www.elitesoccercoaching.net march 2014
In partnership with Soccer Coaching practices from the world’s leading managers and coaches
Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers
manchester city MANUEL PELLEGRINI deadly transitions: TECHNICAL • TACTICAL • PHYSIOLOGICAL • PSYCHOLOGICAL
barnsley BRENTFORD LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR LMA AMBASSADOR DANNY MARK DAVID GRAHAM MATTHEW WILSON WARBURTON PLEAT TAYLOR BISHOP Defending Forward Triangular wing Possession and Pressing from the front runs contributions scoring masterclass extra-time interview: norwich CITY manager chris hughton In partnership with
Elite Soccer is published by: issue 44/march 2014: FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Green Star Media Ltd Brilliant training ground Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, practices from the best in the GU5 0AB, UK 4 Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 game MANUEL Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148 PELLEGRINI Email: MANCHESTER CITY [email protected] Dear Coach, Deadly Publisher: Welcome to the March issue of Elite Soccer. transitions Kevin Barrow Editor: We’re gearing up towards those tense final months of the campaign James Evans when dreams are fulfilled, ambitions are shattered, and one or two Contributing Editor: coaches will be looking around desperate to find that bit of inspiration Matthew Amos, LMA that will carry their players over the line. 6 Design: Certainly, we’re hoping such inspiration might come in the form of one DANNY WILSON Jimmy Egerton barnsley (or more) of our six engaging soccer practices, delivered for us by some Illustrator: Richard Palmer of the very best names in the game. Defending Customer Services: Right now, they don’t come much bigger than Manuel Pellegrini. The from the Duncan Heard Manchester City coach has galvanised his side this term, with the front Marketing Manager: club playing arguably some of the most attractive football in its entire Paul Mortimer history. Certainly, the session on deadly transitions that the Chilean Operations Director: has presented for us in this issue offers some pretty strong clues as to Toby Curthoys 8 how City have developed a gameplan that turns defence into attack with Managing Director: MARK Andrew Griffiths such devastating effect. We hope it works for your side as well. WARBURTON Photos: Action Images Elsewhere, and from the Sky Bet Championship, Barnsley boss Danny BRENTFORD Wilson presents a practice that looks at defending from the front in a Published in partnership with: Forward 4-3-3 formation; while Brentford boss Mark Warburton explains how a runs bespoke session on forward runs has guided his side into the automatic promotion positions in League One this term. League Managers And we’re delighted to reproduce two sessions from two of the most 10 Association experienced British coaches in the modern game: former England St George’s Park DAVID PLEAT manager Graham Taylor answers our Coaching Consultation piece LMA AMBASSADOR National Football Centre by offering a solution to a coach whose players don’t survey options Newborough Road Triangular Needwood effectively, while charismatic former top-level boss David Pleat isolates Burton upon Trent DE13 9PD the threat of the wide attack in a number of position-led set-ups. wing Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Finally, LMA Ambassador Matthew Bishops delivers for us a pressing contributions Email: [email protected] masterclass that’s as relevant for attackers as it is defenders. President: COACHING Roy Hodgson It all adds up to another fantastic cross-section of sessions, and as CONSULTATION usual, we hope you find them interesting and stimulating. Chairman: 12 Howard Wilkinson Good luck for the month ahead, and we’ll see you all again at the end of GRAHAM TAYLOR Chief Executive: March, LMA AMBASSADOR Richard Bevan Possession This publication is protected and scoring by national and international copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action against any individuals or organisations Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman found to be infringing our rights, 14 and will make that action public. Elite Soccer members who MATTHEW BISHOP have purchased this report may Elite Soccer is a monthly publication LMA AMBASSADOR circulate electronic or hard copies to members of their own for professional, semi-professional Pressing club or school, provided this is master- done without commercial gain. and aspiring soccer coaches and is However, no part or whole of class this report may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on available by subscription only. any website or distributed 3 MANAGEMENT commercially except under £97 for 12 issues. licence from the copyright owners. MATTERS © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights To subscribe email Our review of the past month reserved 16 EXTRA-TIME: [email protected] ... with Chris Hughton or call on+44 (0) 1483 892 894 18 BOOKED Elite sports book review
2 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
management matters MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS
Manchester In the Sky Bet In Sky Bet And finally to Sky City manager Championship, League One, Bet League Two, Manuel Leicester City Russell where honours Pellegrini boss Nigel Pearson collected Slade’s Leyton Orient side go to Graham Alexander, scooped a second successive the divisional award after the continued to mount a serious the manager of Fleetwood Manager of the Month gong Foxes won all five matches title challenge with four wins in Town. In only their second when picking up the award as to move clear at the top of the January. season as a Football League his table-topping side coasting table. Many expected the East club, the Lancashire outfit through January, winning all While their title rivals have London club’s challenge to continue to impress, playing a four of their league matches. struggled to maintain fade away in the second half of brand of expansive, attacking It is City’s goalscoring prowess consistency, Leicester cruised the season, but experienced football. And in January, they that has really impressed this into top gear in January to boss Slade has maintained saw off Accrington Stanley, term, and Alvaro Negredo confirm their tag as title momentum in his troops, and Dagenham & Redbridge, continued his excellent recent favourites. with victories in January over Hartlepool and Burton Albion run with eight strikes in all It’s a decade since the club Shrewsbury Town, Carlisle on their way into the division’s competitions during the month, last graced the Premier United, Crewe Alexandra and automatic promotion places. as the Blues set themselves up League, but victories over Coventry City, the Os are well It has proved a pleasing start immaculately for a concerted Millwall, Derby County, Leeds placed to take their promotion to life in management for title push this year. United, Middlesbrough and challenge right to the season’s Alexander, who occupies City beat Swansea City, Birmingham City ensured the close, despite the attentions his first post after a 21-year Newcastle United, Cardiff City East Midlands club would end (and bigger playing budgets) playing career that saw him and Tottenham Hotspur. Please the month with a sizeable lead of Wolverhampton Wanderers make over 100 appearances turn to page four to see Chilean at the top of the table. and Brentford. for each of Scunthorpe United, Pellegrini’s Elite Soccer Leicester City: P5 W5 D0L 0 Leyton Orient: P4 W4 D0L 0 Luton Town, Preston North coaching session. End and Burnley. Manchester City: P4 W4 D0L 0 Fleetwood Town: P5 W4 D1L 0 (league only)
