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net june 2012

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Coaching practices from the world’s
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Training practices nal
from top professio
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Brian
Mcdermott
crossing and finishing In partnership with

» Tempo » Precision » Intelligence

SCUNTHORPE NORTHERN IRELAND

CARDIFF CITY MILLWALL UNITED NOTTS COUNTY Under-15s GIRLS

MALKY KENNY NEIL COLIN NOEL

MACKAY JACKETT CUTLER LEE MITCHELL
Striker Attacking in a Dedicated Forward runs Midfield
combinations 4-3-3 formation keeper session and passes rotation

extra-time: Exclusive interview with aston villa

chief scout glenn roeder
 In partnership with

Elite Soccer is published by:

issue 23/june 2012: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Green Star Media Ltd

Toptrainingpractices from the best in 4
Meadow View, Tannery Lane
Guildford, Surrey,
Britishfootballcoaching BRIAN
McDERMOTT
GU5 0AB, UK READING
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894
Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148
Dear Coach, Crossing
Email: Welcome to the June issue of Elite Soccer. and
[email protected]
The domestic season has drawn to a close with the finishing
Publisher: usual thrills and spills. For entertainment value,
Kevin Barrow few would disagree it has been a marvellous
6
Editor: campaign, and we now have the European
James Evans
Championships to look forward to as the
Contributing Editor:
Matthew Amos, LMA showpiece soccer event of the summer. MALKY MACKAY
CARDIFF CITY
Of course, many of you will already be putting in place plans for next
Design:
Jimmy Egerton season – new approaches, ideas and initiatives. So to help, here are Striker
Illustrator: another six fantastic training practices for inspiration. combinations
Richard Palmer
Customer Services: To begin with, one of the Barclays Premier League’s new recruits, and link play
Duncan Heard Reading, and their forward-thinking manager Brian McDermott,
Marketing Manager:
Paul Mortimer
showcase a training session on crossing and finishing. It’s a blueprint
that contributed significantly to the Royals clinching the npower
8
Operations Director: Championship title this season. McDermott guides us through a KENNY JACKETT
Toby Curthoys MILLWALL
number of progressive drills that can be practised by players of any
Managing Director:
Andrew Griffiths standard. Attacking
Photos: Action Images
Moving into the Championship, Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay in a 4-3-3
Publishedinpartnershipwith: presents a session that looks at striker combinations and link-up formation
play, while Millwall manager Kenny Jackett offers a brilliant practice
showing the intricacies of attacking in a set 4-3-3 formation.
We’ve also got three sessions from very talented LMA ambassadors 10
League Managers
Association
– the first an engaging and evolving goalkeeper practice from NEIL CUTLER
Scunthorpe United keeper coach Neil Cutler. SCUNTHORPE UNITED
The Camkin Suite,
1 Pegasus House, We also have a series of drills from Notts County coach Colin Lee that Dedicated
Tachbrook Park, Warwick,
CV34 6LW, UK
focus in on positive and well-timed forward runs. And to complete the keeper
Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556
set, Northern Ireland Under-15s girls coach Noel Mitchell presents session
Email: [email protected]
an excellent session that teaches players the physical and mental
attributes of good midfield rotation.
President:
Roy Hodgson We hope you enjoy these brilliant soccer practices, and we’ll be back 12
Chairman: next month with more. Until then, enjoy the sunshine. COLIN LEE
Howard Wilkinson NOTTS COUNTY
Chief Executive:
Richard Bevan
Best regards, Forward
runs and
This publication is protected
by national and international passes
copyright laws. Elite Soccer will
take legal action against any
individuals or organisations
found to be infringing our rights, Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman 14
and will make that action public.
Elite Soccer members who
NOEL
have purchased this report may
circulate electronic or hard Elite Soccer is a monthly publication MITCHELL
NORTHERN IRELAND

for professional, semi-professional

copies to members of their own UNDER-15s GIRLS
club or school, provided this is
done without commercial gain. Midfield
However, no part or whole of
this report may be circulated
and aspiring soccer coaches and is rotation
elsewhere or displayed on
any website or distributed available by subscription only. 03MANAGEMENT
£97 for 12 issues.
commercially except under
licence from the copyright owners. MATTERS
© Green Star Media Ltd. All rights Ourreviewofthepastseason
reserved
To subscribe email 16 B OOKED
Elite sports book review
[email protected] 18 EXTRA-TIME:
or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894 ...withGlenn Roeder

2 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

management matters

MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Alan Pardew In the npower Chris Powell And finally to

