www.elitesoccercoaching.

net november 2011

Soccer
Coaching practices from English
football league managers and coaches

Manchester City

roberto
mancini
Decisive
defending
Exclusive
Training practices nal
from top professio
In partnership with

managers

Peterborough Wycombe
United Wanderers Torquay United Mohun Bagan LMA Ambassador

DARREN GARY MARTIN STEVE JOHN

FERGUSON WADDOCK LING DARBY BILTON
Rotation and Goalkeeping Defending in Individual The ‘Box
movement angles the final third finishing cross’

gus poyet
Exclusive Interview with
extra-time: brighton and hove albion
manager
 In partnership with

Elite Soccer is published by:

issue 16/november 2011: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd

Bespoketrainingpracticesfromsome 4
Meadow View, Tannery Lane
Guildford, Surrey, ofthebiggestnamesinfootball ROBERTO
GU5 0AB, UK MANCINI
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 Manchester City
Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148
Dear Coach, Decisive
Email:
elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net Welcome to the November issue of defending
Publisher:
Elite Soccer, which this month features
Kevin Barrow another six sessions, all tried and tested
Editor: on the training ground.
James Evans
Contributing Editor: To start, Roberto Mancini presents 6
Matthew Amos, LMA a session that has helped his DARREN
Design: Manchester City side reach top spot FERGUSON
Jimmy Egerton Peterborough United
in the Barclays Premier League.
Illustrator:
Its defending theme aims to make opponents’ attacking
Rotation and
Richard Palmer
Customer Services: angles predictable, perhaps one of the reasons for the movement
Duncan Heard
Operations Director:
club’s stunning 6-1 victory in the Manchester derby in
Toby Curthoys October.
Managing Director:
Andrew Griffiths
Next, young manager Darren Ferguson reveals the 8
Photos: Action Images elements of rotation and movement that have made his GARY
Peterborough United side one of the most entertaining WADDOCK
Publishedinpartnershipwith: Wycombe Wanderers
to watch in the npower Championship. And from League
One, we’re delighted to showcase a dedicated goalkeeping Goalkeeping
session from Wycombe Wanderers boss Gary Waddock. angles
League Managers
Torquay United manager Martin Ling presents a training
Association
The Camkin Suite, practice on defending in the final third, while LMA 10
1 Pegasus House,
Ambassador John Bilton puts into words the unique MARTIN LING
Tachbrook Park, Warwick, Torquay United
concept of the ‘box cross’.
CV34 6LW, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556
And our contribution from overseas this month comes
Defending
Email: lma@lmasecure.com
from experienced coach Steve Darby, who reveals a plan in the final
President:
Fabio Capello for individual finishing prowess that’s used by his club side third
Chairman: Mohun Bagan, in India.
Howard Wilkinson
Chief Executive: We hope these exclusive sessions will inspire your team,
Richard Bevan and look forward to bringing more your way next month. 13
This publication is protected STEVE DARBY
by national and international Mohun Bagan
copyright laws. Elite Soccer will
take legal action against any Individual
individuals or organisations
found to be infringing our rights,
finishing
and will make that action public.
Elite Soccer members who Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman
have purchased this report may
circulate electronic or hard
copies to members of their own
club or school, provided this is Elite Soccer is a monthly publication 15
done without commercial gain. JOHN BILTON
However, no part or whole of
for professional, semi-professional LMA Ambassador
this report may be circulated
The ‚‘box
elsewhere or displayed on
any website or distributed and aspiring soccer coaches and is cross’
available by subscription only.
commercially except under
licence from the copyright owners.
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or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894 19EXTRA-TIME:
... with Gus Poyet
2 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

management matters

MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

Tottenham In the Notts County And in npower

Hotspur’s
recovery
from a slow start to the
campaign saw Harry
Redknapp land the
Barclays Premier League
Manager of the Month
award for September. The
north London outfit saw off
Wolves and Wigan Athletic,
drew with Stoke City, plus
handed out a 4-0 thrashing
to Liverpool in the month of
September.
Tottenham Hotspur: W3 D1 L0
(league only)
npower
Championship,
Middlesbrough manager
Tony Mowbray took the
monthly award after
his side recorded four
successive clean sheets.
His side’s defence kept out
Burnley, Crystal Palace,
Ipswich Town and Leicester
City in moving to the top
of the table – and they
recorded another clean
sheet in their next match
as well, against Reading on
November 1.
Middlesbrough: W2 D2 L0
boss Martin
Allen took the plaudits in
npower League One after
his side went undefeated
throughout the month of
September.
The 10 goals scored in five
matches were enough to
move the Meadow Lane
outfit into the play-off
places, after a slow start to
the campaign.
Notts County: W4 D1 L0
League Two,
Southend United manager
Paul Sturrock scooped
the award after guiding
his side to the top of the
table. The 55-year-old,
who has rebuilt the Roots
Hall outfit completely
over the last 18 months,
saw the club record
league victories against
Gillingham, Plymouth
Argyle, Rotherham United
and Shrewsbury Town.
Southend United: W4 D1 L1

