Elitesoccer11

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JUNE 2011

NEW!

SOCCER COACHING PRACTICES FROM ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE MANAGERS AND COACHES

STOKE CITY

TONY PULIS

SCORING FROM CROSSES Exclusive Training practices nal from top professio managers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

DERBY COUNTY

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY ACCRINGTON STANLEY IPSWICH TOWN

FULHAM

NIGEL CLOUGH Making the right choice

GARY MEGSON Blind side running

EDDIE NIEDZWIECKI Changing gp play y in midямБeld

NEW FEATURE INSIDE

JOHN COLEMAN Pressing defenders

EXTRA-TIME: INTERVIEW WITH SPURS MANAGER

CHRIS HUTCHINGS Defending against wingers

HARRY REDKNAPP

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer is published by:

ISSUE 11/ JUNE 2011: FROM THE CHAIRMAN Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148 Email: elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net Publisher: Kevin Barrow Editor: James Evans Contributing Editor: Matthew Amos, LMA Design: Jimmy Egerton Illustrator: Richard Palmer Customer Services: Duncan Heard Operations Director: Toby Curthoys Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths Photos: Action Images

Publishedinpartnershipwith:

League Managers Association The Camkin Suite, 1 Pegasus House, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6LW, UK Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 Email: lma@lmasecure.com President: Fabio Capello 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

2 JUNE 2011

03MANAGEMENT MATTERS Inspiredsoccerinsight from Ourreviewofthepastmonth football’scoaching cornerstones 04 0

Tony Pulis To Dear Coach, Welcome to the June issue of Elite Soccer.

Welc Once again, we bring you six exclusive, innovative and bespoke training practices innov from some of the biggest names in English fr football.

From the Barclays Premier League, Tony Pulis has produced a session on clinical finishing from crosses – something the Stoke City manager believes has played a telling role in his side’s charge into Europe, as well as the FA Cup final.

From the npower Championship, Nigel Clough of Derby County draws on his considerable experience to offer a session that teaches players how to make the right choices in pressure situations.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Gary Megson guides through the principles of blind side running, while successful Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman has delivered a session that presses defenders high up the pitch.

In addition, there are practices from Ipswich Town assistant manager Chris Hutchings and Fulham coach Eddie Niedzwiecki, who look at defending against wingers and changing play in midfield respectively.

We also have an interview with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp at the end of another fantastic season for the White Hart Lane outfit.

We hope your team can get the best out of these exclusive sessions, and we look forward to bringing more your way next month.

STOKE CITY ST

S Scoring ffrom ccrosses osses 06 Nigel Clough DERBY COUNTY

Making the e right choice e 08 Gary Megson SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Blind side running 10 John Coleman ACCRINGTON STANLEY

Pressing s defenders 12 1 Chris Hutchings C IIPSWICH TOWN

D Defending a st against w ers wingers

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 email duncanh@greenstarmedia.net or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894

14 Eddie Niedzwiecki ki FULHAM

Changing play in midfield 16BOOKED

Elite sports book review

18EXTRA-TIME:

... with Harry Redknapp www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

PERFORMANCE IN FOCUS THIS MONTH: PAUL LAMBERT OF NORWICH CITY

The League Managers Association fiveman Performance of the Week panel - comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that, in the last week in April, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award went to Norwich City, for their 5-1 demolition of Ipswich Town in the npower Championship.

With four different scorers, plus an own goal, the result took the Canaries to the cusp of a second successive promotion, something they achieved 11 days later at Portsmouth.

Lambert said of the victory, “We played extraordinary football at times. We played without fear and I never sensed any nerves.

The attacking unit was incredible and the finishing was exemplary.”

DECISIONS, DECISIONS... ...with Barry Fry, prolific former manager and now chairman of Peterborough United What’s the best decision you have ever made as a manager?

Every manager has one player they will always be grateful they signed. For me, over my 31 years as manager, it was Mark Ward. I got him to Birmingham City on a free transfer and he inspired the club to automatic promotion and an Auto Windscreens Shield victory at Wembley in front of 78,000 fans. He was so inspirational I rated him even higher than Steve Claridge, despite the striker netting 36 goals that season!

And the worst?

I try not to hold onto many regrets because the low times make the triumphs even sweeter. The ultimate low would probably be getting relegated in my first season at Peterborough but they were tricky times financially and we had to sell our best players.

Later, we brought in Ron Atkinson as part of a TV series in which he would act as a consultant and work with the manager, Steve Bleasdale. It was an unmitigated disaster – Steve walked out and the club slid down the table, but the money from the documentary enabled the club’s staff to be paid for the next three p NEW! months, which was just m as well, as I’d already a rremortgaged my house.

We took a lot of stick during W that period, but it has paid th off because I’m enjoying o every minute of it now. ev

See issue 7 of Elite Soccer for a training session from Norwich manager Paul Lambert that deals with crossing and finishing.

MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti clinched the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month Award for April. Although his team’s efforts weren’t enough to overhaul Manchester United, the Blues took 16 points from matches against Stoke City, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

In the npower Championship, Reading manager Brian McDermott took the monthly award after his side confirmed a play-off place with a tremendous late-season surge in form.

The Royals bagged 17 points and recorded five wins in the space of a fortnight, scoring 15 goals in the process.

READING: W5 D2 L1

In npower League One, Nigel Adkins took the plaudits after his Southampton side all but secured promotion.

They defeated champions Brighton & Hove Albion and six others sides in April, conceding only three goals in eight matches over the course of the month.

SOUTHAMPTON: W7 D0 L1

And finally to npower League Two, where Bury caretakermanager Richie Barker was the panel’s choice.

The 35-year-old steadied the ship at Gigg Lane following the departure of boss Alan Knill, with a six-game unbeaten run earning the Shakers automatic promotion behind champions Chesterfield.

CHELSEA: W5 D1 L0

ELITE SOCCER COMPETITION Congratulations to Casey Kniser, from Minnesota, USA, who won a hard copy of Elite Soccer signed by Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.

All subscribers are entered into the draw to win this one-off prize, and this month we’re giving away the June issue, signed by cover star Tony Pulis. One winner will be drawn at random for the prize, with his/her name printed in the July issue. Good luck.

BURY: W6 D0 L1 www.elitesoccerc

oaching.net

SOCCER COACHING PRACTI FOOTBALL LEAGUECES FROM ENGLISH MANAGERS AND COACHES

STOKE CITY

TONY PULIS

SCORING FROM CROSSES Exclusive Training practices from top professional managers

DERBY COUNTY

NIGEL CLOUGH Making the right choice

3 JUNE 2011

JUNE 2011

NEW FEATURE INSIDE

IN PARTNERSHIP

SHEFFIELD WEDNESD AY ACCRINGT ON

GARY MEGSON Blind side running

STANLEY IPSWICH TOWN

JOHN COLEMAN Pressing defenders

EXTRA-TIME: INTER VIEW WITH SPURS MANA GER

WITH

FULHAM

CHRIS EDDIE HUTCHINGS NIEDZWIECKI Defending g play in against wingers Changing midfield

HARRY REDKNAP PP P

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STOKE CITY

Tony Pulis Scoring from crosses Overview: This session is about scoring from crosses.

Balls in from wingers contribute to more goal chances than anything else in the game, so ensuring that attackers make the correct runs is crucial at any level.

Much of that approach play is to do with strikers adopting a clever body shape, and ensuring the angle of their run is such that they give themselves the best chance of making good contact.

We see the lessons learned from this session being played out in every match.

For that reason we’re quite strict in applying its principles, because we count any ball across the face of goal as an opportunity that can and often should be converted, and expect our attacking players to adopt a similar mindset.

“Although a simple set-up, the complexity here is in the attackers’ body shape and angle of run.”

4 JUNE 2011

SCORING FROM CROSSES: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

Final third

1a

EQUIPMENT

Balls, cones, goal NUMBER OF PLAYERS

6 SESSION TIME

Practice 30mins, development 25mins

What do I get the players to do?

Two forwards stand on the edge of the penalty area, flanked by two wingers on either side.

There is a goal and goalkeeper.

Standing just outside the D, the coach serves the ball to one of the forwards, which is returned one-touch.

Both players now make angled runs into the six-yard box.

At the same time, the wingers combine to send a cross into the danger area and the attackers look to score.

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

Although a simple setup, the complexity here is in each attacker’s body shape and angle of run. For the forward to score when running in a rigid straight line to the middle of the goal, the ball has to be perfectly delivered to feet, something that cannot be guaranteed.

Realistically, the shot will end up in the slip catching area on the other side of the goal.

Therefore, we encourage players to angle their run and shoulders towards where the ball is being

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The coach serves a ball to one of the strikers and receives it back

While the coach is serving to the striker, wingers play a pass and set-back for a cross

1b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Angled runs and attention to body shape enable a goal to be scored

2

A square run means the ball will be dragged into the ‘slips’, while approaching at an angle enables better contact.

Body shape is paramount – shoulders should be facing the ball not the goal KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

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SCORING FROM CROSSES: MAIN SESSION

Tony Pulis STOKE CITY

As well as the May showdown with Manchester City, the Potters also cemented their status as a notable Barclays Premier League side with a comfortable mid-table finish – the third time they have achieved the feat having gained promotion back to the top flight in 2008 following a 23-year absence.

Pulis has now clocked up over 300 games as manager of the club across three spells.

He has also managed AFC Bournemouth, Gillingham, Bristol City, Portsmouth and Plymouth, displaying coaching versatility by leading teams successfully away from relegation danger, as well as onto new challenges in higher divisions.

“We count any ball across the face of goal as an opportunity that can and often should be converted.”

5 JUNE 2011

3a

How do I progress the session?