was the winner Championship, it was the worthy npower League
of the League was no surprise winner of the Two, where
Manager’s to see Reading manager Brian npower League One Manager enigmatic Swindon Town
Association Award for McDermott take the Manager of the Year award. Powell manager Paolo Di Canio
Barclays Premier League of the Year award. This issue’s scooped three of the monthly took the Manager of the Year
Manager of the Season lead coach took his side on an gongs as his Charlton Athletic award.
2011/12. incredible run in the second half side strolled to the league The former West Ham United
The 50-year-old was close to of the campaign, all the way to title with a record haul of 101 striker had found himself
landing unfancied Newcastle the top of the table as the Royals points. under pressure early on in the
United a Champions League saw off title rivals Southampton The London club smashed campaign after his Robins
place at the end of a stunning and West Ham United in the a number of other records side lost four of their first five
campaign, memorable as run-in. along the way, and lost just five league matches. But they
much for some terrific on- Reading had found themselves times throughout the course tasted defeat only seven more
pitch performances as it was in the relegation places earlier of the campaign. times throughout the season,
the club’s ability to unearth in the campaign – a hangover The season marked a strolling to the League Two
some great value Premier from last season’s play-off final remarkable turnaround for crown by playing a brand
League gems. defeat to Swansea City – though Powell after a frustrating of high tempo, exciting,
Pardew guided his side to fifth 51-year-old McDermott’s previous campaign in which attacking football.
place in the final table, with steadfast belief in his training Charlton’s promotion Swindon Town chairman
United winning exactly half methods saw his side come challenge faded badly. Jeremy Wray said of the
of their 38 Premier League good, and they now take their The 42-year-old said, “It’s a passionate Italian, “This
matches. place in the Barclays Premier reflection on the players and season he’s done a great job
LMA Chairman Howard League for next season. the club more than anything, but he’s only halfway through.
Wilkinson confirmed, “Alan Reading: W27 D8 L11 so I was extremely happy to I fully expect him to pick up
Pardew’s achievements at collect the award.” another trophy next year!”
Newcastle this season are Charlton Athletic: W30 D11 L5 Swindon Town: W29 D6 L11
there for all to see.”
Newcastle United: W19 D8 L11

DECISIONS,DECISIONS decisions to protect and defend what you A. At the age of 28 I looked at coaching and
have, just as your players do on the pitch. felt it was something I could do, so I put
... with Martin Ling, manager of npower Incidentally, the loan player we got in was myself on a UEFA C Licence course, as it
Ryan Jarvis from Norwich, and he has done was called then. I entered the coaching
League Two side Torquay United
great things since, so it worked for both world at the age of 30 and from then until
of us. And as a club, we finished fifth from 36 - when I took charge of my first club as
Q. What’s been your best career decision? bottom that year to survive the drop. a manager - things escalated very quickly
A. I think decisions in football can come Q. What’s the worst decision you’ve for me. I stopped playing at 34 and went
from very different places. At Leyton Orient made? straight into a youth coaching role, made it
in 2006 I signed two players in striker Gary A. I don’t take bad decisions too up to assistant manager 14 months later
Alexander and defender John Mackie - seriously, as long as they’re learnt and then manager 14 months after that. It
both were massive for us. But when we from. I’ve generally found that as long was a quick progression, but I felt that I was
were bottom of the table the following as you make more good decisions ready for it at the time.
Christmas and I desperately needed than bad, you’ll be okay. And now, 12 years later, I feel I’ve stood
the loan market for reinforcements, the test of time as a coach, and I’m still
Q. Was management
the decisions were coming from a thoroughly enjoying it. It’s been a good ride
something you always
different place. That’s football but anyone can do it with a bit of application.
wanted to do after
all over. Make decisions for
calling time on your
upward momentum or make
playing career?

3 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

READING
Brian variable crossing and finishing practice
McDermott
1
SET-UP
Variable
crossing
Area
Blues and
Up to half pitch 18
and Equipment
whites combine
to form a team
finishing Balls, cones, goals of six, keeping

practice Number of Players

possession
against three
Overview: 18 yellows
Session time
The principles of
Warm-up (with the
quick, positive and fitness coach 10mins),

15
clever attacking and two box game 30mins,

.5
defending processes 7v7 game 10mins,
are the same at any 9v9 game 15mins
level. That’s why
we’ll run this session
What do I get the
players to do?
exactly the same
way in the Premier Passing and
League next season possession warm-up

2a
as we did in the We start with a 6v3
possession game The Two
Championship this. Box game
It’s an ideal session played in the space
for a Thursday, when between the side of
we’re looking to build the penalty box and
intensity in time the touchline (1). The
for the weekend. team of six must
The sharpness of retain possession for
this practice leads 90-second periods.
into shape-based Good tempo is
training on the Friday, essential, with precise
then the match the passing and lots of
next day. We’re not movement. We then
afraid to run this rotate teams. To
every week, because progress, if the team of
practice makes three wins the ball they
permanent. can break out of the
square. In the Two-box game,
It’s a good session for attackers move forward,
building confidence, Two-box game combine, feed to the wing,
then attack the resulting
and we saw this We now put two penalty

2b
cross
practice really come boxes together, and set
to fruition in our up players as shown
crucial 3-1 victory (2a ). From the first pair,
at Southampton in the left-hand player
April, a result that combines with the
all but secured us left-sided attacker,
promotion back to who touches the ball
the Premier League. back for the inrushing
Jimmy Kebe burst right-side player. One-
down the right and or two-touch, he feeds
centred for Jason the right-side winger,
Roberts, who fired who advances and
home in style. crosses.
Infield players
continue their runs
looking to score in the
goal - one near post, In the progression, two
one far, one positioning Key
Ball wingers are used on each
himself for a cutback. movement
Player
movement
flank to provide overlaps
Next come back the Dribble

4 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

variable crossing and finishing practice

2c
other way. On the next
phase, play is sent to the
opposite flank. Rotate
Brian players regularly.
McDermott Throughout, we expect
READING quality passing and
In the 2011/12 season, good tempo, given
Brian McDermott that this is unopposed.
guided Reading to the Strikers are
npower Championship
encouraged to finish
title with a stunning run
of form in the second
one-touch, and must
half of the campaign, stay onside. Wingers
which saw 15 wins in 17 must vary types of
league matches. crosses.
The club had found To progress, use two
themselves in the wingers to produce
relegation places overlaps (2b). Play for
earlier in the year – a a further 10 minutes. Moving on again, attackers
hangover from play-off can play instinctively in
Next, allow the