CAREERPATH further down the ladder to mould a

team together, but it was a really good
learning experience. By the time I moved
... with Gary Simpson, manager of on, two-and-a-half years later, the club
Macclesfield Town were joint favourites to win the Northern
Did you ever play the game Premier League.
professionally? Do you feel that your time in non-league
No, but I enjoyed a good career in football helped you become a better
semi-professional football, turning coach/manager?
out for famous non-league I’m not sure whether I became a
sides such as Boston United, better manager for it, but I was lucky
Stafford Rangers, Weymouth and that I was number two to a fantastic
Altrincham. gaffer, the late Keith Alexander. We
When did your first worked together at Ilkeston
opportunity to move Town and it was a great
into coaching come experience. Before then I
about? had coached off my own
That was at back, but working as a
Gainsborough Trinity number two to someone
in 1991. I was only was a completely different
30, and found myself experience. Keith’s approach
player/manager of a was such that very often I
penniless club who didn’t feel like I was a second in
were at the bottom command because the gaffer
of their division. I was very willing for me to express
had to delve even myself and make decisions.
Having practical experience like that
is essential to anyone wanting to work
their way up. Keith and I moved on and
oversaw other clubs, including Lincoln
City and Macclesfield Town, and he
provided for me the link back into the
professional game after I’d been away
for 23 years, having been released as a
youngster by Stoke City in 1980.
It must have been devastating when
Keith passed away suddenly in March
2010?
We had been together for a hell of a
long time and to be fair we were a pretty
decent double act. He was a fantastic
ambassador for every football club that
he was at and he was my best mate as
well, so it was obviously difficult. Taking
over at Macclesfield gave me something
to focus on and it is a rewarding
experience every day of the week. My
route into coaching didn’t come via a
professional playing career, but instead
hard work and expert guidance. Those
are two things that any ambitious coach
should be looking for.

3 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

Manchester City
Roberto decisive defending
Mancini SET-UP
Decisive
defending
Area
60x90 yards
Overview: Equipment

1 15

15
Being decisive at the Balls, cones (or poles)
back is vital, because Number of Players

the stronger the 16

defensive principles Session time

the more defenders Netball 5mins,

can make opposition diagonal goals 5mins,
attacking play seem gates game 30mins,
11v11 game 25mins
predictable.
We use this session to What do I get the
focus on showing the players to do? Key

opposition outside Netball Ball

movement
Player
movement
from the front, To focus players Dribble In the warm-up, ‘netball’ is
played first. The player in
incorporating solid on moving well to possession cannot move,
formation play and receive passes, we meaning that his team mates
effective covering start with the ball in must be fluid at all times
of team mates. The hand, playing a 3v3

2
emphasis is always throwing and catching
on getting the ball to game in a 15x15-yard 15

15
the relative safety of area. Teams score
the wing. by receiving a pass in
This practice also either 3-yard wide goal,
relies on midfielders placed in diagonally
and forwards being opposite corners.
aware of their role A player in possession
in the defending cannot move with the
process. It’s a ball, and must rely
complete team on other players
mentality that we’ve to make space for
seen played out themselves (1).
Key
to great effect this Diagonal goals Ball
movement
season in dominant We now progress to
Player
movement Play then progresses to
victories over the
Dribble normal football
a normal football
likes of Blackburn game, with each team
Rovers, Aston Villa

3a
looking to score by
and Manchester passing to a team mate
United. in the goal (2). 60
Gates game
90

We now create a 60x90-

yard playing area.
Using cones or poles,
three 3-yard goals are
spaced evenly along
the longer sides - one
centrally with the
other two 10 yards in
from each edge. This
is an 8v8 game with no
“Being restriction on touches.
The formation players
decisive at adopt depends on
the back is Key In the gates game, effective
whether we want Ball
movement pressing moves play away
to rehearse a high
vital.”
Player
movement from the central area
Dribble

4 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

decisive defending

press (emphasis on
attacking numbers) or

3b
mid press (emphasis
Roberto on midfield numbers). 60
Mancini A coach stands on each
15

90
Manchester City side, behind the line,
Roberto Mancini will and moves in relation
celebrate two years to where the ball is.
at Manchester City in Players cannot score
December 2011. The through a gate that a
Italian had previously coach is covering.
enjoyed four successful
years as manager of What are the key
Inter Milan, having also things to look
taken charge Fiorentina for technically/
and Lazio. tactically? Key
Ball
His move to Manchester We expect defenders to movement
Player
movement
came at a time of huge force play to one side, Dribble

investment and with supporting team A clever switch creates

expectation at East- mates in turn pressing danger but blues press
lands, and Mancini has quickly to close down the
to keep the ball in that space
gradually assembled a
area (3a).
number of top-name

3c
individuals into a fluid Defenders need to be
unit, who this season aware of attackers 60
15

look the most likely switching play, and

90
challengers for the must track runners
Barclays Premier without compromising
League crown currently the guarding of gates
held by their city (3b/3c).
neighbours, United.
We regard it a defensive
As a player, Mancini
was a skilful forward
lapse if a goal is scored
who spent 15 years by any method other
at Sampdoria, during than a counter-attack.
which time he made How do I progress
over 400 appearances the session? Key
for il Doria. He also Ball
movement

played for Bologna, We progress by moving Player

movement

Lazio and Leicester play into an 11v11 Dribble

City – the latter offering game. The premise A tackle is made, leading
here is to isolate space to a counter-attack and
him a brief but definite subsequent goal
taste for the English in the centre by forcing
game, which influenced the ball to one side. This
strongly his decision to applies to defenders
join Manchester City. primarily, but we look
90

for midfielders and

attackers to do likewise,

4
flooding the midfield
and keeping play away
“We regard it from central danger
a defensive areas (4).