We will have additional attacking pairs ready to go for each new phase and will experiment with a variety of crosses from both sides.

We might introduce a defender, but often find it’s better for the attackers to practise the skill unopposed before taking that into a small-sided game.

How would I put this into a game situation?

For a small-sided game, we create a 50x40-yard area with two 10-yard channels on either side, each containing two wingers. There is a 10-yard middle zone containing two midfielders from each team, with three defenders and two attackers in the zone in front of each goal.

This game is 8v8 with four neutral wingers. The one touch midfielders can progress out of their zone but attackers and defenders, who can have multiple touches, are fixed. The ball should be fed out to a winger at the earliest opportunity – wingers have two touches to send it into the box.

When the ball comes in, midfielders and the winger on the opposite side can move towards goal.

CH

OU 2T

L AL N I

The 2010/11 campaign saw Tony Pulis enjoy arguably his most successful season to date by guiding his Stoke City side to their first ever FA Cup final, and with it, a place in Europe.

delivered from. This makes it technically easier to make good contact with the ball.

CH

OU 2T KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

3b

In the small-sided game, quick interplay sees the ball fed to the wing

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The winger takes two touches as attacking players move in...

3c

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

...but it’s the winger on the opposite side who comes in two score with a first-time shot www.elitesoccercoaching.net

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DERBY COUNTY

Nigel Clough Making the right choice

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

30x30 yards

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is about players moving and reacting to different situations in tight spaces – by that, we mean making the right choice between keeping possession and trying to score a goal.

It’s important to practise this because as soon as players move into central positions in the attacking third, they should be aware that passing or shooting decisions need to be made.

Those decisions can differ depending on the opponents, the scoreline, or the time that remains on the clock, so rehearsing this versatility is really crucial to us.

Balls, cones, goals

“Progressing to threetouch then two-touch ensures that everybody wants the ball, is moving and is involved.”

6 JUNE 2011

1a

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

6 SESSION TIME

Passing 20mins, coned game 20mins, 8v8 game 20mins

What do I get the players to do?

We begin in a 30x30yard area, positioning six players on cones.

In this high tempo ball drill, players must receive, pass quickly with the inside of the foot, and follow. Some passes are made first time off the back foot, others – such as the ball to the man in the centre – require the player to turn and pass in two touches. The player receiving on the final cone dribbles the ball back to the start and rejoins.

We progress this by using a fast-paced twoman set-up around a similar course.

One player must run ahead of the other, so that at each cone the ball is laid off to the supporting player then passed ahead along the next line.

In the next phase, we create five goals using cones, each one yard wide. The exercise is 8v8, players are all-in, and the object is to play the ball through the cones to a team mate.

A point is awarded for each ‘goal’, and for 10 consecutive passes.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Players receive and pass around the coned course at high tempo. Players give-and-go, following their pass

1b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In pairs the players move around the cones. The first player (red) sprints to the cone, turns and receives a pass which he sets back.

2a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 8v8, a scoring pass is made through the cone

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MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE: MAIN SESSION How do I progress the session?

Nigel Clough DERBY COUNTY Nigel Clough famously followed in the footsteps of his late father Brian when stepping into the managerial hotseat at Derby County in January 2009. Clough Senior had been in charge of the Rams between 1967 and 1973.

Prior to joining the npower Championship club, Nigel had served a long apprenticeship at Burton Albion - in 10 years taking the club from the Southern League to the verge of the Football League.

As a player, he began his career at Nottingham Forest in 1984. An offensive midfielder, he went on to play for Liverpool, Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday, in total exceeding 650 career appearances, including 32 for England.

After a long spell at Burton, Clough took over at Derby, edging the club away from relegation danger in his first season. He has since steadied the ship at Pride Park despite the recent loss of key man Kris Commons to Celtic.

“As soon as players move into the attacking third, passing or shooting decisions need to be made.”

7 JUNE 2011

Progressing to threetouch then two-touch ensures that everybody wants the ball, is moving and is involved.

Moving forward, players can only score whilst keeping possession, then only when keeping the ball and passing it to a third man.

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

Players must make short passes, draw in the opposition by switching play and use the whole area.

This requires a good first touch, excellent movement, and vision.

Players should be thinking what they’re going to do before they receive the ball.

2b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Players must move to find space, supporting to offer one-touch lay-offs

3a

How do I put this into a game situation?

We play 8v8 in a 60x40yard area with a goal at each end. The white team’s aim is to keep possession (two-touch) while reds must score as many goals as they can (unlimited touches).

With just two scoring targets, attackers must now hold the ball longer before fashioning chances.

If a goal is scored, the attack is directed at the other goal. The team that keeps possession has to make the pitch as big as possible, while the scoring team must press when out of possession. Switch team roles every five minutes.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the game, reds draw whites towards one goal before switching long to attack the other end

3b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Playing the possession game, whites spread the playing area with plentiful off-the-ball movement

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SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Gary Megson Blind side running Overview: At any level, a huge number of goals come about through players making intelligent, measured blind side runs.