period of time is incredible, but it’s for us preparation for this role? CAREER PATH now to carry that on. A. Managing teams is the same no matter Q. That must bring a considerable how old the players are, but starting at ... with Neal Ardley, manager of Sky Bet pressure with it? Cardiff was fantastic for me. League Two side AFC Wimbledon It was somewhere I could A. It does, but it’s not any different to the really learn my trade, and Q. This is your first managerial job – it pressures experienced by managers up cement a few ideas in my must be a special one as well given your and down the country. No matter what has mind as to how I would like time with the now defunct Wimbledon? gone on in the past, we have a duty to only to be as a manager. The look at what we do as a club now, and every A. Yes it is special. Obviously the big thing will always be the other manager and player is probably surroundings are different, but the old team – that’s at the heart of thinking the exact same thing. Wimbledon spirit is definitely here, and everything we do, and is a key it’s a pleasure to come to work each day. Q. You were previously Academy philosophy. What has been achieved here over a short Manager at Cardiff City. Was that good
3 march 2014 In partnership with
MANCHESTER CITY Manuel deadly transitions Pellegrini SET-UP Deadly Area transitions Up to 60x40 yards Overview: Equipment 1a This session Cones, goals, bibs examines how we Number of Players condition a player 5v5 plus two targets technically, tactically, and two wide players physiologically and Session time psychologically Main session 30mins, when attacking and Progressions 20mins defending transitions What do I get the in a small-sided players to do? 60 competition-based Setting up as shown game. We set up with 5v5 in the (1a), the ball starts with 40 It’s important middle, two target men, the two wide players and two wide players to practise this – we will alternate because it improves which of these starts. our mastering of Only one player from a scenario that each team is allowed in appears regularly in the end zones – these matches – namely are the target players 1b the attacking team and must remain in regaining possession that space. No other and aiming to create players can enter. space, passing the It’s 5v5 in the middle ball quickly, then with the aim of the team playing to a target in possession working player in a zone to space so as to flight the score. ball into the target player The session is also (1b), who must finish 60 good for defenders one-touch (1c). 40 The team in possession – their task is simply Should the ball go passes and successfully to organise well, out of play, a new ball makes space, preparing stay alert and aim to for a ball to be floated in comes back in from the towards the target player regain possession as wide player as quickly quickly as possible. as possible. In addition, the two wide players and the target men can offer 1c support to the 5v5 and can be passed to if needed, but unless “It’s important a pass is played in to practise the air a target man cannot make a scoring this because attempt. it improves Each game should last our three minutes with 45 60 seconds rest before the 40 The target man scores mastering next one begins. We in the goal with a one- of a scenario repeat this eight times, touch finish ensuring the two target that appears players and two wide Key men are rotated for Ball regularly in movement Player each game. movement matches.” Dribble
4 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
deadly transitions
What are the key things to look out for? Maintaining a high tempo 2 Manuel is very important so as Pellegrini to ensure pressure is MANCHESTER CITY placed on transitions Manuel Pellegrini has for both defenders and enjoyed an incredible attackers. first six months in charge of Manchester In terms of technical City, taking the club to proficiency, speed and the top of the league accuracy of pass is standings with some important, particularly 60 of the most expansive, the pass made in the air In the progression an attacking football to the target man. 40 attacking player may witnessed in the only pass the ball from a Tactically, each team designated area Barclays Premier of five must rotate League. positions so as to create The club has also space for players, whilst impressed in this Proving the practice maintaining awareness In our 7-0 Barclays Premier League victory over season’s Champions of defensive balance. Norwich City this season, we saw the elements of League and has this session played out brilliantly as David Silva breezed through both For the defending team, scored our second goal. we’re looking at their 2 Aguero controls FA and Capital One Cup and moves the ball campaigns. ability to press quickly Manchester City v Norwich City forward Chilean Pellegrini and be compact. Barclays Premier League November 2, 2013 joined Manchester Physically, repeated City with a wealth of sprints, continued managerial experience movement and high- accumulated in both intensity activity is South America and important. And we’re Europe. Amongst those looking for players clubs was Argentine side River Plate where to understand the in 2003 he led his psychological aspects team to the Clausura of the practice as Championship. well, to include good 1 Alvara In Spain he has communication Negredo plays managed Villarreal and with team mates to a long pass into the feet of Sergio reached the semi-finals coordinate attacks and Aguero of the Champions ‘the press’, whilst also League. being alert to deal with Three years later his fast transitions, even with 3 He cuts back and abilities were rewarded little recovery time. threads a pass into the 4 Silva’s shot when he secured one path of David Silva beats John Ruddy of the biggest jobs in How do I progress the world football with Real session? Madrid. To progress, we can In 2010, Pellegrini reduce the number of guided Malaga to a touches allowed, change fourth-placed finish in the number of passes La Liga, and secured required (minimum of the club Champions three), or condition the League football for the pass to the target man to first time in their history. come from a first-time As a player, he made pass. 451 appearances for Universidad de Chile. We can also create specific areas on the pitch where
the attacking team must Key Ball move the ball to before the movement Player movement final pass (2). Dribble
5 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
BARNSLEY Danny defending from the front Wilson Defending full-backs When the ball is can hold the line, but Defending played out from The holding must stay aware of the midfielder covers winger from the 1a the back the central area front in a 4-3-3 situation The other wide striker covers the threat of a Overview: cross-field pass This session coaches players on understanding defensive positioning. It enables us to teach The left full-back should how to channel move forward to cover opposition passes the wide player in the into areas of strength event of the ball going in to him for us, where we The first wide can attempt to turn striker moves to possession over. block a pass wide Furthermore, it gives players an idea of Cross-field ball The holding midfielder which passes we moves in to block a pass infield to the strikers can allow and which 1b The defending full-back should be prevented. moves to challenge As a result, the session will help prevent us from being overstretched, or exposed to positions of vulnerability.