lapse if a goal How do I put

this into a game
is scored by situation?
any method Weplayan11v11game,
withmidfieldersand
other than attackershelping
In the 11v11 game, blues
press high up the pitch,

a counter- defendersisolatecentral
dangerareaswhenever
Key
Ball
movement
determined to force play to
the wing

attack.”
Player
movement
possible.(4). Dribble

5 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

Peterborough
United rotation and movement
Darren
Ferguson SET-UP
Rotation Area

and Half pitch

20
movement
1
Equipment

20
Balls, cones, goal
Overview: Number of Players

This session is Full squad

about rotation and Session time
movement between 20mins per phase
players. Central to
this is finding the What do I get the
spare man, with players to do?
players knowing Phase one
what to do with Inside a 20x20-yard Key

the ball when they area we play 4v4,

Ball
movement
Player
have it. Awareness, though on each
movement
Dribble
In phase one, a player
passing out of the area
movement, passing touchline there is a swap places with his
and communication floater for each team. team mate
are key. Starting in the middle,
The practise forms players have to pass as
an important part
of how we want to
play as a team, with
a four, then find a team
mate on the touchline.
A player who makes a
2a
frequent rotation pass outside the box
of players and has to swap positions
an emphasis on with the receiver (1).
overloading areas of Floating players on the
the pitch in order to outside can only play
find a spare player one-touch.
or players. This Phase two
is a situation that
This is now a half-pitch
happens a lot in
practice. Around
games.
the edge of the Key
Ball
We know that good penalty area are four
movement
Player
preparation pays defenders and two
movement
Dribble In phase two, a long pass
off in matches. strikers, while a 25x25- from a defender begins a
Against Ipswich possession exercise in the
yard square on the 25x25-yard box
Town in the npower halfway line contains
Championship this four midfielders and

2b
season, we perfected three defenders.
a 4v2 overload in the
The drill starts with
centre of midfield,
a long ball from a
scoring five goals
defender in the area
from this area in a 7-1
down the pitch into an
win.
opposition midfielder
(2a). The defender now
leaves play. Using
their spare man in
the box, midfielders
have to make five
passes. Three players
then move out of Key
Ball
the box, joining their movement
Player
movement
team mates in a 5v3 Dribble After five passes, three
players break forward
overload, and looking to form a 5v3 attacking
to score (2b). overload

6 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

rotation and movement

Whether a move
ends in a goal or

Darren
Ferguson
breaks down, play
starts again with a 3a
20

defender on the edge

Peterborough of the penalty area,
United
and we’ll frequently
Darren Ferguson, son rotate players within
of Manchester United
positions.
manager Sir Alex
Ferguson, is currently Phase three
in his second spell at We progress the
Peterborough United session by adding
having rejoined the club two defensive wide
in January 2011. midfield players who
His impact upon can go in or out of
Key
Ball
movement
returning to London the square, and two Player
movement
Road was immediate, Defenders now have a choice
attacking full-backs,
Dribble

as the club achieved – send a full-back into the box

positioned either side or leave him outside to help
promotion by defeating
Huddersfield Town in
of the 25x25-yard against the breakaway

the npower League square. When the

3b
One play-off final at Old defender plays the first
Trafford. pass he now remains in
During his first position. If a defensive
period in charge, player moves into the
Peterborough had risen square he can help
up from League Two his team by negating
to the Championship the overload (3a), but
with back-to-back cannot move out, and
promotions – there leaves the attacking
followed a short spell full-back unmarked
in between at Preston
(3b). If he stays out of the
North End.
square, there remains
As a player, Ferguson an overload in the box.
worked under his
Box players must now Key
Ball
father at Manchester movement

United, though the

make seven touches Player
movement

midfielder’s most before releasing the Dribble In this instance the defending
wide midfielder goes into
notable contribution ball. the box leaving the attacking
was at Wrexham, for What are the key full-back a clear line of
approach
whom he made over 300 things to look
for technically/
3c
appearances. He also
made five appearances tactically?
for the Scotland
Under-21 side.
We want to see
ambitious forward
movement patterns
(3c), awareness,
“We tell communication, good
players to passing ability, and
an ability to be able to
only ask take the ball into tight
for the ball areas playing one- and
two-touch football.
when they The session will break
have two down if these things
Key
Ball
movement
aren’t done well. We Player

or three
movement

tell players to only Ambitious attacking

Dribble

movement pulls defenders

options in ask for the ball when
they have two or three
out of position and creates
space
their heads.” options in their heads.
7 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

Wycombe
Wanderers goalkeeping angles
Gary
Waddock SET-UP
and Martin Area

Brennan Penalty box

Goal-
1a
Equipment

keeping Balls, cones, goal

angles
Number of Players
4
Overview: Session time

We believe that, three 1v1s 20mins,

quarters of the time, Samba goal 20mins
goalkeepers are too What do I get the
easily beaten with players to do?
shots close to them. 1v1s
Therefore, we deliver We begin in an 18-yard Key
a training practice box with a keeper
Ball
movement
that aims to change starting in the middle of
Player
movement
Dribble Forwards move the ball
that. It uses 1v1 his goal. There are two from behind the cones then
scenarios between a forwards on the angle
shoot at goal
keeper and a forward, of the goal in line with
and close-range the penalty spot, each
shots to examine and with three cones in

