SOCCER ROBERTO MARTINEZ & DENNIS LAWRENCE COMPACT TEAM MOVEMENT. Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers

Transcription

1 DECEMBER 15 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM THE WORLD S LEADING MANAGERS AND COACHES Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers EVERTON ROBERTO MARTINEZ & DENNIS LAWRENCE COMPACT TEAM MOVEMENT BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION CHRIS HUGHTON Defensive principles PORT VALE ROB PAGE AND PAUL BODIN Switching play CAMBRIDGE UNITED SHAUN DERRY Counterattacking BURNLEY MICHAEL JOLLEY Penetration or possession IPSWICH TOWN STEVE FOLEY The Italian Square EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: WITH MOLDE MANAGER OLE GUNNAR SOLSJKAER

2 Elite Soccer is published by: Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UK Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Editor: James Evans Contributing Editor: Mark Farthing Illustrator: Richard Palmer Customer Services: Duncan Heard Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths Photos: Action Images Published in partnership with: League Managers Association St George s Park National Football Centre Newborough Road Needwood Burton upon Trent DE13 9PD Tel: +44 (0) lma@lmasecure.com President: Roy Hodgson Chairman: Howard Wilkinson Chief Executive: Richard Bevan This publication is protected by national and international copyright laws. Elite Soccer will take legal action against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing our rights, and will make that action public. Elite Soccer members who have purchased this report may circulate electronic or hard copies to members of their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain. However, no part or whole of this report may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website or distributed commercially except under licence from the copyright owners. Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved ISSUE 65/DECEMBER 15: FROM THE CHAIRMAN Dear Coach, Original and engaging training practices from the best UK soccer coaches Welcome to the December issue of Elite Soccer. With the festive season s sometimes inclement weather certain to have an impact on fixture lists unless you re lucky enough to live in warm climes the upcoming weeks present a perfect opportunity to reflect on what has worked well for you over the first part of the season (and perhaps one or two things that haven t been so satisfying!). So with that in mind, and whether to start afresh with new ideas or just bring in one or two different practices, we re delighted to present for you another six engaging sessions from some of the best coaches in British soccer. Kicking off in the Barclays Premier League, it s always a pleasure to welcome Roberto Martinez back into Elite Soccer, and the Everton manager has returned with a session that focuses on compact team when both in and out of possession. The evidence on show is the Toffees brilliant recent run of form in the top flight, which sees them on the coattails of the Champions League challengers. Moving on, from the Sky Bet Championship, Chris Hughton outlines the solid defensive base on which his Brighton & Hove Albion side have built such considerable success so far this season, with a progressive practice that uses specific positioning and solid structures. From Sky Bet League One, Port Vale manager Rob Page and his assistant Paul Bodin isolate the benefits of switching play, while new Cambridge United manager Shaun Derry reveals how and long and short passing in counter-attacking can be a potent weapon for his League Two side s attempt at a shot at the play-offs. Burnley coach Michael Jolley has given us a practice that outlines whether to penetrate opposition ranks or look after possession, while Ipswich Town s Steve Foley is also discussing retaining the ball as he introduces a simple yet effective set-up called The Italian Square. We hope you and your players enjoy what s on offer, and of course, we wish you a rewarding and relaxing Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy your soccer, Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman Elite Soccer is a monthly publication for professional, semi-professional and aspiring soccer coaches and is available by subscription only. 97 for 12 issues. To subscribe duncanh@greenstarmedia.net or call on +44 (0) ROBERTO MARTINEZ & Dennis Lawrence EVERTON Compact team 9 ROB PAGE & Paul Bodin PORT VALE Switching play 7 CHRIS HUGHTON BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION Defensive principles 11 SHAUN DERRY CAMBRIDGE UNITED Counterattacking: short and long 14 MICHAEL JOLLEY BURNLEY Penetration or possession 17 STEVE FOLEY IPSWICH TOWN The Italian Square 3 MANAGEMENT MATTERS Our review of the past month 19 EXTRA-TIME:... with Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer BOOKED Elite sports book review 2 DECEMBER 15

