THE COACHING MAGTHE COACHING MAGIssue ThreeIssue Three January 2015January 2015

#TwitterDebate#TwitterDebate

Top tips for Top tips for coachingcoaching

GK'sGK's

FREE Coaching FREE Coaching session planssession plans

Things we'veThings we'velearned thislearned this

timetime

Distribution withDistribution withSwindon Town FC Swindon Town FC

Head of Goalkeeping Head of Goalkeeping Steve HaleSteve Hale

*Exclusive*Exclusive**

Fraser Digby Fraser Digby InterviewInterview

The GK The GK

issue!issue!

This time in 'The Coaching Mag'This time in 'The Coaching Mag'

1616Goalkeeping Goalkeeping session plansession plan

88The benefits The benefits of playing in of playing in different age different age groups.groups.

2323#TwitterDebate#TwitterDebate

31. Top Tips 31. Top Tips 32. Things we've learned...32. Things we've learned...

1313

*Exclusive*Exclusive** interview with interview with Fraser DigbyFraser Digby

21 21 Distribution Distribution with STFC with STFC Head of Head of Goalkeeping Goalkeeping Steve Hale.Steve Hale.

25 25 Effective Effective Goalkeeping Goalkeeping with Jamie with Jamie Davies (BCFC Davies (BCFC Academy GK Academy GK Coach)Coach)

WelcomeWelcome

Hi all and welcome to Issue Hi all and welcome to Issue Three of The Coaching Mag Three of The Coaching Mag 'The GK Issue'.'The GK Issue'.

This issue we talk to Former This issue we talk to Former Swindon Town, Manchester Utd Swindon Town, Manchester Utd and England U21 keeperand England U21 keeperFraser Digby.Fraser Digby.

Inside you will find a guest blog Inside you will find a guest blog from STFC Head of Goalkeeping from STFC Head of Goalkeeping Steve Hale, a piece on effective Steve Hale, a piece on effective goalkeeping from BCFC goalkeeping from BCFC Academy GK Coach Jamie-Lloyd Academy GK Coach Jamie-Lloyd Davies and a 6 piece GK Davies and a 6 piece GK coaching session created on coaching session created on the FA Coach's App.the FA Coach's App.

I addition to this we also have an extensive piece on the benefits I addition to this we also have an extensive piece on the benefits of playing in different age groups along with our of playing in different age groups along with our #TwitterDebate, top tips for coaching GK's and what we learning #TwitterDebate, top tips for coaching GK's and what we learning this time.this time.

We hope you enjoy the read and come back for more in April We hope you enjoy the read and come back for more in April with Issue 4.with Issue 4.

Until next time...Until next time...

Steve HooperSteve HooperEditorEditor

@ inclusionfooty1

Join the 4,356 others following

Inclusion Coaching and The Coaching

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Youth FootballYouth Football

The benefits ofThe benefits of Playing In Playing In Different Age Different Age GroupsGroups Some think this is an idea that Some think this is an idea that would be abused, others think its would be abused, others think its there for development. We look there for development. We look at both sides of the argumentat both sides of the argument

“He's gotta be older, look at the size of him” is a common expression amongst coaches and parents during the grass roots football season and especially during tournament season.

“He's so strong he just runs through our team and we can't stop him” is another.

So the question is this, how do we make the challenge appropriate for all, the player in question and the other players on the pitch? Is there an argument for him to play in a different team with a more physical challenge, meaning the player will need to concentrate more on technique to get success?

Does it work the other way? A player that gets limited success

in his own age group, due to late growth spurts, playing down to develop greater technique under less physical pressure?

“wait a min, if we take our 'strongest player' and put him in another age group my team will suffer” I hear you say.

Is it possible that the other players in the team are playing within themselves as they don't 'need' to perform as the strongest player does it all? You may find that removing that player (for his own development) might change the mindset of other players and actually allow them to express themselves and develop quicker.

So lets start with the individual players and how we can help them develop in an appropriate environment.