3
creating quick, unpredictable
final disappointment receiving attackers 7v7 Infield attacking moves
the previous term
to play instinctively, game
when the Royals lost
out to Swansea City at
without having to feed
Wembley. the winger. Players
must still display
McDermott joined
Reading shortly before
good variations in
Christmas in 2009, and passing, receiving and
within a month had movement (2c).
masterminded an FA 7v7 Infield game
Cup third round giant-
Keepers start, with
killing of Liverpool at
Anfield.
teams having to
construct forward
Previous to that, the
moves using a wide In the 7v7 Infield
51-year-old had fulfilled game, the opposite-
a number of roles at
player. Opponents sided winger can
the club, including will attempt to block come in to create an
chief scout, Under-19s routes to the wide overload situation
manager, reserve team men, so patience
manager and caretaker and intelligence Good communication
is vital. Defenders
must be shown. The

4
manager. must act as a unit so
As a player, he was a receiving winger has 9v9 game the full-back does not
midfielder who played two touches, and his become isolated
in the top division for opposite winger can
Arsenal and Oxford come infield to create
United. an 8v7 overload, but is
one-touch. There are
no offsides (3).
“This is 9v9 game
an ideal Now we run a standard
session for 9v9 game on a half-
pitch - channels are
a Thursday, 2v1 in favour of the
when we’re attacking team. The
lone defender must In the 9v9 game, a
looking to slow movement,
defender must slow the
2v1 attack in the channel,
build intensity ensuring he stays
communicates well
Key
Ball
whilst maintaining
a workable distance
in time for the
movement
Player between his team mates
with fellow defenders movement
Dribble

weekend.” (4). Optional pass/

run

5 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

CARDIFF CITY
Malky striker combinations and link play
Mackay SET-UP
Striker Area
combinations
1a
Up to full pitch
and link play (narrowed)
Equipment
Overview: B
Balls, cones, goals
This session is about Number of Players
striker combinations A
Up to 16
and link-up play in C
Session time
the final third. It’s
important to practise Warm-up 10mins,
game practice
these because we’re 15mins,
frequently asked in D
small-sided game
matches to break 20mins
down the backlines
of teams who defend What do I get the
deep. players to do? 30
We saw this practice Link play warm-up In the warm-up, players
pay off to great effect in We start in a 30x15- link with quick passing,
15

along the top then

this year’s Carling Cup yard area, as shown. A diagonally across the area
final against Liverpool plays to B, as C comes

1b
at Wembley, when towards the ball. B
excellent movement passes to D, then A
and quick, positive and B run down their
passing enabled Joe respective wings (1a).
Mason to fire home As D receives the ball,
the game’s opening C spins and receives a C
B D
goal. cushioned lay-off from
him, feeding A down
the wing (1b). We now
repeat the drill from
the opposite end. A
What are the key 30
things to look out
for? Here, C spins and receives
15

a short pass from D, then

Weight and accuracy passes to A
of pass are the most
important elements.

2a
In addition, C must
approach the ball as
if really wanting the
pass, even though 10
it’s destined for D.
And he must ensure
he doesn’t block the 15
passing route to D.
Finally, A and B must
cannot run ahead of 10
“Strikers must the ball. To progress,
we make all players
use different one-touch. In the game practice,
players must retain
combinations, Link-play game possession in a 3v3 in
practice the central area
communicate We set up as shown,
well, and
15

with 3v3 in the central

ensure good area, and two strikers
in the next zone. Once
Key
Ball
movement

body shape.”
Player
movement
Dribble

6 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

striker combinations and link play

five passes have been

made in the central
area, the ball is played

2b
Malky Mackay to the strikers who,
CARDIFF CITY two-touch, link and
Malky Mackay was strike at goal (2a/2b).
announced as manager 10
of Cardiff City in June
What are the key
2011. In his first season
things to look out
for?
in charge, he earned 15
the south Wales club Strikers must use
a play-off spot in the differentcombinations,
npower Championship communicate well 10
despite having to and ensure good body
rebuild the squad from shape when receiving
scratch. The Bluebirds After three passes, the
the ball – e.g. on the ball is released to the two
lost out to West Ham half turn. To progress, strikers, who link up and
United over two legs,
we position a defender score
but the 40-year-old’s
first year in charge has
against the two
strikers.
15

been regarded as a
great success with the Small-sided game

3a
club playing a brand We set up as shown, an
of elegant, attacking
8v8 zonal game – 4v4
football.
free play in the central 15
He had previously taken zone, 2v2 in the end
charge at Watford,
zones. Strikers now
securing the club’s
Championship status
have two defenders to 50
on limited resources.
contend with.
As a player, Mackay, a What are the key
centre-back, made his things to look out 15
Scotland debut at the for?
age of 32, and went on Strikers must work off
to earn five caps. In the defenders – coming
club football, he turned In the small-sided game
short to go long, and progression, a central
out for Norwich City
long to come short player makes a forward
over 200 times, and also
played for Queen’s Park,
– stretching their break to support the
developing attack
Celtic, West Ham United opponents without
and Watford. killing space. To