3 ELITE SOCCER DECEMBER 15 MANAGER PROFILES Here are the six managers andcoaches we re delighted to welcome into this issue of Elite Soccer ROBERTO MARTINEZ aided by First-Team Development Coach Dennis Lawrence EVERTON Martinez was confirmed as the manager of Everton on June 5, 13. The popular Spaniard had enjoyed a meteoric start in management after being appointed by Swansea City in February 07, landing four Manager of the Month accolades inside his first two years in the job, as well as the LMA s League One Manager of the Year award. In his first full season he guided the South Wales club into the second tier of English football for the first time in 24 years, with the Swans finishing an impressive 8th at the end of the following campaign. Switching to Wigan Athletic in June 09 saw him return to a club he had made 187 appearances for during a six-year spell from 1995 onwards, and against the odds he preserved the Latics Premier League status for three consecutive seasons. In his fourth year in charge, Martinez created history by guiding the club to victory in the 13 FA Cup Final against Manchester City at Wembley. It was Wigan s first major trophy in their 81-year existence, and with it came their first taste of European football. In June 13 Martinez joined Everton, leading the club to their highest ever Barclays Premier League points tally (72), and a 5th-place finish and, with it, Europa League qualification. The 42-year-old is now overseeing the Toffees assault on a top four place as well as helping to nurture some brilliant young talent at Goodison Park, with John Stones, Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu and Brendan Galloway all catching the eye this term. CHRIS HUGHTON BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION Chris joined Brighton on December 31, 14, with the immediate aim of preserving the club s Sky Bet Championship status, something he subsequently went on to achieve at the Amex Stadium. Yet most of the former Spurs defender s managerial experience has been in the Premier League, having taken charge at Newcastle United (for whom he secured promotion back to the top division) and Norwich City. He also guided Birmingham City into Europe for the first time in half a century after they clinched the League Cup at Wembley. ROB PAGE aided by assistant manager Paul Bodin PORT VALE Rob joined Port Vale at the end of October 14 having previously been youth team coach, assistant manager and interim manager at Vale Park. Page won 41 international caps for Wales over nine years. The former defender captained Watford to their first season in the Premier League and was voted the club s of the Season at the end of their debut campaign in the top flight. SHAUN DERRY CAMBRIDGE UNITED Shaun joined Cambridge United in November 15 after successfully securing Notts County s Sky Bet League One status during his first season in management. He is now plotting Cambridge s ascent back up the Football League and can draw on a vast amount of experience as a player he has been a popular figure at every club he has represented through a series of passionate displays, along the way captaining Portsmouth, Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers. He secured promotions to the top flight with Palace and QPR and is now looking to transfer his successful playing career into management. MICHAEL JOLLEY BURNLEY Michael s first coaching position was at the Crystal Palace Academy in 04, where he helped develop young talent such as John Bostock and Victor Moses. He went on to coach at Nottingham Forest and the University of Stirling, before joining Scottish Premier Division side Falkirk. Moving back to England in 12 he joined Lincoln City, then switched to Crewe Alexandra, before being appointed Senior Professional Development Coach for the Burnley Under-21 team. STEVE FOLEY IPSWICH TOWN As a player, Steve Foley made 283 appearances for Colchester United before hanging up his boots to turn his hand to coaching, spending 10 years at Norwich City. He moved to rivals Ipswich Town in 06 and will soon celebrate a decade of service at Portman Road. Foley has also coached at Watford, and had two spells in charge of Colchester United as caretaker boss. 3 DECEMBER 15

4 MANAGEMENT MATTERS MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger scooped the Manager of the Month award for October after the Gunners caught up with the frontrunners in England s top division after four straight wins during the month. A stunning 3-0 home victory over Manchester United kicked off proceedings, a result that would be replicated in matches against Watford and Swansea City. There was also a 2-1 home win over Everton, while the London club kept alive their Champions League hopes as well by defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Emirates. P4 W4 D0 L0 (LEAGUE ONLY) In English football s second tier, Brentford manager Lee Carsley took the award after the Bees recovered from a slow start to the season to chalk up four wins in October. Carsley, the former Derby County and Everton defender, has only been in the hotseat at Griffin Park since September, but his side have quickly adapted to his football principles, and they saw off Rotherham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and QPR during the month, with a 2-0 defeat at Derby County the only smudge on an otherwise flawless record. P5 W4 D0 L1 In Sky Bet League One, Mark Robins picked up the divisional award after his Scunthorpe United edged away from danger near the foot of the table with 15 points out of a possible 18 in October. The matches have been coming thick and fast for The Iron, but their momentum saw Fleetwood Town, Oldham Athletic, Shrewsbury Town, Chesterfield and Barnsley put to the sword, with 14 goals being scored during the month. Only a 2-1 defeat at league leaders Gillingham could detract from an otherwise perfect run of form that saw the Lincolnshire club move up into the top half of the table. P6 W5 D0 L1 And finally into Sky Bet League Two, where Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams guided his side to the top of the table after five wins during October. Argyle began the season as one of the favourites for promotion, and they appear to be embracing the expectation, with Crawley Town, Notts County, Accrington Stanley, Luton Town and Morecambe all defeated in the space of four weeks. The Devon club also edged past local rivals Exeter City in the Football League Trophy by two goals to nil, with former Ross County manager Adams working his magic at Home Park despite having only been in the job four months. P6 W5 D0 L1 CAREER PATH... with Ricardo Moniz, manager of Sky Bet League Two side Notts County You ve managed a number of big sides across Europe and beyond, so what made you want to drop into the fourth tier of English football for this challenge? Well the opportunity to manage and coach in England is something that maybe doesn t come along too often, and everything about the job was right. This is a proud, famous club, we have amazing facilities, and the ethos behind how the team wants to play reflects my own. With that in mind I felt the fit could be really good. We are looking at a medium-term project here to get this club back up to where it should be. As I have said to the players, it won t come overnight, but if we all work hard then it will come. Has the size of the task surprised you? No, but what I will say is there are some very well prepared teams in this division and the commitment and competitiveness even here in the fourth tier is like nothing you would get in any other country. That means we have to be up for every game, and if any player isn t then he will get found out. With so much experience in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and other countries, are you looking to bring some continental flare to Notts County? Well first and foremost the most important thing is for us to win football matches. I worked for three years at Tottenham Hotspur so the English way of playing certainly isn t alien to me, but if we can get the basics right then, yes, there is perhaps room to play a very stylish way, but only if that means we win matches! 4 DECEMBER 15 www.