1b
rehearse angles. The front of him.
keeper has to protect
the immediate space The first forward
to the left and right of touches the ball to
him as he would do either side of the cones,
if stood in front of a and shoots at goal (1a).
samba goal. Now the other forward
does likewise, but
In this session, we on each subsequent
aim to combine the play they must touch
spatial awareness the ball out a different
of a keeper like Shay distance, so shots
Given with the 1v1 might be anything from Key
blocking ability of 12 to six yards out (1b).
Ball
movement

Peter Schmeichel.
Player
movement
They advance from different
In the next set- Dribble
sides and vary the distance
up, there are two from goal that they shoot
defenders waiting from
outside the box and
a defender by one of

2a
the goalposts. The
defender passes in
“In this session, to either forward,
we aim to then advances to
close down the space
combine (2a). Forwards must
the spatial find a way past the
defender to produce a
awareness of 1v1 scenario with the
a keeper like keeper (2b).
Shay Given The samba goal
principle
with the 1v1 The samba goal
blocking principle effectively When the striker goes alone,
breaks the goal in
ability of Peter Key the keeper and defender
Ball communicate and restrict his
half. It uses the idea movement

Schmeichel.”
Player view of the target
of an 8x6-yard samba movement
Dribble

8 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

goalkeeping angles

goal being positioned

behind the keeper
(3a/3b). A good keeper
Gary Waddock

2b
should keep the ball
Wycombe out of this immediate
Wanderers space nine times out
Gary Waddock has of 10.
now been in charge
Only once the samba
at npower League
One side Wycombe
goal is covered should
Wanderers for over a keeper then worry
two years, and having about the corners -
already landed the after all, a keeper can’t
Buckinghamshire outfit cover the whole goal
a promotion, is well as he is only one eighth
tipped to deliver further the size of it.
Key
success this season.
What are the key Ball
movement
Wanderers finished things to look
Player
movement
Dribble Linking properly as a 2v1
third in npower League for technically/ though, the strikers can
Two last term playing a tactically? change the angle and
brand of football that, fashion a better shooting
while attack-minded For all scenarios, angle
and entertaining, we’re looking for the
also retained strong keeper to decide when
defensive qualities. to stay in the goal
Indeed, only three
sides in their division
conceded fewer goals.
and when to move
forward. If moving
forward, he must adopt
3a
Waddock was a position that gets
previously in charge lower the nearer he is
at QPR and Aldershot, to the striker, but the
while goalkeeping movement must be
coach Martin Brennan
fast and controlled. He
has been at the club
since 2008 having also
must watch the ball With the samba goal
worked at Tottenham at all times, forming a principle, when staying
on his line, the keeper can
Hotspur and Leyton big object in front of the cover the immediate area
Orient. forward. He also needs around him
to be wide, without
leaving gaps such as
open legs.
If the keeper stays, he
cuts the goal in half by
using the samba goal

3b
principle, keeping body
weight forward.
For the 2v1 attacks,
the keeper must
communicate well
“We’re looking with the defender
to ensure the ball
for the keeper is forced as wide as
to decide possible and the goal is
covered.
when to stay
in the goal Coming off his line closes
the shooting angle down

and when considerably

to move
forward.”
9 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

Torquay United
Martin Ling defending in the final third
Defending SET-UP
in the final
third
Area
Half pitch
Overview:
1a
Equipment

This session Balls, cones, goals

examines defending Number of Players

in the final third, 15

specifically through Session time

the organisation and Phases 1 and 2

movement of the 15mins each,
back four. game 20mins
While we focus on What do I get the
the defence, it’s players to do?
important that all Phase one
players on the pitch We use a half pitch
Key
Ball
know their jobs and with 10-yard channels
movement
Player
movement
are prepared for all on each side, placing
Dribble
In Phase one, after five
eventualities. cones diagonally from passes the player emerges
This is an important to create a 3v2 attacking
the halfway line to the overload
session for us corners of the penalty
and comes with a box. There is a central

1b
number of variations 15x12-yard box just
designed to keep inside the half and two
players on their toes 5-yard target goals to
and alert. the left and right.
Three players in the
box play five passes
before one is released
to join two team mates
further up the pitch (1a).
The players attack 3v2
against two defenders,
looking to score, whilst
be careful to remain Key
onside. Should play Ball
movement
be turned over, the Player
movement
Dribble
defenders counter- In Phase two, the supply line
attack, attempting to is a cross from deep into the
penalty area
pass through either
target goal.
How do I progress
the session?
Now, the centre-
1c
backs drop onto the
18-yard line and a
“This session deep delivery this time
comes from one of the
is great for wingers positioned
helping in the channels (1b).
We repeat with a
players use deep cross from the
the ball in opposite side, then re-
run the drill. The set-up
small and is then repeated but the
compacted winger crosses from Key
Ball
movement Phase three features a cross
further up the line (1c).
areas.”
Player
movement from an advanced wing
Dribble
position

