IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCCER · League with Real Madrid in 2000. He also starred for Athletic Bilbao, Colorado Rapids and Spain. Yet it was as assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real in

SOCCER

www.elitesoccercoaching.net SEPTEMBER 2015

BLACKBURN ROVERSMIDDLESBROUGH

TERRY McPHILLIPSTechnical attacking play

JOE DUNNE18-yard box combinations

ALAN IRVINEDefending the counter-attack

BIRMINGHAM CITY LMA AMBASSADORCAMBRIDGE UNITED

GARY ROWETT& RICHARD BEALEPlaying (and running) forward

AITOR KARANKAOffensive organisation

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: WITH STOKE CITY MANAGER MARK HUGHES

ExclusiveTraining practices from top

professional managers

ALEX NEILREGAINING POSSESSION...TO ATTACK WIDE AREAS

NORWICH CITY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

COACHING PRACTICES FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING MANAGERS AND COACHES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer is published by:

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ISSUE 62/SEPTEMBER 2015: FROM THE 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 [email protected] or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894

2 SEPTEMBER 2015 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

22 EXTRA-TIME: ... with Stoke City manager Mark Hughes

24 BOOKED Elite sports book review

Imaginative, intuitive and engaging soccer practices from

the game’s best coaches

Dear Coach,Welcome to the September issue of Elite Soccer.Well, the new season is well and truly under way, the domestic leagues are up and running again and you’d have to go a long way to find someone not thrilled to have soccer back.To embrace what everyone wants to do at the start of the season – score goals and win matches – we’ve put together a fiercely attack-minded issue. Correct, if you don’t concede, you don’t lose, but when August comes around managers and coaches are thinking rather more optimistically, so how could we refuse the opportunity to follow suit with a collection of positive, optimistic, attack-minded practices?So, to start, we welcome into Elite Soccer one of the most talked about young managers in the game. Alex Neil’s ascent through the Scottish leagues with Hamilton Academical was impressive, but to carry that on in the Championship with Norwich City, and to have the Canaries looking like a side who can give anyone a game this term in the Barclays Premier League, is quite something. The 34-year-old presents for us a session on regaining possession and attacking wide areas, and it’s a pleasure to have him in the magazine for the first time. Into the Sky Bet Championship, Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka takes a look at offensive organisation, explaining why simple set-ups can get players understanding how the subtleties of approach play can be measured and exploited.Also from the Championship, Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett presents a blueprint of how his team plays and runs forward; while Blackburn Rovers coach Terry McPhillips assesses the technical intricacies of attacking threat. We also ask Cambridge United coach Joe Dunne to answer our Coaching Consultation question, which looks at the idea of whether it’s possible to develop instinctive striking talent. If all that attacking intent has left you weary, for parity we’ve gone to West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine for a defensive practice. So if you’d rather see a solid backline than a rampaging forward, by all means take a look at his session on defending the counter-attack!Finally, whatever your ambitions, good luck for the new season, and we look forward to seeing you again next month.

Yours in soccer,

Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman

4ALEX NEILNORWICH CITY

Regaining possessionto attack wide

9AITOR

KARANKAMIDDLESBROUGH

Offensive organisation

11GARY ROWETT& RICHARD BEALEBIRMINGHAM CITY

Playing (and running) forward

14TERRY

McPHILLIPSBLACKBURN ROVERS

Technical attacking

play16JOE DUNNECAMBRIDGE UNITED

18-yard box combinations

19ALAN IRVINE

LMA AMBASSADOR

Defending the counter-

attack

COACHING CONSULTATION

Spaniard Aitor Karanka enjoyed an impressive playing career which included winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2000. He also starred for Athletic Bilbao, Colorado Rapids and Spain.Yet it was as assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real in 2010 that the 40-year-old’s reputation as an innovative coach really developed, and leaving the post in 2013 he became the club’s first ever overseas manager.Last season was the Teessiders’ most successful for many years as they made it to the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final, where they were narrowly beaten by Norwich City.

Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett became the latest in a long line of Burton Albion managers to get the chance to lead a team at a higher level, and coming into a crisis-strewn St. Andrews last season he quickly managed to steady the ship, steering the Blues to a mid-table finish in the Sky Bet Championship.As a player, Rowett spent notable spells with Cambridge United, Derby County, Birmingham and Leicester City. He is ably supported at Birmingham by Senior Professional Development Coach Richard Beale.

Terry is assistant manager at Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers, a role he took on in June 2013. He joined the Lancashire club seven years ago on the Academy staff having previously been Academy Director at Crewe Alexandra.The Manchester-born former striker spent time on Liverpool’s books as a youngster before dropping into the lower leagues with Halifax Town, Northampton Town and Crewe Alexandra. He hung up his boots at the age of 24 to explore coaching avenues.

Joe Dunne is assistant manager at Sky Bet League Two side Cambridge United, working alongside first-team manager Richard Money at a club tipped to do well this season just a year into their return to league football.The 42-year-old managed Colchester United up to 2014 and, as a tough-tackling yet stylish defender played for Gillingham, Colchester United (twice) and Dover Athletic.