These runs work when balls are slid down the sides of centre backs and a full back, but they need practice, split-second timing and a good understanding of the weight of a pass.

This session builds up from a technical plan into a possession situation, then a game. We would run this on a regular basis – indeed, the technical session is often used as an extension of the warm up.

Our strikers Neil Mellor and Gary Madine have worked hard on the elements of blind side running, and they put it to great effect for the third goal in our 4-0 win against Tranmere Rovers at the start of April.

“This session builds up from a technical plan into a possession situation, then a game.”

8 JUNE 2011

BLIND SIDE RUNNING: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

20x20 yards EQUIPMENT

Balls, mannequins

1a

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

2 SESSION TIME

Technical 20mins, possession 20mins, game 20mins

What do I get the players to do?

First, we set up three mannequins down the centre, each five yards apart. Player 1 begins in line with the mannequins, while player 2 is slightly in from the left touchline.

Player 1 runs with the ball, drops his shoulder round the first mannequin before laying a pass down the right side of the middle mannequin. Player 2 has moved in and makes a perfect blind side run. He bends his path so as to practise beating the offside trap.

In a variation, players 1 and 2 make a onetwo around the first mannequin. When player 1 receives the ball back, he lays a straight pass forward.

In the third scenario, and after the onetwo, player 1 needs to adjust, deciding whether to play a quick pass, or to let the ball run across him before playing around the blind side of the mannequin.

How do I progress the session?

We use a 60x30-yard area, playing an 8v6 possession game

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Player 1 dribbles around the mannequin and lays a pass for a blind side run

1b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In this variation, a onetwo is made first before the pass

1c

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The players again combine, but there is a choice of a quick pass, or a delayed pass around the mannequin

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BLIND SIDE RUNNING: MAIN SESSION

Gary Megson SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY When Gary Megson was confirmed as the new manager of Sheffield Wednesday in February 2011, it marked his return to a club for whom he made 223 appearances across two spells in the 1980s.

Wednesday became the ninth side the 52-yearold has taken charge of, with notable spells at West Bromwich Albion, where he twice won promotion to the Premier League; and Stockport County, where he earned the club their highest-ever league finish.

He also guided Bolton Wanderers into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history.

As a player, Megson was a measured and determined midfielder who began his career at Plymouth Argyle in 1977. He went on to play for Everton, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Norwich City, amongst others, before hanging up his boots in 1995.

“Blind side runs need practice, splitsecond timing and a good understanding of the weight of a pass.”

9 JUNE 2011

in one half. This is a passing drill whereby two defenders remain in their own half.

The team with the overload (here, the whites) must keep possession for six passes in order to score a point. When reds win possession they have to transfer the ball as a one-two, a third man run, a simple short pass, or as a long diagonal pass – but the run is always on the blind side of a defender.

They then play the ball to one of their target players to score.

All reds then move to the other half to protect possession. Six whites retreat to pressure them with two staying back, as the process is reversed.

2a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the possession situation, reds intercept and a blind side run is made into space

2b

How do I put this into a game situation?

We play 60x40, with an unopposed 15-yard zone in front of each goal. This is 8v8 , plus two keepers.

When six passes have been made, the team in possession must construct a blind side run. If that happens, the player can move into the end zone, 1v1 with the keeper. The game restarts with the coach serving into the middle area.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Leaving two men back, whites move into the other half looking to regain possession

3

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

We’re looking for the timing of the run, the weight of the pass, good movement and a high tempo.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the game, a successful blind side run allows a red to go through 1v1 with the keeper

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ACCRINGTON STANLEY

John Coleman Pressing defenders

PRESSING DEFENDERS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

60x40 yards

Overview:

EQUIPMENT

This session is about pressing the ball in all areas, starting high up the pitch. It encourages players to make purposeful decisions whilst reading the game well. It’s important to practise this because if you have a system of play that is quick in tempo and defends from the front, you can win the ball higher up the pitch.

The 13-match unbeaten run that took us into the League Two play-offs came about because we learned to be very adept at keeping teams pinned back.

We work on this week-in week-out as it provides a fantastic boost to team spirit and form.

Balls, cones, goals

“We work on this week-in week-out as it provides a fantastic boost to team spirit and form.”

10 JUNE 2011

1

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

13 (7v6) SESSION TIME

Possession 20mins, game 30mins, 11v11 30mins

What do I get the players to do?

We begin the session with possession drills, seeing how many times three players can win the ball from six opponents in a small 20x20-yard area.

Now we progress to a 7v6 (six outfield players in each though one team has a keeper) in a 60x40-yard area with a goal at each end. We mark an 18-yard line across the pitch at one end.

The team of six outfield players operates in advance of the line, only dropping back when the ball is fed through their rearguard. This side start with the ball and attack as normal, scoring three points for every goal. Their opponents, who attack the ‘open goal’, gain one point for each goal.

