www.elitesoccercoaching.

net august 2013

Soccer
Coaching practices from the world’s
leading managers and coaches

Exclusive om top
Training practicesafrers
professional man g

Steve
QPR

mcclaren
Transitions and rotations
In partnership with

SHEFFIELD
BURNLEY WEDNESDAY ROCHDALE AFC WIMBLEDON PORT VALE

SEAN DAVE KEITH HILL & SHAUN JIMMY BELL

DYCHE JONES CHRIS BEECH NORTH Possession and
Simple pressing Crossing and Improving Short pass finishing session
as a team finishing attacking players switching

extra-time: WITH QPR MANAGER HARRY REDKNAPP

 In partnership with

Elite Soccer is published by:

issue 37/august 2013: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd

Bespoketrainingpractices 3
Meadow View, Tannery Lane
Guildford, Surrey, fromsomeofthebiggestnames STEVE
McCLAREN
GU5 0AB, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894 infootball Transition,
QPR

Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148

Email: rotating
[email protected]
Dear Coach, and
Publisher:
Kevin Barrow
attacking
Editor: Welcome to the August issue of Elite Soccer.
James Evans It’s a really exciting time for everyone concerned with soccer. With most
Contributing Editor:
Matthew Amos, LMA
of us kicking off new campaigns, we’ll all have aims and ambitions for
the season ahead. And whether that main desire is a title shot, mid-
5
Design:
table comfort or simply survival, Elite Soccer be bringing your way SEAN DYCHE
Jimmy Egerton BURNLEY
another brilliant cross-section of sessions that tackle every position
Illustrator:
Richard Palmer and speciality. Simple
Customer Services: So to kick off the new season, we’re delighted to be showcasing a pressing
Duncan Heard
Marketing Manager:
session from former England national team manager Steve McClaren. as a team
Currently coaching alongside Harry Redknapp at QPR, the 52-year-old,
Paul Mortimer
who has extensive experience in English and European club football,
Operations Director:
Toby Curthoys
presents for us a practice that features transitions, rotation and 8
Managing Director:
attacking play – a blueprint that represents a great way of fine-tuning DAVE JONES
Andrew Griffiths the all-round abilities of your players. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Photos: Action Images From the Sky Bet Championship, Burnley boss Sean Dyche offers a
detailed pressing session, while experienced Sheffield Wednesday
Crossing
Publishedinpartnershipwith:
manager Dave Jones details a positive attacking practice that builds in and
phases. finishing
Rochdale coaching duo Keith Hill and Chris Beech have put together a
League Managers
Association
session that looks at capitalising on chances in and around the penalty
area, while new AFC Wimbledon Development Manager Shaun North
10
St George’s Park examines the skill and impact of short pass switching.
KEITHHILL&CHRISBEECH
National Football Centre ROCHDALE
Newborough Road
Needwood
And to conclude, vastly experienced Port Vale coach Jimmy Bell details
a positive possession session that also encompasses overloads in the
Improving
Burton upon Trent DE13 9PD box. attacking
Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556
Email: [email protected]
We hope you find these quality sessions interesting and stimulating, players
and look forward to bringing more your way next month. Enjoy the
President:
Roy Hodgson season ahead!
Chairman:
Howard Wilkinson
12
Chief Executive:
SHAUN NORTH
AFC WIMBLEDON
Richard Bevan
Short pass
This publication is protected
by national and international
switching
copyright laws. Elite Soccer will Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman
take legal action against any

14
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However, no part or whole of
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2 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

QPR
Steve transition, rotating and attacking
McClaren
1a
SET-UP
Transition,
rotating
Area
Up to a full pitch
and Equipment
attacking Balls, cones, goals
Number of Players
Overview:
Up to 11v9
This session is about Session time
counter-attacking,
Transition and rotation
transitioning, and drill 3 x 12mins,
players rotating in 11v9 3 x 12mins
their positions.
It relies on good link- What do I get the
up play and positive players to do? In the Transition and rotation
attacking, combining Transition and drill, attackers advance from
behind the goal, with a ball
fast-paced and rotation drill played to a team mate in the
measured attacks on We set this up as other half of the pitch
goal. shown, using the space
Defenders benefit in between the penalty
from dealing with areas (1a). To begin,