Having overseen the progression of Everton’s Academy for three years, Alan Irvine confirmed his move back into first-team football by accepting the manager’s position at Barclays Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in June 2014.The 57-year-old has previously managed Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End, who he took into the Championship play-offs during a successful spell at Deepdale from 2007 to 2009.He had before that been at Everton (in a coaching role), and Academy Director at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

www.elitesoccercoaching.net3 SEPTEMBER 2015

ALEX NEILNORWICH CITY

Examine Alex Neil’s managerial record and it quickly becomes clear why the 34-year-old Scot is one of the most talked about young coaches in the game. When appointed as manager of Norwich City in January 2015 he became the second youngest manager in the English football leagues. Just four months later he masterminded the Canaries’ return to the Barclays Premier League, courtesy of a 2-0 Championship Play-off Final victory over Middlesbrough.Neil cut his teeth in management in May 2013 when he was appointed player-manager of Hamilton Academical. He led the side to third in the Scottish Premiership after promotion to the top flight the previous season.As a player, Neil was a central midfielder who played for Aidrieonians, Barnsley, Mansfield Town and Hamilton.

AITOR KARANKAMIDDLESBROUGH

GARY ROWETTBIRMINGHAM CITY

TERRY McPHILLIPSBLACKBURN ROVERS

JOE DUNNECAMBRIDGE UNITED

ALAN IRVINELMA AMBASSADOR

ELITE SOCCER SEPTEMBER 2015

MANAGER PROFILESHere are the six managers andcoaches we’re delighted to welcome into this issue of Elite Soccer

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


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35

30

NORWICH CITY

Alex NeilRegaining possession to attack wide

Overview:This session is about applying immediate pressure to the opposition when they have the ball - to win the ball back as quickly as possible and then punish them on the counter-attack, notably down the flanks. For this to be possible, our team needs to have good communication and organisation, and must work at high intensity, with crisp passing, excellent first touch and explosive transitions.This session will be used in the week leading up to meeting teams that play a compact/narrow midfield. Opposition would play either a 4-4-2 or compact 4-4-1-1 system.

What do I get the players to do?The session is split into three parts. We must enable rest periods in between each break in play so that players can stay fresh and re-gather tactics.

SET-UPAREAUp to a half-pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goals, mini-goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSFull squadSESSION TIME54mins plus breathers

1

2

Part 1 – Bedding down Two small-sided related games are played at the same time, as shown (1a/1b). It’s 5v5 in a 30x35-yard area with four small goals positioned in the corners of the pitch. We play 3x4min games (12mins total) in order to bed down the principles of the session.

Ball movement Player movementDribble

KEY

Bedding down the principles

Team mates locked on to

opposition with communication

from behind

Applying high intensity pressure as soon as the full-back takes his touch – this is the trigger

Body postion to show the opponent outside the park – lock them down one side

Good team organisation in relation to the

ball

High intensity teamwork to win the ball back

Explosive transitions – good

crisp passing to counter on the opposite wing

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


ALEX NEIL: REGAINING POSSESSION TO ATTACK WIDE

Part 2 – Three condition-related games

Game 1 9v9 plus two floatersWe progress into three conditioned games in a 60x50-yard area, each 3x6mins (18mins total), as shown. Game 1 is 9 v 9 and two floaters - the task is to win the ball and play through all three zones before scoring a goal (2a/2b).The two floaters create an 11v9 for the team that has the ball thus making it easier to move play through the zones and attack on either wing.

2a

2b

“To punish on the counter, our team needs to have good communication and organisation, and must work at high intensity, with crisp passing, excellent first touch and explosive transitions.”

60

50

60

50


KEY

The defending team needs to work hard in order to lock the opposition down one side of the pitch, making it as difficult as possible to switch the play

Good communication and team organisation in relation to the ball is

necessary in order to win the ball back

1 After winning the ball back it is imperative to attack at pace and work the ball out to the opposite wing

2 Good crisp passing to counter on the opposite wing enables explosive transitions

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


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50

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Game 210v10 into three vertical zonesThe second game is 10v10 playing through three zones with switches of play, as shown (3a/3b). Team shape now becomes imperative as the task to play through the zones gets harder.


3a

3b

“When the pressing player is too eager to win the ball back before his team mates are locked on, it allows an opponent to keep possession of the ball and play through us.”


KEY

1 In this scenario our striker shapes his body

to allow the right-sided centre-back to

play the ball to the right full-back

2 As soon as this man takes his touch our no.11/left winger applies high intensity pressure

in order for us to win the ball back as soon as possible

3 Our no.11’s body postion shows the right full-back outside the park, therefore allowing us as a team to lock the opposition

down one side or the middle

1 Communication from behind gives us the best chance of winning the ball

back high up the park

2 Further good organisation in relation to the ball allows our winger to win the ball and

play a direct pass through the middle

3 Intricate interplay

creates space and encourages

movement of both the ball and

players in and out of the thirds

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


Game 3All-in 10v10 with game zones removedThe final game is an all-in 10v10 with zones removed (4a/4b). Good communication, organisation and team shape are now crucial with the task being to win the ball back as soon as possible and counter immediately.

4a

4b

“We need to make sure the player pressing the ball shows the opponent outside, forcing him to play either a straight or angled wide pass or enticing him to try to beat him in a 1v1 situation.”