If the ball goes out of play or a goal is scored, play is restarted with the coach serving the ball in. We would practise this for 15 minutes then swap teams.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Blues aim to retain possession using their 6v3 overload

2a

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The blue defender presses, denying his opponent the chance to turn and take aim

2b

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Under pressure, the yellow plays a poor pass which is intercepted and a goal – worth three points – is the outcome

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PRESSING DEFENDERS: MAIN SESSION

John Coleman ACCRINGTON STANLEY John Coleman is the third-longest serving manager in the professional game – behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger – having first taken charge of Accrington Stanley in August 1999.

The club’s rise under his stewardship has been phenomenal, given their climb of three divisions from a Northern Premier League Division One side to an established npower League Two outfit.

The 2010/11 season saw Stanley achieve their highest ever league position when they finished fifth, thus qualifying for the endof-season play-offs.

As a player, Coleman was a prolific nonleague marksman who turned out for Kirby Town, Burscough, Marine, Southport, Runcorn, Macclesfield Town, Rhyl, Morecambe and Lancaster City.

“When not pressing the ball, players should be pressing the man.”

11 JUNE 2011

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

The game is to be played at a high tempo and, for the team of six players, being on the front foot and pressing the ball is essential. And when not pressing the ball, players should be pressing the man.

If they fail to, their opponents have what amounts to a free shot at goal given that there is no keeper to protect it.

How do I progress the session?

A simple progression we use is in altering the size of the pitch – the bigger the pitch, the more difficult the task for the team of six.

Then, we might take these principles into an 11v11 game with the halfway line acting as an offside line. This means that players can only pass the ball out of their half. While unrealistic in a game situation this set-up condenses play in one half to display the real benefits of pressing the ball.

If possession is turned over play switches to the other half. Players must pick up men behind, and need to recognise when to drop back if there are not enough players to press high up the pitch.

2c

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Blues fail to get tight and the yellow chips the ball over for a one-point goal

2d

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Again blues fail to press and the defender is forced to retreat to prevent the goal

3

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Keeping a high line panics the keeper into a clearance meaning the ball will come back again

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IPSWICH TOWN

Chris Hutchings Defending against wingers Overview: This session is about denying attacking teams opportunities to get in behind the defence by pressing early. It is important to practise this because effective defending in 1v1 situations is vital, particularly for full backs facing skilful wingers.

When manager Paul Jewell and I first arrived at Ipswich, our aim was to shore up a leaky defence. By using this session we subsequently earned five clean sheets in quick succession; included in that total were away shutouts at promotionchasing sides Leeds United and Cardiff City.

In 1v1, the playing area we set up in this session is designed specifically to replicate how a fullback would confront an approaching winger. As we add more players, so too do we expand our reach to showcase defending principles against centreforwards as well.

We frequently find our players subconsciously working this positional thinking into their match day movements.

12 JUNE 2011

DEFENDING AGAINST WINGERS: MAIN SESSION SET-UP AREA

20x10-yard channels EQUIPMENT

1

Balls, cones, 5-a-side goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Squad SESSION TIME

1v1 20mins, 2v2 20mins, 4v4 20mins

What do I get the players to do?

We create a 20x10-yard channel with a target goal at each end. Either side of the right-hand goal, and lined up at the corners of the pitch, are the red team. The blue team take up identical positions at the other end of the area.

The first blue on the near touchline plays a pass to his opposite man - a red - and follows. Blue must close down quickly, get down the line of the ball and protect the goal behind him, into which red tries to score. If blue wins back possession he can attempt to score in the red goal.

Should the ball go out of play or a goal be scored, the players rejoin their queue and, anticlockwise, the sequence continues, with red playing to blue, and so on.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 1v1 game, blue follows his pass and looks to force red away from goal

2

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

In the 2v2 game, the leftside blue must block his opponent and any potential shot from the red in possession

3

How do I progress the session?

Next we move to a 2v2 scenario, placing two pitches side-by-side to produce a 20x20 playing area. Players this time start in between the goals, and work in pairs.

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The red attacker plays a square ball to his team mate after being forced wide. The blue defender makes a run to block the line to his goal

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DEFENDING AGAINST WINGERS: MAIN SESSION

Chris Hutchings IPSWICH TOWN Chris Hutchings accepted the role of assistant manager when linking up with Paul Jewell at Ipswich Town in January 2011.

Hutchings, 53, had previously worked under Jewell at Bradford, Wigan Athletic and Derby County, plus, notably, spent two years in the hotseat himself at Walsall.

As a player, Hutchings was a dogged defender who turned out for Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Huddersfield Town, Walsall and Rotherham United.

Blue plays a diagonal pass to red to start. The blue pair breaks out looking to close down space as reds move forward, but all players must remain in their designated channels.

Players can pass between channels with the aim of scoring in either goal.

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

In the first set-up, we’re looking for the blue player to close down quickly, monitor his position and stay on his feet.