1b
overloads in this both attackers emerge
session, which from behind the top
we always find goal - one of them has
important to practise, the ball. This man lays
given that there are a pass into the feet of
200 turnovers per one of two team mates
team in each game. in the other half. Both
‘start’ players then go
to support - so four
attackers move in on
goal against three
defenders. Attackers
have 10 seconds to
score a goal (1b). If after Whites have 10 seconds
10 seconds there is no to combine and score in
goal, or possession is the goal
turned over, the ball is
returned to the server.
Straight away, the
server puts a second
ball into play for
another 4v3 (1c), except
this time attackers can
take as long as they
1c
need to find the net.
All players reset after
“Transitioning the second attack,
which begins from the
from other end of the playing
attacking to area (2).
defending and
reorganising
quickly for Key
Ball
A new ball is then served
in for another 4v3 attack
this change is
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

essential.” Optional pass/

run

3 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

transition, rotating and attacking

2
What are the key
things to look out
for?
Steve McClaren Defenders must act
QPR exactly as they would in
Former England boss a match situation – so
Steve McClaren has that means organising
a fantastic coaching
and communicating
and management
CV, and is currently
well and protecting
working under Harry against offsides.
Redknapp at Sky Bet Each attacker must
Championship side advance quickly and
QPR. pressure defenders,
The 52-year-old is best whether or not he has Now, an opposition
attack begins in the
known for his two- the ball. Offensive other direction
year spell in charge moves must
of the national team, penetrate in behind
having previously been the defenders, with
assistant manager
attackers always
during Sven-Göran
Eriksson’s tenure.
looking to make
In McClaren’s time forward runs or

3
leading the Three Lions forward passes.
he achieved a 50% win Look to see how
ratio. attackers act
In 2008 he joined FC differently for the
Twente, helping the second phase. Here,
Dutch side embark on the ball is delivered
the most successful into a confined space,
in their period, during whereas in the initial
which they won the
phase the attack came
Eredivisie title and
finished runners-up.
together gradually.
After a spell in Germany Transitioning from
with Wolfsburg, attacking to defending
McClaren returned and reorganising
to Twente in 2012. He quickly for this change The 11v9 begins with a
ball served in to any white
has also managed is essential. player
Middlesbrough - where 11v9 game
he won the League
Cup and took the club Now on a full pitch, we
to a UEFA Cup final - play 11v9 (reds versus

4
and Nottingham whites). The ball is fed
Forest, and spent 11 to the whites (3), who
years as assistant to must attack the bottom
Sir Alex Ferguson at goal at their own pace.
Manchester United. Play as you would a
normal game, but now,
when reds turn over
“This session possession, they have
is great for 10 seconds to score a
goal (4).
helping If they fail to score,
players use the ball is kicked out
of play and a new one
the ball in served in. Ensure
small and the ball comes from Key
Ball When the team of 11 – the
different parts of the
compacted
movement
Player reds – turns over possession,
movement
pitch whenever it is Dribble it has 10 seconds to score in
areas.” reintroduced.
Optional pass/
run
the goal

4 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

BURNLEY
Sean Dyche simple pressing as a team
Simple
pressing as
a team 1a 1 The keeper feeds
the ball to one of his
defenders
2 The ball is worked left and
right across the defensive line

3 Pressing players
in the top line move
Overview: in to close down then
drop back
This session
teaches players
simple tactical
understanding
for pressing as a
team. It’s important
to practise this 4 Behind, the
because pressing midfielders react to
forces mistakes in the pressing players’
movement
opposition build-up
play, particularly in
sides who like to pass
the ball out from the
back. That means,
in the context of a

1b
game, we can gain or
change momentum. 2 Pressing line players now
become defenders and will receive
The session acts the ball off the keeper
as an excellent
practice for all team
members. Even
outside of pressing,
it coaches stamina,
communication and
concentration.
And it should be
remembered, the
physical demands
of pressing are 1 After 60 seconds, the ball
paid back by teams is returned to the keeper
and the defending team
winning the ball high sprints out around the
up the pitch – in other side to join the rest line at
Key
words, already in halfway Ball
movement
danger areas. That Player
movement
Dribble
means a quicker
creation of chances
and the retaining of SET-UP What do I get the shuffling and sliding After a time period
momentum. Area players to do? in relation to the to be designated
Up to a full pitch Shape pressing line position of the ball, but by the coach – we
Equipment drill players do not tackle, would recommend
they merely work a minimum of one
Balls, cones, goals, Setting up as shown
target goals together in forming minute – the defensive
on a half pitch, a
“The physical Number of Players defender in the back
a strong pressing back four jogs out to
line. Non-pressing the rest line (1b). The
demands of Up to 11v11 four receives from the
players in the line team who were at the
keeper then passes
pressing are Session time
Shape line pressing two-touch across the
must drop off, ready to front pressing line
move forward should now turn around and
paid back drill 10mins,
8v6 20mins,
back four, with the ball
the player in position become defenders,
moving left and right
by teams 10v10 (plus keeper) (1a).
send the ball to a team receiving a pass from
phase 20mins, mate. Behind them, the keeper to begin, as
winning the 11v11 game 30mins The trigger player the defensive line the move is repeated.
ball high up starts the press - the
pressing line works by
subsequently shuffles
and slides as well.
the pitch.”
5 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

simple pressing as a team

2
In the 8v6 game, the Key
Ball
pressing line is now just The keeper movement
Player
two players against feeds the ball to movement
Dribble
four defenders a defender