KEY 60

50

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1 In this scenario our no.7/right winger shapes his body to allow the opposition left full-back to play the ball to his left midfielder

who has broken out wide to receive the pass

2 As soon as the left full-back passes the ball our

right full-back applies high intensity pressure forcing the opposition left midfielder to try to find one of his strikers with a rushed pass inside the

park.

1 Our no.6/sitting midfielder is positioned to intercept,

open his body and fire a pass to our no.11/left winger to

attack on the opposite side of the pitch

2 The opposition are understandably vulnerable on the other side as their right midfielder has broken forward

to join their attack

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


Part 3 11v11 games on a half-pitchWe conclude playing an 11v11 with 3x8min games (24mins total ) (5a/5b).

What are the key things to look out for across the session?The typical mistakes that players make can be rectified by bedding the principles down in parts 1 and 2 of this session, and these notably improve communication and timing. Key errors are often made when pressing players do not get their body positioning right, thereby allowing opponents to play inside the pitch and switch play.Similarly, when the pressing player is too eager to win the ball back before his team mates are locked on, it allows an opponent to keep possession of the ball and play through us. Technically we need to ensure we keep the ball and move it at speed in order to penetrate in behind opponents. Crisp passing, excellent control and good first touch are therefore all essential.Tactically we need to make sure the player pressing the ball shows the opponent outside, forcing him to play either a straight or angled wide pass or enticing him to try to beat him in a 1v1 situation. Team mates are locked on to their opponents forcing the opposition to play down the one side of the pitch, making it easier for us to win the ball back. And once we do this we look for quick accurate passing to switch the play and attack the opposite end of the pitch.


5a

5b

Ball movement Player movementDribbleOptional pass/run

KEY

2 Our no.11/left winger shapes his body to allow the opposition right full-back to play the ball to the right midfielder who has broken out wide to receive the pass

2 The no.9 turns and finds his man, and the shot beats the keeper

The opposition will be vulnerable on the counter-attack as they

have tried to make the pitch as big as possible given they have

possession of the ball

1 We allow the opposition keeper to play the ball to the right centre-

back who, in turn, passes to the right full-back

3 As soon as the opposition right full-back takes his touch

this is the trigger for us to apply high intensity pressure and win the ball back high up the park as

quickly as possible

1 As soon as the opposition right full-

back passes the ball our left full-back applies

high intensity pressure onto the opposition

right midfielder, forcing him to lose possession and allowing the ball to be passed at pace into

our no.9’s feet

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


15

25 55

20

25

MIDDLESBROUGH

Aitor KarankaOffensive organisation

Overview:When we play against a good defensive organisation we need to find the best way of breaking down the opposition. As you would expect, this is with slick offensive organisation - notably creating opportunities to score and playing inside opponents.The secret to constructing these moves is for attackers to approach defensive blocks having practised varied methods for getting the ball into a key area, and at Middlesbrough we usually set up four specific practices in order to achieve this. Each trains and challenges in a different way, but engaging players is a must, as is keeping sessions alive with stimulating practices.

What do I get the players to do?Line challengeThis practice focuses on hitting wide areas with the use of group attacks and switching.We set up in a 15x35-yard area, as shown (1). Players must pass through the line to score, though in setting up that opportunity the idea is to pass side to side at speed to create that space for the killer through-ball. The target player must receive the ball on the other side of the line for a point to be awarded.

Left and right goalsThis practice looks at hitting a small target but again makes use of switching.So for this we now move into a 20x25-yard space, as shown (2).

SET-UPAREA20-yard channel on half-pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 11v11SESSION TIME60mins

1

2

Line challenge

Left and right goals


KEY

1 Blues shift the ball from the right to the

left

2 Forward motion from the attacking group is

vital 3 Finally a diagonal forward run is made by

the central blue

4 He receives the ball beyond the line to score a

point

1 Blues again

start with possession at the back

2 They progress the ball through midfield3 This time the challenge is to score in one of the two mini-

goals

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


It’s the same method as before but we now have two small goals at both ends of the pitch that the players can score in.

7v6 challengeThis practice coaches ball retention and patience. The emphasis is on offensive players creating space to pass through the lines with the ball firmly in their control. They can thread passes behind the back four but we require the striker to show diagonal forward movement – straight runs aren’t allowed. When through on goal they must try to finish past the keeper (3).If defenders gain possession they must try to make four or five passes to score a point.

10v8 organisationFinally, this practice develops the intelligence to make the most of overloads whilst using wide players. So we set up a standard game, as shown (4). Timing of runs is key in the tight central area, but having the option to switch play wide with full-backs overlapping quickly is of course vital, with strikers again making diagonal runs into space.If defenders win possession they must make four passes before being able to shoot into the bottom goal (that isn’t guarded by a keeper).