The back four moves across to cover Key Ball movement Player movement Dribble Optional pass/ run
SET-UP What do I get the set-up, with players A common problem Area players to do? understanding is when the striker their roles, both as allows the full-back to “This session Full pitch We set up as shown, individuals and banks play the pass into the Equipment 11v11, on a full pitch, gives players with teams lining up in of players. wide man, enabling Balls, cones, goals the opposition to start an idea Number of Players 4-3-3 (reds) and 4-4-2 By following this (blues) formations. outline closely, we can their attack. To prevent of which 11v11 this we put in place a Session time The opposition keeper successfully defend starts play by throwing from the front in a key part of defending passes we As long as required the ball out to his right- 4-3-3, as well as still from the front – can allow back. retaining the positive namely that our striker has to arc his run so and which What follows is the attacking elements as to cut off the line gradual learning of that are so prevalent should be from the full-back to a bespoke coaching in this offensive prevented.” formation. the wide man, forcing
6 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
defending from the front
The ball is passed The holding midfielder infield The back four moves covers the run of the 2 across and out striker Danny Wilson BARNSLEY Barnsley manager Danny Wilson has now enjoyed 38 years in professional football – his first involvement in the game being as a player for Wigan Athletic in 1976. He went on to make over 100 appearances each for The defending full-back moves Chesterfield, Brighton up to cover the & Hove Albion and winger Luton Town, as well as enjoying successful The attacking full-back spells at Bury, moves infield to make room for the pass Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley. As a manager, his CV is The long ball forward The keeper collects Central defenders similarly impressive, in cover the runs of the 1997 taking Barnsley 3 strikers into the Premier League The holding midfielder for the first time in the drops back to cover club’s history, as well as late runs by attacking also earning promotion midfield players for Hartlepool United in 2007, before taking Swindon Town to the League One Play-Off Final in 2009. The 54-year-old has also managed Bristol The defending City, MK Dons and full-backs recover, Sheffield United. being aware of the winger overlapping
Key Ball The attacking full-back movement Player moves infield to make movement Dribble room for the pass Optional pass/ run
him to play inside or Two centre- aware of the diagonal the front. Through backwards (1a). midfielders mark ‘ball ball. The keeper intense and repeated As soon as the striker side’ and press inside sweeps up any longer coaching, each player “Through locks into the right- the ball. The deeper ball (3). can cement his part intense and back, that is the trigger centre-midfielder What are the key in the process and, as for his team mates stops any long ball into things to look out a result, can create a repeated to move forward and the strikers (2). for? definite team principle press. The central Centre-backs hold a of suffocating the coaching, The set-up succeeds striker is aware of the deeper line so as not threat that comes or fails on the basis each player other centre-back, or to be turned around. when the opposition is of players knowing is in a position to stop a The right-back doesn’t in possession. can cement their roles and cross-field pass to the have to go tight to the responsibilities his part in the left-back. winger or right-back when defending from process.” on cover, but remains
7 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
BRENTFORD Mark forward runs Warburton What do I get the Forward players to do? runs Passing drill 1 Overview: This drill prepares The session focuses players for playing on forward runs and forward, with an offside encourages positive line showing the need forward movement for good timing of linked to patient movement (1). buildup play and good Players move the pitch geography. ball around the area, The session can be following their passes, adapted depending with receivers coming on squad size, and the off their poles to create focus is on the timing space to control the of movement and an ball and send it on. In the Passing Drill, the ball is end product being What are the key worked around the area for the achieved either by things to look out last man to run onto, ensuring he passing or running for? times his run so as to stay onside with the ball. as the pass is played Players must show We will always a good weight and highlight the need for accuracy of pass 2 good lines of passes and excellent and team shape. communication - Irrespective of what verbally and through drill we run, we like eye contact. A positive to emphasise good first touch by the pitch geography receiving player is with key areas of the crucial, as is the timing area always being of the final player in not occupied. breaking the offside We run this session line before the pass is at least twice each played. The last man week as it’s seen runs with the ball to as a vital part of the back of line as the our overall match move restarts. In the progression, players make a strategy, with the key How do I progress attacking principle one-two before the final pass goes the practice? forward being to create space and receive. This To progress, we ask for demands regular players to make a quick practice time and the one-two at the top end key factors should be of the grid, as shown(2) . 3 constantly reiterated Next, another one-two and highlighted. can be added at the start of the practice(3) . SET-UP Then, as a final Area progression, the last Up to 60x32 yards man can move in to Equipment play an early touch Balls, cones, flat before the ball is cones, goals moved up the wing. He Number of Players then needs to reset quickly, making a blind Up to 9v9 side run around the Session time pole to collect the ball Passing drill 15mins and finish(4) . plus 3mins per Now, a second one-two is made at progression, Small- Key the start of the passing move Ball movement sided game 4v4mins Player movement with 90secs recovery Dribble
8 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
forward runs
Key Small-sided game Ball movement Player We use 18 players on movement a 60x32-yard area, as 4 Dribble Mark shown (5). Being long Warburton and narrow, it focuses BRENTFORD players on the need for There aren’t many good forward passing current Football and movement. League managers who Each team allocates can boast a career in two attackers and three London’s unrelenting defenders. A point is banking district, but scored by one of the Brentford manager attackers receiving Mark Warburton the ball under control, worked for two decades or running with the as a trader, both in the ball, into the relevant UK and in Chicago and And in the final progression, end zone. They are the ‘last man’ joins the move Charlotte in the United early to offer an extra passing States. the only players who can go into that end outlet, before returning to Launching the Under- his starting position and zone. Likewise, for the completing the move 19s European cup opposing end zone, only competition NextGen Series offered Mark an the allocated defenders interesting route back and attackers can enter into the game having the ‘scoring area’. played part-time for A further point can be 5 Enfield. scored by the team in He established the possession completing Harefield Academy at eight consecutive Watford before moving passes. This prevents
