SoccerCoachWeeklyIssue 254 Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Possession and penetration

1SoccerCoachWeekly Essential tools for your team

Possession and penetration – practise both at once!

Here’s a session, divided into two parts, that benefits players in three core elements. At the heart of this is possession; but keeping the ball is only really useful if players know what to do with it, and that’s where patience and penetration come into play.

This practice also allows players to rehearse passing, receiving, turning, screening, one-twos, running with the ball and overlaps.

How to play itNon-directional practice

This is an ideal start for getting younger players using combinations, without having to get the ball to a designated target. It really cements the basics of support play, with overloads helping to create confidence in maintaining possession.• Set up so that attackers have a strong overload (I use 11v5 in a 30x15-yard area, but you can use a smaller area with a 9v4 or a 7v3).• Both teams must try to win the ball and keep possession of it – they’ll do this by supporting and communicating well with team mates at all times.• Play for five minutes, switching players so that all get to work with and against the overload.

Directional practiceNow, the objective for both teams is to pass the ball

into either of the target players, who are positioned in 5-yard channels on the left and right. Moving into a directional practice replicates real game demands of retaining possession and finding an end target.• In the example given this is 6v6 in the middle, plus two floaters who always play with the team in possession (to make 8v6).• If a successful pass is made into a target player, he releases back to the team previously in possession and the other end is attacked.• If play is turned over, the other team can now use the floaters in an 8v6, and attempt to feed the ball to either target man.• Play for five minutes.

Technique and tactics• Look for the creation of space (wide and deep), as individuals and as a team.• Pass selection is important, with the focus on accuracy, weight and timing of the release.

In the non-directional practice, a significant overload means attackers should be able to retain possession with relative ease

In the directional practice there’s a smaller overload, but the target player is found

Possession is retained and play now comes back in the other direction

TOOLS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Colin Reid Professional Academy coach

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SoccerCoachWeekly WARM UPWednesday, March 7, 2012

Centre circle sorceryHow to play it• Set up as shown in the diagram with players split into pairs. Two pairs start in the middle of the centre circle with others spread around the outside.

• In the middle, one team is nominated as attackers and the other pair defenders.

• The attacking pair must keep possession for 30 seconds in order to score a point. To help them do so, they can use players around the outside for one-twos.

• If the possession is lost, the other pair now attempts to retain the ball for 30 seconds.

• Rotate the pairs every 90 seconds.

Technique and tactics• The central players need to work hard at all times – either in moving to support, or closing down opponents in possession.

• Outside players must be alert and ready to receive the ball at all times.

One pair combines with an outside man to continue their possession game

At the end of 90 seconds, pairs rotate and the warm-up continues

The need for speed

Short burstsShort bursts of speed can help your players make up ground and surge

past opponents. It gives them the extra something they need to win games. Use this simple training exercise but be sure to repeat it in each session.

Set up three cones in a straight line. The first two are 15 yards apart, and represent the distance players are sprinting. The distance between the second and third cone is 5 yards – in this area players will slow down to a jog. By using the third cone your players will hit maximum speed at the second cone rather than between cones. Players sprint one by one.

Gradual accelerationGradual acceleration still utilises pace but adds in a stamina element

as well. It’s more controlled and is great for rehearsing players in making support runs for team mates.

Put four cones in a line so that they split the sprint path in three equal 10-yard sections. Start your players from the first and get them to gradually increase their pace until they reach the third cone. From that point on, they must sprint at top speed to the last cone.

SoccerCoachWeekly Essential tools for your team

Soccer Coach Weekly is published by Green Star Media Ltd, Meadow View, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0AB, UK. Email: david.clarke@coach-soccer.com Tel: +44 (0)1483 892894 Head Coach: David Clarke Editor: James Evans Publisher: Kevin Barrow Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths

Customer Service: Duncan Heard Designer: Steve Southern Contributors: Michael Beale, Phil Davies, David Lewis, Colin Reid, Simon Stokes, Steve Watson, Tony West © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

David Clarke Head Coach, Soccer Coach Weekly

Phil Davies Coach, Total Soccer Fitness

In issue 252, reader Barry John asked if he could train speed in his players. Here’s a set-up that will rehearse youngsters in perfecting pace – both as short bursts and gradual acceleration.

player movement ball movement

time: 01:29

5yds15yds

FULL SPEED Decelerate

10yds10yds10yds

ACCELERATION

Start at full speedDecelerate past cone

Accelerate past each coneFull speed for the last one

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SoccerCoachWeekly FOOTY4KIDSWednesday, March 7, 2012

Coconut shyHow to play it• Set up in a 30x20-yard area as shown in the diagram. I’ve shown a 5v5, but this can be easily adapted to different player numbers. Each team attacks a designated end, where the opposition has five balls on top of flat cones. Balls are evenly spaced out along the touchline.

• In front is a 5-yard cross-hatched area that neither team can enter.

• Both teams must knock all five of the opposition’s balls off their cones by shooting or passing a ball at them.