Defensive players
track the path of
the ball and the two
attackers

3 In the 10v10 (plus

keeper) phase game,
both teams attack
4-4-2

Defenders must make

maximum use of the pitch
to ensure they can press
quickly and positively

“The key 8v6 phase adjust in taking up keeping the same long ball being played
directives Now set up 8v6, as good supporting side as the ball, and forward.
pressing positions. maintaining good
are pressing, shown(2), as the
defending team (of Again, two-touch distances between
10v10 (plus keeper)
phase
team shape, eight players) begins conditions can team members in
This is a new set-up
each back four – this,
keeping the by being fed the ball
by the keeper. The
be applied to the
defenders in order to ideally, will be a
which means us
extending the pitch
same side as aim here is to move encourage attackers distance that can be
length by 20 yards. It’s
covered in two strides.
the ball, and the ball upfield and
score in any one of the
to press. We would
then remove these Players must have
now 4-4-2 versus 4-4-
2, so an equal two-way
maintaining three small goals. The conditions to see how front foot thinking, practice in terms of
good attacking team of six
must score in the big
players react to the
change.
always ready to move
forward quickly in
team size, although
each side still has to
distances goal. What are the key
order to close down or attack different types
between We want to encourage things to look out
receive the ball. of goals(3).
the two centre- Players operating in
members forwards to compress,
for?
the back four should
In each set-up, the
in each back giving their midfield key directives are
have their shoulders
line of four time to side-on in case of a
four.” pressing, team shape,

6 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

simple pressing as a team

Sean Dyche
4a 1 In the 11v11
game, the ball is
again fed out by
4 Defensive players also the keeper
BURNLEY shuffle across but keep their
The 2012/13 campaign shoulders side-on so that
saw Sean Dyche they can remain reactive
to a long ball
complete his first
season in charge of Sky
Bet Championship side
Burnley. He guided the
club to a comfortable
mid-table finish - 11th
– having achieved the
exact same feat with
Watford 12 months 2 Attackers
move in to
previously. press
The 42-year-old is
regarded as one of the
most promising young 3 Midfielders follow
the movement
managers in the game
– little surprise given
the experience gained
through an extensive
playing career that

4b
saw Dyche star for the
3 Midfielders also
likes of Chesterfield, reduce available
Bristol City, Luton Town, space in the centre
Millwall, Watford and
Northampton Town.
The rugged defender 4 Fellow defenders
clocked up over 500 prepare to cover the
senior appearances, space in behind
making it to an FA Cup
semi-final as well as
guiding multiple sides
to promotions. He hung
up his boots in 2007.

1 A quick pass through

the middle sees the white
attacker receive with his
back to goal

Key
Ball
2 His pressing movement
Player
opponent is quick to movement
close down the space Dribble

“Players 11v11 game distances between the anyone else. Again,

must shuffle We now move onto a lines. players must shuffle
and slide full pitch (4a). Sideways In the 11v11 we are and slide as a team,
but must be compact
distances between also working even
as a team, the back four remain more closely on the within this shape.
but must be the same, but due trigger, namely the We look too for
to the lengthened player who starts the recovery lines to be
compact pitch we now want to press. This could be adhered to if the press
within this see players showing the wide man, the is beaten(4b).
awareness too of centre-forward, or
shape.”
7 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

SHEFFIELD
WEDNESDAY crossing and finishing
Dave Jones
Crossing
1a
1 The defender passes out to
and the striker

finishing
Overview:
This is an all-round
session for all
players – strikers,
midfielders, wide
players, full-backs,
defenders and
goalkeepers – and
uses the basis of
attackers having 2 The striker receives,
advances forward and
three separate shoots
attempts on goal.
I like this session
because it can be
adapted for any
formation, and has 2 Striker 2 links with
the important feature the first striker, who has
of an end product – remained in an advanced
namely goals being position
scored. 1 Now, the
other defender
It’s vital for my passes out to
players that whatever striker 2
we take into a match
situation has been
practised with
realism and match
intensity on the
training ground.