3b
progress, a player
from the central zone
can break forward to 15
support (but not the
player who released
the ball) (3a/3b). We can
also introduce a one- 50
touch rule.
With each progressing
game, players must 15
use the skills learnt
earlier in the session.
He finds space on the
wing, receives, and
crosses for the two
strikers

Key
Ball
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

7 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

MILLWALL
Kenny attacking in a 4-3-3 formation
Jackett
Attacking
in a 4-3-3
SET-UP
Area
Standard pitch
1a 12

formation Equipment

Overview: Balls, cones, goals 10

Number of Players
This is a positive
attacking sessions 22
Session time
that rehearses 12
players in the Warm-up 10mins,
specifics of attacking 11v11 zone game
10mins,
in a set 4-3-3 Wide 11v11 10mins,
formation. Although Central 11v11 10mins
In the warm-up, the team
a rigid set-up, the of five makes six passes
intention is to show What do I get the before a player breaks
the flexibility in players to do? 16 out, and with it, transfers
Warm-up session the ball
attacking central
and wide targets, We set up as shown in
with structure the diagram. On one
and awareness side, play starts in a

1b
of position key 5v2, with a 4v2 on the
elements. other side separated 12
The session requires by an empty 10-yard
the commitment zone. When the team of
of the whole team five makes six passes,
– from strikers to one player breaks out 10
full-backs pushing and passes to team
on – and is a mates in the opposite
rehearsal that we’ll box, coming across to 12
run regularly so as to form a new 5v2, and the
produce maximum session continues (1a).
effect on match day. To progress, we add
three men in the In the progression, passes
middle section. The must be exchanged with a
overloading team must midfielder before play is
16

transferred
exchange passes with
one of the midfielders
before progressing (1b).
11v11 zone game
Using the space in

2
between the two 11v11 zone game
penalty boxes, we add
an additional 20x6-
yard ‘scoring zone’ at
each end. A neutral
keeper stands in this
“The session space.
In a 4-3-3 formation
requires the we play a normal
commitment game, except there
no corners, and to
of the whole score, the ball must
team – from be chipped into the air
for a keeper to catch
strikers to (2). Restarts begin with
full-backs keepers, who play out
to a defender.
Key
Ball
movement
In the 11v11 zone game,
teams build from the back and

pushing on.” score by chipping the ball into

Player
movement
Dribble a keeper’s arms

8 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

attacking in a 4-3-3 formation

3
We’re looking for Wide 11v11 game
combination play
between the three
Kenny Jackett midfielders, rotation
MILLWALL of the attackers and a
As a player, Kenny quality of final scoring
Jackett was one of pass.
football’s ‘one club Wide 11v11 game
men’, making 337
appearances for We rerun, now with
hometown side Watford four small goals, each
between 1980 and 1990. eight yards in from the
Sadly, he was forced to touchline. The coach
retire from the game feeds centre-halves
due to a serious knee who must find the
injury, with Luther holding midfield player
Blissett’s all-time to spark combination In the wide 11v11 game,
appearance record in full-backs must attack
play. Full-backs must
sight. space whilst protecting
decide when to push their goals
On retirement, he and when to spin,
undertook a variety of
coming back into the

4a
coaching roles at the
pocket. Throw-ins and Central 11v11
club before moving
corners are allowed, game
to QPR under Ian
Holloway. and offsides apply (3).
Stepping up into Central 11v11 game
management in 2004, We now take the
he earned promotion structure and
for Swansea City from attacking patterns
League Two in 2005,
coached into a final
taking the club to
the play-off final the
11v11 with normal
following year, where goals - throw-ins and
they lost out to Barnsley corners are allowed
in a penalty shoot-out. (4a). When a cross is on,
After a short spell as there should be at least
reserve team manager three players running
at Manchester City, in ‘between the posts’
Jackett accepted the (4b). In the central 11v11 game,
offer to join Millwall in teams must build through
March 2007. The club
What are the key sections with quick,
lost their 2008/09 play-
things to look out effective passing

off final to Scunthorpe

for?
United, but secured
promotion the following
season by defeating
Players should
develop a growing
understanding of the
4b
Swindon Town in 4-3-3 formation with
the end-of-season each game. Quick
Wembley knockout combination play,
fixture. precision passing and
the ability to move into
space whilst retaining
shape are all essential.
The role of full-backs
is vital in promoting
attacking moves whilst
protecting defensive
space.
When a cross is delivered,
Key
Ball the attacking team must
movement
Player make sure three players are
movement
Dribble running in ‘between the posts’

9 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

SCUNTHORPE UNITED
Neil Cutler dedicated keeper session
Dedicated
keeper
1
3

session
Overview:
This session is 1
designed to help
keepers deal with Standard
crosses of different
practice 2!
For the Standard practice, the
heights, power and keeper receives a ball from 2
trajectories. It will the server, breaks through the
not only show them mannequins and distributes
the technical aspects
of dealing with the
cross, but also how to
use momentum and
power when working
in and around
opposition bodies.
We practise this
because in the
modern game it is
2
becoming more and
more important for
keepers to show
speed, athleticism,
power and agility.
For those aspiring to
reach the top level, Six-yard box LONG
all these attributes practice
are needed when In the Six-yard box practice,
dealing with crosses he must receive a ball into his
in congested areas, chest or push it around the
post, then reset his position for
particularly those a flighted ball across the face
balls delivered with of goal
pace and accuracy. Key
Ball
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