Youth FootballYouth FootballCase Study 1:Name: MichaelAge Group: U10Characteristics: Tall, Strong, Quick.In-game Decision Making: PoorSuccess Rate: HighObservations: Michael is strong and can travel with the ball for long distances without being tackled. Michael rarely makes a decision to pass or a decision based on space due to a lack of awareness as he doesn't 'need' to make decisions for success. This in turn effects the other players decisions based on what to do when Michael is in possession of the ball. They chose not to get up the field and support to maybe score but instead sit back and be secure behind the play or in some cases, totally switch off to the game.

So what can we do with Michael?

Personally I would look to play him an age group up for 4 weeks, in an environment where he will not get as much success from his physical attributes. This will in turn challenge his ability to adapt and his technique. This will also pose some problems to be solved by Michael and develop his decision making rapidly.

Decision: Play in U11 for 4 weeks.

Case Study 2:Name: LewisAge Group: U11Characteristics: Small, quick, agile, excellent ball manipulation.In-game Decision Making: PoorSuccess Rate: High in 1v1 dribbling situations, Low in team situations.Observations: Lewis has fantastic ball mastery (arguably the best at the club) and has lots of success in 1v1 situations. Lewis appears to struggle when making a decision on when to pass and when to dribble causing his team to lose possession more often than not when he has possession of the ball. When paying with other teams it is noticeable that Lewis makes better decisions on

when to pass and when to dribble. Following conversations with Lewis in transpires that he feels if he gives the ball to his team mates in his age group he doesn't believe they will retain possession.

So what can we do with Lewis?

Firstly for Lewis to improve he needs to play at a standard that challenges him and allows him to make good decisions and see success. This is different to case 1 where it was a physical/psychological reason for the move and is a psychological/technical reason. This will also allow the players within Lewis' own age group to express themselves and play in a more effective way. So you may find once again that Lewis playing up an age group can have multiple benefits to multiple children. Again this may be a set time (stated number of weeks) to allow Lewis to 'stretch' himself before then coming back into his own group, who have developed, to consolidate his learnings.

Decision: Play up for selected time.

So is there a time that it can benefit a player to play down? Can you think of an example

from your own coaching experience where a player may have benefit from playing in a younger age group?

Maybe if we look back to Issue One and our piece on 'Birth Bias' that might jog some memories.

If a player is a lot smaller (possibly younger) than the other players in his age group so doesn't get on the ball as much as needed to develop technique and game understanding.

Is there an argument for that player to play down an age group to allow less physical pressure and more touches on the ball. You may also find some leadership qualities shining through in the player. This again links to the FA Four Corner Model and helps to create a holistic learning environment.

The FA four corner model! Think of the benefits for players by possibly for a time playing up or down an age group.

Youth FootballYouth Football

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The InterviewThe Interview

This issue we got to sit down with former Swindon, Man Utd and England U21 GK

Fraser Digbyto find out his most influential coaches, his best save, most memorable match, best striker played against and much more.

Firstly I would like to say welcome to 'The Coaching Mag' Fraser and thank you for taking the time out to talk with us.

So our first question is who was your best manager during your playing career?

From a players point of view I would have to say Terry Venables when I was at Crystal Palace. His tactical knowledge was exceptional, everyone knew their roles and he created a positive learning environment. From a personal point of view

purely for what he did for me and the club (stfc) it has to be Lou Macari. He brought in his own way of training and got us to levels we didn't think possible. There is also of course Glen (Hoddel), his ability to change a game was exceptional from sweeper as a player manager. Ozzie (Ardiles) took the fitness given by Lou and gave us the confidence to play attractive football and of course during my time at United I worked Sir Alex. What I would say is that each of them have their own unique styles.

The InterviewThe InterviewWow, thats some list of managers. So with that in mind, who delivered the best training sessions and why?

Again I would say Terry, he was an excellent man manager, everyone knew their roles and responsibilities on the pitch. He was so tactically astute and ahead of his time that it was mind blowing which allowed him to create a perfect learning environment with the right mix of fun, serious and learning. From a gk point of view I would have to say Martin Thomas, his technical knowledge was fantastic and really helped me to improve.

So looking at the other side of the coin, who was the best striker you ever faced and why?