5 EVERTON Roberto Martinez & Dennis Lawrence Compact team SET-UP AREA Up to a full pitch EQUIPMENT s, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to 11v11 SESSION TIME Zones practice, 6x4mins with 2mins recovery (34mins total) 2 Play is worked forward with blues moving from the defensive to the middle zone 1a 3 Reds must retreat, ensuring that all players are positioned defensively and none are in the free zone 1 The ball is fed in by the coach Overview: This session is about of the team in attack and defence to ensure we remain compact with good distances between players. It also helps us develop good spatial awareness of the player in and out of possession, as well as creating good options for the man on the ball. Although this is simple in its set-up, it houses key principles of organisation, and its effect shouldn t be underestimated. Done well it s easy to recreate match intensity whilst improving the synchronisation of the of certain partnerships and their communication. If the fixture schedule allows we will run this once a week, otherwise we ll ensure it s played out fortnightly so as to ensure players maintain good habits in the way we try to play. It s important to find other exercises which would promote the of the team in compact spaces with a variation on this exercise. 2 Upon turnover it s now the blues who must quickly vacate the attacking zone 1b FREE ZONE 40 FREE ZONE 1 Reds attack at pace using limited touches in order to move the ball forward quickly and positively What do I get the players to do? Warm-up (not shown) We will begin with a warm-up and activation exercises, which can be dictated by the coaches taking the session. Zones practice We set up using a pitch divided into three zones of x40 yards, with a full-size goal at each end, as shown (1a). It s 6v6 and teams can only use two zones. The coach will start and restart the play from the middle of the pitch, 3 Three blues occupy each zone with a balanced approach to defending 5 DECEMBER 15 40

6 ROBERTO MARTINEZ & DENNIS LAWRENCE COMPACT TEAM MOVEMENT 2 Teams are lined up in tactical shape against The ball begins from the keeper 2 It s worked out to a blue 3 Reds must now vacate the attacking zone 4 Other reds track back to occupy the two defensive zones only ZONE A ZONE B ZONE C ZONE D therefore immediately forcing players to think and move as a team. As shown, blues attack the top goal with all six players needing to be positioned in the two upper -yard zones. We can also run this without keepers with 10 consecutive passes needing to be made in two zones. If a team loses possession in the attacking final zone there is a condition that they always have to retreat into the deepest two -yard zones (1b). The same instructions apply for opponents, so both teams will play using one free end zone. Outside of these conditions normal football rules apply. How do I progress the practice? The session can be progressed with pitch size and/or player numbers being increased as well as allowing players to make more informed decisions upon turnovers. So, after losing possession do they press the ball high up or drop off? This decision-making can only come from assessing conditions around them, and that can only come from practice. We can also change things by enabling the restart from keepers, which presents an immediate pressing opportunity for the opposition. In addition, limiting players to two touches can vary the effectiveness of what we are looking for, both positively (quick play and fast moves) and negatively (rushed decision-making), but is again a key component in recreating and practising the realities of match situations. A common mistake made is when teams do not ensure a free zone is maintained when both in and out of possession. To avoid this, we would penalise the team that s infringing for instance if a player from the defending team is in the free zone with opponents attacking, any goal for attackers would be counted as two. What are the key things to look out for? In terms of the key technical aspects, we re looking for quick ball From a technical attacking point of view, we need to ensure that as the ball travels players travel as well, getting into the correct zones especially when the ball is in the attacking third. in possession in the final zone in order to create plentiful goalscoring situations. Within this, and from a technical attacking point of view, we need to ensure that as the ball travels so players travel as well, getting into the correct zones especially when the ball is in the attacking third. Defensively, players need to be organised in the way they retreat, preferably with an even split of men in the two zones they are occupying. How do I put this into a game situation? For a game situation we will extend this onto a full pitch utilising what are, effectively, four zones, with teams only able to use two at any given time (2). The halfway lines divides the middle zone into two, forcing the compactness of the team during the game. Different conditions in the way we show the teams to use the zones will give the exercise specialised meaning to work an specific topic for the team. Both teams are placed in tactical shape for instance against with a premise of limiting the number of touches for players in different areas of the pitch. 6 DECEMBER 15

7 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION Chris Hughton Defensive principles SET-UP AREA Use of a full pitch EQUIPMENT s, cones, goals, mini-goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to 11v9 SESSION TIME Warm-up 10mins, Pressing exercise 18mins, Defensive shape mins, Small-sided game mins Overview: In such a competitive league as the Sky Bet Championship, where there are no easy games, we knew nailing defensive principles was going to be imperative. With that in mind we were able to have a very good preseason where players took on board these elements, with the idea of setting out a defensive mainframe that also focused on the important aspect of transitions because, as a team, you want to attack and score goals, yet you know that by doing so you will lose possession. So that is when the defensive strategies come into play even more. We have run this session in the lead-up to some matches and it is one players enjoy because of its high tempo and competitiveness. We have a defensive mainframe that also focuses on the important aspect of transitions because, as a team, you want to attack and score goals, yet know that by doing so you will lose possession. In the possession game a team of 12 (reds and blues) play against a defensive team of six (yellows). The team of 12 must retain the ball for as long as possible If the ball is played into the central zone the players must rotate, with the passing player leaving and a new player taking his place What do I get the players to do? Warm up (not shown) The fitness coach begins with a warm-up. This must be high tempo given the nature of the work the players are leading into. Pressing exercise We set this up in a 35x35-yard area with four mini-goals on the outside, as shown (1). It s a possession session - 12v6 keep ball (say, blues and reds combined versus yellows) with players operating two-touch. The team of 12 must retain the ball for as long as possible. When yellows turn over the ball they play all-in with the aim of scoring in any of the four mini-goals. The team of 12 must react as soon as they lose the ball, pressing hard to win it back. When the ball is played through the middle zone, there has to be a rotation of personnel - the reason for this is so we don t get players standing on the outsides protecting the four goals. We play six mini-games of 90secs (with 30secs recovery), rotating teams every time, progressing on to three final games that are played one-touch. 7 DECEMBER 15