1b
3 A lay-off allows striker
Key 2 to come forward, and he
Ball
movement despatches a shot at goal
Player
movement
Dribble

SET-UP What do I get the defender on the other left midfielder and
Area players to do? side of the goal feeds the overlapping left
Half pitch Main practice striker 2. The striker full-back (1c). The
receives,makesaone- full-back advances
Equipment Setting up as shown,
two with striker 1, then and plays a cross
Balls, cones, goals, the first defender
mannequins shoots (1b). Striker 1 for the two strikers,
begins the practice by
can follow in for any who are joined by the
Number of Players passing out diagonally
rebounds. midfielder in the box,
Up to 20 from beside the goal.
For the third phase for an attempt at goal
Session time Striker 1 receives
of this practice, a (1d).
Main practice 20mins, the ball, dribbles
Progression 10mins it forward, then new defender feeds
shoots at goal (1a). He the deep-lying
remains in position. midfielder. He plays
wide for combination
Immediately, the
play between the

8 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

crossing and finishing

Dave Jones
1c 3 The left-back
advances forward
1 The defender passes out to a
receiving midfielder

SHEFFIELD
WEDNESDAY
Dave Jones became
manager of Sheffield
Wednesday on March
1, 2012, and within two
months had guided
the club to promotion
from League One. He
continued the club’s
upward momentum 2 A short pass
last season by securing to the left-sided
the Yorkshire club’s midfielder is made
Championship status
with a solid run of form
at the tail end of the
season.
Jones has previously
taken charge at Cardiff 1 The left-back
takes the ball on

1d
City, Southampton and and prepares to
Stockport County, and cross 2 The left-back’s cross
guided Wolverhampton is attacked by the three
Wanderers into the players in the middle
Premier League in
2004.
As a player, he was a
fearless defender, who
starred for Everton,
Coventry City, Preston
North End and Hong
Kong outfit Seiko.

3 One striker goes near

post, one goes far post,
“It’s vital while the supporting
midfielder covers the
for my centre of the goal
Key
Ball
movement

players that
Player
movement
Dribble

whatever
we take into What are the key the midfielder who timing of runs into How do I progress
a match things to look out
for?
plays the ball out wide
for the combination
the right areas of the
box by both strikers
the session?
We progress the
situation Looking at the play on the wing. All and midfielders is session by making
has been technical aspect, the players need to show
a good first touch,
essential, with strikers
needing to occupy
it opposed, with the
move relies on a series addition of three
practised of accomplished particularly the near post, middle defenders in the area
with realism passes and touches. striker, who must also
be confident shooting
of goal and far post
positions.
in front of goal. These
Positive, quick and work one-on-one
and match accurate passes on the run. Finally, with the strikers in
intensity on must be made - by the we’re looking for a
good quality of cross
defending the cross
defender who feeds from the wing.
the training to the striker to go into the box.
ground.” on and shoot, and by In tactical terms,

9 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

ROCHDALE
Keith Hill improving attacking players in and around the box
and Chris
1a
Key

Beech
Ball
movement
Player
movement

Improving Dribble

attacking
players in
and around
the box
Overview:
This session
improves attacking
players in key skill In the Final third practice,
areas – namely in the deep-lying strikers
feed in to their advanced
pre-movement team mates, who find space
(dynamic and and evade the attentions
elusive), penetration of defenders by using pre-
movement
(with and without
the ball), link-up
play, plus the ability

1b
to focus on positive
outcomes.
It’s important to
practise attacking
scenarios in and
around the box
because it refines
player knowledge
in terms of the
positions they need
to occupy, gives
them confidence to Defenders move in to
take opportunities press, but ‘drive and
that come their slide’ movement from a
supporting attacker means
way, and also helps a 3v2 overload is created in
with getting the the box and a goalscoring
ball in behind the chance presents itself
opposition.
We know this works
for us – in our final 18
games in the 2012/13
season we saw 22% SET-UP What do I get the The deeper attackers We can progress the
of our goals being Area players to do? link up and feed the practice by adding an
scored from ‘drive Final third practice ball in. The attackers extra defender, or by
Up to a third of a pitch
and slide’ passes and nearer the goal are allowing both deeper
pre-movements, all
Equipment We set up as shown,
encouraged to move attackers to join in the
elements practised Balls, cones, goals with four attackers
as opposites to one attack once the first
Number of Players going up against two
another, creating ball has been played.
Up to 8v8 defenders (1a), who
space in front of the
Session time can only press and What are the key
defenders. Once one
Final third practice tackle when one of things to look out
player has received
15mins, the two attackers for?
the ball, one of the
Small-sided game immediately in front Players must move
4x5mins deeper attackers
of them receives before the ball arrives
can join to create a
the ball. Defenders (pre-movement) using
3v2 situation in front
and attackers are dynamic and elusive
of goal (1b). However
separated, at first, by a actions, while ‘drive
an attack ends, play
gap of four yards. and slide’ runs mean
resets and restarts.