• If the ball goes out of play, I restart by serving the ball in to either team.

• The first team to knock all five balls off at one end is the winner.

Technique and tactics• ‘Coconut shy’ helps improve accuracy of passing and shooting, so good technique is essential if players are to dislodge their opponents’ balls. A player will need to judge an attack, deciding whether he can be more accurate using the side of his boot or the laces in shooting at the target.

• Quick decision-making is crucial, or the chance will be gone.

• Players must also make good supporting runs.

Each team defends the five balls behind them

Team mates need to combine and knock opponents’ balls off the flat cones

SoccerCoachWeekly Essential tools for your team

The first team to knock all the balls off the cones is the winner

Steve Watson Editor, Footy4kids.co.uk

CAN ALSO ACT AS A

GREAT WARM-

UP FOR OLDER

PLAYERS!

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player movement ball movementrun with ball shot

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SoccerCoachWeekly TOUCHLINE TALESWednesday, March 7, 2012

The power of repetition

SoccerCoachWeekly Essential tools for your team

It’s essential for every team to capitalise on goalscoring opportunities. After all, it’s likely that the higher up the ladder your players go, the fewer opportunities they’ll receive. Take the example set by Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie last weekend in their Premier League match against Liverpool. Deep into injury-time a half-chance came to him in the penalty area, and with a skilful volley he scored in through the smallest of gaps between the post and the keeper. It was a contribution that clinched a vital three points for his team.

While the Dutchman’s finishing skill was exemplary, the goal was as much down to his reading of the game, and an ability to get into the right place at the right time.

A few hours before that goal, my youngsters were playing a league match against a team level on points with us. It was a close game – we were 1-0 and 3-2 up in it, but ended up losing 4-3… a real rollercoaster of emotions for players and parents.

Like Arsenal, we had a chance to score with the last kick of the game when two players worked the ball to the back post. It was virtually an open goal, but by the time they had decided between them who would shoot, a defender sprinted across and deflected the ball away from danger.

The previous week another chance was lost with the game finely poised at 0-0.

Now the players had been fantastic in both matches so there was no way I would criticise them for missing such great chances - their own disappointment was enough for them to cope with. In truth, I was annoyed with myself for not having given them the tools so that, just like van Persie, they could cap a great team performance with a telling late goal.

If, in instances like this, chances aren’t being taken, you need to work with your players to help them make better use of their skills.

Maybe they are too hesitant, making the wrong choice of shot or pass in front of goal? Maybe they don’t know how to react because they are in that situation only once or twice during a match?

In training, they have the ability to repeat a situation over and over again until the process is locked in. At school, my group is taught about neutral pathways in the brain in their biology lessons, and this is a practical playing out of that. Think of it like a path on the grass – tread the same path and it will wear more and more. Leave it and the grass grows over it again.

In short, repetition will really help your players develop. It’s something I’m working on in training this week and I’m already seeing the rewards. Why don’t you try it as well?

“In truth, I was annoyed with myself for not having

given them the tools.”

The parent trapInvolving parents as much as possible

in your team is a great idea, even if at times they need to be nurtured as much as the kids!

Here are my nine top tips for getting parents onside:

1. Hold regular meetingsHold regular meetings to discuss plans

and to update expectations. Encourage questions from the parents and let them know that you have given a lot of thought to how you coach their children. This is also a good time to discuss and agree codes of conduct for everyone in the club - the parents, the players and the officials.

2. Listen to ideas Always listen to their ideas and feelings.

Encourage parental involvement - don’t try to keep them at arms’ length.

3. Explain objectives Know what your objectives are and

explain them to the parents. Make sure they know and understand that you are working to a long-term plan.

4. Communicate one-to-one Handle any confrontations

one-on-one and not in a crowd situation. Begin by letting the parent talk while you listen. Thank them for it and respond appropriately and assertively.

5. Respect player privacy Don’t discuss individual

players with other parents. The grapevine will hang you every time.

6. Discourage player criticism

Ask parents not to criticise their children (or anyone else’s) in front of anyone else. Don’t let your players be humiliated, even by their own parents.

7. Don’t apportion blame Don’t blame the players for their parents’

actions.

8. Be consistent Don’t change a rule or philosophy during

the season if you can help it.

9. Be balanced in how you act And most importantly, be fair! Respect

has to earned. If you treat all your players fairly and equally, you will gain their respect, and that of their parents as well.

David Clarke Head Coach, Soccer Coach Weekly

Steve Watson Editor, Footy4kids.co.uk

Involving parents can make a real

difference to your team

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SoccerCoachWeekly SMALL-SIDED GAMEWednesday, March 7, 2012

The defensive barrierTaking the sting out of counter-attacks

There’s no greater fear for a defender than seeing the opposition team counter-attacking at pace, with an attacker bearing down on him, 1v1.

In that situation, it’s important to slow the attack down, giving team mates the opportunity to chase back and support.