8 CHRIS HUGHTON DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES Defensive shape Now we set up across the full width of the pitch using a half-pitch extended by 15 yards, as shown (2). The aim here is to test shape and compactness, with defensive players looking to deny balls into the front men. There is a 10v8 overload with the only restriction being that full-backs have two touches. The reason for this is we know we are overloading the defensive set-up, and although the blue central midfielders will have to adjust their shape we don t want them continually having to defend in the wide areas. And the use of a no.10 and a no.9 is to ensure that when the defending team regains possession they have options to play forward and score. Normal game rules apply (except no corners) and we will frequently stop play in order to make coaching points. In particular we want to note how players cope with overloads in wide areas with midfielders getting dragged out, as well as assessing defending from crosses and opportunities to press. We also want to draw reference to the zone for the no.10 to work in, and the role of the defending deep-lying midfielders. Small-sided game In the same area we now set up a game situation. Again it s normal rules (no corners) with the overloading team (reds) on three-touch and the defending team (two banks of four) all-in. In the defensive banks we are looking for compactness, pressing and coping with overloads on transition. We will encourage blues to attack with numbers - looking for wide players to offer more offensive options as the team tries to score; then the reds attack. What are the key things to look out for? It s all about the transitions - when the two banks of four are attacking, one or two will have to come out of the shape. So if the ball is on the right-hand side, your left winger should try to get in an advanced position. And while there will be opportunities to attack, in transition players will quickly have to get into a defensive mode and shape (3). 6 When the red progresses high enough the blue full-back engages in order to negate space 2 5 The right full-back approaches so as to delay play 3 Now the attacking move progresses up the left flank 1 Reds begin a play with the centre-back passing out wide Transition to a defensive shape 3 1 The blue team begin an attack by playing out of defence 2 The midfield player drops to support and the ball is played out to the wing 4 Reds close down the winger and the ball is won back 4 Blue midfielders shift across to support and track play 1 Centre-backs push up to deny space 2 The no.10 tracks the path of the ball Immediately the ball is lost the blue team must recover to their defensive shape two backs of four 2 Full-backs move in-field to make a concentrated defensive shape 3 As the blues advance down the right, the opposite winger is encouraged to move forwards 3 Midfield players must work hard to return to their defensive postions 8 DECEMBER 15

9 PORT VALE Rob Page & Paul Bodin Switching play SET-UP AREA Half-pitch EQUIPMENT s, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to full squad SESSION TIME 10mins plus mins progressions Overview: The session is about passing the ball quickly and effectively across the width of the pitch to utilise space and to penetrate the opposition. Ultimately, players love passing the ball, so following that logic through, quick and effective link-up play is the best way to create opportunities, find weaknesses in your opponents and score goals. s need to be comfortable in possession, have a good passing range and be prepared to make unselfish runs, and switching play should always result in a cross or shot, with players quickly building an understanding of why we move play from side to side and to what advantage. Generally we will practise this session at least once a week. Sometimes the practice is against mannequins and occasionally against opponents who will be set up tactically as our next opponents. What s important though is variety both in terms of technique, and in the involvement of full-backs, centre-backs, wide players and central midfielders, because all of these have a key role in switching play in the practice and, indeed, in match situations. 1 Play from left to right: short, sharp passes through midfield to reach the winger Play from right to left: longer passes over the midfield to reach the winger What do I get the players to do? As shown, we set up an initial passing exercise with some players conditioned to make short passes through the mannequins while others are looking to feed longer passes over the mannequins. 9 DECEMBER 15

10 ROB PAGE & PAUL BODIN SWITCHING PLAY Play begins by the back four passing across the pitch 2 Short, quick passing through the midfield Depending on the angle of the final pass the winger can choose to work through the channel or take the ball down the wing for a cross The striker makes a run in behind to receive a pass through the channel Midfielder makes a supporting run The opposite winger makes a run for the far post In a simple attack versus defence form we begin by telling players to move the ball across the back four with quick passing, switching play through the midfield with quick penetrating play. We progress this on to moving the ball across the back four, building up to long diagonal passes from left to right (or right to left). Fullbacks, centre-backs and central midfielders are key passers, with wide players and strikers vital in making themselves free to receive the pass. Having switched play we always try to end up with a cross or shot on target. What are the key things to look out for? Technically the players touch,, awareness, understanding, passing range and accuracy are vitally important. Tactically the players must retain a solid shape with good distances and an understanding of where and when to make certain moves to either receive the ball or create space for other players. A big part of this is players being comfortable receiving the ball on the half-turn. If they have their backs to play it means they are limiting their options because there s no vision of what s around them. You will also see players trying the long wonder pass but this should be discouraged in favour of firm, controlled, positive passing. What s important is variety both in terms of technique, and in the involvement of full-backs, centre-backs, wide players and central midfielders, because all of these have a key role in switching play. 10 DECEMBER 15