(with no hesitation) Alan Shearer! On the two occasions during the

93/94 season that we faced Blackburn he scored two goals in both games, the satisfaction came in stopping him complete his hat-trick in both games. He really was a top guy and very complimentary of Swindon's was of playing back then.

So with that in mind, what was your best game?

Again 93/94 Premier League season, away to Liverpool. I was given a 9/10 rating in The People and was facing players like Steve McManaman, John Barnes, Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler. To get a 2-2 draw at Anfield and play in the manner we did was brilliant.

And your best save?

Based on the importance for the club at the time it would have to be Tranmere away in the second leg of the 92/93

The InterviewThe Interviewplay-off semi. I've tipped an effort from John Aldridge onto the post....if that goes in, the club never reach the Premier League. I can still remember John complaining that the ball had crossed the line, he knew it hadn't.

Moving on a few years, what was it like to be back at Swindon as GK coach and would you go back into coaching if the opportunity arose?

I felt honoured to be asked. I received a call following the departure of Paolo Di Canio and it was meant to be to fill a gap for a couple of weeks, it ended up as nearly 18 months. It was enjoyable to pass on my knowledge and experience to try and help Wes (Foderingham) and Ty (Belford) to be even better than they already are. As for whether I would go back? If help was needed then

yes, but I wouldn't say I am actively looking for coaching positions.

So what would you say is the 'Art of Goalkeeping'?

Concentration! A good GK is the one who makes the least amount of mistakes, not the one that necessarily makes the 'worldy' saves. If you get the basics right at an early age and concentrate well during training and games then you can't go too far wrong in my opinion.

Thank you Fraser for such an insightful conversation and good luck in your future ventures.

Fraser now runs 'The Silks on The Downs' just north of Marlbrough in Wiltshire and is a distributor for Errea sportswear in the south west.

For more from Fraser follow him on Twitter using the handle @theFraserDigby

THIS MONTHS FREE SESSION

PLANCreated using @FACoachsApp

Guest BlogGuest BlogDistribution with STFC Head of Distribution with STFC Head of GoalkeepingGoalkeeping

Steve Hale.Steve Hale.A parent spoke with me at my goalkeeping school this week asking for help with his 10 year old son who was finding taking goal kicks difficult. He said that he was struggling to get much height and distance and his team coach was talking about getting one of the outfield players to take the goal kicks.

Once again it raised the issue of “Distribution” from the goalkeeper and managing expectations.If I start at the top end of the game and work back I think it’s important to try and get a few things clear to try and help our goalkeepers develop in the modern game.I have mentioned these types of stats before but I make no apologies for talking about them again.This season at Swindon, in the first ten games of the season Wes Foderingham has distributed the ball 530 times, 38 of those times with his hands (under-arm roll and over-arm throw) and 492 times with his feet (back passes, goal kicks, through balls, passes/kicks from floor, side volley from hands) so on average he is kicking/passing the ball 49 times per game. This compares to making 22 saves in that ten game period, so 2 saves per game. This week Tyrell Belford played against Newport County and funnily enough he played the ball with his feet exactly 49 times as well, one of which was a magical piece of skill if you have a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHUA7nb0eJE and with the style of play at Swindon where we play out from the back, the goalkeepers often start the attacks and receive the ball back a lot in a patient manner to keep possession.If you take this back into non-league football, I looked at this a few years ago when working with Cirencester Town where I looked at the first team goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer over a ten game period and the numbers were still quite high with 308 distributions with his feet so averaging 30 times per game compared to 28 saves so just under 3 saves per game. The types of distributions varied slightly because the non-league game is more direct so the goalkeeper has to kick longer distances more frequently compared to the style at Swindon. We currently have two of our scholar goalkeepers out on loan from Swindon in senior non-league football and around 80% of their

