www.elitesoccercoaching.

net march 2013

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

Glasgow Celtic

neil
lennon
COUNTER-ATTACKING MASTERCLASS
Pace • Positioning • Final product
Exclusive om top
In partnership with

Training practicesafrers
professional man g

Leeds United Huddersfield Town West Ham United Sheffield United Gillingham

NEIL MARK Neil JAMIE JAMES

WARNOCK ROBINS mcdonald HOYLAND RUSSELL
Quickmovement Crossing and Perfecting the The dedicated Post-match
in the final third finishing 4-3-3 formation defence recovery
interview with rangers
extra-time: manager ally mccoist
 In partnership with

Elite Soccer is published by:

issue 32/march 2013: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Coachinginsightfromthe cream of the British game

Green Star Media Ltd
Meadow View, Tannery Lane
Guildford, Surrey,
GU5 0AB, UK
Dear Coach, 4
Welcome to the March issue of Elite Soccer. NEIL LENNON
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894
As the season nears its crucial phase, we’re delighted CELTIC
Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148
Email:
to present another collection of informative training Counter-
[email protected] ground practices that, we hope, will offer insight and
inspiration.
attacking
Publisher: And what better way to start than by delving under
masterclass
Kevin Barrow
Editor:
James Evans
the surface of one of the season’s major success stories – Celtic’s
incredible 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Parkhead. 6
Contributing Editor: It was a match in which many felt the Spaniards’ technical passing NEIL WARNOCK
LEEDS UNITED
Matthew Amos, LMA game would provide a clear winning formula, but Hoops boss Neil
Design: Lennon reveals for us the tactical thinking that led to his side achieving Quick
Jimmy Egerton arguably their best ever Champions League result. It’s a counter- movement
Illustrator:
Richard Palmer
attacking set-up that combines passing, movement and positivity, and
we present it here for readers of Elite Soccer.
in the final
Customer Services:
Duncan Heard Moving into the npower Football League, we’re delighted to have
third
two sessions from the Championship. Renowned as one of the most
8
Marketing Manager:
Paul Mortimer competitive divisions in Europe, it has the fifth highest combined
Operations Director: average attendance in all world domestic soccer. So firstly, from Leeds MARK ROBINS
Toby Curthoys United, manager Neil Warnock presents a session that examines quick HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Managing Director:
Andrew Griffiths
movement in the final third, both in terms of individual players and as
units. Then, new Huddersfield Town manager Mark Robins offers us
Crossing
Photos: Action Images
a practice that looks to achieve similar attacking excellence, the time and
Publishedinpartnershipwith: from the pure perspective of crossing and finishing. finishing
As usual, we’re also featuring sessions from three forward-thinking
coaches. Neil McDonald, assistant manager at West Ham United,
examines the roles and responsibilities of players in a 4-3-3 formation,
10
League Managers
when in possession of the ball. NEIL McDONALD
Association WEST HAM UNITED
St George’s Park
National Football Centre
And from Sheffield United, Academy Manager Jamie Hoyland looks
at defensive positions, detailing how players can move and adapt their Perfecting
Newborough Road roles depending on where the ball is. the 4-3-3
formation
Needwood
Burton upon Trent DE12 9PD Finally, Gillingham Head of Sports Science James Russell puts forward
Tel: +44 (0)1926 831 556 a superb post-match recovery session, looking at the physical activities
Email: [email protected]
President:
players of the League Two side will perform in the immediate 24 hours
after a game. 13
Roy Hodgson
We hope you enjoy these six bespoke training practices, and of course, JAMIE
Chairman:
look forward to bringing more your way next month. HOYLAND
Howard Wilkinson SHEFFIELD UNITED
Chief Executive:
Richard Bevan
The
dedicated
This publication is protected
by national and international
defence
Best regards,
15
copyright laws. Elite Soccer will
take legal action against any
individuals or organisations Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman
found to be infringing our rights, JAMES RUSSELL
and will make that action public. GILLINGHAM
Elite Soccer members who
have purchased this report may
Elite Soccer is a monthly publication Post-match
circulate electronic or hard
copies to members of their own for professional, semi-professional recovery
club or school, provided this is
done without commercial gain. and aspiring soccer coaches and is session
However, no part or whole of
this report may be circulated
elsewhere or displayed on available by subscription only. 3M
 ANAGEMENT
MATTERS
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commercially except under £97 for 12 issues. Our review of the past month
17 EXTRA-TIME:
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© Green Star Media Ltd. All rights
reserved
To subscribe email ... with Rangers manager Ally
[email protected] McCoist