on to become Assistant the defending team 8 Manager then Sporting simply sitting back Director at Brentford. and protecting their And when former respective end zone. manager Uwe Rosler A progression of the left to join Wigan Athletic game can see an 44 in December of last additional point scored year, the 51-year-old In the Small-sided game, the if a forward closes 32 moved into the Griffin down a defender and principles are played out in Park hotseat, guiding steals possession a 9v9 set-up, with the blue the Bees to the top of striker evading the attention of in the end zone. This 8 his red defender and scoring a the Sky Bet League One encourages the strikers point by collecting a pass made table. to maintain focus and into the end zone concentration . What are the key How do I progress things to look out the game? Striker psychology for? To progress, we can Before the practice commences, we will Forwards should restrict touches, play remind players how a striker can construct a never be level or ‘flat’. one forward against scoring situation. This may be from running in “Within this Instead we want to see two defenders, or behind, from ‘pinning’ his defender in the end ‘opposite’ movement, allow any team in zone, or perhaps receiving on the half-turn session, we so one forward going possession to score and dribbling into the end zone. The key aspect will always short and the other in the end zone. though is the creation of space to allow such long. And the team in opportunities. highlight possession must not A player in possession needs to ask himself the need for ‘force the pass’, instead ‘can I play forward?’, ‘can I play square?, ‘can carefully securing a I pass back?’, all the time looking to ‘tempt’ good lines of point through eight defenders away from their own end zone, thus passes and successful passes. creating space for the forward movement. team shape.”
9 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
LMA AMBASSADOR David Pleat Wing and wide man contributions
Key Wing and Ball movement Player wide man movement Dribble contributions In Three Players, the no.7 Overview: drops then checks back to receive the ball This is a progressive and precise session that outlines some 7 of the intricacies 1 of smart wing play. 2 It has been put together to offer a basic wing setup 7 before advancing 2 this through various stages, and using As an alternative setup, he comes forward then drops the involvement back to run on to a pass from of additional his team mate team mates, plus opposition players. Good play on 2 the flanks is a prerequisite of any football team. You cannot be successful without fully utilising the linkup play between 3 8 the receiving 7 winger (your no.7), midfielders and other players, and 2 this session outlines the real positive effect In Four Players, the that can be gained midfielder (no.8) moves in to play the forward pass from a concerted training exercise.
away with a sharp Four players Five players SET-UP burst of 10 yards or Area We introduce a Now we introduce a less, checks, then midfielder to the front striker (no.9). “You 30x20 yards returns to receive the side (no.8), in order to The no.7 attracts his cannot be Equipment ball to feet in front of progress into space opponent in tight, successful Balls his marker (1). behind. Now, a pass and plays around the without fully Number of Players Alternatively, if there is made backwards corner to the no.9 who Up to 7 is space behind, the square to the no.8, has moved towards utilising the Session time no.7 can run towards whose movement him. He plays the ball linkup play 10mins per practice his own full-back to enables him to pass into space behind the receive, then race inside of the full-back full-back for the no.7 between the beyond his marker(2) . and into space for the to run on to(4) . No.2 What do I get the no.7 to run on to(3) . and no.8 can work receiving players to do? Considerations for your no.7: Considerations for together to change the Three players winger Q. Is there space? your no.7: starting point of the Setting up as shown, pass (5). (your no.7), Q. Is he happy to Q. Is there space ahead a pass by the no.2 is Considerations for midfielders receive the ball in and a good angle for played into the feet of the passing player? your no.7: the no.7. Simply, he front of his marker or and other behind? Q. Has he attracted players.” takes the full-back the full-back in tight
10 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
Wing and wide man contributions
enough to leave good space behind? Q. Can he play left- 4 David Pleat footed around the LMA AMBASSADOR corner first time, so as David Pleat is a vastly not to break stride? experienced football Seven players manager, who has 9 taken charge of a host We now introduce an of sides in the top flight, opposition no.5 and 7 including Luton Town, a defender to mark 8 Tottenham Hotspur and no.9 (6). The no.9 has Sheffield Wednesday. attracted his marker 2 He guided Spurs to a towards the wide area third-place finish in away from the centre. 1987 and FA Cup final He receives and lays In Five Players, no.9 appearance – this drops deep to receive was to be his first of back to no.8, who and pass on two trips to Wembley plays forward, as the inside 12 months no.7 turns behind into when, the following attacking play. season, he coached Considerations for your Luton to League Cup no.7: final success with a 3-2 5 victory over Arsenal. Q. Can he receive comfortably, and is no.9 Pleat also managed Leicester City and aware and looking for Nuneaton Borough, the ball at a 45 degree and is now a prolific angle? 9 name in media punditry, Q. Can the no.8 find appearing regularly on space when marked to ITV, ESPN and Radio receive and play first- 8 7 5Live broadcasts. time into space? Q. Has the movement of the no.9 dragging the 2 centre-half towards play helped make The no.8 and no.2 offer space? alternative passing angles for the final pass How do I progress the session? We can add a marker to the no.8, or have the coach feed no.9, 6 who can immediately be approached by the opposition wide left player (to make a fully “We are competitive practice). looking for We can also add a 9 dribbling element by quick passing, 8 instructing team mates 7 precision, and to dribble beyond the a maximum no.7. What are the key 2 awareness and things to look out for? In Seven Players, opposition understanding We are looking for quick players are brought in to passing, precision, and make the practice less of team mates’ passive, with opponents a maximum awareness closing down attacking positions.” and understanding of players at every opportunity team mates’ positions. 11 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
COACHING CONSULTATION Each month, we ask one of the game’s leading coaches to answer a question posed by an Elite Soccer reader.