SET-UP Standard practice What are the key Six-yard box adopting a good set
Area Setting up as shown in things to look out for? practice position to receive the
Final third the diagram, a server The keeper must Now, the keeper steps volley. He then opens
Equipment throws a ball over the adjust his starting towards his near post his stance to face play.
Cones, balls, mannequins for the position in line with and takes a volley into For the second ball,
mannequins keeper to catch. The the relevant server. the chest or pushes he must assess the
Number of Players keeper breaks through He must assess the the ball around the flight and use short,
Up to 10 and throws the ball so flight of the ball and post from server 1. sharp, quick steps,
Session time it lands in either coned take off from his non- Server 2 then throws a moving sideways, not
10mins per practice area (1). Continuing, kicking foot, attack ball over the keeper’s backwards, so he still
servers can adjust their the delivery in the air head. He must follow has any obstacles in
positions around the to create momentum its path, deciding view. If he decides to
18-yard box, varying and power in case of a whether to catch it or punch, he must clear
deliveries in terms collision with another punch it (2). with height, width and
of pace, height and player. The distribution What are the key length, keeping an eye
bounce. must be quick and things to look out for? on ball at all times. If
positive. catching at full stretch,
The keeper needs to
he must go down with
use short, sharp feet
the ball to protect it.
into the near post,
10 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

dedicated keeper session

Neil Cutler
3
SCUNTHORPE UNITED
Neil Cutler is
the 35-year-old
goalkeeping coach
Side
at npower League
practice
One side Scunthorpe In the Side practice, the keeper
United. He moved to is tested by a variety of serves,
and again must break through to
the Lincolnshire club distribute
from Bury along with
first-team manager
Alan Knill, and oversees
the development of the
club’s senior and youth
shot-stoppers.
Cutler’s own
goalkeeping career
was cut short in 2007
at Rotherham United,
when he was forced
to retire from the
4
professional game
due to a persistent
back injury. He had
made over 200 senior
appearances for a
host of English sides
including Chester
Opposed
City, Stoke City and
crosses
Stockport County, and
For Opposed crosses, he needs to
made one appearance deal with the aerial cross whilst
in the Premier League communicating with defenders and
for Aston Villa. planning which full-back he will
release to

Key
Ball
movement
Player
movement
Dribble

Side practice What are the key Opposed crosses position in relation
“In the This time, servers things to look out for? Now we change to the ball. This time,
when he gathers the
deliver crosses The keeper must mannequins for
modern in and around the attack the ball as early defenders – so this ball, he throws it out to
game it is mannequins with pace. as he can to ensure is a 5v4 attacking a full-back.
The keeper adopts attackers don’t nip overload situation. What are the key
becoming a positive starting in front, making sure The midfielder begins, things to look out for?
more position on the front again that he drives feeding in a firm pass We’re looking for the
foot, and must make a through the ball to to one of the right-
and more positive early decision maintain power and sided wingers, before
keeper to combine
all of the technical
important for if coming for the ball, aggression. heading into the box as and tactical elements
assessing its flight all an additional attacker.
keepers to the time. Target zones These wingers
learnt from the earlier
drills in this practice,
show speed, are added to practise combine freely to except now he needs
distribution, and to fashion a cross into
athleticism, ensure a perceived the box (4). As before,
to communicate at
all times with his
power and target for a quick the keeper adopts defenders as well.
breakaway (3). a positive starting
agility.”
11 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

NOTTS COUNTY
Colin Lee forward runs and passes
Forward SET-UP
runs and
passes 1
Area
Up to a full pitch
Overview: Equipment

This is a shooting Balls, cones, poles (or

session that features mannequins)
Number of Players
the use of runs in
behind, across and in 22 (11v11)
Session time
between defenders.
Much of what we Straight pass 10mins,
coach in this practice Diagonal pass 10mins,
Score zone 10mins,
is to do with diagonal Full pitch 10mins
balls, accuracy,
a precise weight What do I get the
of pass and good players to do?
timing. Straight pass practice
These sorts of runs Set up as shown in the In the Straight pass practice,
are prevalent in every first practice drill. The the attacker makes a curved
game, so cannot wide player comes in run to receive a straight pass
be practised too to receive, then lays a
in the box

2
much. Each time straight forward pass
we run this practice, into an attacker, who
we are increasing bends his run between
understanding, both the poles, receives,
for attackers and and shoots first time
defenders. (1). We then repeat the
Our striker Lee practice from the other
Hughes is one of the side.
best players I’ve seen Diagonal pass practice
at making this type
of run. Next, the ball is passed
to the right-side
For this session, we receiver, who controls
will stop and coach one-touch, then lofts a
in between each pass into the run of the
individual practice, attacker who motions
rotating players as In the Diagonal pass
to pull off and lose an practice, a lofted ball is
we do.