Guest BlogGuest Blogdistribution will be long into the opponents half 60-80 yards compared to our other scholar who is playing for our youth team who spends around 80-90% of his time playing shorter 10-20 yard passes.If you look at those stats at both levels its clear to see why distribution skills are so important, far more important than they have ever been.Therefore if you relate this information back to youth football it’s obvious that all coaches need to develop this area of the goalkeeper’s game.HOWEVER what we must also realise is that most young goalkeepers probably started playing in goal because they were better with their hands, throwing themselves around making saves than their skills with their feet. Our expectations as coaches need to be lower on what they can or cannot do and the actual process of helping them develop those skills will take longer than it will with an outfield player so we need to show patience and support.I spent 15 minutes with the young goalkeeper whose parent asked me for help and I wasn’t really overly concerned having watched him. I took into account his age firstly and compared him to the same age group goalkeepers at Swindon and other goalkeepers in my goalkeeping school of that age and what he was achieving was of a similar height and distance that they could achieve. I then looked at his physical make up compared to a couple of other goalkeepers at that age and the other goalkeepers were of a stockier build and could achieve a little more height and distance but not huge amounts more. I believe striking a football well is partly technical and partly physical so at the younger ages if a boy/ girl is better developed physically there is a fair chance they will achieve greater distances and height. Let’s not forget though, accuracy on a consistent basis is very important.The coaches that choose to get an outfield player to take the goal kicks instead of the goalkeeper often tend to choose the big “strapping centre half” who comes back to boom it. I would ask the following questions to those coaches;How does that help the development of the goalkeeper (and the centre half as they are probably now out of position in the shape of the team)?Are you coaching a young team to help develop "all" of the young players or are you there just to try and win games at whatever cost?Have you actually allowed or helped your young goalkeeper each week at your team training sessions to practise and develop their striking of the ball?Can you coach the team to play out from the back, therefore not needing the

Guest BlogGuest Bloggoalkeeper to kick it as far and as high as they can, therefore including and involving your goalkeeper and helping them feel good and part of the team?If you stop the goalkeeper taking goal-kicks he/she will not develop that area of his/her game, it’s as simple as that. Give them the opportunity to work at it in training and let them experience it in games and both medium and long term you will see the benefits to that young goalkeeper.There is no “Rocket Science” to developing distribution skills, I call it “bag of balls down the park” and what I mean by that is simply spend as much time as possible practising. Start over short distances; gradually build up the distance, still maintaining accuracy. Set little challenges such as can they clip the ball up into your hands, maybe can they clip it over your head? Put down target areas for them to try and get the ball into, again over different distances. The goalkeeper needs to be able to deliver a wide range of passes as they grow, and when they are fully developed, short, medium, long, on the floor, lofted in the air, driven through the air or driven along the floor.I can assure you even at Swindon with Wes, Tyrell and the scholar goalkeepers we simply spend plenty of time practising to hone these skills.

Results in youth football is not the be all and end all, helping develop young footballers and young people, creating an environment where they can have fun and enjoy the game is far more important than looking at the league table in the local paper on a Monday morning. Your goalkeeper is part of that so please help them.

For more from Steve search Steve Hale Goalkeeping School on facebook or @SteveHaleGKon twitter

www.stevehalegoalkeeping.co.uk

23.00£

26.00£ 23.00£

SHGGK

GLOVES

WWW.STEVEHALEGOALKEEPING.CO.UK

steve@stevehalegoalkeeping.co.uk

07711 275526

Goal KeepingGoal Keeping

So this month we got the time to sit down with Bristol City Academy Foundation Phase GK Coach Jamie-Lloyd Davies to get you guys all the information you need to effect your GK's in a positive way.

Jamie is currently in his second season with Bristol City and here are his key points to effective goal keeping.

What your players need What your players need to be an effective GK in to be an effective GK in the modern game!the modern game!

BCFC Academy GK Coach Jamie BCFC Academy GK Coach Jamie Davies talks us through whats needed.Davies talks us through whats needed.

Start Position:

Ensure goalkeepers start position is in line and down the line in relation to the ball. This is important to offer support to outfield players when our team is in possession, and to reduce the space for the opponents to play into out of possession.

Set Position:

Feet approximately shoulder width apart, both square facing forward, body weight

on the front half of the feet in a balanced position, knees need to be flexed and hips facing forwards. Hands (ball width apart) and elbows (narrow) need to be in front but away from the body to act as shock absorbers when catching the ball. Keep the head still and "noes in front of toes", the body should also be still and 'set' as the ball is hit.