AITOR KARANKA: OFFENSIVE ORGANISATION

4

3

7v6 challenge

10v8 organisation


KEY

Wide players are free to use space but can only make forward

diagonal passes

Strikers are playing against the overload, which puts pressure on the quality of their own runs beyond the 18-yard line as well as the passing skill of team mates

Defensive midfielders enjoy an overload in order to provoke through-balls to strikers

Yellow defenders cannot drop back into the penalty box

1 Blues must work hard to retain possession in the

boxed area

3 A diagonal run is made

2 Yellows press in looking to win the ball back

4 The blue attacker goes through 1v1 on the

keeper and scores

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


50

80

50

80

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Gary Rowett and Richard BealePlaying (and running) forwardOverview:

This session encompasses numerous outcomes that we expect our players to reproduce on a match day, but at its heart it is about vision and running forward at pace on transitions in order to penetrate the opposition.It’s always been a principle of mine to move sessions on swiftly to ensure players are kept engaged, with learning tested and enhanced throughout as the complexity increases. If players are struggling to understand elements of the session we will pull them aside one-to-one or extend the timeframe to ensure all players appreciate the principles and learn the techniques.We would look to run this on a weekly basis in order to reinforce key outcomes, as detailed below. However, due to the physical nature of the session it would be run three to four days prior to a match.

What do I get the players to do?Passing practiceWe set up as shown (1a), with four groups of players in each corner of the rectangle - two corners have a ball, the other two don’t. The players at the front of the lines without balls steps forward, first moving away then towards the ball to receive a pass, play out, then follow. The players who play into the rectangle follow the ball in and make the next runs. At first they move towards the ball, then away from the passing line to receive it (1b). The players then pass and follow the ball out to the opposite corners.

SET-UPAREAUp to a full pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 11v11SESSION TIMEPassing practice 15mins, Possession practice 20mins, Overload practice 20mins, 11v11 25mins

1a

1b


KEY

Yellow runs away from then towards the ball, receives, turns, then passes out to the top

Red makes a multidirectional run,

initially away from the ball, then towards it to receive a

pass from the blue line, then he turns and passes outThe blues start with a ball

The greens start with a ball

After the green player previously made a pass, he now makes a

run and, receiving from a yellow player, passes out the top to a blue

This blue player, who previously passed, is now running, and receives a ball from the red line before passing out to the greens

The yellows start with a ball

The reds start with a ball

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


GARY ROWETT & RICHARD BEALE: PLAYING (AND RUNNING) FORWARD

50

80

Overload practiceSetting up now in the space between the penalty areas, we have two sets of three forward players lined up behind each goal, as shown (3a). The practice uses three defenders in each half against one forward. A long pass into the lone forward prompts team mates to join and attack 4v3 towards the goal.If play breaks down the same 4v3 play off a second ball served in from the side of the pitch and the practice continues (3b) to a close, when the move will now repeat in the other direction, with blues attacking.We must see smart hold-up play from the receiving forward with good timing and quality of supporting forward runs. We can progress the game into a full-pitch with four defenders and two forwards (to make a 5v4 overall).

How do I progress the session?The first progression is for players to move towards the ball initially then away from the ball to receive. We can also add in a ‘give and go’ after the player has played the ball out of the rectangle.

Possession practiceThis is an 8v8 in the middle, as shown (2), with a neutral player on each end of the pitch and two unopposed neutrals in a box in the middle. Players go end to end to score a point.Each team, when in possession, must play through the middle neutrals who are one-touch only, in combining and keeping a passing move alive. When the ball is fed into these middle men they must play forward to positive runners going past them into attacking areas.Players should be looking to run off the shoulders of defenders to stretch the game and receive on the move, always looking for a combination of short, medium and long passes.

2

3a

3b


KEY

Blues are working the ball left to right

We must see positive, forward runs – here, it’s the blue advancing up the wing

The neutral spots him and feeds a pass

Play is fed through the neutrals in the

central box

The move is complete and a point scored when the ball makes it to the feet of the right-sided neutral

The lone forward in the opposition half receives and waits for team mates to support

Blues press their man looking to win possession

The first team of three reds begins from behind the top goal

When they arrive he feeds a pass left

As soon as play goes dead the coach feeds in another ball. Blues are playing again st a 3v2 overload because they have a man engaged on the opposite wing who cannot get back in time

The blue player successfully

shepherds the red to the wing

and the move breaks down

Reds successfully combine with sharp, forward passing and a goal is scored

“We must ensure plenty of forward passes and runs - we’ll condition games so that if players pass the ball backwards or sideways they must run forwards.”

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


11v11We conclude with an 11v11, as shown (4). The pitch is split into thirds, which work as guides for players to run and pass into. It’s two-touch in the middle area to encourage quick play and switches of play.We can progress this by taking out all pitch markings and playing with no conditions in order to test understanding in free play.

What are the key things to look out for?We want to see double movements to stretch the pitch and long, accurate passes into feet or space. When players receive they must look to get on their back foot and turn if they’re not marked or set and spin if marked tightly.Well timed overlaps from full-backs are important, as are

diagonal runs from high midfielders or forwards. A good first touch to eliminate defenders is key, as is timing of the release of a pass, which must have good weight and accuracy.Typical mistakes to eliminate include players purely coming towards the ball to receive – this only serves to close up space. Players should look to come short to

go long and vice versa. We also find some players failing to look up to see longer passes. Encourage them to scan the pitch constantly and to have pictures of play in their heads when out of possession.Also, forward passes and runs are vital - if any player passes the ball backwards or sideways he must run forward.