3
imaginary defender. controlled and shot in two
touches
The striker has one
touch to control,
then shoots at goal
(2). Again, repeat the
practice from the other
side.
We can progress the
move by adding in a
covering defender who
must track back and
attempt to prevent the

“Timing of
run and
accuracy To progress this, we add a
defender who can track back

of pass are Key

Ball
movement
aiming to prevent a shot
being taken

essential.”
Player
movement
Dribble

12 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

forward runs and passes

4
shot(3).
Score zone game
Colin Lee We now apply these
NOTTS COUNTY
principles into a simple
9v9 game. Simply, to
Colin Lee is a score, a player must
vastly experienced receive the ball from a
football coach, who pass into the end zone
came into the game (4). We can add wide
as an apprentice players outside the
with Bristol City in area who are restricted
1974. He moved to two touches.
on to Torquay
United, before Full pitch game
landing a dream We now move the
move to Tottenham Score zone game onto In the Score zone game,
teams must work a way
Hotspur, then a full pitch, with goals around opponents and
Chelsea, before and keepers at both score with a timed, arced
ending his playing ends. Again, attackers run into the zone

career at Brentford must bend and time

in 1989. their runs in order to

5
When his playing receive passes – one
career ended, Lee touch to control, the
became youth- second to shoot(5).
team coach at We’ll again progress by
Brentford and allowing a defender to
Watford, before track back, although
taking charge at an additional attacker
Watford in 1990. can break so as to
He then moved on create a 2v1 overload in
to first-team and the box (6).
assistant-manager What are the key
roles at Reading, things to look out
Leicester City and for?
Wolves. Timing of run and
Moved onto a full pitch, the
After managing accuracy of pass are attacker now advances and
Wolves, he moved essential. Strikers shoots at goal
into the hotseats must make a good first
at Torquay United, touch towards goal to
Walsall and get themselves into a
position to shoot, with

6
Millwall, before
returning to Torquay the shot being firm and
as Chief Executive. precise.
He is now first-team
coach at Notts
County.

In the progression, a
Key
Ball
second attacker and
movement
Player
defender can also enter
movement
Dribble
the box for a 2v1 situation

13 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

NORTHERN IRELAND
UNDER-15s GIRLS midfield rotation and forward movement
Noel
Mitchell
Midfield
rotation and
SET-UP
Area
Full pitch
1 A B

forward Equipment

movement Bibs, cones, goals

Number of Players
Overview: Up to 21
This is a warm-up Session time

session in the form Pass and rotation

of a match-related 15mins, B A
main practice 20mins,
drill. Flexibility is game 20mins.
key in this practice,
from building up What do I get the
play from out wide to players to do?
encouraging players Pass and rotation
to come inside and In Pass and rotation,
play narrow. This features three one-twos are made with
teams of three, with Bs, whilst when using As,
The drill uses a outside players As
the passing player cannot
receive the ball back
combination of and Bs, who have
short, lofted and long

2
two touches and play
passes with players to whichever team
specialising in one- passes to them(1). A B
and two-touch play. Each team has a ball,
This warm-up and must exchange
drill would be passes using the
incorporated into outside players, albeit
our training plan at with restrictions:
least once a week, • When a player passes
developed into a to an A player, he
longer main session cannot receive the ball
B A

at least three times back – it must go to a

throughout the team mate.
course of the season.
• When a player passes
It is important to a B player, he must
to practise it go to get the ball and
because rotation continue.
The practice is then
and movement developed into a 4v4
represents a total We work for five
football concept, and minutes, then rotate
is great for helping to players.

3a
develop astute and Next, we build into a
intelligent players in game of 4v4 or 5v5
the game. Ultimately, using the same format
we want players to be (2), progressing again 5

brave enough to take so that players must

the ball in tight areas, make three passes 8 6
and if the session before they can pass
breaks down, we’ll out. 1 7
stop play to show Main practice
players why. This is a half pitch 4 2

drill for 16 players. It

works on individual
technique for passing, 3
whilst attacking the
The ball is passed around the
goal as a team. The Key
Ball area – each player having
ball is passed around
movement
Player
movement a specific position and
Dribble movement task

14 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

midfield rotation and forward movement

3b
the area, as shown(3a),
eventually ending with 5

a cross to be attacked
Noel Mitchell (3b). Players move
NORTHERN IRELAND around bases and the 7
UNDER-15s GIRLS practice is re-run as 8
Noel Mitchell is a UEFA soon as the first circuit 6
A-licence coach and has finished - player
manager of Northern 1
1 takes the position of 2
Irish side Coagh United,
a position he has held
player 3, 2 moves to 6,
since 1994. 3 to 4, 4 to 2, 5 to 7, 6 to 4

5, 7 to 8, while 8 shoots
Additionally, as
manager of Northern
and rejoins the starting
Ireland Under-15s group. 3

girls team, the How do I put Having worked the ball to

45-year-old recently this into a game the flank, the circuit ends
clinched back-to-back situation? with a cross into the box
victories in the Bob
In the space in between
Doherty International
Tournament, held
the penalty boxes, we
in Wales in 2011 and play 11v8. In the 11, the
Dublin this year. back four wear blue,

4a
As a player, Mitchell
the midfielders white,
turned out for Glentoran and the attackers
and Ards in the Irish red – these groups
league, as well as are three-touch, but
earning international passes can only be
caps for the Northern made to players in
Ireland amateur side. different coloured
shirts. Opposition
yellows are all-in
(4a/4b).
What are the key
things to look out
for?
Throughout, players
In the 11v8 game, the team of
must communicate 11 constructs a three-touch
well, take the ball on forward move, passing only
“Creativity in the turn and always
be looking over
to players of a different shirt
colour
the final third their shoulders for
is essential, opportunities and

4b
threats. Creativity
the space in the final third is
for which essential, the space
for which is created
is created by quality passing,
by quality good timing and clever
midfield movement
passing patterns and rotations.
good timing
and clever
midfield
movement, If yellows turn the ball
patterns and Key
Ball
movement
over they can play all-in, in
attacking the other goal
rotations.”
Player
movement
Dribble

15 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

booked: this month’s choice

Practice,practice,
practice...