Work Feet:

Following the shape from the

Goal KeepingGoal Keeping'set position' the feet need to move laterally (trying to keep the width from the set) quickly, trying to keep the line of the ball in the centre of the body. If the feet can be worked into line, the body should be still upon contact or if the ball is secured outside the line of the body, the feet need to 'shuffle' in behind to restore the initial set position. If the feet cannot be worked into line then a 'diving save is to be made'.

Handling Selection:

If the ball is below waist height and in line, then there are two techniques to be used; there is the 'scoop', the 'K-legs', the 'collapse'. The 'scoop', which needs your body weight to be slightly lower, elbows tucked in (but not touching), little fingers touching and fingers spread in order to make a wide catching/ blocking surface; head and chest should be over the ball on contact and the hands and arms should create a slide to bring the ball into the body. Hands can

come up together or cross over on securing the ball. The 'K-legs' is the same handling techniques as the scoop but instead of securing the ball between your legs, you step to the way that the ball is moving and drop the other leg at a nighty-degree angle; keeping your head and chest forwards at all times. When the ball is outside the line but very close to the body the technique to use is the 'collapsing' save. This is when the ball is moving too quickly to get into line and the goalkeeper needs to "throw-themself" towards the ball to make the stop. To do this, the goalkeeper needs to sweep their feet away from the line of the ball and get their body or hands behind the ball quickly.

Goal KeepingGoal KeepingIf the ball is above waist height then 'cup' or the 'W'. The 'cup' should be used if below chest height; the same 'slide' technique discussed in the 'scoop'. The 'W' catch means that the ball should be met in front of the body and into line of he trajectory of the ball with the chest square to the ball. The hands are prepared with palms facing the ball with fingers spread and thumbs forming the 'W' shape; contact of the ball should be made with elbows flexed to act as shock absorbers and soft hands- strong wrists when contact is made with the ball. Keep the ball at the point of contact until secure. Dealing with high balls or crosses; the priorities depend on the start position of the goalkeeper and the speed/ distance the ball is from the goal. This determines the priority of the goalkeeper before deciding to attack the ball, priority one is to defend the goal, priority two is to defend the space between the goal and defenders. A different stance is taken to crosses than the

'set' position previously discussed, the stance should be open to see the ball, the threats and the danger. This also depends on the distance from the ball and the goal-line and if the cross is in-swinging or out-swinging.

Diving saves:

Remembering that goalkeepers need to be in-line and down-line of the ball and in the set position; as the ball gets closer to the goal, the height of the goalkeepers set needs to be lower slightly

Goal KeepingGoal Keepingto generate the explosive power towards the ball to make the save. The difference in set position is the bend in the knees and pushing the bottom out slightly to keep body weight forward. To dive to the ball effectively from the set position, you need to step at a 45 degree angle into the line of the ball, lean up body into the set slightly and 'drive-off' the ground using your arms and legs to generate power to dive towards the ball. Then a decision needs to be made about how to save the ball on contact; either catch/secure, parry or deflect. To catch the ball, repeat the same technique with the hands of the 'W' and use the pace of the ball to pin it to the ground to break the fall. To parry the ball, during the motion of the save continue the use of the power in dive to get one or two hands behind the ball (similar line to the step, 45 degrees) and using the heel of your hand to direct the ball away from goal with width and distance. To deflect the ball, it's a

similar technique to the parry that you can use one or two hands, and that your directing the ball away from goal, but it's mainly the use of the fingertips to stop the ball going any further (tends to be a flicking technique), again also trying to get the ball into safe areas wide of the goal. With both the parry and deflect, it's important to recover to your feet or the ball quickly to deny another opportunity on goal, remember to communicate effectively if a teammate recovers the ball with either "time", "away" or "man-on!".