TWO TOUCH AREA

Direction of attack

Defensive third Midfield third Attacking third

In the 11v11, marking out the pitch and ensuring a designated two-touch area helps players understand their roles in each position, but the main condition is to have them operating quickly and with lots of switches of play

4

GARY ROWETT & RICHARD BEALE: PLAYING (AND RUNNING) FORWARD


KEY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


BLACKBURN ROVERS

Terry McPhillipsTechnical attacking play

Overview:This is a session that looks at the technical elements of attacking play, particularly with the ball coming in from the flanks or deep positions. It’s best done in good weather, and is better suited to younger, developing players, but can be done with the first team.The techniques we will be looking at are long passes, receiving and crossing the ball, finishing techniques with the feet and head, and supply lines from both sides of the pitch (including crossing with the weaker foot).The session is not difficult in its presentation or execution, but relies on repetition, building confidence and a high level of concentration. Done well, and if the coach can eliminate a fear of failure in players, this basic set-up can be extremely valuable, and represents part of a culture of coaching that has its roots in doing the simple things well. That sets it on the path to demanding excellence from players at all times. If you have this, then you have real potential in a team.

What do I get the players to do?Initial set-upSetting up as shown, players must move to occupy all six positions on the drill. Once each pass has been played, the player must follow to get into the next position, including moving to the opposite side (1).

SET-UPAREAHalf pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 12 plus 2 keepersSESSION TIMEInitial set-up 10mins, Progressions 10mins each

1

2


KEY1 The drill starts from

the right-sided player on the halfway line

3 This player controls and sends the ball back to the edge of the box

2 He hits the ball diagonally to his target man

4 The receiving player takes a touch then shoots

at goal

5 As soon as the first player has had his attempt on goal, the left-sided player at the halfway line plays to the right-hand

side and the move continues

Movement patterns for players following their pass

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


Players need to be ready to hit driven passes from halfway with both feet (2), cross with both feet and finish with both feet. They cannot complete this drill without using the weaker foot regularly. We then progress using different techniques (3/4).

What are the key things to look out for?We’re looking for quality of technique at every turn, notably in players using their weaker foot in making passes and crosses, and taking on shots. Timing of pass and movement is key and technical development will only come about through constant practice and concentration.

TERRY McPHILLIPS: TECHNICAL ATTACKING PLAY

3

4

“Technical development will only come about through constant practice and concentration.”


KEY

In the next progression the ball back to the players on the edge of the box is clipped, not driven

In the first progression the wide players take up deeper positions, then make a driven pass towards the players on the edge of the box who, when receiving, must take a touch and finish

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


THIS MONTH: 18-yard box combinationsQ. You hear a lot about strikers who are instinctive in front of goal, but I don’t know many coaches who have had the pleasure of coaching one of these. Can you recommend ways in which we can coach players to be more instinctive?Question asked by Keith Wren, an Academy coach from Stoke.

ANSWERED BY

Joe DunneCAMBRIDGE UNITED

You’re right in what you say – many coaches talk about instinct and natural goalscoring ability, and quite a few of those don’t believe it can be taught. My view is that any group of players can be improved in the way they link up and create opportunities in front of goal, and the development sometimes can be very quick if they have good methods and a strong will to succeed. So here’s a practice that should help you and your players. You should always be prepared for the fact that some will take things on board quicker than others, but the best way to try to stimulate instinctive play

SET-UPAREA44x36 yardsEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 9 SESSION TIMESpeed and agility 20mins, Quick combination passing 5-10mins, Main session 22mins

COACHING CONSULTATIONEach month, we ask one of the game’s leading coaches to answer a question posed by an Elite Soccer reader.

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36

Part OneSpeed and agility 20minsSetting up as shown, blue and red make simple passes before releasing the yellow attacker who then sprints towards goal. We rotate left and right sides on each attack.

Whereas speed was the intention in the first practice, now we’re looking at agility, so in this progression a defender is brought in. Now yellow must attack with the obstruction of an opponent.

1

2


KEY

Players are one-touch and the yellow attacker should approach the goal at an angle before shooting into a corner

In the progression agility is the key. The yellow attacker again approaches at an angle but his run is not straight and he must negotiate a similarly non-direct route past the defender if he is to get a shot in on goal

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


COACHING CONSULTATION 18-YARD BOX COMBINATIONS

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36

is, at first, simply to get them linking together with a shared aim, and that’s what this session does.And if you’re creating better opportunities in terms of approach play, who knows, with a much slicker supply line, perhaps you will unearth that natural goalscorer !

Small-sided game(not shown)

We wrap up with either a 3v3 or 4v4 small-sided game in a 44x36-yard area (two penalty boxes put together). Players around the sides can feed balls back in to keep the tempo high. We’ll play 4×4mins blocks of finishing with 2mins rest between each.

Part TwoQuick combination passing 5-10minsWe now add to the complexity of the move by encouraging combinations. These can be simple at first, but a one-two, as shown, encourages blue to think about his action after the initial ball, and that’s something we want to build into every pass and every attack.

The progression now tests those set-up players (rather than just the attacker, as in diagram 2), so in this instance the defender is closing down red and blue, who must construct an intricate passing move to evade the danger.