11 CAMBRIDGE UNITED Shaun Derry Counter-attacking: short and long SET-UP AREA 80x60 yards EQUIPMENT s, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS Full squad SESSION TIME 4x4min drills 1a Overview: This session covers accuracy of passing both in deep areas of the pitch and in and around the goal. It also showcases combination play of centre-forwards and finishing techniques, third man running and defending situations when outnumbered. In short, it s a session that tests every player involved, from the keeper, who has to make sure his angles are right, to ball-carrying midfielders and combination strikers. Yet at the heart of this practice is short and long passing in counter-attacking moves. The ability to use the ball smartly with expectation, vision, accuracy and speed is vital in moving from one end of the pitch to the other and, with that in mind, this is a session we will practise at least once a week, usually midweek. s will require a lot of energy in order to fully embrace the challenges of the drill, always being required to operate quickly and under pressure, so not only do we want them to approach the challenges fresh, they ll also need a small recovery period afterwards. 5 When the midfielder hits the first line the centre-forward becomes active 2 They play one-two with each other, ending with a diagonal pass to one of the two midfielders waiting on either side of the goal 1 Servers are the resting defenders on either side of the halfway line What do I get the players to do? As shown (1a), we set up in the area between the 18-yard boxes (or approximately 80x60 yards). Using short and long passes the move prompts a counterattacking break into opposition territory that is played to a finish (1b). The drill restarts after the ball has gone dead, is with the keeper, or defenders have cleared. Now, 3 Once the receiving player controls the diagonal ball he then passes it across the six-yard box to his partner 4 This man then runs with the ball at speed to the first line of flat cones 11 DECEMBER 15

12 SHAUN DERRY COUNTER-ATTACKING: SHORT AND LONG from the end of the pitch where the previous passage of play finished the other two resting defenders play a one-two and a long diagonal pass into the next two midfielders. What are the key things to look out for? Technically, the power, pace and accuracy of the long ball that starts the session is so important for the drill to begin with positivity and momentum, but this must be accompanied by accurate, short passing. We want to see players mixing up this passing range throughout the practice for it to succeed. In the next phase we re looking for a concentrated first touch of the receiving player and good running speed from his partner. The strength and body position to receive the ball off the front player is also key. Tactically the areas of the players runs are important, particularly with third-man midfield runs testing defensive players abilities to defend outnumbered. In terms of typical mistakes, because there is a carrot for the players (namely a goalscoring opportunity) some will hold on to the ball for too long, increasing the chances of them being tackled and the move breaking down. Really, the key to this drill is to play quick, interchangeable passes (long and short) that move the opposition players into areas of the defensive third so as to create problems for them to deal with whilst keeping potential tacklers a good distance away. 1b 1 The centreforward receives a quality passed ball into his feet 2 The 3v2 then becomes playable with both midfielders and the centreforward up against two defenders s will require a lot of energy in order to fully embrace the challenges of the drill, always being required to operate quickly and under pressure. 12 DECEMBER 15

13 SHAUN DERRY COUNTER-ATTACKING: SHORT AND LONG How do I progress the practice? We can progress the practice by adding another defender and centre-forward, as shown (2). After the first attack finishes (either with a goalscoring opportunity or a smart piece of defensive play) another ball is played into the middle of the pitch with the attacker having a timed challenge, such as score within 10 seconds. 2 2 The three defenders need to squeeze the pitch area How do I put this into a game situation? To conclude with a small-sided game scenario, we can set up in two penalty boxes back-to-back to rehearse the defending aspect of this drill. Namely, we can construct 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 drills to further play out the short and long ball principles practised. 3 The attacker who retrieves the ball has 10 seconds to attack one of the defenders in a 1v1 situation, before trying to score a goal 1 In the progression another ball is played in to the middle of the pitch The key to this drill is to play quick, interchangeable passes (long and short) that move the opposition players into areas of the defensive third so as to create problems for them to deal with. 13 DECEMBER 15

14 BURNLEY Michael Jolley Penetration or possession: finding the right balance 1 SET-UP AREA Use of a full pitch EQUIPMENT s, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to 6v6 plus keepers SESSION TIME Main practice, 6 blocks of 2mins, Small-sided games both 2x3mins Overview: This session is about helping players recognise the right moments to try to get behind opposing defenders, versus keeping the ball until that right moment arrives. Different coaches offer different plans in order to stimulate player thinking in this area, but the practice I use at Burnley I have found the most effective across over 10 years of coaching. s respond well to the session because it challenges them to think clearly and make good decisions under pressure. It s technically demanding in particular the aspect of delivering balls in behind defenders and aligning that with good and there is a physical requirement for them to run hard, both with and without the ball, which fits well with our club s beliefs on the way the game should be played. It s important to practise getting in behind defenders with quality because doing so will ensure your players regularly create goalscoring chances. I tend to deliver this practice early in the week, far from the game, because it is physically demanding. We revisit it regularly because the idea of getting behind defences is an important one for us. What do I get the players to do? We set up as shown with 12 outfield players divided into three teams of four players, plus two keepers. The pitch is penalty spot to penalty spot, yards wide with a goal at each end, as shown (1). For whites, who start without the ball, the objective is either to win the ball back and score, or simply prevent opponents from scoring. 14 DECEMBER 15 1 Three whites move on to press 3 He feeds it back inside for a red player to make the pass through to one of the attacking floaters 5 Blue moves through for a 1v1 against the keeper 2 The ball is fed to a blue floater on the right 90 4 The pass evades the attentions of the line defender