Key Ball THIS MONTH: movement Set-up of the game Player movement Possession Set up using three teams of eight, as shown - Dribble and scoring two teams going head-to-head in the middle My players tend to with the third positioned around the edge of run out of ideas in the area. the final third. How No player is allowed to sit back and protect can I get them to take his goal by moving into the ‘D’. better advantage of the opportunities around them? Question asked by Stuart Muntain, a community soccer coach from Liverpool ANSWERED BY: Graham
Taylor 60 LMA AMBASSADOR For players to see the The game is set up, 8v8 in the options in the final third, No player is44 middle, with a further eight simply, they must play allowed into the D ‘neutral’ players around the outside of the pitch with their heads up, and this is a session that has this as its heart, encouraging them to see the options, respond to them, and conclude Using yellows with a positive end When in possession of the ball, reds and product, namely a shot. blues – who can have as many touches as In any game of football they need – must use yellow players, who the more accomplished make themselves available for a pass and players get at knowing can, two-touch, pass it on. what they are going to Our main stipulation is that the ball should do before they receive never be still. If so, possession passes to the the ball, the better they other team. become. The winning team is the one that scores Look at any game and most goals. observe those players who are continually looking around them
SET-UP Area 70x44 yards Equipment Balls, cones, goals Number of Players 60 24 Reds use yellow players around Session time the outside of the pitch to 60mins 44 construct a slick passing move that ends in a goal
12 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
coaching consultation
Key Ball prior to receiving the ball. movement Technical observations and Player They are ‘taking pictures’ movement of the game and not just progressing the game Dribble looking at the ball. We want to see early and quick movement of the ball and as many attempts on goal as possible from a team that enters the opposition half. A common fault is when a team fails to use the players around the edge of the area. To progress, we can introduce the two-touch rule to all teams. We can also increase difficulty by reducing the teams to six-a-side.
Blues’ inability to look up and use the yellow outer players Graham Taylor means the attacker runs out of LMA AMBASSADOR passing options, and reds win Graham Taylor enjoyed back possession over three decades in management, having started at Lincoln City in 1972. Domestically, he oversaw the Imps, Watford (twice), Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it is on the international stage that the 69-year-old is best known, with an eventful 60 three years in charge of England. He secured qualification 44 for an ageing squad when taking them to the 1992 European Championships in Sweden, and although he couldn’t repeat the feat two years later as the Three Lions missed out Coaching considerations on the World Cup in USA, We need to see a high tempo, quick passing, good he did complete three movement and creation of space, and of course, players years in charge with an impressive 47% win ratio. surveying space all around them so they can decide on In domestic football, the right space to play into even before the ball arrives. Taylor has taken charge Why this works of over 1,000 matches; and as a player turned This is a simple yet effective method of getting players out in the lower leagues to look around and assess options in matches. Feeding for Grimsby Town and outer players (who will for the most part be unmarked) Lincoln, before having provides the easiest passing outlet, and this is to hang up his boots at something that will be taken into match day situations. the age of 28 because of injury.