Bounce Matthew and his brother were of West Berlin in Germany. He

How Champions Are Made introduced to a local table tennis divided them into three groups.
Matthew Syed club. They trained before and Outstanding students expected
Fourth Estate 296pp
Amazon £6.50 after school, at weekends and to become international soloists,
in the school holidays. This head extremely good players destined

M
start for Matthew and his brother for positions in leading orchestras,
atthew Syed came from (who also achieved table tennis and a less able group with a future
an ordinary family and greatness) combined with a top as music teachers. The question
claims to have possessed coach and a strong local club, made posed was what separated the three
little in the way of sporting the difference. But he was not the groups? The biographical histories
talent. Yet he became the British table only one. It turns out that within a few of the three groups were similar
tennis champion, holding the title for streets of his Reading primary school and showed no marked differences.
ten years, before becoming a national no less than 11 junior and senior table They started formal lessons and
newspaper sports writer. So who tennis champions emerged from practice aged eight, and all decided
better to assemble the compelling the same generation. Syed himself to become musicians aged around
evidence that sporting geniuses are poses the question: what would have 15. The only real difference between
not born but created. Bounce shows been the outcome if he had lived the groups was simply the number of
with dazzling clarity how genetics in a different Reading street, and hours devoted to serious practice. By
plays a very much smaller part in the attended a different primary school? the age of 20, the best violinists had
development of sporting superstars The evidence from Syed’s own practised an average of 10,000 hours
than has been previously assumed, story and those of many others, that – more than 2,000 hours more than
and convincingly explains how it is not what champions are like the good violinists and more than
circumstances, chance, and above that matters, but where they are 6,000 hours more than those hoping
all practice are the overwhelmingly from, is stunning. Although Syed to become music teachers.
dominant factors in the achievement has met many top sportsmen and This finding has become known
of excellence. women, he freely attributes most of as “the 10,000 hour rule” – the
Syed’s fascinating analysis of the collateral for his arguments to minimum time believed necessary
how he got to the top shows how others. He acknowledges his debt for the acquisition of expertise in
these factors can come together in a to the researcher Anders Ericsson any complex task. Syed steps back
random way. For no particular reason of Florida State University, the social to point out that implications are
that he can ascertain, his parents commentator Malcolm Gladwell far wider than simple for sporting
bought a table tennis table when he (Outliers), and authors Geoff Colvin achievement and apply to work,
was eight. It was set up in the garage, (Talent is Overrated) and Daniel Coyle business, politics, and life in general.
and was permanently accessible. (The Talent Code). “If we believe that attaining
Matthew had an elder brother and The most extensive investigation excellence hinges on talent, we are
they played endlessly. A teacher at into the source of outstanding talent likely to give up if we show insufficient
his primary school happened to be was undertaken by Ericsson among early promise. If on the other hand,
the country’s best table tennis coach. violinists from the Music Academy we believe that talent is not implicated

16 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

booked: this month’s choice

in our future achievements, we are
likely to persevere.”
Bounce is full of examples that
How they were made
prove how the roots of so-called Tiger Woods got a golf club for with the money top players
talent seen in top sports people, Christmas before he was one could earn, he and his wife
such as lightning reaction speeds, and was positioned in his high decided to create a tennis
astonishing anticipation, and chair watching his father Earl champion. In fact he made
instinctive movements, are actually hit balls into a net in the garage. two. Venus and Serena were
the product of enhanced brain Aged two he was entered for born within 15 months of each
processes developed through a pitch and putt competition, other. Richard Williams taught
practice. World-class tennis players could hit a ball 80 yards with a himself to coach and would
can tell where a serve will land based wood and pitch accurately from hit hundreds of balls to the
on the tiny changes to the server’s 40 yards. When he was four girls, aged four and three. The
hips and body position. Chess players his father hired a professional longest session lasted from
“chunk” the information on the board coach to accelerate his 8am to 3pm. Serena entered
in front of them rather than perceive development. Practice sessions her first competition at the age
the position of each individual piece. ended with a competitive drill of four and a half.
These performers were not born such as how many consecutive David Beckham would take a
with this ability – it has been gained putts Tiger could make – up football to a park in east London
through experience. Syed highlights to 70 at a time. Woods won his as a child, kicking it from
Desmond Douglas, also a British first national major tournament precisely the same spot for
table tennis champion, renowned for aged 13. hours on end. He was signed by
his fast reaction speeds. To the sport’s Venus and Serena Williams Manchester United at the age of
surprise when Douglas actually had benefited from a devoted father 14. His trademark bending free
his overall reaction speeds tested, who, it is said, was flipping TV kick is a deliberate technique
he turned out to be no better than channels when he saw the practised over and over again.
sluggish. The findings were such a winner of a tennis match win a “My secret is practice,” says
shock that at first no one believed cheque for $40,000. Impressed Beckham.
them. On further investigation by
Syed, who looked deeply into the
player’s early playing history, the world’s leading soccer nation is, in of motivation and faith and belief,
explanation became clear. Douglas the popular perception, due to the other key ingredients in the of a
had spent the first five years of free flowing style of play and skills world-class performer in sporting
his table tennis life in a cramped developed in beach football. However, discipline. The sections of the book
Birmingham classroom with so increasing evidence shows that in fact highlighting the placebo effect and a
little space between the end of the it is the far more widely played game discussion on the role of drugs and
table and the walls that the players of futsal – contained within a smaller drug abuse, are perhaps parallel
developed a form of “speed table pitch with fewer players and a heavier debates that whilst are arguably
tennis”. “Douglas spent more hours ball, leading to more touches per relevant to analysis of superior
than any other player encoding the player and greater control of the ball – performance, are not central to the
characteristics of a highly specific which is in fact the root cause. main theme of the book. To that extent
type of table tennis: the kind played For those with an interest in the they seem tacked on.
at maximum pace, close to the table. physiological side of performance Bounce has nothing to say about
That is how a man with sluggish Bounce provides plenty of material team performance, though the
reactions became the fastest player from psychologists and sports principles laid out in this book that
on the planet.” scientists as to how the brain moulds underpin individual achievement
Practice alone however is not itself and the motor skills that it surely must be applicable to groups
enough. It must be deliberate, controls as a result of thousands of performers. For coaches of team
purposeful practice. This means not hours of practice. Movements and games the inescapable conclusion
just repeating easy actions and skills, reactions become hard-coded in the is that constant repetitive purposeful
but challenging a player with new and neural pathways of the brain, creating practice, whether in drill-based
more difficult options until they are the impression that highly skilled activities or game-based play, is the
“second nature”. actions are innate. key to achievement.
The ascendancy of Brazil as the Syed also writes about the role

