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LMA AMBASSADOR Sir Alex MY PHILOSOPHY Ferguson Paul Scholes v 3 Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown My Panathinaikos exchange passes philosophy Champions League, Second Group stage, Overview: Group A My key football November 21, 2000, philosophy has Old Trafford always been to make sure my teams keep hold of the ball. The 1 United have use of possession in already made 10 consecutive passes creating space and by the time David reducing opposition Beckham lays the threat is recreated in 2 Sheringham lays ball forward to every match situation, it back to Mikael Teddy Sheringham so this knowledge Silvestre is invaluable in the modern game. While the concept is straightforward, searching for improvement and development in this vital skill is important. There are a variety of challenges that enable us to Another exchange of passes perfect the art, and is made before a ball is fed this practice can centrally to Paul Scholes. He angles a long pass to Dwight be embedded in Yorke on the wing, then more difficult game begins a forward run play situations by applying specific 3 Teddy Sheringham flicks the ball to Paul Scholes who coaching exercises has made a blind side run and conditions... encouragement to 4 Paul Scholes takes switch the ball, for one touch to control the ball then lifts it effortless instance. over the Panathinaikos At United, the players keeper for a are so good at these memorable goal activities it is a joy to watch. All players are comfortable 2 David Beckham has receiving the ball and advanced into midfield using space, from and receives the pass the goalkeeper right through the team. 1 Dwight Yorke’s positive run up the wing creates space, with Panathinaikos unable to close the frontman down I have used the quick, While there are League at Old that, but constructed a tight, measured countless examples Trafford in 2000 was passing move of more passing that you see of players who have particularly special. than 20 passes, which in this session in my excelled in this role, We were leading 2-1 ended with a sublime soccer training at the performance that and looking to keep Scholes chip over the Aberdeen and St. Paul Scholes put in hold of the ball in order goalkeeper and into Mirren, right through against Panathinaikos to see the game out. the net. to Manchester United. in the Champions We not only achieved
4 october 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
MY PHILOSOPHY
Key Ball SET-UP Blues work as a movement close-knit pair in the Player Area movement middle, looking to Dribble One blue closes Optional pass/ Up to a half-pitch win possession from run down his opponent Equipment 1a reds Balls, cones, goals, poles Number of Players Up to 9v9 Session time Boxes 20mins, 6v6 20mins, Goals 20mins
Boxes (1a, 1b) Reds move closer to their team mate 20 20 This involves the use of boxes The other blue prepares in possession to as a primary start, something to move towards the offer angled passing next receiving player options that is fundamental to players building understanding and motivation of movement and Now the red attacker passing in tight areas. We must look for passing use multiple boxes so that angles as blues press everyone is active. 1b tightly A simple 4v2 in a 20x20-yard box is two-touch, ensuring players enjoy time on the ball. Blues work together to intercept while reds must retain possession using quick, efficient link-up, the use of angled runs and passes, and an appreciation of space. Players should operate on the The red moves in off 20 Blue presses the ball balls of their feet, always ready the line, staying active 20 at all times to turn. How do I progress the game? Progressions are always determined by the quality of the session at each stage, so, in Technique: Balls of the feet this example, once we are sure A player who is up on the balls of sufficient progress is being his feet is already ‘on the move’, made and a high quality of in motion, and his feet are passing attained, we apply the anticipating onward movement same principles to one-touch (be that a run or the receipt of 5v2. The adjustment of teams the ball). Being on the balls of (to 6v2, 7v2 or even 6v3) or box the feet also implies minimal size (right down to 10x10 yards) contact with the ground, becomes part of the players’ enabling players to turn quickly. motivation and entertainment Contrast this to being flat- as it is they who, through their footed. The player needs to actions, show they are ready find time and energy to rise up for the more demanding parts on the balls of his feet to move of training. And remember, off. Spinning movement is also perseverance is vital for the restricted because the whole creation of habit and expertise. foot is planted in the ground.
5 october 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
MY PHILOSOPHY
Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble 2a Optional pass/ Sir Alex run Ferguson LMA AMBASSADOR At the end of last season, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE concluded 26 years in charge of Manchester United, and celebrated by leading the Red Devils to their 20th top division title. The Glaswegian had been the longest- In the Goals game, teams serving and most can attack any of the four corner goals successful manager in British football, clinching 49 trophies and numerous other awards along the way. After managing St Mirren and East Stirling, 2b Ferguson moved to Aberdeen in 1978, earning the Dons 10 trophies in seven years. And after guiding Scotland through the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Ferguson began to turn the tide at United - the 1990 FA Cup success providing the catalyst for a run of domestic success that may never be bettered by one man. In the progression, we add Two Champions League in two central gated goals to provide further goalscoring titles, 13 Premier options for the team in League wins and five possession FA Cup final victories were key achievements, but ‘Fergie’ was also 6v6 (not shown) possession with practice, no closer pattern of movement England’s Manager of Next, we enlarge to goalscoring. They than 10 yards from should not be the Year 10 times, the can score in any goal, each goal line. forgotten, and we want LMA Manager of the a 40x40-yard box, though passes must to see players using Year three times, and playing 6v6. This is What are the key Manager of the Decade an evenly weighted be 18 yards or more. things to look out the balls of their feet... for the 1990s. practice that examines To progress, we can for? never flat-footed. add two gates, as And any player in ball retention without In every part of this extra goalscoring possession must be the benefit of an session, ensure options, or as part of pressured at all times, overload. players begin two- an instruction that the with excellent work Goals (2a, 2b) touch, with team ball must be passed rate throughout and Then, on a half-pitch mates always through a gate before no-one standing on and with a goal in providing angles at a goal is attacked. the lines – that’s too each corner, players which to receive the Gates must be placed easy. combine measured ball. The consistent near the centre of the
6 october 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net