After a one-two in the approach play yellow is left to make a fast and purposeful run towards goal, and goes on to score

Yellow must be prepared for a pass from either red or blue. Once he receives this he is clear to attack the goal

“Any group of players can be improved in the way they link up and create opportunities in front of goal.”

3

4


KEY

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COACHING CONSULTATION 18-YARD BOX COMBINATIONS

44

36

44

36

Now we involve yellow in the initial set-up, so he too is involved in short one-two passes, as shown.

To complete we will bring a second defender in, something that continues to build match realism.

Here the three players each display one-touch passing skills, with four passes and three runs towards the ball setting up a final pass into space, whereby yellow takes the ball on and shoots

Blues, reds and the yellow combine with the attentions of a defender, before releasing into space, at which point yellow must negotiate a path around one final opponent if he is to get in on goal

5

6

Coaching considerationsWe want to see passing that’s fast and accurate, and a good weight of pass. Players must focus on their contact with the ball when shooting, receiving and dribbling, because this is all about moving the play into key areas quickly. The type of finish is important, be it high, low, driven or passed into the net.We want to protect against players becoming frustrated, perhaps if they’re not taking opportunities, so we must look out for this and ensure positive messages are fed through on every rotation of play.

Why this worksThe session is about quick combination play to score a goal, with a focus on central attacks. The appeal should be that we are offering high reward to players and, therefore, high motivation. It features quick rotations, is played at a match-realistic speed and presents multiple-choice scoring options for players be they natural strikers or not - so that could be having a shot from the end of the box, heading towards goal in a 1v1, or including midfield players in attacking forays. Players love that variety and we can continue to build as we see fit.The practice is also very effective because it can be used with an eye on fitness (with a group) or as a development session (with individuals).

If you have a Coaching Consultation question you would like a leading coach to answer, please email in [email protected]


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LMA AMBASSADOR

Alan IrvineDefending the counter-attack

Overview:This session is about defending against counter-attacks when outnumbered, out of balance or disorganised. In view of the importance of counter-attacking at the top level of today’s game, it is vitally important that your team knows how to defend against counter-attacks. I will always do work on defending against counter-attacks in pre-season and in our match preparation work when we are getting ready to play against a team who are effective at counter-attacking.Practice and repetition is vital, as each brings about understanding.

SET-UPAREA20-yard channel on half-pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 11v11SESSION TIME60mins

1

2v1+1 practiceWe set up as shown with a 20-yard channel. Defender 1 passes to an attacker, then moves into position to defend. Defender 2 cannot start his recovery run until the attacker has touched the ball.

What are the key things to look out for?In each situation we are looking at the first defender’s angle and speed of approach, plus his decision-making skills – does he delay or challenge? Does he force play

away from goal or towards the recovering defender? Defender 2 must recover to a defensive position as quickly as possible and decide whether to support defender 1 or challenge an attacker.

“In each counter-attacking situation we are looking at the first defender’s angle of approach, speed of approach and his decision-making skills – does he delay or challenge?”


KEY

1 Defender 1 passes to an

attacker

2 Defender 2 recovers quickly to assist defender 1

3 Attackers move forward quickly to maximise the 2v1 situation

4 Blues progress forward and play to a finish

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ALAN IRVINE: DEFENDING THE COUNTER-ATTACK

3v2+1 practiceThis is similar to practice 1 but we now have two defenders against three attackers. Defender 3 cannot start his recovery run until an attacker has touched the ball.

“Practice and repetition are vital, as each brings about understanding.”

2

3

Ball movement Player movementDribbleOptional pass/run

KEY

The centre-back moves across to support the right full-back – he will challenge if a ball is played inside

The left full-back recovers and moves to cover the supporting centre-back,

should the ball be passed inside

As the ball is passed wide, the right full-back approaches the attacker with a view to delay the attack

The left full-back also needs to be aware of the positioning of the third

attacker should the ball be switched

Now the channel lines have been removed

The first defender again passes the ball out to the attacker then supports his teammate

The recovering defender moves quickly to support his team mates

Attackers move forward quickly to maximise the 3v2 situation

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ALAN IRVINE: DEFENDING THE COUNTER-ATTACK

5v3+2 practiceNow the practice starts with a throw from the keeper to an attacking midfielder. Attackers play 5v3 with defenders 4 and 5 ‘recovering’ when the attacking midfielder has touched the ball. We’ll work with the defensive midfielder delaying the attack, filling in for centre-backs if they have to defend in wide areas, plus supporting and covering angles and distances.

B

B

4

5


KEY

11v11 set-upThis is 11v11 on shortened pitch. Play always starts with the (red) keeper at the short end. The blue striker (B) cannot go into his own half – the emphasis here is on the blue team winning possession and counter-attacking at pace, and the red team defending against the counter-attack. Blues drop into their own half when the red keeper starts play. They must remain compact and wait for opportunities to counter-attack. For coaching points, we want to be looking at the shape of the red team whilst in possession. Players behind the ball must delay any counter-attacks and we want to see recovery runs of those ahead of the ball with quick reorganisation to defend.