10 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

defending in the final third

We now also rotate

defensive personnel to
offer new challenges
Martin Ling
2a
for defenders and to
Torquay United see how results differ
Martin Ling joined – for example, two
Torquay United shortly full-backs, or a centre-
before the start of the back and left full-back,
2011/12 npower League or a centre-back and
Two season – his third right full-back.
managerial job having
previously taken charge Phase two
at Leyton Orient and In the second phase
Cambridge United. we remove all cones
The 45-year-old and bring in a back four.
Londoner was faced This defence is tested Key
with a tough rebuilding against four attackers Ball
movement
task at Plainmoor, and two wingers. The Player
movement
Dribble
but his side started serves are as follows: Phase four features five waves
the season well with
consecutive away wins • central and from of attack – the first a simple
chipped pass through the
against Bristol Rovers deep, to land in the middle...
and Aldershot Town. 18-yard box (2a)

2b
As a manager, Ling • received by the wide
is able to draw on the attacker, who takes
knowledge gained from on the full-back in a
a notable playing career 1v1 and crosses, with
during which he made defenders dropping
564 senior appearances back to clear
for Exeter City, Swindon
Town, Southend United • from the left then the
and Leyton Orient, right (2b)
amongst others. • a floated pass into the
six-yard box
• a grounded pass to
an attacker who has
dropped short to Key
receive (2c) Ball
movement
Player

What are the key

movement
Dribble Next, a 1v1 on each wing
things to look prompts balls to be
crossed in from either
for technically/ flank
tactically?

2c
Defenders must
position well, track
opposition movement,
cover, communicate
and close down. They
“Defenders also need to judge the
must position right time to make
a tackle, as well as
well, track squeezing so as to
opposition compress space.
movement, This is a quick-paced
session that we assess
cover, continuously as play
communicate develops.
Now defenders move out to
and close Key
Ball
movement
repel another lofted ball,
while a short pass presents
down.”
Player
movement
Dribble
the fifth attacking wave

11 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

defending in the final third

How do I turn position of the back

Short ball centre-left this into a game four through a series of
attack situation? different serves.
The midfielder We advance this to an We look for organised
approaches to press 8v6 attacking overload, movement to counter
designed to focus the the following attacks:

There is sideways
movement of back four

Attack into feet of

centre-forward
The server
lays a short The ball is played The nearest centre-
pass to the into the feet of the back pushes out to
wing centre-forward prevent a quick turn

Quick high-wing The centre-back

attack edges across to
cover the space in
The full-back behind
moves forward
to close down

The remaining three

defenders close in
behind to support,
cover and balance

Deep attack through

A pass makes it the middle-right
way to the wing

High ball into Space is squeezed

centre-forward centrally with the
other centre-back
coming in to press

The centre-
forward
drops short
to receive
With the attacker a
long way from goal the
premise is on positioning
in relation to space
rather than the man
A ball in the air offers
time for midfielders
and defenders to Full-backs look Key
recover positions to tighten space Ball
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

12 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

Mohun Bagan
Steve individual finishing
Darby SET-UP
Individual
finishing
Area
Third of a pitch
Overview:
1a
Equipment

The session looks at Ball, cones (or poles),

individual finishing goal
Number of Players
with the feet and
head. The session 4
Session time
can be very fatiguing,
something we’re 20 mins per game
happy to encourage
in order to make play What do I get the
game-realistic; but
players to do?
that does mean we Game one
need dedicated rest In a third of a pitch
periods throughout. the striker stands in Key

Although the two front of the goal on Ball

movement

games showcase the penalty spot, with Player

movement
Dribble

basic finishing wingers waiting on

In the first game, the player
principles, the aim is either side outside the receives side-on, turns, and
to produce realistic box, and a coach near shoots at goal

1b
chances for a striker, the halfway line.
when he is fresh and The coach feeds lays a
when fatigued. We pass which the striker
want him to react takes side-on before
quickly and well to shooting (1a). The
a variety of different striker now reacts to a
and difficult passes – cross from the right (1b)
in essence, no simple before moving across
set-ups. goal to convert a centre
The session was from the other winger
developed after (1c). Rotate players’
we noted that even positions after five run-
national team throughs. Key

strikers were wasting

Ball
What are the key movement
Player
training time by things to look movement
Dribble

taking up unrealistic for technically/ He then looks to divert a low

shooting positions. tactically? cross from the wing into the

1c
At club level strikers net...
Research shows that
often have a small 80% of goals scored
window for bespoke inside the penalty box
training, so every are either one- or two-
minute must be touch, so we’re looking
utilised.  for quick positioning
and instinctive
finishing. Crossers
and coaches must vary
their starting positions,
ensuring the service
remains realistic and
delivered at a good
pace. Goalkeepers Key
must be confident if Ball
movement

coming for crosses. Player

movement
Dribble

In technical terms, ...and completes the task by

the striker must take despatching a header from
a ball that comes from the
on a correct side-on opposite side

13 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

individual finishing

position, and offer an

accomplished first
touch when moving
Steve Darby
Mohun Bagan
Steve Darby was a
the ball out of his body.
The quality of the final
strike is obviously of
2a
goalkeeper on the great importance too.
books of Tranmere As the session
Rovers, and enjoyed
progresses, we
playing spells in the
United States and
expect a notable and
Australia before moving recognisable increase
into coaching in 1979, at in shooting accuracy
the age of just 24. and link-up play. The
Returning to the English message to players is
game briefly with a spell to always pass well and
as youth team coach at then hit the target.
Sheffield Wednesday, Game two Key
Ball
movement
he flew the nest again,
taking up coaching
In game two, we place Player
movement
Dribble

roles in Singapore two poles just outside

In the second game, the first
and Malaysia, plus the box, in line with attacker interchanges with
each goalpost, and