10 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

improving attacking players in and around the box

2a
Key
Ball

20
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

Keith Hill and

Chris Beech 5
ROCHDALE
Keith Hill is in his
second spell at Sky 20
Bet League Two side
Rochdale having
previously managed
the Lancashire club
between 2006 and 2011.
Supported by assistant
manager Chris
Beech who, like Hill,
is a former Rochdale
player, the duo are In the small-sided game,
40

looking to return the midfielders patrol the

club to League One in central channel and link up
the upcoming 2013/14 with attackers who again
campaign. make pre-movement to
evade the attentions of
Hill, 44, who has defenders
also taken charge at

2b
Championship side
Barnsley, made over
400 appearances as 20
a player, notably for
Blackburn Rovers,
Plymouth Argyle and
‘Dale.
5

20

“Players
must move
before the ball
arrives (pre-
movement) In the progression, a
midfielder can step into

using the space to create a 4v3

40

overload

dynamic
and elusive
actions, while quick, distinguished
and fast passes to
Small-sided game Defenders turning
over possession
and score. We will also
encourage one-touch
Moving into a game
‘drive and team mates on the situation, as shown feed the ball into the finishing.
slide’ runs move. We also want
to see good receiving
(2a), a 5-yard wide midfielders, while
successful attacks
Finally, we’ll remove
mid-zone represents the mid-zone for
mean quick, on the back foot, plus a free and unopposed restart with the server. an 8v8 that looks to
distinguished combination and
link-up play, and a
area for two neutral This time, we replicate previous
midfielders – no other progress by allowing outcomes.
and fast positive goalscoring players can enter this midfielders to step
passes to end product. area. in to create 4v3
overloads, particularly
team mates Attackers combine
with the midfielders to if attackers are
on the move.” attack each goal (2b). struggling to create

11 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

AFC WIMBLEDON
Shaun short pass switching
North
Short pass
switching
SET-UP
Area
Up to 60x30 yards
1
Overview: Equipment

This session is about Balls, cones, target

goals
switching play, and
Number of Players
caters for players in
all areas of the pitch. Up to 8v8
Session time
It’s an important
Boxes in the box and
practice for any progression 40mins,
team, because being 8v8 game 20mins
able to switch play
makes the pitch What do I get the
bigger. In addition, players to do?
attacking options
become potentially Boxes in the box In first game, reds link up
and send a ball in to one of
more plentiful, Setting up as shown (1), the neutral greys
and certainly less we use a 30x30-yard
predictable. playing area with four

2a
5x5-yard boxes inside
it. There are 16 players
involved – two teams
of six plus four more in
the small boxes.
The game is yellows
versus reds, with grey
neutrals fixed in their
boxes.
Teams must link up in
possession, passing
the ball into a grey
neutral. The ball can
enter the box from
any side, and these
greys then pass it
In the progression, greys
out to a player on must pass the ball out of a
the same team. The different side of the box to
ball can come out where it entered
of any side and any

2b
team completing 10
consecutive passes
(including those
involving box players)
“We want to earns a point. If yellows
see an open turn over possession,
box players now link up
body position with them.
- players How do I progress
being ready the session?
To progress, the ball
to receive now cannot come out
the ball and the same side of the
box that it entered
move it on (2a). This makes both
Key
Ball

quickly when
movement
teams think more Player
movement Teams are looking to construct
Dribble
10 consecutive passes in order
necessary.” Optional pass/
run to score a point

12 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

short pass switching

Shaun North
3a
AFC WIMBLEDON
Shaun North is Under-
21s Development
Coach at Sky Bet
League Two side AFC
Wimbledon.
He is a vastly
experienced coach,
having spent 14 years
developing young
players at Portsmouth’s In the 8v8 game, reds use
academy when the club short passing as yellows
60

were in the Premier press

League. 30
The 53-year-old most
recently worked at
Bristol Rovers, having

3b
also been assistant
manager at Torquay
United and reserve
team manager at A quick switch to the right
Oxford United. enables a red player to find
space, and he dribbles the ball
into the goal
60