If you have a Coaching Consultation question you would like a leading coach to answer, please email in at elitesoccer@ greenstarmedia.net
13 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
LMA AMBASSADOR Matthew pressing masterclass Bishop SET-UP Pressing Area masterclass Up to 60x44 yards 1 Overview: Equipment The session is Balls, cones comprised of a Number of Players variety of high 18 intensity practices Session time which focus on Extended warm-up pressing as a team 18mins, Possession v pressing and transitional play. game 16mins,
Beginning with a Three-team practice 10 small-area warm- 27mins incl. 10 In the Extended Warm-up, progressions three boxes are set up side- up, it is enlarged into by-side, with blues passing in two game set-ups. before moving forward to press the ball against three reds We regard the key What do I get the tactical elements players to do? practised as vital for all players in all Extended warm-up positions although, We set up as shown as you would expect, (1), in three 7x7-yard particular attention boxes, with three reds 2a is given to the inside each. The first defending/pressing blue defender plays to team, who must any red, then presses work together to hunt in a 3v1. Reds must the ball down. make 10 passes to win the challenge. If successful, or if the blue defender wins the ball, the game finishes and the next blue begins. After each 60 round scores are taken 44 and blue teams move In Possession v Pressing, clockwise to the next six blues press in the red half and manage to turn over box. After all blues possession have pressed in all “We want to boxes, switch teams. see pressure To progress, we restrict 2b on the ball, touches of the ball. This gives defenders less cover and or more time to close support, good down, meaning the challenge can be made communica- less or more difficult. tion and What are the key recovery things to look out for? runs, and We want to see 60 players pressure on the ball, 44 cover and support, recognising The ball is transferred to the good communication other half of the pitch, and when to press and recovery a point is scored. Now the balance shifts and a new 9v6 runs, with players Key Ball game is created in the other and when to movement recognising when to Player half, with reds pressing the ball movement drop.” Dribble
14 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
pressing masterclass
Matthew Bishop 3a LMA AMBASSADOR Matthew Bishop is a Football Association National Coaches Educator for the north-west and West Midlands, and has vast experience at all levels of the game. Beginning in 2005 as a National Development 60 Manager for the 44 Football Association of In the Three-team practice Wales, he progressed it’s 6v6v6, with reds and blues to Senior Coaching successfully keeping the ball Coordinator before away from yellows taking up Assistant Manager positions at Newport County and Aldershot Town. This wealth of 3b experience both in the boardroom and on the training pitch makes Matthew one of the most promising and innovative figures in UK soccer coaching.
60 In the progression, yellows 44 intercept and now partner with
Key blues. Blues can only pass back Ball movement to the opposite team (yellows), Player movement so reds respond by pressing Dribble yellows
press and when to the other. Reds look to Three-team practice To progress, the two drop – that means maintain possession In the same area we teams in possession an appreciation against six pressing now use three teams can only pass to an of distances, and players. When blues of six – the practice opposite colour (e.g. positions of team turn over they transfer begins with yellows reds to blues). If a pass “We regard mates and opponents. the ball quickly to the pressing (3a). Reds accidentally goes to So we must see quality three team mates and blues must retain the pressing team or the key passing, angles and in the other half(2b) . possession for two the ball is intercepted, tactical quick movement. Now a new pressing minutes. If yellows that team receives a Possession v pressing challenge begins in turn over possession point and continues elements game the other half. A point they score a point, with with the ball(3b) . is scored on each practised as Now setting up 9v9, a second available turnover providing as shown (2a), it’s reds for five consecutive vital for all a successful pass is versus blues in one passes. Each team made into the other players in all half with the three takes it in turns to half. positions.” remaining blues in press the ball.
15 MARCH 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
Interview reproduced EXTRA-TIMe profile with kind permission of The Manager magazine chris hughton norwich City odest and measured group stages of the Europa League, in his approach, Chris before leaving to move back into Hughton is a rare find the Barclays Premier League as Min the world of senior manager of Norwich City. management. Confident in his own You coached atT ottenham for personality and abilities, Hughton Q 14-and-a-half years before has no reservations about drawing embarking on management - how inspiration from a host of managers, well did that prepare you? past and present. It was invaluable and formed While Chris Hughton remains Athe foundation of all of my true wherever possible to his philosophies as a manager. Such a calm and thoughtful style of long apprenticeship might not be for leadership, underneath is a steel everyone and some can go straight and determination that enables from player to manager at a young him to deal with the tough scenarios age, but I wouldn’t have been ready. that inevitably arise in football, I worked under seven managers albeit in a respectful manner. It is perhaps because of this considered, while coaching at Spurs, so there well-balanced and open style of was always something new to learn leadership that he has become and experience. It was exciting to one of the most employable and see what each new manager would universally liked managers around. be like, how he would involve me Hughton retired from his 14- and what I would learn. The club year playing career in 1993, aged could easily have said, ‘now that and promoted to permanent 34, having spent 13 years with the manager has left we won’t be manager in November of that Tottenham Hotspur and brief keeping you on’, but they showed spells with West Ham United and year. His first season in charge was outstanding – the side were faith in my abilities and, in return, I Brentford. During that time, he also provided some continuity. earned 53 caps for the Republic of unbeaten at home and went on to Ireland - Hughton is the son of an win the 2010 Championship title You then moved away from Irish mother and a Ghanaian father and promotion back to the Barclays Q London for the first time to join - becoming the first mixed-race Premier League. Hughton won the Kevin Keegan atN ewcastle - how big player to represent the country. LMA Championship Manager of the an adjustment was that? When retirement beckoned Year, not to mention the respect and When I lost my