15 MICHAEL JOLLEY PENETRATION OR POSSESSION: FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE Up to three players can go in to press and win the ball one player must stay back in his own team zone. If whites win the ball, they can combine with the blue floaters quickly on the counter-attack. There is an offside line running through both team zones therefore the defender should be smart and realise not to advance any further than this line when his team mates go to press. For reds, who start with the ball, the objective is either to score with a pass in behind opponents that is collected by a blue who goes 1v1 against the keeper, or construct 10 consecutive passes. The team has an overload in its own zone (4v1 or 4v2 or 4v3, depending on how many opponents press), which is enhanced because the four can also use the supporting players as floaters (on two-touch). The ball needs to be worked to the second bank of floaters, one of whom receives in the scoring area. The quality and type of delivery into the area behind the last defender is key. It should be lifted, curled, spun or slid into the space so that it eliminates the defender and the keeper, and so the blue attacker can score with the fewest possible touches. For blue floaters, if the ball is in the zone directly before them, they must support the play and help the team in possession achieve 10 passes. If the ball is in the zone adjacent to them, they must make runs to try to receive behind the last defender and go in to score against the keeper (staying onside in the process). There will be one retreating/recovering defender. We play this for 2mins with intensity and quality, then rotate the three teams. 1 In the first progression the receiving red is able to dribble through before releasing his pass He makes a one-two with the supporting blue How do I progress the practice? There are a number of possible progressions and we encourage the coaches to devise some of their own in response to how players are reacting, but some of the most common we used are as follows. Firstly, a player in possession can travel from his own zone, if unchallenged, with the ball, and combine with a blue to get in on goal himself (2). Defenders must try to stop him. Alternatively, we can condition it so that balls in behind must be below head height this encourages quality, invention and disguise. Or for another 3 Now he advances on goal 15 DECEMBER 15

16 MICHAEL JOLLEY PENETRATION OR POSSESSION: FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE progression, we can allow two attackers into the scoring zone plus two defenders, to play 2v2 to a finish (3). What are the key things to look out for? s must look forward early and ask themselves if they can hurt the opposition with a penetrating pass, delivered with quality, to a runner in on goal. If they can t do that, they should look to keep the ball and wait for a better opportunity to deliver. The team without the ball must decide how many players to commit to press, and how many to leave back to defend the ball that goes in behind them. The floating team must think quickly when the ball turns over because their roles change from being supporting players to becoming runners looking to get in behind. In this second role, we want to see good along the offside line and then ducking in between gaps between defenders at the right moment (on or just before the ball is being played forward). The keeper should have an appropriate start position in order to be able to easily sweep up any over-hit through-balls. It should be said, the first time most players do this session, they turn down great opportunities to get in behind because they don t want to put the ball at risk or give it away. As the session progresses, players tend to realise that the practice is designed for them to look forward, in behind the defence first, and then if they can t succeed in behind, they have the option to keep the ball. We want to encourage players to look for gaps in the defence, or space behind defenders, into which they can deliver. In a separate progression we allow two attackers to move in on goal, with two defenders now able to track the break into the final zone 3 90 How do I put this into a game situation? We tend to follow up this practice with a 6v6 small-sided game on a 45x35-yard pitch, divided into thirds. The lines act as offside lines and the intention of both teams is to get in behind their opponents. We ll then finish with a real small-sided game with a natural offside line (halfway line). 16 DECEMBER 15

17 IPSWICH TOWN Steve Foley The Italian Square SET-UP AREA x-yard boxes EQUIPMENT s, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS Up to 8v8 SESSION TIME mins Overview: The Italian Square is a simple possession practice involving two teams of four players, with the aim being for the team in possession to repeatedly move the ball from one side of the practice to the other. It highlights the basic principles of building possession to play forward and break lines. The practice can be run as often as the coach desires and is suitable for any size of training area. In addition, stipulations can be introduced to vary the intensity and physical returns. 2 As planned, the middle player receives the ball in a position where he can see both end players 1 The blue feeds in to the nearest team mate inside the area 1 4 Blues are playing on different lines so as to offer a forward pathway whilst challenging defenders in covering any diagonal passes 3 His fellow inside blue takes up a position on the opposite side What do I get the players to do? The practice is comprised of two teams of four players, as shown (1a). Each team has two players on the outside and two in the middle, and looks to retain possession, moving the ball from one side to the other. We set up two squares side by side. 2 2 The top white player presses the blue in possession forcing him into a rushed pass 3 His team mate steps forward to intercept What are the key things to look out for? We want to see an appreciation of the pass with players retaining a pathway to the striker (the end player). They need to be playing on different lines, showing to receive the ball and always recognising when to play forward. As part of this, the ability to split defenders is also key, as is regaining possession on transitions. If the other team does take control of the ball they have to supply outside players in the same way in order to score (1b). 1 Whites organise well to block a potential direct pass into the receiving blue at the other end 4 Now whites must structure their own move to an outside player here the pass is successfully played to the right 17 DECEMBER 15