Progressing to the 2v2 scenarios, blues now need to cover and communicate, being quick to decide whether to show opponents inside or down the line.

Repositioning when the opposition switches play is important, as is an awareness to recover back towards goal when the need arises.

How would you put this into a game situation?

“Blues now need to cover and communicate, being quick to decide whether to show inside or down the line.”

13 JUNE 2011

This can be progressed into to a 4v4 game by adding another two pitches, though all now have marked halfway lines which players cannot cross. Players begin in front of their respective goals. This time, we serve the ball to either team. Players are two-touch, but they can score in any of the four goals.

4

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

5

In the game situation, the coach serves to a red player who has options either side

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

6

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

The ball is switched to the right where the blue player closes down the goalscoring angle

The ball is reversed back and the red winger shoots, but the blue player presses high, intercepts, and scores

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

FULHAM

Eddie Niedzwiecki

CHANGING PLAY IN MIDFIELD: MAIN SESSION

Changing play in midfield

SET-UP

Overview:

Balls, cones, goals

This session focuses on awareness in midfield, encouraging players to build a better understanding of where they should expect their team mates to be. An important product of this is linking and changing play with short and long passing variation.

Naturally, being aware of those around you is essential for any footballer, so it’s important to practise this. At Fulham, we have creative players – Clint Dempsey and Danny Murphy in particular – who can be relied upon to find a yard away from opponents even when it looks like they have been closed down. The skills of these types of players can be worth a considerable number of goals throughout the course of the season.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

EQUIPMENT

1a

20 (10v10) SESSION TIME

Practice 30mins, game 30mins

What do I get the players to do?

In a 40x20-yard area, we work on passing patterns, using four players, each placed midway along a touchline – we’ll set up four or five areas so the whole squad is active.

The ball must be passed quickly from one baseline to the other.

Starting at the bottom, a pass is made to a wide player. He performs one-twos with his opposite man, who then completes the move by feeding the player on the top line. Play can now be reversed, or a long ball made back to the first man. We rotate positions regularly.

How would you put this into a game situation?

1b

The passing move can either be reversed, or a long ball played downfield

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

3

2a

TO U CH

2 TO U CH

U CH

Now we have established a slick passing tempo, it’s important to work on positional awareness.

For this, we use a 70x50yard area, setting up two target goals at both ends, each 10 yards in from the sides. We add a middle zone measuring 15 yards in width.

This game is 10x10 (no keepers) using two midfielders from each team in the central channel. Other players can move through this

Passing patterns rehearse one- and two-touch proficiency

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

TO

14 JUNE 2011

70x50

3

“Being aware of those around you is essential for any footballer, so it’simportant to practise this.”

AREA

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

Whites break forward, bringing into play a midfielder in the two-touch zone www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

CHANGING PLAY IN MIDFIELD: MAIN SESSION

U CH

2 TO U CH CH 3

3

TO U CH

2 TO U CH

U CH

15 JUNE 2011

A supporting midfielder helps to switch play and a goal is scored

TO

“Technical skills are important in this session as is the ability to resist challenges.”

Players should be linking up well, tracking passes, constantly looking over their shoulders and available to receive passes side on. Technical skills are important in this session as is the ability to resist challenges.

U

What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

3

We add another zone running down the middle length of the pitch, 15 yards wide.

Midfielders remain fixed, but any other player can move into the new zone, albeit with a one-touch restriction. This ensures speed of thought and player awareness.

As an 11v11 game, we would bring in keepers and play in a half pitch, awarding two goals if a chance is taken from one-twos or a switch of attacking angle. This added goal incentive encourages players to look up and use team mates more creatively.

TO

He has since enjoyed a number of highprofile coaching roles at Chelsea, Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham, as well as with Wales.

How do I progress the session?

3

The keeper agreed terms at his first club, Wrexham, at the age of just 14, and 10 years later switched to Chelsea, for whom he went on to make 136 appearances. He retired at the age of 28 because of injury.

TO

FULHAM Although of Polish descent, Eddie Niedzwiecki was born in Bangor, and as a wellregarded shot-stopper made two international appearances for Wales.

2b

3

Eddie Niedzwiecki

area but cannot stop in it. Either side it’s 4v4.

In the middle zone, limited touches apply, encouraging awareness because team mates are constantly on the lookout for opponents pressuring and closing down. It’s two touches in the middle zone and three touches elsewhere.

1

U TO

CH

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

4

KEY Ball movement Player movement Dribble

An additional one-touch channel focuses players further on slick link-up play

With limited space, quick passing is essential to break through a packed defence www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE

Lessons from the Coach’s Coach Effective Coaching Lessons from the Coach’s Coach Myles Downey

Coaching. A soccer coach at the seminar returned to his training ground to improve Thomson Texere 223pp Amazon £9.99 the performance of his team’s penalty takers.