The main object of this practice is to see defenders positioning well and buying time, but tackling is also allowed.

How to play it• Set up as shown in the first diagram.• The defender passes the ball to the attacker and races out to defend. • Upon receiving the ball, the attacker has five seconds to score in one of the two goals.• An attacker scores two points for a goal and one for a shot saved by either keeper. If the defender does his job and blocks, or time runs out, the attacker scores nothing.• At the end of each phase, players return to the back of their respective lines and restart.• Play for five minutes then swap team roles.

Technique and tactics• It’s imperative the defender races out to close down as soon as the first pass is made. The attacker must not be allowed time and space to run at will.• The defender must be careful not leave a gap in between his legs or the attacker could perform a nutmeg. He must also jockey and approach at an angle with good positional balance so he’s ready to change direction quickly if required to.• Forcing the attacker wide is important, although the positioning of the goals towards the edges means the defender must stay goal side of his man at all times - pushing him towards the wing isn’t enough in itself.

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player movement ball movementrun with ball shot

The defender follows his pass

The attacker tries to lose the defender but is against the clock

SoccerCoachWeekly Essential tools for your team

Time has run down with the defender successful. The players return to their lines and a new pair enters

Michael Beale Premier League Academy soccer coach

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SoccerCoachWeekly YOUR SAYWednesday, March 7, 2012

TACKLED: Squad sizes

SoccerCoachWeekly Essential tools for your team

Simon StokesCornish Devils, Under-13s

I have a close-knit group of players who I have been with for three years and will continue to be with for at least the same amount of time again. To get the level of togetherness we have has taken time, but it’s of huge benefit to the players because it has taught them a lot about team spirit, playing for each other, and going the extra yard. Our team bond is strong for the very reason that it’s quite a closed group.

Life is full of times when there isn’t enough room at the inn – in schools, on summer training camps, even when on field trips. Kids are used to this, so why should it be any different where soccer is concerned?

In my experience, most players who come along to new clubs lose interest quickly and fail to return, and that can upset team focus.

There has to be a limit somewhere or we’ll all end up with unmanageable numbers of players in our squads.

Welcoming new players in mid-season might mean disposing of existing players. There is nothing worse than shattering a player’s dreams by telling him he is being replaced by another.

It’s only fair on the current squad that there is a process for potential newcomers, so everyone knows where they stand. In my mind, that process should begin and end in the summer months.

In terms of the player too, surely it’s better he goes to a club where he’s really wanted, rather than an awkward piece of the furniture, and someone who’s not getting the attention he deserves?

You’re midway through the campaign with a full squad. A new player wants to join – do you let him?

“Life is full of times when there isn’t enough room at the inn.”

Vincent BrownLondon Saints, Under-10s

At the simplest level, the job of the coach is to encourage kids into the game. To turn any player away belies the very notion of being a coach – to educate, to inform, and to facilitate their involvement.

You could be missing out on a player who will transform the fortunes of the team. His impact could really raise spirits and performance.

Many times I’ve had injuries and illness decimate my team, and have had to play a man short. I could have done with an extra player, so why would I possibly discourage one from joining?

There are no set numbers to squads, no matter what a coach tells you. And more players in the squad means better competition for places.

Having a player along to training doesn’t mean that he has to be involved on a match day. A keen player will be happy to kick off his involvement just by turning up to training, and maybe playing in a friendly or two. If you state that the first-team squad is set for, say, three months, you’ll soon be able to see how much he really wants to get involved. In the meantime, if he’s passionate about the game, he can join in with training and get to know the other lads.

Getting a player on your radar means he’s involved in the system, which is important. Once there, you can recommend him to other coaches who might be in need of players, rather than your rejection potentially leading him to turn his back on the game.

“To turn any player away belies the very notion of being a coach.”

YES NO

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This week Chris BeechCommunity coach, Southampton YFL

Q One of our players punched an opponent

during a game this week, causing a black eye. This has never happened before and I’m not sure what punishment to enforce. Any suggestions? Mattias Willheimer, Stuttgart, Germany

A Has the other team’s coach reported the incident? If he

has, your player will undoubtedly find himself facing a league ban. If, for whatever reason, it hasn’t been reported, you still need to act quickly and forcefully. There is no place for physical assaults in the game, and your task is as much about educating this player (and the rest of the team) as it is deciding on a punishment.

Personally, I would suspend the player from matches for a month or more, but ensure he still comes to training. His rehabilitation needs to start straight away, and in sight of other team members, who must be clear in the fact that this behaviour won’t be tolerated.

Q How can I ensure my training sessions don’t

tail off at the end? Tony Wright, Salisbury

A I’d always recommend ending a training session

with a small-sided game. It’s a chance for your players to put into practice all they’ve learnt technically and tactically, and ensures there’s a purposeful and rewarding conclusion to training.

Most players look forward to small-sided games more than anything else in training, so you should include one in every session.

Email us your questions: david.clarke@coach-soccer.com

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