18 STEVE FOLEY THE ITALIAN SQUARE AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION TECHNICAL Passing varied surfaces of the foot Receiving the ball body shape Receiving the ball first touch 1v1 defending timing of tackle/ interception PHYSICAL Changing direction High intensity when in the middle with little or no rest time TACTICAL Angles and distance of support creating a pathway into the striker Work on opposite angle to team mate Recognise when/how to combine one-two, overlap, takeover etc. Recognise when/how to play forward PSYCHOLOGICAL/SOCIAL Communication verbal and non-verbal Confidence want the ball Commitment desire to win possession Defensively, we want to see players preventing the team in possession from playing forward by pressing as a pair (with one pressing and one covering). As you would expect, there are a number of potential mistakes we are keen to protect against. An obvious one is having both middle players on the same side of the practice; instead we want to, effectively, split the area into quarters and challenge the players to work on opposite angles to a team mate. In another instance, there can sometimes be a problem with middle players blocking the pathway in to the end players (the strikers). With this is mind we always want to challenge the middle players to receive the ball in a position where they can see both end players. How do I progress the practice? To progress we move the two squares into one to form an 8v8 square, as shown above. Beyond that, we add goals on two of the sides to create a small-sided game. We always want to challenge the middle players to receive the ball in a position where they can see both end players. 18 DECEMBER 15

19 EXTRA-TIME PROFILE OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER: TRAINING PERSPECTIVES Reproduced with kind permission of The Manager magazine. In business, aside from sporadic periods of upskilling and refreshment, time spent training is short compared to that spent delivering the goods. In football, it makes up the majority of the players and manager s time. How, then, can it be made enjoyable, motivational and targeted? We asked current Molde and former Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer how he goes about structuring his sessions. I want my sessions to be enjoyable, challenging and competitive and to relate to how I want the team to play in the next match or period ahead. I work closely with my coaches to plan our sessions and their content will vary according to where we are in the season. During pre-season and at the start of the season, for example, most of our work in training will be based around getting players physically fit. Then, as the season progresses and points start to matter more and more, training gears towards preparing as well as we can for each match. It s important to strike a balance between playing your own style of football and adapting your play to challenge specific opponents. You also have to be able to adapt your training plans, because suspensions, injuries and other problems can all put spanners in the works. My overall playing philosophy determines how my sessions look, but players also need to be stimulated in the right way, so it s important to keep it varied. Your presence (as a coach, on the training ground) is vital to the outcome of training sessions and you dictate the mood. Some players might want to impress you while others need you around to be completely focused. And of course, training is an important part of team building, but ultimately the success of the team is the product of individual players performances. You therefore have to make sure they can fulfil their individual roles as effectively as possible. I always make sure that everyone gets to work on their job within the team and I ll get them to repeat some set patterns of build-up play until they become second nature. I also like to allow talented players to make their own decisions, because it is important to allow them their freedom of choice. Your presence (as a coach, on the training ground) is vital to the outcome of training sessions and you dictate the mood. 19 DECEMBER 15

20 BOOKED: THIS MONTH S CHOICE By Richard Aldhous Elemental thinking MENTAL TRAINING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE By Steve Ungerleider Published by Rodale Books RRP There are certain parts of philosophy, certain ideologies and principles that, ultimately, stand the test of time. In fact, more than that, they belie the fact that the society we live in races past at such a pace that most of us struggle to keep up. And for life psychology, read sports psychology. Yes, a week is a long time in football, but the ideas, conventions and formulas that comprise the world s most recognised sport tend to move on unaffected by events. Good training practices in the 1980s whether modern-day sports scientists like it or not are, largely, the same good training practices used today; sensible diet and a view on preserving and expending energy at the right moments have been ideas extended through multiple generations of player. And to move closer to the point, adopting sound sports psychology for a player on 0,000 per week is largely the same practice as an amateur stepping onto an unforgiving, boggy pitch on a Sunday morning. Steve Ungerleider s book, Mental Training for Peak Performance, is an ode to better performance; a body of work that has already stood the test of time. First published in the 1990s it is as relevant now as at any time in the past; even this updated version is almost a decade old now, and despite offering a stronger eye on athletics compared to other sports, it weaves a concise and engaging path around mental preparation for sport in a way that few other books can. It s punchy, direct and offers a real focus on the individual why the mind battles us, recommended sessions and ideas, how relaxation can be as effective as pushing to 100% effort, and the science behind visualisation of goals and ambitions. As you would expect, there are stories and anecdotes from all manner of successful sportspeople, but always with an eye to bringing the morals back to the individual, and that person who may operate and compete at any level. Ungerleider, who holds masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Oregon in Eugene, also acknowledges that even the very best preparation away from the sports arena can be lost if nerves strike on the day, so there s also a significant part of the book dedicated to not just achieving a mindset, but preserving it in those crucial moments leading up to an event or race beginning. In the two decades since some of these chapters were first written, clearly a lot has changed in the way we regard sport. But sometimes stripping away the gloss of heart rate monitors, satellite navigation devices and elaborate dietary plans gets us a lot closer to the one thing we should be focusing our attentions on the training of the mind. There s a significant part of the book dedicated to not just achieving a mindset, but preserving it in those crucial moments leading up to an event or race beginning. EXCERPT: Before the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, social psychologist Jacqueline Golding, Ph.D., and I surveyed 1,0 track and field athletes who qualified for the Olympic Trials. We specifically compared athletes who qualified for the Olympic Games with those who nearly qualified but missed. We found that these two groups of athletes had a lot in common. You could say they all had the right stuff : They were training hard, eating right, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding alcohol and other intoxicants and using their brains as well as their brawn to compete. They were nearly identical in every respect except for one thing. Those athletes who actually made the team and compete in the Olympics were doing more mental practice in the final stages of preparation than their less success colleagues. The athletes who actually qualified for the Olympics were doing mental tune-ups and getting ready for the competitive challenge of their lives: the Olympic Games. We learned from our studies with Olympians that mental preparation and the timing of mental preparation are the keys to who succeeds. DECEMBER 15