Here at Elite Soccer, the psychological side of sports practice, but look to showcase the best going forward.
we value highly the there are undoubtedly a number of gems In striving to make Elite Soccer the ultimate
knowledge and we’ve not uncovered. monthly soccer coaching title, we’re
judgement of you, our We’d like to hear from you if there’s a always keen to hear your feedback on the
subscribers. Over the past few months coaching book that has really helped to magazine’s content - be that our book
we’ve been delighted to put forward some shape and focus your side. Contact us at reviews, bonus manager features, or the
fantastic coaching literature that examines [email protected], and we’ll coaching sessions themselves.

17 june 2012 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

EXTRA-TIME

glenn roeder/aston villa

This month, we find out what former enhances my knowledge of players “If Their chief scout, Graham Carr,
Norwich City, Newcastle United in Europe, especially in France, has done wonders with the players
Holland and Germany. 
Newcastle that he has found in France, Holland
and West Ham United manager
Glenn Roeder has been doing since
suddenly and Germany. I watched Papiss Cisse
stepping away from the managerial
hotseat.
A re you looking to get back into
front-line management?
I would certainly look forward
hadto
haveafire
for Freiburg earlier this season and
was very positive about him.
sale,they
W hat have you been doing since
leaving Norwich in 2009?
to going into a senior role at a
football club. It wouldn’t have to be couldsell
allofthose
H ow impressive has their player
recruitment been considering
their limited resources?
I got to know Gérard Houllier while he managing. When I look back since
was manager at Liverpool and when retiring from playing, I have covered players Mike Ashley has proved why he is so
he took over at Aston Villa in 2010 every role in a full-time capacity that theyhave astute in business. He has sold at the
he gave me a scouting role, which I there is to cover in a football club. The bought highest point and bought at value
for money. He has found the highest
thoroughly enjoy. I spend a lot of time role that would interest me greatly is recently prices possible for the players he has
in Europe, watching players for Aston that of sporting director, or director of forthreeor
Villa. football. I think I’d be highly qualified sold, and he has reinvested in others
for that role, because I have done
fourtimes who have all proved to be bargains. If
Scouting is something I have done
in the past, but not as intensely as everything from managing in the
whatthey they suddenly had to have a fire sale,
I have done for Villa these past two Barclays Premier League to being paidfor they could sell all of those players
seasons. I’ve really enjoyed it and it academy director at Newcastle. them.” they have bought recently for three or
four times what they paid for them.

W hat have you made of

Newcastle United’s progress
this season? N orwich have also done
brilliantly this season. How
They’ve been absolutely much potential did you see in the
brilliant. Having squad when you were in charge?
spent eight years up Only two players who I knew are really
there as a player featuring on a regular basis under
and a manager, Paul Lambert. One of those players is
Newcastle is very Adam Drury, who has been a stalwart
dear to my heart. It’s there for many years, and the other is
great they are having a player I brought in, Wes Hoolahan,
such success under who we got for a good price. Lambert
Alan Pardew, who has brought in many fantastic players
would be the first to of his own, like Grant Holt – the type
admit that it was Chris of player that a lot of managers in the
Hughton who got them Premier League and Championship
going again after they might never have looked at. He has
were relegated. Hughton got a talent for not only choosing good
did extremely well to get players but also good characters,
them back up again because they play with great spirit.
They have a good academy
at the first time of
there, too. There is not a great deal
asking, which is very
of competition for young players
important.
from other professional clubs in the
local area, which helps. They have a
fantastic training ground, and they
are very well supported, with full
houses every week. The supporters
deserve it. Alongside Brendan
Rodgers, he is arguably the standout
manager of the season.

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