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What do I get the players to do? The long-range shooting session starts by dividing a 36x18-yard pitch into two halves. Goals can only be scored from the defending half. We set up four attackers in the defending half, and another two in the attacking half. The role of the two players furthest forward is to set the ball back for any one of their four team mates to shoot at goal. It’s a high-intensity practice, so players rotate every three minutes. (1)Progressing to an opposed practise, opponents now attack the opposite goal - thus each side has a 4v2 overload in their defensive half. (2) While the set-up men cannot be challenged when the ball comes to them, they now also have to act as defenders, closing down play and attempting to win possession. In addition, they can follow in any rebounds from blocked shots. (3)Whether a shot ends in a goal or otherwise, a new attack must come back in the other direction.

NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Gary JohnsonLong-range shootingOverview:This session is about shooting from distance and the process of moving the ball into position for a shot. Goalscoring, more than anything else, builds confi dence in players. And with a game-realistic session such as this, players are building good habits into their match day practice.Our left-back Liam Davis scored a couple of long-range efforts towards the end of the campaign, and both were vital. The fi rst was a late equaliser against Rotherham United, while his 22-yard strike in the fi rst two minutes of our clash with Stevenage gave us a great start to a match which, in the end, secured our Football League status.

LONG-RANGE SHOOTING: MAIN SESSION

SET-UPAREA

36x18 yardsEQUIPMENT

Balls, bibs, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERS

14 (6 per side and 2 keepers)SESSION TIME

Session 50mins, progression 30mins, game 20mins

“While the set-up men cannot be challenged when the ball comes to them, they now also have to act as defenders, closing down play.”10 JULY 2011

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Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY

Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY

Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY

Unopposed, the ball is laid back for a shot from the defensive half

Now fully opposed, two whites press, but reds work the ball and a shot fi nds the corner of the goal

Players must be alert to rebound opportunities

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How do I progress the session?We progress by encouraging each group of four to act as all-out defenders when their team is not in possession. They can block long-range shots and tackle back to deny the two attackers rebound opportunities.We might also add touch or time restrictions, as well as asking players to shoot with their other foot.And to ensure a high intensity is maintained throughout, defenders can catch any balls going wide. This ensures that play comes back the other way immediately, and if a catch is made, the attacking team loses a goal. (4)

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?We’re looking for a good fi rst touch from the set-up players to ensure a team mate the best chance of getting a clean shot away. Players should move quickly and get the ball into space, and when shooting, (5) should be aiming for the corners of the goal. The two rebound players must remain alert at all times, while other tactics such as shooting when the keeper is unsighted, (6) and disguising shots, are encouraged in order to create space and clearer routes to goal.

Gary JohnsonNORTHAMPTONTOWN

Gary Johnson took control of Northampton Town in March 2011, successfully leading the club away from the threat of relegation in npower League Two.

After a spell in charge with the Latvian national team from 1999 to 2001, Johnson really made his mark in English football by leading Yeovil Town into the Football League for the fi rst time in 2003.

Following another promotion two years later, he switched to League One rivals Bristol City in September 2005, and the following year led the club to second place in the division. City’s onward momentum continued, and they were 90 minutes away from a place in the Premier League in May 2008, but lost their Championship play-off fi nal to Hull City.

After fi ve years at Ashton Gate, Johnson moved to Peterborough United, and now oversees North-ampton’s prospects in npower League Two, with the Cobblers well tipped to land the experienced manager his sixth club promotion.

Howthe sWepr

LONG-RANGE SHOOTING

11 JULY 2011

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Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY

Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY

Ballmovement PlayermovementDribble

KEY

In the progression, reds lose a goal as a wayward shot is caught by a white

The keeper is unsighted and reds use this to their advantage by despatching a quick shot

Here play is switched across the pitch to shake off pressing opponents and create clear shooting space in the middle