The keeper starts by throwing the ball out to the attacking midfielder The

recovering full-backs cannot start their recovery runs until the attacking midfielder has touched the ball

Setting up an 11v11 on a shortened pitch enables us to correct players’ positions and produce frequent opportunities to defend against counter-attacks

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EXTRA-TIME PROFILE

MARK HUGHES: LEVEL BEST

QManagement is an all-consuming and often frustrating 24/7

profession. What’s the attraction?

AIt is also invigorating and addictive. The key thing for me as a former

player is that you get to experience a similar range of emotions that you felt on the pitch, and often even more intensely than when you were a player.

The experience of competing, winning, losing and drawing, the highs and the lows are all still there for the manager and produce emotions that you recognise and understand. The big difference is that when you are a player and you get beaten 3-1 you might find consolation in the fact that you played well and scored a goal. As the manager, the only emotion is disappointment at the loss, irrespective of how well you might have prepared the team. Also, as the manager you are never able to enjoy the wins as much as you could when you were a player. You still feel the incredible thrill on hearing the final whistle blow when you’re in the lead - it’s right up there with scoring a goal as a player – but the feeling doesn’t last as long, because as the manager you are always looking ahead to the next game.

QHow much planning do you do – are you a strategist?

AWherever I have managed, I have always set clear goals before and,

importantly, during the season. Each season in the Barclays Premier League is a big body of work, so I have always found it better to divide it up into more manageable pieces. It can be difficult to maintain the same focus that you have at the beginning of the season right through to the end, but setting goals to aim for periodically can help. For example, at Stoke we’ll identify a group of six or seven games leading up to a natural break in the season, such as a week of international games, and treat that as a bite-sized section on which to focus our strategy and objectives.

I think that my experience of managing Wales was very helpful in developing my ability to plan and organise myself and set targets ahead of specific matches. Most people think that management at international level is something that

Since stepping from a successful playing career straight into international management, Mark Hughes has taken the helm at five Barclays Premier League clubs. Now manager of Stoke City, Hughes reflects on what he has learned about himself and his approach over his 15-year career.

When you are a player and you get beaten 3-1 you might find consolation in the fact that you played well and scored a goal. As the manager, the only emotion is disappointment at the loss, irrespective of how well you might have prepared the team.

should come towards the end of your career, but I don’t agree. While it isn’t an opportunity that presents itself to many young managers, when it does they should take it.

The role gives you the chance to be right at the heart of football, while being able to manage your time and continue to improve your skills and learn. For me, being appointed Wales manager at such a young age was the best possible way to accelerate my development as a manager.

QHave you developed a distinct style of leadership over the years?

AI think all managers have an individual style, but the most

important element of my approach is consistency. It’s an ethos that permeates right through my style of leadership; I am consistent in my values, in how I behave and in how I act in front of people. When I set standards, they are also consistently high; as a management and coaching group we aim to ensure that we never let

Reproduced with kind permission of The Manager magazine.

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our standards drop. To me, that kind of consistency is

crucial, because you can’t expect the players to perform constantly at a high level if you give them different messages from one day to the next. Every day is focused on achieving quality in what we do. I believe very much in quality, not quantity, both in training and during matches.

The build up to match day is very important, so I’m not a big advocate of running players into the ground on the training pitch. More important is the quality of those training sessions.

QHow important is it to be authentic with the players and how well do you

think your personality fits the job?

AMany people assume you have to be an extrovert and the loudest person

in the room in order to lead, but I disagree with that view. I lean much closer to introversion than extroversion, but I am still close enough to the middle of the spectrum to have an edge when I need it. That edge will come through when I’m not happy with what I’ve seen in training or on the pitch and I need to communicate my thoughts, messages and instructions. I can get my point across when I need to, irrespective of the fact that I am usually quietly spoken. What’s more, when I’m loud it has real impact, because people know I am not normally like that. I think if you are always loud with people they are more likely to switch off.

It is also part of my personality to think things through carefully. I’m not impulsive. It’s part of the manager’s job to make difficult decisions and that often means disappointing people. You have to be completely comfortable with each decision you make and know that you thought the situation through, because it will affect not just you but the whole team.

QHow conscious are you of the need to innovate as a leader? Do you

subscribe to the idea that ‘if it isn’t broke, consider breaking it’?

AYou have to embrace change and I have always been open to new

innovations and developments in sports science. It’s an interesting field and one that can give you an important competitive edge. I’ve always believed, as a player and manager, that success in football comes down to small margins, so it’s important to understand what is available to you. However, you also have to realise that you can’t embrace everything; some things will resonate with the players and others

might seem exciting at first but will be disregarded quickly once they no longer bring results.

You need to be able to sieve through what’s available and choose what best meets you and your players’ needs. During my career as a manager, I think I’ve become good at identifying which elements of a football club you need to invest in.

QWhat do you look for in your players? Is there one thing that all new

signings must have?

AI always look for people with the right character. I knew, for example, when

I signed Vincent Kompany to Manchester City that he had what I wanted in the side. I could see that he was driven, that he was determined to be the best he could be and that he would put in the hard work and do whatever it took to achieve that. Working with players like that is great for a manager, because they tend to motivate the other players and you know that your messages will be embraced.

QHow much satisfaction do you derive from seeing individual players thrive

and develop – is it one of the appealing paybacks of leadership?