2b
in Thailand where he a team mate before taking a
worked as assistant different distances long route towards goal
coach under national from goal. Further
team managers Peter out, four cones form a
Reid and Bryan Robson. triangle, with the three
In July 2011 Steve attackers starting on
accepted the role the parallel cones. The
of coach at Indian ball is placed next to
I-League side Mohun the remaining cone.
Bagan. He speaks
English, Arabic, French The central attacker
Thai and Malay. runs forward and
touches the ball back
to the left attacker,
before making a run Key
around the far pole, Ball
movement
Player
then cutting back movement
Dribble
towards goal (2a). The His team mates combine –
left attacker plays a another attacker heads for
diagonal pass to the the box while a wide pass is

2c
right attacker and played
heads towards the
near post. The right
“As the attacker chases the
session pass and prepares to
cross it from the wing
progresses, (2b).
we expect a In the middle, the two
notable and attackers attempt to
find position and shoot
recognisable one-touch (2c). Rotate
increase in players’ positions after
three run-throughs.
shooting
Key
Ball
movement
Player

accuracy
movement
Dribble

and link-up
On this occasion, the
resulting cross is turned

play.”
into the goal after the initial
shot is blocked

14 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

LMA Ambassador
John Bilton The ‘box cross’
The ‘box SET-UP
cross’ Area

1a
Overview: Half pitch
This session Equipment

develops a team’s Balls, cones, goals

ability to cross the Number of Players
ball from inside 18 (8v8 plus keepers)
the penalty area, Session time
specifically into the Session 12mins,
‘gold zone’ – an area development 15mins
where 80 per cent
of goals are scored What do I get the
from. It also develops players to do?
shooting ability. Practice 1
It’s important to In a penalty area, we Key
Ball
movement
practise the ‘box add two additional six- Player
movement
In practice 1, one blue
cross’ session yard boxes in front of Dribble
player stays wide and a box
because, presently, in the existing one. There cross is made into the gold
the English Premier is a goal and keeper at zone

League, strikes from each end. This ‘gold

the gold zone are on zone’ represents
the key area where

1b
target 80 per cent of
the time. And one in chances are converted.
every 2.2 shots finds The drill involves three
the back of the net. teams of four players –
This is an intense a team waiting behind
practice that involves each goal and one
up to 14 players at any working team, though
one time. the working team will
start from behind a
goal.
The first team of four
attacks. One wide
player maintains his Key

line while the other Ball

movement
Player
runs into the gold zone, movement Once the move is complete,
Dribble
whites attack, coming back
joining the two central in the other direction
attackers. Staggering
their runs, they must
work a first-time shot
on goal from their team

2
mate’s box cross (1a).
Upon completion, the
team moves behind the
goal, and is replaced
“In the by the next group
English attacking the opposite
goal (1b), and so on.
Premier How do I progress
League, the session?
strikes from We progress the
session by adding
thegoldzone in two defenders Key

are on target whose job it is to

track attackers in the
Ball
movement
Player
movement

80 per cent of gold zone (2). Moving

Dribble Adding in defenders
creates a new challenge for

the time.” forward, we add in each team

15 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

The ‘box cross’

two wide defenders

to cover space in the

3
channels.

5
John Bilton What are the key
LMA Ambassador
things to look
John Bilton has just for technically/
completed an 18-month tactically?
period at Fenerbahce
SK.
We look for high-
tempo passing and
He had an extensive
running. Wide players
career in English non-
league football as player
must use quick,
and manager before grounded passes into
H
moving into youth the gold zone, using I TC
the inside of the foot or 2P
development, serving 1/
instep.
44
the likes of Leeds Key
Ball In the half-pitch practice,
United, Rotherham Timing of runs is
movement
Player each team builds from
movement
United, Singapore important, with Dribble the back, with defenders
National Academy, looking to cut out the box
strikers arriving to cross
Notts County, Oldham
Athletic and Doncaster
stroke the ball home.
Rovers. Practice 2
He has delivered UEFA This is played in a

4
5
A and Pro Licence half-pitch narrowed on
courses in Turkey and both sides by 10 yards,
Cyprus and was the with a penalty area
England women’s placed at either end.
national team manger
It’s 8v8 (plus keeper),
from 1991 to 1993.
in 2-4-2 formations.
Teams attack each
length in turn, building
on alternating sides
of the pitch, with only
H
defenders allowed to I TC
tackle at first (3). 2P
1/
44

A pass is laid into a Key

Ball
movement
In progression, opposition
striker, who advances Player
movement central midfielders become
and makes a box cross Dribble
active
into the gold zone, with
inrushing midfielders
also ready to shoot.
Next, play comes back
the other way.