job at Tottenham in 1993, it came as little surprise admiration of the Newcastle team Aafter almost 15 years on the to those who knew him that he and supporters. coaching staff my ambition was to But despite his success at the pursued a career in the dugout, find a completely new challenge. club, Hughton soon found himself having shown an interest in I’d spent my entire playing and coaching during the latter stages of out of a job, to the widespread disbelief and anger of his loyal coaching career in London, but any his playing career. apprehension I felt at relocating During a 14-and-a-half-year supporters, team and many to another part of the country was coaching tenure on Tottenham’s observers across the football backroom staff, Hughton worked community. Newcastle were, at the outweighed by the excitement. I as a coach under the likes of Glenn time, a very respectable 11th in the was going to a legendary club with Hoddle, George Graham and Martin table. an incredible tradition, rich history Jol. He also served as caretaker In spite of the setback, Hughton and great fan base and I was going to manager on several occasions showed remarkable resilience and assist Kevin Keegan. I learned a lot before his departure from the club it is testament not only to his proven from him during our time together, in 2007. ability, but also his likeability and especially from his strengths in desirability as a manager that he A year after leaving Tottenham, man-management. Hughton joined Newcastle United was soon offered another job, this as first-team coach under Kevin time at Birmingham City. There, he When the club appointed you Keegan. During the close season made an immediate impact in the Q manager were you ready? of 2009, he was appointed as 2011/2012 season, taking the side Absolutely, although however caretaker manager of the club to fourth in the league and into the Amuch preparation you have as
16 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with chrish hughton norwich City a coach, when you cross that line managers need to delegate more into management it is completely “Your influence on match anyway, because of the range of different. responsibilities they now have. My first job as manager of day is really just about any When appointing coaching staff, Newcastle was far from the stable, changes that you decide to aside from having a good training, calm environment you would want make and the team you select. trust and loyalty come first. You need when starting out. The team had people you can get on with. Often, just been relegated, we’d lost a lot Everything else is down to how though, you will look to appoint of players and the club was up for they are feeling on the day.” coaches who are a little bit different sale. I had to dig deep and draw to you so you have a good balance of on the wealth of experience I’d opinions. I have a great staff around gained as a coach. I knew I still had You’re known as a real me and I expect high standards from a good squad, so the challenge was Q gentleman of the game.H ow them. We make sure that we set making sure each and every one does that translate into your conduct the standards we expect from our pushed in the right direction to get as a leader?H ow do you treat your players. us back into the Barclays Premier players? You can prepare within the League. It’s very difficult to lead outside training environment, but how Central to that was creating the Q Aof your personality. Look at most do you get players mentally tuned on right environment at the training managers and you’ll get a sense match day? ground, because the training pitch of what they are like and how they Your influence on match day is can provide great solace for players. lead. I try as much as possible to be I knew that if I could get everyone on Areally just about any changes accessible to the players and staff, board, we could be a strong force in that you decide to make and the the Championship. respectful and honest with them. I team you select. You remind them have always felt that it’s important to of certain vital information in the Despite successfully guiding the create an environment that players pre-match meeting and everything club back to the top flight, you Q enjoy and buy into, where they want else is down to how they are feeling were sacked the following season. to do their best for each other and How do you reflect on that? on the day. At that point, there is commit to a team ethic. The team is I was disappointed, but I didn’t only so much you can do. You have more important than any individual, let it knock my confidence to be confident in the overriding A so I also try to treat everybody the and self belief. It helped to know philosophy that you have employed same. at the club and the work that you that many managers and others Unfortunately, there will always in football thought I’d done a good have done on the training pitch over be times in management when a period of time. It should ensure the job at Newcastle. The reaction was things don’t run smoothly and players believe in their ability to win terrifically supportive. My coping moments when you need to be mechanism was to keep busy and strong with the players. Discipline and are ready for most things. prepare for the next job. is part and parcel of the game. But, You were the first mixed-race that came at Birmingham city, even then, it is not in my personality Q player to represent theR epublic to be overly confrontational - I’d Q who you led to the play-offs in of Ireland and are an incredibly your first year.T he opportunity then rather deal with someone in a positive role model for black coaches came to manageN orwich city - was respectful way, spend time with and managers. How important is that that a tough decision? them and find a solution. However, to you? when a situation arises that requires Yes, because although it was First and foremost I’m a discipline I am more than capable of manager, but I am, of course, Achallenging at times - especially handling it. A in the aftermath of relegation from also black. While we’ve certainly the Barclays Premier League Having been a coach, what seen some positive changes at - I really enjoyed my year with Q type of dynamic do you look to grassroots and academy level, engender with your own coaching Birmingham. where there are more black staff? My decision to leave was based coaches, there still aren’t at the on what Norwich City had to offer - As a manager who is used top level. It is something I am very the chance to return to managing Ato coaching it can be difficult conscious of and I get a lot of letters at Premier League level at a club to delegate, but it’s important to and feedback. If, in any way, that that had made great strides in the appreciate the job the coaching staff helps somebody to make progress, preceding seasons. It very much do, step back when appropriate and inspires them or changes thinking whetted my appetite. allow them to take sessions with the within the game then, yes, it is team and express themselves. Most something I am very proud of.”