AIt is, but developing a team is also one of the biggest challenges for a football

manager. You have to bring a group of individuals together and try to unite them with one purpose, but everybody is different. While some players embrace the group mentality totally, others find it more difficult and will always be thinking about their personal motivations above the team’s.

To be successful, the manager needs to keep the group from fragmenting. I do that by providing clear structure and instruction and being consistent in my approach.

QWhat are the biggest changes you’ve seen in yourself over the past 15

years?

AWhen I first embarked on a career in management I encountered many

situations that were new to me. Now, 15 years on, I have had to deal with these things so many times they are second nature. Experience certainly makes you more comfortable and confident in the role and it also enables you to be more pre-emptive. I’m always trying to look ahead and predict what might happen in the next game, next month or at the end of the season. Instinct plays a big part. There may be periods in a season when you realise that you’ve been in a similar situation before and you know you have the tools to negotiate or navigate your way through.

It’s difficult to quantify just how valuable experience is, but importantly it enables you to do a better job, more consistently. You also learn over time about the importance of a great support team and the need to delegate to it. I have had the same group of coaches around me throughout my management career and I have complete trust in them and their ability to communicate my values and standards. There are now so many responsibilities in modern management that great support is essential.

Q If you could go back to the start and give yourself some advice what

would it be?

AStick at it. It’s not an easy job and it’s easy for a young novice manager to

think it’s all just too much. When you make the transition to manager, you have to quickly stop thinking like a player or coach and start thinking like a manager. You have to pre-empt things and anticipate what people are likely to ask you. Suddenly you need to have answers for everything. That’s a big shock to the system at first, because as a player the only thing you need to think about when you arrive for training is where your kit is. I found that improving my skills and knowledge early on – in particular, through courses such as the LMA Diploma in Leadership and Management – was very important.

Understanding how to problem solve, manage upwards, read a balance sheet, deal with cash flow, and attend board meetings were all skills that I couldn’t have done without when I started.

EXTRA-TIME PROFILE MARK HUGHES

As a manager, you have to pre-empt things and anticipate what people are likely to ask you. Suddenly you need to have answers for everything. That’s a big shock to the system at first because, as a player, the only thing you need to think about when you arrive for training is where your kit is.

24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE

THE ART OF CAPTAINCY: What Sports Teaches Us About LeadershipBy Mike Brearley£6.99, Pan Publishing

To be a captain is in many ways to referee the fortunes of a team through

motivation, aggression, empathy, passion and no small amount of fortune. It’s a role that, when made a success of, heralds a reasonable amount of praise, but nothing on the scale of the criticism that can be faced when things do not go to plan – the man pulling the strings is suddenly the man being strung up.The psychology behind captaincy is something many philosophers, writers and commentators have tried to explore. It’s a role that requires ultimate tact, bravery and organisation, while often still requiring the leader to tend to his own playing performance. While some in sport can effortlessly take on such a level of responsibility, for others it’s a distraction from the norm that they scarcely welcome.In his book ‘The Art of Captaincy’, Mike Brearley explores what creates and motivates a captain, and offers valuable insight into how the personality of the captain can ultimately shape the personality of the whole team. Brearley was one of England cricket’s most successful leaders of all time, and in another summer where the modern Three Lions have triumphed against Australia in an Ashes series win, it seems fitting to give credit to a book that uses

the sport as a backdrop for a wider discussion on leadership and inspiration.In truth, the subject matter could be cricket or soccer or rugby or lawn bowls, because what Brearley extracts from the realities of leading a team is the value of having a dominant character taking a match forward from the front. He uses numerous examples of where sides he has played in have won and lost because of the actions (or lack of them) of a captain. He explains why in modern sport the finer elements of diet, preparation and physical state can be completely undermined unless there is a dominant voice on the field of play, and offers insight for coaches looking to shape their own captains of the future with sound advice and guidance.He’s also keen to point out that, while advice may be far, wide and full, there is ultimately no blueprint for captaincy because what we are talking about are leaders being shaped in their own character. Ultimately, it’s a role that fits some and not others, which is probably why some will run from the responsibility while others embrace it.

Captain of the shipBy Richard Aldhous

EXCERPT:

Captaincy is difficult. A man said to me recently, ‘Motivation is basically simple; it’s a matter of bringing the best out of people.’ Batsmen may be over-coached; it is said of Ian Botham that he is a wonderfully natural cricketer. As Kapil Dev remarked recently, ‘There is no room for copying anyone else’s play at Test level’. Without doubt we

have to be natural to be captains, too; we must be

ourselves. Every good captain leads his side in his own way, as suits his own personality. He must be willing to follow his hunches. The captain, like the batsman or the mother, is impeded and stilted in his performance if his head is constantly cluttered up with heroes.The trouble is that not every spontaneous response is appropriate or valid. How can a mother ‘behave naturally’ if what she longs to do is strangle her brat? Or is a batsman if, whenever a slow bowler tosses one up, irresistibly tempted to slog it over mid-wicket? It is true that captaincy is at best often a matter of intuition; but only if the intuition has been honed and trained and developed along the right lines. The heart must be in the right place, but so must the mind and its attention to detail.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCCER · League with Real Madrid in 2000. He also starred for Athletic Bilbao, Colorado Rapids and Spain. Yet it was as assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real in