30
Key
Ball
movement
Player
movement

“Being able to
Dribble
Optional pass/
run

switch play
about positioning and 8v8 game What are the key themselves at
makes the improves awareness. In the 8v8 game, we things to look out sensible angles
pitch bigger. It also increases the set up as shown (3a), for? and distances from
speed of the game team mates. Strong
In addition, since box players will
with players defending
one end and attacking
In both games,
we want to see an awareness of other
attacking want to pass the ball the other. Teams can open body position - players is essential,
out quicker given that and a high quality of
options space around the box
score in any of the four
goals by dribbling
players being ready
to receive the ball and pass (with accuracy
become is less plentiful and will into it, and can move move it on quickly and a good weight)
be closed down more is another
potentially easily by the non-
the ball around
using short and long
when necessary. A
precise first touch is, prerequisite.
more scoring team. Box switches of play (3b). of course, essential,
players are also able to
plentiful, and link directly with other
as is a side having
good supporting
certainly less box players (2b). options, with
predictable.” players positioning

13 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

PORT VALE
Jimmy Bell possession and finishing
Possession
and
finishing 1a
Overview:
This is a possession
session that
develops into a
finishing challenge. It
requires high tempo
throughout and lots
of legwork from
players.
At every club I’ve
worked at there has
70

always been real

attention paid to the
In Three-team possession, 50
reds combine and a pass is
core principles of played into the feet of the
possession and work yellow outer player, who
returns the pass
rate. There is nothing
more satisfying than

1b
seeing the principles
learned from this
type of session - with
players retaining the
ball, feeding it wide
and crossing for a
finish into the net -
coming off in a match.
70

Red now turns and, despite

being closed down by 50
opposition blues, manages Key
to thread a pass left. The Ball
movement
ball makes its way to a Player
movement
yellow on the bottom line Dribble

SET-UP What do I get the can introduce extra immediately. The

Area players to do? players in the middle team must then
“There is Up to a full pitch Three-team as floaters, who turn and attack
operate with the team the opposite line of
nothing more Equipment possession
in or out of possession. yellows (1b).
For a playing area, we
satisfying Balls, cones, goals,
poles use the middle section Players in possession We play for five
than seeing Number of Players of a full pitch – the full (in the example, it’s
either reds or blues)
minutes then rotate
teams – each must
18 width and 10 yards
the principles Session time in from each penalty must pass to team play as the outer side
learned from Three-team area, although can mates, then try to get
the ball to any outer
twice.
possession 30mins, alternatively set up
this type Possession with a a 70x50-yard space. yellow player. Once
of session finish 30mins As shown (1a), we use a successful pass is
made into a yellow,
18 players split as
coming off in three teams, although the ball is returned
a match.”
14 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

possession and finishing

Key
Ball

2a
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

Jimmy Bell
PORT VALE
Jimmy Bell joined
npower League One
side Port Vale in the
summer of 2013 as
Development Coach.
Prior to arriving at Vale
Park, the 48-year-old
spent over a decade
as assistant manager
to John Coleman at
Accrington Stanley,
and has also worked In Possession with a finish,
yellows successfully retain
with the next breed of possession then make a pass
youngsters coming through one of their two gates
through the ranks at where a centre-forward
Crewe Alexandra and receives
Rochdale.

2a
In his playing days, Bell
featured for a number
of non-league sides,
including Burscough,
South Liverpool,
Winsford United, Rhyl
and Knowsley United.

The two centre-forwards

are joined with an inrushing
midfielder for a 3v2, which
ends with a ball across the
box, and a goal

Possession and a pass the ball through area to run straight aware of the positions
finish the left or right gate into the end zone of both team mates
We now extend the to a centre-forward. without having to pass and opponents.
playing area into a This receiving player through the poles. In Possession
moves towards the This gives the centre-
“We’re looking full pitch, creating
gates as shown, and penalty box, supported forward more space to
and a finish, we’re
additionally looking
for attacking with defenders and by the centre-forward finish. for attacking intent,
on the opposite
intent, a keeper waiting in
each penalty area. side, and a midfield
What are the key finishing skills and a
willingness to take up
things to look out
finishing Players in the central runner. This creates
for? key positions in the
a 3v2 attack - we’re
skills and a area keep possession
as they did in the first looking for attackers to In Three-team
box.

willingness practice, but now combine and score in possession, we want

to see comfortable
the goal.
to take up key have one designated
end to attack. When We can progress the
possession,
positions in attacking, they have to game by allowing the
movement and
running, with players
the box.” player in the central