Downey’s observations his reviewer was lucky about the nature of coaching enough to attend a practical coaching seminar challenge much of the common on n practice to be found on sports delivered by Myles Downey.

In the space of half-an-hour he training grounds. Almost all, he points out, is built around the turned my abysmal golf swing into something respectable, even idea that coaching is essentially handy. Best of all, I was no longer the transfer of knowledge. “The coach is the expert, knows the embarrassed by it. His trick? correct technique and will tell you Simply put, Downey showed me how to perform.” We all recognise how by removing distraction and interference, performance can be this, largely as a result of our school days and the education improved dramatically. I learned profession which is founded upon to stop worrying about grip, stance, power, head position and this approach, and to an extent it is necessary, particularly where the all the other million things that fuzz your brain as you are about to transfer of facts and laws of the game are required. drive, and to just concentrate on The Non-Directive Coaching timing the top and bottom of the that Downey is interested in, arc of the swing. however, could not be more Taking away the distractions different. This does not rely on the led to the longest, straightest drives I have ever hit, consistently. knowledge, experience, wisdom or insight of the coach, but rather And Downey doesn’t even play on the capacity of individuals to golf. This practical, workable learn for themselves, to think method – the removal of for themselves and be creative. interference – which can be applied to many individual sports The coach is just a facilitator – someone who makes progress coaching situations, is one of easier. The non-directive coach the key teachings from Effective

T

16 JUNE 2011

“Players “Players, Players though still managed, might be left much more to their own devices and allowed to find the solutions to winning themselves.”

measures success by how me m well we e his players or his team learns. lea a To coach soccer in a T non-directive way would non n involve invo o stepping back from prescriptive, drill-based, a pre e top-down approach. Instead top top-d d players, though still managed, might be left much more to their own devices and allowed to find the solutions to winning themselves. The coach might set the framework and say “just play”. This might work better when the emphasis is on free flowing and creative play, rather than in relation to the technical requirements of set pieces, where direction and discipline is essential.

Downey is a follower of the coaching principles known as The Inner Game established by Timothy Gallwey in the 1970s.

These set out that there is always a gap between potential and performance. People can always do better. What stops them is that ‘interference’, which is usually based on fear and doubt.

So the formula to explain this is ‘Potential minus Interference equals Performance’.

Gallwey’s model therefore www.elitesoccercoaching.net

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE aims to reduce interference and increase performance. One way to reduce interference is to increase focus. When attention is focussed, a player enters a mental state in which he can learn and perform his best, something called ‘relaxed concentration.’

This is what Downey calls “flow” or what others might describe as being ‘in the groove’ or ‘in the zone’. For those who have experienced the benefits from this state of mind, the improvement in performance is extraordinary.

Downey extends Gallwey’s thinking into the concept of ‘effective coaching’, defining coaching by the outcomes. Much of this book concerns itself with the detailed mechanics of oneto-one coaching sessions and how to ensure their effectiveness, and one could see a role for the use of this in the management of professional players. The use of summarising, paraphrasing and silence to ensure understanding is one area on which Downey places emphasis in the coaching process. Asking the right questions is another.

Though much of the book is about coaching individuals, the chapter on coaching teams offers some useful ideas and tools for soccer teams, even if they are aimed at business teams primarily.

Individuals have a capacity for getting in their own way (by generating interference) and Downey argues that the same issue can afflict teams. One way to reduce interference in a team is to create a common vision. This is a tangible way of ensuring everyone knows they are on the same side,

WIN ACOPYOF

EFFECTIVE COACHING

“When attention is focussed, a player enters a mental state in which he can learn and perform his best, something called ‘relaxed concentration.’

This is what Downey calls ‘flow’.”

The Spectrum of Coaching Skills NON-DIRECTIVE LISTENING TO UNDERSTAND REFLECTING

PUSH solving someone’s problem for them

PARAPHRASING SUMMARISING ASKING QUESTIONS THAT RAISE AWARENESS MAKING SUGGESTIONS GIVING FEEDBACK

OFFERING GUIDANCE

PULL helping someone solve their own problem

GIVING ADVICE INSTRUCTING DIRECTIVE

The principle: we should spend most of our time with non-directive coaching (pull coaching) but there does remain a place for directive coaching (push coaching). The coach’s art is to balance the two.

SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUALS

SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE IN TEAMS

Fear (of losing, of winning, of making a fool of yourself) Lack of self confidence Trying too hard Trying for perfection

Lack of trust in other team members Fear of ridicule Fear of being dominated Pursuit of personal agendas Need to lead Lack of clarity about the tasks or goals Hidden agendas Not understanding (or distrusting)

Trying to impress Anger and frustration Boredom A busy mind

and flushes out disagreements about the direction the team is taking. The simplest way is to get each member of the team to write down their vision or goal and then read them out to the team, before seeking consensus.

