pressures at the top. be adaptable to any situation that football club, especially Having the you encounter, whether that’s in given it was voted for by over confident or opportunity to spend between games or during amatch. my managerial peers. I’m complacent if things time with these Rather than just sticking rigidly to also proud to follow in the managers really one system or style of play, you footsteps of managers are going well inspires me and I’m need to be decisive as amanager who faced similar looking forward to and be prepared to alter your situations to me, as well welcoming them into approach. There are, after all, as those right at the very my office after games this season. We may be competitors, but we’re all alike in working in avery tough, results- driven business, and there are alot of good people in the game. “I love listening to other managers’ experiences.” It was great to listen to Pep Guardiola speak at arecent LMA insight event and Ivalue the opportunities I’ve had to spend time with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Walter Smith, Howard Wilkinson and Sam Allardyce. Listening to other senior managers helps you to continue to learn new ways to improve yourself and the team, and it can give you more confidence in your own methods. However, you can’t copy someone else’s style of leadership or football directly, because every team is unique and is at adifferent level. Instead, learn as much as possible from others

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EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: CHRIS WILDER while remaining authentic and true to yourself. “Different times lie ahead for us.” We have total respect for whatever league we’re playing in and it’s an attitude I’ve always instilled in the players. When we were promoted to the Championship, our aim was to get a foothold in the division and earn the right to stay there, and we’re taking the same approach now with the Premier League. We want to be hard-working and not get over confident or complacent if things are going well. We want to continue to express ourselves and stick together, and support one another when the going gets tough. I think these are qualities that all great teams share. We know there will be challenges from a physical, technical, tactical seven or eight, but equally I’m not and mental toughness point of aiming for us merely to survive in view and as a team we’ve talked this division. about these a great deal. It’s There’s been a glint in the important that the players and I It’s important that the players’ eyes and we’re all enjoying know how we’ll approach any new players and Iknow how getting out there in the Premier experiences and setbacks. League and proving ourselves, The mindset of the players we will approach any new going toe to toe with other clubs in going into the Premier League the Premier League and competing is particularly important to me, experiences and setbacks with some of the best in the world. but I’m confident they’ll remain I’m also looking forward to grounded and will thrive on this competing again against Daniel fantastic opportunity. There needs “I’m not going to set any Farke, who did a fantastic job to be a good balance between monthly targets.” getting Norwich promoted to the feeling excited and feeding off the We’re simply going to try to get points Premier League as champions last new challenges this season, and from every game that we play in. I’m season. Our performances earned continuing to play with the freedom not going to sit here and think it’s us the right to be in the Premier that we’re known for. realistic that we can finish in the top League and now we need to show eveeverybodyrybody that we ddeservdeeservserve to stastayy heherree..

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