15 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

EXTRA-TIME

harry redknapp QPR

There are few in the game who

have the depth of knowledge and H ow important do you think
cultural fit is between a
manager and his club?
football part of my life in perspective.
I love football and, like everyone in the
experience of Harry Redknapp. game, I want to be very successful.
And as he reveals to Elite Soccer I think a good manager can be But I also know that there are other
magazine, it has enabled him successful anywhere. Being a important things in life – when all is
to view football in a way that is good judge of players is key to that said and done, football is a game, not
probably more philosophical success. A bad judge will buy bad a matter of life and death.
than most. players. You have to be convinced
that there is something important in

W hat were the biggest

lessons you learnt in those
early days of coaching at Oxford
every player you buy, something that
will improve your team and create
the right balance.
City and then AFC Bournemouth?
Certainly that you can’t be
everybody’s friend. When I first
took over at Bournemouth I felt
H ow would you describe your
own style of leadership?
I believe that confidence plays a

Original interview from The Manager magazine, 2009.

very much on my own. It was huge part in all walks of life and try
pretty much just me and the kit to instil self-belief in my players. I
man. Money was also tight at that don’t criticise them too often and if,
time, so I didn’t have many staff to on occasion, I do get stuck into them
bounce ideas off or talk to. When they know they deserve it. I tell them
you first become a manager, it can straight what I think. However, I’m
be a pretty lonely existence. not one for shouting and hollering –
You’re not able to be friends I’d rather explain to them what they
with the players anymore; you’re can do to improve and give
sitting at the front of the coach on them encouragement.
your own rather than at the back I am pretty relaxed and laid
having a laugh with the rest of the back, so I’m not one for stringent
team. And you take the job home rules, fining players or ruling with
with you; if you get beaten, the an iron fist. I try to treat my players
whole weekend is a disaster. as responsible adults – if they
can’t respond to that and behave
W hat gives you the most
motivation day-to-day?
In football, you can only really think
themselves, I don’t want them in my
team.
about the week ahead. You rarely
get a chance to enjoy your success,
because within 30 minutes of one
H ow do you maintain such
a well balanced outlook
when the job is fraught with
game finishing, you’re thinking pressure?
about the next match. It means When things aren’t going
you don’t have the time to sit back well it is, of course,
and dwell on your achievements. difficult to remain
This business is entirely results- relaxed. However, it helps
that I’m able to go home
“Ibelievethatconfidenceplaysahuge
led; five or six bad results and your
position can be in jeopardy. to my family and have partinallwalksoflifeandtrytoinstil
I love to watch players do quality time with them. self-beliefinmyplayers.Idon’tcriticise
fantastic things in training, as My wife Sandra and I are themtoooftenandif,onoccasion,Ido
involved with charities
well as on a match day. When you
have a great team and they’re like Leukaemia Busters
getstuckintothemtheyknowthey
zipping the ball about and scoring and the Round Table deserveit.ItellthemstraightwhatI
goals, it’s like watching a great Children’s Wish, and think.”
racehorse on the gallops. that certainly keeps the

16 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

booked: this month’s choice By James Evans

The philosophical world

A philosophy of sport clues into why our A soccer

Steven Connor, £17.00
obsession carries coach taking
through generations. charge of
Steven Connor’s take on the Indeed, the author a group of
philosophy of sport is a revealing comes to the Under-9s on
journey into the true workings of conclusion that a Saturday
the sporting mind. sport isn’t just a morning may

T
method by which ask how relevant
he notion of the philosophy we express A Philosophy of
in sport is one fired around ourselves Sport is to the
by coaches, fans, players in terms of core sensibilities
and pundits alike, but all too often pastimes of passing,
we’re happy enough to let the and hobbies; dribbling and
phrase do the talking, without it’s actually a running. But
properly exploring what basis necessity of our lives, the real ‘take out
we give to what might also be an investment that, for 99% “Appreciating value’ of this book
described as the unwritten rule of of the population of the world, why players is in the way it encourages the
competitive understanding. fuels a passion and investment behave the reader to appreciate and react to
To properly appreciate what in competition. Without it, in way they do the emotions and the decision-
goes into representing the fact, Connor ponders how and means we making that influences so much
frame of competition, we have where we would channel such can manage of soccer, no matter the age of the
to first explore where sport’s large deposits of energy and and educate subjects or the standard of their
roots truly originate from, and aggression. He surmises the fact them to play.
Steven Connor’s understanding that sport is shown to be one of perform A good coach will know the
of this is better than any I’ve the most powerful ways in which better... not thoughts and emotions that flood
read previously. He judges we negotiate the relationship only on the footballers’ minds both during
ethics, aesthetics and logical between the human and natural football pitch, and after a game. So appreciating
categorisation in attempting to worlds. but in their why players behave the way
define what sport truly means, A Philosophy of Sport also everyday they do, and how such feelings
and why it is, as human beings, uses the philosophical research lives as well.” come tied to the same historical
we have an appreciation of these of Hegel, Freud, Wittgenstein, foundations as those sportsmen
most playful exercises. Heidegger, Adorno, Sartre and who had expressed them before,
Connor looks at the others in presenting a landscape means we can manage and
development of sport over time, for how we feel today and, as educate them to perform better...
and how its fit with the socio- importantly, how we should not only on the football pitch, but in
political and economic values of control and manage our passion their everyday lives as well.
this and past eras offers intriguing for competition.