17 march 2014 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
booked: this month’s choice By Mark Lawford Pedal power
Inside Team Sky: The Inside Story Murdoch empire, mountain of Team Sky and their Challenge for they didn’t endear race. There the 2013 Tour de France themselves across are other By David Walsh elements to £18.99 Simon & Schuster the sport. With their flash back-up the race and vehicles and team points to s one of the premier sporting be garnered, events in the calendar heavy emphasis on science, but the real Ayear, the Tour de France prize is known many were is a spectacular feat of human as the ‘general endurance. It has also, over the looking to find fault, classification’, years, created many stories, myths, and the ultimate heroes and villains, and none more and more especially, prize for so than Lance Armstrong. The finishing on top a Team American recovered from testicular is, of course, the Sky cyclist cancer in the mid 1990s to win seven coveted yellow who was consecutive Tours, before being jersey. Along taking illegal stripped of his medals in 2012 for the way though, substances. doping offences. that rider relies The book David Walsh, author of Inside Team Sky key immeasurably on his splits into three Team Sky, was one of the journalists team-mates - they stories. First, numbers who helped to expose Armstrong. will provide the all-important Walsh is on a A keen cyclist himself and chief Number of tour cyclists in the slipstream for him to ride in as well mission to see sports writer with The Sunday 9team as emotional and tactic support. As if Team Sky is Times, he battled over many years Number of Olympic gold a result, the Tour is best regarded as in fact clean. to see that justice was done. 2medal winners in the team a strange mix of individual and team Second, it’s In recent times the sport has tried (Geraint Thomas MBE and Peter strength. to put its house in order, presenting a story of the Kennaugh MBE) a clean bill of health to the sponsors race of itself. Number of nationalities in the Equal opportunities and general public. Against this And third, it’s 5team There are three main coaches in background, Walsh persuaded a fascinating Number of Tour de France the book, with Sir David Brailsford, Team Sky to give him all-areas insight into 2wins since forming four years the hugely successful GB Olympic access to their 2013 assault on the a parallel ago cycling boss, the main man. His Tour de France. It was an intriguing world of Number of positive dope tests remit was to win a Tour victory assignment because Team Sky coaching high 0since 2010 within five years when he took were perceived as both the poster performance. on the new team in 2010. He has boys of the Tour and the team most Unwittingly, exceeded that already with victory in likely to be cheating. Walsh has created a management 2012 and 2013. They had won the race in 2012 book, warts and all. It was Brailsford who invited with British superstar Bradley In simple terms, the Tour is a Walsh to join the tour, and who Wiggins. As a new team (just three 2,000-mile cycle race, with each allows him free licence to roam years old), backed by the unpopular stage being either a time trial or a around the team. What Walsh finds
18 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net In partnership with
booked: this month’s choice and hears tells us much about how Team Sky state they are clean. the best teams operate. Team Sky’s 16 Rules There are times when First, although Sky has some the team looks fragile... key The rules posted at the front of the bus extremely well-paid superstars, athletes are underperforming. no one gets singled out for special We will... At one stage Brailsford decides treatment. The team has a system 1 Respect one another and watch each others’ backs he needs to speak to them. of ‘carers’ who are supposed to 2 Be honest with one another Instead of doing this one-to- rotate around the cyclists during 3 Respect team equipment one in a room, he goes out the tour. It’s pretty clear that 4 Be on time on the unwinding ride on a the management isn’t happy if 5 Communicate openly and regularly rest day. As they cycle, each someone gets more attention than one drops back to Brailsford the others. 6 If we want our helmets cleaned, leave them on the bus to chat. They’re in their own Second, no detail is left to chance. 7 Pool all prize money from races and distribute at the environment, more relaxed No-one shakes hands with anyone end of the year and happy to listen and open else, lest they pass on a sickness 8 Any team bonuses from the race split between the up. It proves a turning point for bug. Every cyclist has his own riders on that race the team. mattress brought to each hotel. 9 Give 15% of all race bonuses and prize money to staff Forward thinking Every cyclist has his own snacks 10 Debrief after every race Rod Ellingworth, the and drinks prepared for every stage 11 Always wear team kit and apparel as instructed in the performance manager, is of the day. team dress code the third key element of the Many of the other teams make 12 Not use our phones at dinner – if absolutely required coaching team. Brailsford says fun of this, but it’s obviously paying we will leave the table to have the conversation that Ellingworth has the unique off on the roads. The detail doesn’t 13 Respect the bus quality of being able to plan in stop there, with the team scientists 14 Respect the personnel and management the short-, medium- and long- looking at any way to shave seconds term all at the same time. off the cyclists’ timings. 15 Ask for any changes to be made to the bikes the night before the race and not race day He uses the analogy of the This is where Tim Kerrison hands of a clock. Most coaches steps in. He arrived with the team 16 Follow the rules work on the second hand – not as a cycling expert but as a top As the story and the race what needs to happen today or sports scientist with the Australian progresses, it’s clear the cyclists tomorrow. Others can look over the swimming team. After careful aren’t lab-created machines. medium-term, and where the team research, he was quite clear on the They can be highly strung and, as will be in four to six weeks’ time. And three key elements that won races: individuals, that makes managing a few, working off the hour hand, asphalt, heat and mountains. This them a tough assignment. will be planning into next year. Yet talented team had won gold medals Brailsford especially has to keep Ellingworth will do all three at the in velodromes - Kerrison changed them in check and motivated. same time. Under pressure that is their training programmes and He knows there is also something special. crunched the numbers. immense scrutiny because of As we know ourselves, it’s one However, his employment wasn’t previous doping scandals. The thing to have the talent, and quite all about science and mathematics riders are constantly accused of it another to orchestrate it into an – there was to be an emotional via social media and on the roads effective, coherent team. More than side too. As head of performance themselves. Banners, shouts and once, Brailsford modestly talks support, he stressed to Walsh that even spectators throwing urine at about being a conductor. He’s one he used the post-training talks the team as they ride are all part of the best of his generation of high- he had with the riders to discuss and parcel of the day. All the time, performance coaches. about how they felt. These were as Walsh captures the blood, sweat important as the science. and tears of the Tour, which puts all Educate to persuade No detail is left to chance. No-one these achievements in their true Kerrison’s methods are very much shakes hands with anyone else, context. And what does Brailsford athlete-driven. The coaching team enjoy most? The processes, not will put the cyclist on the bike in the lest they pass on a sickness bug. the winning. A lesson for us all, lab and ask him about adjusting Every cyclist has his own mattress perhaps. his style. As this is done, the cyclist feeds back on what’s working and brought to each hotel. Every cyclist looks at the speeds he’s achieving. has his own snacks and drinks Every time it works, the cyclist prepared for every stage of the day. To order your copy of Inside adopts it. Team Sky educates to Team Sky please click here. persuade.
19 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net smart coaches use…
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