How the goal is to be achieved is usually left to the coach, but what about empowering the players and allowing them to take more of a lead in this area? Downey also talks about achieving ‘team think’ though he also provides evidence that good teams often perform well due to such fundamental

To win one of four T of Effective ccopies o Coaching, simply C o ttell e us what Downey believes coaching is b e the th e transfer of?

each other’s intentions No agreed process for working together Absence of agreed ground rules Rivalries Not listening No meaningful collective work Beliefs and positions (this is how things are or should be)

things as being together long enough to be familiar and to develop trust in each other.

Effective Coaching is a worthwhile read for those interested in the ‘how to coach’ debate.

Send your answer to:

elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net before June 20th, 2011. Winners will be chosen at random and announced in the July issue of Elite Soccer.

Last month’s winners of our reviewed title ‘The Talent Code’ were Alex Wharton and Kenneth Deacon from the UK, and Edward Stein and Wesley Davis from the USA. They correctly told us that Pete Sampras was the former world number one tennis player referenced in Daniel Coyle’s book.

Full competition rules available on request.

17 JUNE 2011

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EXTRA-TIME: HARRY REDKNAPP HarryRedknapptalkstotheLMAabouthisfirstexperienceofChampionsLeaguefootball,givesaninsightintoidentifying transfertargets,plusrevealsthesecrettogoodfootballmanagement.

This season, many would say you surpassed expectations by leading Spurs to the Champions League quarterfinals. Would you agree?

1

Well I wanted to get past the qualifying game against Young Boys of Bern because making the group stage was so important.

But we found ourselves 3-0 down after 30 minutes and I feared the worst. Thankfully, we pulled ourselves out of it, got a couple of goals back which were all important, and in the second leg did enough to make it into the group stages.

We ended up with a very difficult group which included Inter Milan, Werder Bremen and FC Twente - all very strong teams - and I thought if we could get through this group it would be fantastic. To actually win the mini-league was a fantastic achievement, and our reward was the AC Milan game, in which we excelled against another top team. The Real Madrid quarter-final was maybe a disappointment in terms of not playing to our potential, but the whole ride was truly amazing and has really put this club back on the map.

In what ways did you have to adjust your managerial approach in the Champions League?

2

It is a different challenge. The first game I went away with a gung ho attitude thinking that we 18 JUNE 2011

were going to smash Young Boys of Bern. That resulting match quickly taught me that I had to adjust tactically because you are playing against the top teams with the best coaches. Even at White Hart Lane we had big problems coping with AC Milan and the way that they played. But the secret is making sure you know what you’re doing tactically.

It’s been a fantastic challenge and something that I have really enjoyed this year.

How much pride do you feel at being the first Englishman to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League?

3

It’s lovely. I’ve been lucky that I’ve had a good team and the lads at Tottenham have done great for me. Let’s hope there are plenty of English managers to follow in the same vein as me. I’m a big fan of seeing home grown managers getting a chance to operate at the top level because I think we’ve got some fantastic talent in this country if we get the chance to show it.

When you played Inter Milan in Italy, Gareth Bale announced himself on the international scene. How much has he improved since you have been at Spurs, and how good can he become?

4

His improvement is unbelievable really. It is confidence that has made a huge difference for him, and improving that has been a big task for the management staff. At one point he had played 26 times and had never been on a winning Spurs team. Suddenly that changed and his game went to another level. He is just an amazing player and has everything. He is 6ft 2”, he’s got pace, he can dribble, he can shoot, he can head and he can run all

Harry on football management:

“It’snot rocket scienceand itshouldn’t betreated assuch...

People thinkthe gamehas suddenly become veryclever, butit’s justabout understanding football, howtoget thebest outofteam members, putting themin theirbest positions, andplayingtotheir strengths.

It’sreally notcomplicated,it’s madealot harderthan whatitis.

It’sasimple gamemade difficultby some.”

day. He’s the complete all-round footballer.

In terms of incoming transfers how closely do you work with the chairman in identifying transfer targets?

5

I work with the chairman, but Daniel (Levy) does all the deals.

For instance, I didn’t make one phone call on transfer deadline day during the January transfer window. I gave him the names of some players I liked but I didn’t really see anything happening that day.

But looking ahead we’re not desperate and are only looking for somebody better than what we have. The fact is, unless you want to spend £170,000 a week to get someone like Torres, you aren’t going to get much better than what we have here anyway.

6

Is there a secret to good football management?

Only in the sense that it’s not rocket science and it shouldn’t be treated as such. A lot of it is just common sense and understanding football. Look at Liverpool; people were saying ‘Can Kenny [Dalglish] do it, as the game has changed so much?’

Well, I thought we were still playing the same sport with 11 men and a round ball? Are players passing and moving? I think they still are. Did they do that back in Kenny’s day? I think so, yes! I really don’t see any difference.

People think the game has suddenly become very clever, but it’s just about understanding football, how to get the best out of team members, putting them in their best positions, and playing to their strengths. It’s really not complicated, it’s made a lot harder than what it is. It’s a simple game made difficult by some.

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