17 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

The contributors

Greg Abbott Neil Dewsnip Dylan Kerr Harry Redknapp

Nigel Adkins Roberto Di Matteo Alan Knill Mark Robins
Sam Allardyce Ian Dipper Paul Lambert Darren Robinson
Elite Soccer is produced Martin Allen Willie Donachie Andy Leaning Karl Robinson
in partnership with
the League Managers Carlo Ancelotti Iain Dowie Colin Lee Damian Roden
Association (LMA). Michael Appleton Joe Dunne Neil Lennon Uwe Rosler
We are very proud Neal Ardley Sean Dyche Martin Ling Gary Rowett
to be endorsed by Alex Armstrong Nicky Eaden Tom Little James Russell
some of the biggest Ian Baraclough Steve Eyre Malky Mackay Darren Sarll
names in soccer Richie Barker Sir Alex Ferguson Roberto Mancini Ricky Sbragia
coaching and
management, and Dave Beasant Darren Ferguson Roberto Martinez Andy Scott
we thank all of the Chris Beech Carl Fletcher Mick McCarthy John Sheridan
contributors who, Jimmy Bell David Flitcroft Steve McClaren Terry Skiverton
over the past three Jim Bentley Brian Flynn Brian McDermott Paul Simpson
years, have made John Bilton Steve Foley Seamus McDonagh Russell Slade
the title what it is
Kevin Blackwell Dougie Freedman Neil McDonald Dean Smith
today.
Liam Bramley Ben Garner Mark McGhee Eric Steele
Aidy Boothroyd Jimmy Gilligan Sammy McIlroy Paul Stephenson
Gregg Broughton Antonio Gomez Derek McInnes John Still
Phil Brown Dario Gradi Alex McLeish Gordon Strachan
Terry Brown Stuart Gray Gary Megson Paul Sturrock
Steve Bruce Paul Hart Micky Mellon Chris Sulley
Paul Buckle Richard Hawkins Keith Millen Steve Sutton
Iain Brunskill Keith Hill Scott Miller Peter Taylor
Jim Cassell Roy Hodgson Graham Mitchell Kevin Thelwell
Lee Clark Dean Holdsworth Noel Mitchell Andy Thorn
Steve Clarke Ian Holloway Ryland Morgans Steve Tilson
Nigel Clough Simon Hollyhead José Mourinho Adrian Tucker
Tim Coe Jamie Hoyland Tony Mowbray Graham Turner
John Coleman Anthony Hudson David Moyes David Unsworth
James Collins Chris Hughton Kevin Nicholson André Villas-Boas
Stephen Chris Hutchings Eddie Niedzwiecki Gary Waddock
Constantine Alan Irvine Martin O’Neill Mick Wadsworth
Neale Cooper Kenny Jackett Shaun North Dan Walder
Steve Cooper Peter Jackson Alan Pardew Gary Walker
Steve Cotterill Gary Johnson Phil Parkinson John Ward
Owen Coyle Lee Johnson Les Parry Neil Warnock
Neil Cutler Michael Johnson Paul Peschisolido Arsène Wenger
Tony Daley Dave Jones Jamie Pitman Graham Westley
Kenny Dalglish Graeme Jones David Pleat Howard Wilkinson
Steve Darby Steve Kean Gus Poyet Tommy Wilson
Steve Davis Paul Kee Tony Pulis Nigel Worthington
Bobby Davison Mike Kelly Andy Quy Mark Yates

18 august 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

smart coaches use…

e
Click her
o w nloa da
to d
ee ga m e
fr

by MICHAEL BEALE

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