5
5

We now progress by
making opposition
“Wide players centralmidfielders
must use active (4), then all
defenders and mid-
quick, fielders (5).
grounded Finally, we allow free
passes into play to ensure that
centre-backs go wide,
the gold midfielders receive I TC
H
2P
zone, using open and play forward
quickly, strikers come
1/
44

Key

the inside of into the hole and

Ball
movement
Player
movement
Finally, all opposition
defenders and midfielders
the foot or full-backs get the
opportunity to deliver
Dribble can block attacking
movement
instep.” the box cross.
16 november 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

booked: this month’s choice
TheScienceand
RealityofSkill
Acquisition
Developing Sport Expertise in sport, such as what causes
Researchers and coaches put
theory into practice
Damian Farrow, Joe Baker, Clare
MacMahon (editors)
Routledge 215pp
T
his book lives up to its
subtitle by providing, in
the words of top coaches,
an insight into the reality
of delivering skill development.
Thankfully for ordinary readers,
the way the coaches put it is easier
to understand than the way the
sports scientists sometimes
do, otherwise Developing Sport
Expertise would be a very dry read
indeed.
As it happens however, whilst
each of the 13 chapters is written
by guest academics or one of the
editors, the Coach’s Corner at
the end of each one is provided by
practising senior coaches from
sports including rugby, swimming,
basketball, football, cricket, rowing
and hockey. This makes for some
welcome light relief, plus some
good explanations of the theory in
practice.
Each chapter is also a specific
discussion of one aspect of the
latest (as of the 2008 publication
date) thinking on an aspect of skill
development as it applies to elite
athletes, and the people who coach
them. Overall, it is authoritative,
well written and addresses some
of the most intriguing questions
17 november 2011
choking?
Perhaps the most
relevant chapter for coach
development is entitled
Expert Coaches in Action. If
you are interested in what
makes a good coach and
how you might become
a better one, there are
many suggestions here,
some of them going
against conventional
thinking. What makes
a good coach is unclear, as the
measurement of success can really
only be undertaken by measuring
the success of a coach’s players. For
team sports, winning is an obvious
yardstick, yet that overlooks the
impact of star players.
Researchers have therefore
focused on other lines of
questioning. These are:
What do expert coaches see that
other coaches might miss?
Do expert coaches organise
training sessions that are more
efficient and effective than those of
others?
The difference between expert
and non-expert coaches has been
highlighted by research, shedding
light on these questions. In one
experiment coaches were asked
to observe video recordings of
four swimmers of different skill
levels, were asked to analyse the
strokes and provide instruction.
Novice coaches were vague and
In partnership with
superficial in their
analysis, while
expert coaches
were able to provide
deep insight into
the technical issues,
could “see” more and
offer better feedback.
Intervention by expert
coaches can therefore
result in feedback
and error correction
that has an immediate
and larger impact on
skill development.
Experience counts.
Regarding the second question,
the answer from research is an
unequivocal yes. It is the job of
coaches to design deliberate
practices that are the most effective
at developing skills. Analysis of
the coaching actions of the highly
successful UCLA basketball coach
John Wooden (featured in the last
issue) showed that 75 per cent of
“Ifyouare his behaviours consisted of some
interestedin form of instruction. The other key
factor appears to be that Wooden,
whatmakes and others of his ilk, do not waste
agoodcoach a second of time at practices. The
andhow authors point out that for team
youmight sports, practices that are even
become under constant supervision often
suffer from under-utilisation of
abetter time. In one study of practices
one,there of high-level junior ice-hockey
aremany players it was found that they
suggestions were inactive 48 per cent of the
time. Contrast this with a similar
here.” study of practices undertaken by
www.elitesoccercoaching.net

booked: this month’s choice
a volleyball coach which showed
that her athletes were active 98 per
cent of the time. Even the seven per
cent if inactivity was rest breaks
during which the coach continued
to instruct.
The authors suggest that
developing drills that simulate
game scenarios is something that
is common to all great coaches.
Drills should match the physical
demands that players face in
matches, and the most inventive
coaches will come up everything
from games designed to score
points in the dying seconds, to
bringing fans to heckle. Wooden
is said to have spent as much
time preparing his practices as
delivering them.
So much for the theory section.
Patrick Hunt, a senior Australian
basketball coach, ends the chapter
with a plea for more research and
information on what needs to be
considered to develop coaching
expertise, and area where research
has only scratched the surface. He
thinks coach education courses
are vital but only a small part of the
collection of tools and experiences
that should be used to develop an
expert coach. Among the others
are playing experience, informal
coach development experiences,
trial-and-error practices,
competitions and self-evaluation.
“It might sound like a cliché, but
the best coaches learn from every
experience they have,” says Hunt.
Coaches will find the debate on
the play versus practice moves
on through a clear analysis.
Not enough play and too much
Here at Elite Soccer,
we value highly the
knowledge and
judgement of you, our
subscribers. Over the past few months
we’ve been delighted to put forward some
fantastic coaching literature that examines
18 november 2011
Expert practical
contributions
from:
deliberate practice too early
Eddie Jones can lead to burn-out, injury and
(rugby union)
disillusion among players. Getting
the balance right at the three key
stages of athlete development
(6-12, 13-15, and 16+) is crucial.
Deliberate practice can only
improve current performance and
playing and having fun through
Shannon
Rollason sport is essential for children. Too
(swimming) much early specialisation in a sport
should be avoided.
A down-to-earth view on this
is provided by former Wallabies
coach Eddie Jones at the end of
this chapter with his observation
that in his experience elite players
Patrick Hunt that have played more different
(basketball) sports in their earlier years are
tactically more astute. Those who
specialised too early often show
a lack of creativity. “Rarely do
players initiate their own warm up
with a ball. They have to be told by
coaching staff to get underway. In
past generations players would
arrive early simply to throw the ball
around before the formal training
session began. A lack of creativity
means we have fewer players
with the decision-making skills
required to win games of rugby,”
“Notenough says Jones.
playand Does practice make perfect?
The link between performance
toomuch and time spent practicing is almost
deliberate a given a chapter on this subject
practice emphasises that the quality and
tooearly nature of practice is also important.
canleadto How odd to think, as they authors
point out, that Roger Bannister
burn-out, while preparing to break the four
injuryand minute mile limited himself to
disillusion” half an hour or training per day,
the psychological side of sports practice, but
there are undoubtedly a number of gems
we’ve not uncovered.
We’d like to hear from you if there’s a
coaching book that has really helped to
shape and focus your side. Contact us at
elitesoccer@greenstarmedia.net, and we’ll
In partnership with
fearing that the human body
could not take any more without
damage. Modern thinking is that
deliberate practice, in the right
measure, is a requirement, and
the authors have done well to find
Shannon Rollason, head coach at
the Australian Institute of Sport
Swimming Program to explain
what this concept means to him. “I
always ask of my swimmers that
if they are going to get into the pool
to train then they must give 100 per
cent and focus on what is required.
Sometimes we can make this
training fun, but often it is simply
hard work.” Bringing a softer side
to the coaching process, Rollason
also points out that sometimes
being a good coach simply means
reading the signs in athletes in
terms of their readiness to train.
He uses body language, facial
expressions and “what they do and
don’t say” to assist him to formulate
a training plan for the week or a
given session.
Theory mixed with simple,
practical advice. This is an in-
depth analysis of sport expertise
development with an element
of accessibility that is missing in
similar volumes.
About the Editors
Damian Farrow is the Senior Specialist
in Skill Acquisition at the Australian
Institute of Sport.
Joe Baker is an Assistant Professor in
the School of Kinesiology and Health
Science at York University, Canada.
Clare MacMahon is a Lecturer in
the School of Human Movement,
Recreation and Performance at
Victoria University, Melbourne.
look to showcase the best going forward.
In striving to make Elite Soccer the ultimate
monthly soccer coaching title, we’re
always keen to hear your feedback on the
magazine’s content - be that our book
reviews, bonus manager features, or the
coaching sessions themselves.
www.elitesoccercoaching.net