21 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DO YOU WANT TO COACH A WINNING SIDE? Our brilliant range of Elite Soccer manuals feature coaching innovation from the very best in the game - bespoke, engaging practices that will have an immediate impact on your players. ing.net gary walker Soccer s es from the world CoaChing practic and CoaChes leading managers MANCHESTER UNITED STRENGTH Be ready for the new season Training practices from the game s top coaches Pre-season strength and conditioning Professional Fitness Plans scott miller FULHAM AGILITY Four types of pre-season agility the professional fitness plans strength agility fitness technique endurance tom little HUDDERSFIELD TOWN fitness Endurance and football fitness antonio gomez FC CARTAGENA TECHNIQUE Technique training Five professional fitness coaches provide the plans they use to get (and keep) their players in peak physical condition throughout the season. Includes Gary Walker (Manchester United) and Scott Miller (Fulham) alex armstrong SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY ENDURANCE $37 Muscular endurance programme The Collectors Series 2 HARRY REDKNAPP 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributionsfrom Sam Allardyce, Alex McLeish, Ian Holloway and Steve Bruce ES 36 EXCLUSIVE COACHING PRACTIC RS MANAGE FROM TOP PROFESSIONAL ALEX MCLEISH STEVE BRUCE DAVID MOYES $47 TONY PULIS THE COLLECTORS SERIES Volume 2 Offseason Fitness Plans SummER 13 gary WALKER Soccer MANCHESTER UNITED Pre-season strength and conditioning COACHINg practices FROm THE WORLd S LEAdINg managers ANd COACHES THE ultimate OFF-SEASON FITNESS plans COmpLETE 5 plans TO KEEp YOuR Five professional fitness coaches show you how to keep your players IN SHApE OvER players in THE SummER break peak physical condition this summer. Includes Ryland Morgans (Liverpool) and Antonio Gomez (Barcelona) In partnership with $37 ALL NEW SESSIONS FOR THE 13/14 steve CLArKE Chris hughton DAViD MoYEs 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributions from José Mourinho, David Moyes, Steve Clarke and Tony Pulis ALAn PArDEW Volume 5 $47 ANTONIO gomez FC BARCELoNA s off- SEASON season plan KENNY DALGLISH SAM ALLARDYCE $47 Soccer Volume 3 PAUl lambert Neil lennon MAlKY MACKAY $47 THe ColleCToRS SeRieS ALAN PARDEW ROY HODGSON $47 The Collectors Series 4 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributions from Carlo Ancelotti, Martin O Neill, André VillasBoas and Roberto Martinez GoRDoN STRACHAN Volume 6 TONY MOWBRAY Volume 1 Soccer -BOAs ANdRÉ VILLAs TICEs COACHING PRAC 36 EXCLUsIVE EssIONAL MANAGERs FROM TOP PROF L MARTIN O NEIL NEZ ROBERTO MARTI $47 In partnership with OTTI CARLO ANCEL s series THE COLLECTOR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH S 36 exclusive CoACHiNG PRACTiCeRS MANAGe FRoM ToP PRoFeSSioNAl HARRY ReDKNAPP ROBERTO MANCINI 36 EXCLUSIVE COACHING PRACTICE S FROM TOP PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS In partnership with the CoLLECtors series JAmES RuSSELL NEIL WARNOCK 36 EXCLUSIVE COACHING PRACTIC ES FROM TOP PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS SIR ALEX FERGUSON SOCCER In partnership with JosÉ Mourinho LIvERPooL 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributions from Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Hodgson, Tony Mowbray and Nigel Clough THE COLLECTORS SERIES ARSÈNE WENGER 36 EXCLusiVE CoAChing PrACtiCE s FroM top ProFEssionAL MAnAgErs RYLANd morgans Strength and aerobic maintenance The Collectors Series 3 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributions from Kenny Dalglish, Arsène Wenger, Neil Warnock and Roberto Mancini 15 Elite Soccer: The Collectors Series Soccer FULHAM Be read for gillingham the newyseas off-season Training pracon programme from the gam tices top coaches e s THE COLLECTORS SERIES The Collectors Series 5 SCOTT miller Aerobic conditioning equipment The Collectors Series 1 PAUL LAMBERT Volume 4 MICK MCCARTHY Volume 3 The Collectors Series 6 The Collectors Series 7 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributions from Harry Redknapp, Gordon Strachan, Neil Lennon and Alan Pardew 36 bespoke training sessions, including contributions from Brendan Rodgers, Chris Hughton, Steve McClaren and Mick McCarthy SOCCER SIR ALEX FERGUSON 36 EXCLUSIVE COACHING PRACTICES FROM TOP PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS SAM ALLARDYCE CHRIS HUGHTON $47 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRENDAN RODGERS THE COLLECTORS SERIES TO ORDER YOUR COPY GO TO STEVE MCCLAREN Volume 7