1v1s:

The approach for 1v1s is key; goalkeepers need toapproach the ball at the same speed as the attacker, whilst getting closer the body shape needs to be gradually lower. Actions to take in a 1v1 are the block, k-block, diving at feet or smothering. Block is set, them feet waist width apart, head and chest above the ball and hands down outside the line of the legs

Goal KeepingGoal Keepingand in front of the body; the aim is the block the line of the ball or deflect the ball away from danger. K-block is replicating the K-legs that we previously discussed, but the objective is the make the body as big as possible; should only really be used to in similar circumstances to the smother when it's a 50/50 ball. Diving at feet is within an engaged scenario, wait for the attacker to make their decision then attempt to win the ball by stepping into the line of the ball (90 degrees), lean into the save and attack with your hands in front, please make sure you tuck your head between your arms. The smother is attacking a 50/50 ball (between attacker and goalkeeper- the ball is loose) and the aim is to attack the ball using your body to block the ball.

For more from Jamie and the Prestige Football Company find them on facebook or twitter @thePrestigeFCo

1: START POSITION

2: SET POSITION

3: WORK FEET

4: HANDLING SELECTION

5: DIVING SAVES

6: 1V1's

#TwitterDebate#TwitterDebate

@@JRoberts04JRoberts04Recognition of Recognition of

player age hugely player age hugely important factorimportant factor

@@steve_worrellsteve_worrellIf the option is there, If the option is there,

they should try to they should try to play short. Depends play short. Depends

on philosophyon philosophy

@goaliecoach00@goaliecoach00Depends on Depends on

situation,quality situation,quality of your teamof your teamand tactical and tactical positioning positioning of opponentof opponent

@dgp19485@dgp19485

Risk v reward Risk v reward IMO. If IMO. If

they spot a long they spot a long pass with high pass with high reward, why reward, why

not try it?not try it?

@@SoccerByOSMSoccerByOSMThe more options the The more options the

better. We prefer better. We prefer short, but if not on short, but if not on

then long.then long.

@@tommolegendtommolegendPlay short for multiplePlay short for multipleoptions, no guaranteeoptions, no guarantee

a longer passa longer passwill reach playerwill reach player

@@coachesfriend1coachesfriend1Sometimes a long pass is the Sometimes a long pass is the right pass just like sometimes right pass just like sometimes

a short on is. a short on is. I prefer shortI prefer short

@SamMarsden14@SamMarsden14Play short, Play short, no doubtno doubt

@SD_Coaching@SD_CoachingToo hard to answer..Too hard to answer..

Depends on the Depends on the Situation each timeSituation each time

GK has the ballGK has the ball

@InclusionFooty1:

@InclusionFooty1:

Should Gks make longer

Should Gks make longer

passes upfield to 1 player

passes upfield to 1 player

or look to play short to

or look to play short to

multiple options?

multiple options?

Youth FootballYouth Football

Top Tips Top Tips for for coaching coaching the the GoalkeeperGoalkeeper

Try to include the GK in your session planning process.

Encourage GK to always take own goal kicks.

Encourage GK to always be in-line and down-line of ball and goal.

Allow GK to play to improve receiving priorities.

Encourage GK to look for penetration first.

Deliver sessions that allow lots of saves and distribution.

Improve ball control and first touch!

Make sessions realistic, pressure, defenders, strikers etc.

Encourage GK to communicate what he can see.

Playing in different Playing in different

age groups can help a age groups can help a

player develop if player develop if

done for the done for the

correct reasons.correct reasons.

Preparation to make a Preparation to make a save begins with your save begins with your start position, if that is start position, if that is wrong you are

wrong you are likely to concede.likely to concede.

The best goalkeepers are The best goalkeepers are the ones that make the the ones that make the least mistakes

least mistakes (Fraser Digby)(Fraser Digby)Getting outfield players to take

Getting outfield players to take

goal kicks has a negative impact

goal kicks has a negative impact

on the development of your GK.

on the development of your GK.

Things Things we'vewe've

learnedlearnedthis time!this time!

Youth FootballYouth Football

Next time in 'The Coaching Mag'Next time in 'The Coaching Mag'

- More 'Tales of a - More 'Tales of a Football Coach'Football Coach'

- Another Exclusive - Another Exclusive Interview!Interview!

- More top tips- More top tips

- More free - More free session planssession plans

- More things - More things we've learnedwe've learned

- How to - How to effectively plan effectively plan for differing for differing ages!ages!

Next issue available April 2015Next issue available April 2015

The Midfield

The Midfield

Maestro Maestro

Edition!Edition!