EXTRA-TIME: gus poyet brighton and hove albion
Former Chelsea and Spurs
midfielder Gus Poyet has eased
comfortably into management,
guiding Brighton & Hove Albion
to the npower League One
crown last season. With the
club tackling the demands of
the Championship well in the
opening months, the Uruguayan
took time out to reflect on two
years in the job.
W ho has influenced you
most in terms of your
management style?
“I guess I am influenced by
a number of people. When
Gianluca Vialli took the job at
Chelsea I realised that I needed
to pay attention to everything that
was going on around me. I quickly
went back and looked at how
things had worked under Ruud
Gullit and then kept learning from
people like Claudio Ranieri, Glenn
Hoddle and David Pleat. I also
played under a manager called
Victor Fernandez when I was with
Real Zaragoza and he made every
day of training a pleasure, so I try
to do that too.
“Naturally, you take different
things from different people.
I would love to be as relaxed
outside football as Ruud Gullit
is, but that’s not my character.
Also, I would like to understand
the game and to see the quality
of things in the way that Glenn
Hoddle did, but he had his own
unique way. I think I’ve taken
things from everyone I’ve played
for, while at the same time
avoiding the bits that I didn’t like...
which, of course, I won’t tell you!”
19 november 2011
In partnership with
I t’s been a great ride so far for
Brighton, and one that has built
expectations. Does that put you
our jobs, we knew how much
we could spend and we knew
we could convince people that
under pressure? we were going places. To have a
“Obviously fans must be Chairman like Tony Bloom in my
careful not to take things for first managerial role is perfect.
granted. We have a group of I know how ambitious he is; he
players who haven’t played in the wants to get to the Barclays
Championship before and this is a Premier League but I know that
totally different division; it’s really he is cautious when he has to be.
tough, with big teams spending “Wehave So even if we want to get there as
big money. The experience is theclub quickly as possible, he knows that
great for all of us, but sometimes
when you put everything together
working
thewaywe
it may take a few years. For me,
that’s great... there’s pressure,
– a new stadium, new players and likeit,and but it’s not crazy.”
so on – it takes time. But we’ve got
a decent, middle-of-the-table
budget, and we’re competitive, so
Ibelieve
thatwe’re Y ou seem completely content
at the moment.
we’ll have to wait and see. creating “I am. We have the club working
“At the end of the day though the something the way we like it, and I believe
thatwewill that we’re creating something
Championship has more quality
beproudof that we will be proud of for the
than League One. It’s got some
fortherest rest of our lives. Right now, the
massive teams and they’re all
first-team and the reserves play
pushing for the Barclays Premier ofourlives.” in exactly the same way
League. If you’ve got, say, 10
and this season we
teams pushing for promotion and
are going to take that
only three can go up, does that
down to the Under-
mean that the other seven have
18s and Under-16s
failed? Every year you have teams
too. We’re slowly
who promise their fans that this is
building a style
the year they are going to make it,
and an identity for
but that’s unrealistic. It’s great to
this club and for
have ambition, but you need to be
me as a manager
careful and realistic. And if we do
that’s absolutely
go up, I want us to stay there.”
amazing.”
M
any hailed the signing of
Craig Mackail-Smith as a
real sign of intent. Did you see it
that way too?
“That signing was
the result of good
work by the whole
club, especially the
chairman. We all did
www.elitesoccercoaching.net