or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894 19 B OOKED

Elite sports book review

2 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

management matters

MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

In the Barclays In the npower In npower And Gillingham

Premier Championship, League One, manager
League, Leicester City the plaudits Martin Allen
Reading manager Nigel Pearson took went to Walsall boss Dean kept his side firmly in position
manager Brian McDermott the divisional award after Smith. After a slow start to to challenge for the npower
took the January award after leading his side to four wins out the campaign, the Saddlers League Two title in January
his side’s incredible run of form of four in December. had already shown signs with three league wins over
took them out of the relegation The Foxes kicked off the month of improvement at the end the course of the month.
places. with a 6-1 home victory against of 2012, but in January they Indeed, in seeing off Southend
The Royals showed Huddersfield Town, then registered four straight United, Bristol Rovers and
tremendous resilience in grabbed four goals in their next league wins, seeing off Northampton Town, the Gills
coming from behind to beat game away at Bristol City. Stevenage, Portsmouth, kept three clear sheets.
West Bromwich Albion and Home victories over Preston North End and title They also picked up a useful
Newcastle United, as well as Middlesbrough and favourites Bournemouth. point against York City
snatching two late goals to Wolverhampton Wanderers The 41-year-old saw his side towards the end of the month
draw 2-2 at home to Chelsea. capped a satisfying month for conclude the month with to confirm their tag as title
They also progressed through Pearson, whose side remain defeat at Colchester United, favourites.
to the fifth round of the FA Cup well in touch with the automatic but by then the club had Gillingham: W3 D1 L1
with victories over Crawley promotion picture. climbed to within shooting
Town and Sheffield United. Leicester City: W4 D0 L0 distance of the play-off places,
Their star man during the and subsequently won their
month was striker first two matches in February.
Adam Le Fondre, who Walsall: W4 D0 L1
grabbed seven goals.
Reading : W2 D1 L1 (league only)

CAREERPATH all the players together at my house and we

camped in tents in the garden. That was a
bit different, and sure enough, we shot to
game are the ultimate winners.
Q. Has football changed much since you
took your first managerial job a decade
... with Martin Allen, manager of npower the top of the table. ago?
League Two side Gillingham Q. Having enjoyed a successful playing A. In terms of the coaching and
Q. You’re said to have some career, which qualities did you bring management side, the technology has
unconventional management methods. through to management? progressed to another level, but in the
What do you think has been your most A. For me it’s about having respect – for lower leagues it’s much more about
effective? yourself, for your team mates, and for commitment, desire, knowledge
A. Any method that gets your players the opposition. You don’t want to respect and experience. They are the things
onside and buying into the spirit of the team opponents too much, but a healthy that will, ultimately, win you football
and the club is a method worth employing. appreciation that you’re in a battle is good matches. I think sometimes people
I’ve found that the message works better for preparation. can become slightly obsessed
at some places more than others, and As a player, I was also taught to treat my with laptops and gadgets,
naturally, players respond to what we do in trade seriously, but once the match is whereas really it’s about
different ways, but at the end of the day it’s over, to enjoy what is a fantastic and very application, commitment
about unity, togetherness, an ‘all for one’ privileged sport to be involved in. I think and belief. It was the same 10
attitude, and it’s clear it works. those players and managers who can years ago and it’ll still be the
In my first managerial job at Barnet, I got recognise where to draw a line under a same 10 years from now.

3 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

CELTIC
Neil Lennon counter-attacking masterclass
Counter-
attacking
masterclass
SET-UP
Area
Half pitch
1a 5

Overview: Equipment
Balls, cones, goal 35
This session looks at
Number of Players
counter-attacking with
an overload. We run 15
Session time
this regularly because
when an opposition Counter-attacking 5
game and half-pitch
attack breaks down, game - 4x4mins each
it’s crucial we’re ready
and prepared to break What do I get the
quickly, capitalising on players to do?
the fact they are out of Counter-attacking In the counter-attacking
25
position. game game, whites attack at
We used this principle Setting up as shown, pace, move into the end
zone and score a goal
to devastating effect for this game is 5v5. The
our second goal against object for each team
Barcelona in this is to link up with clever
season’s Champions passing, break into the 5
League. Leading 1-0,
and having repelled
a series of attacks
end zone and score in
the goal (1a). Defenders
cannot retreat into
1b
from the Spaniards, the end zone until 35
we launched the ball attackers enter it.
forward quickly and When a team scores,
Tony Watt scored with the goalscorer has
a fantastic drive past to run around the 5
Victor Valdes to give us goal and re-enter the
breathing space. playing area from the
other side. As he is
doing this, the server
plays a new ball into
the area to the other
25

The player who scores

team, therefore must run around the goal,
and a new ball is served
encouraging them to immediately, thus creating
counter forward in a a 5v4 counter-attacking
5v4 situation (1b). overload

Players who were

5
“When an previously on the attack

1c
are now defenders,
opposition their task being to
attack breaks contain and recover
the opposition’s attack 35
down, it’s while their fifth player
crucial we’re comes back into play.
It is for this reason that
ready and counter-attacks are 5
prepared to done at pace, so as to
make full use of the
break quickly, one-man advantage.
capitalising However, players must
ensure moving at pace
on the fact isn’t at the expense of
25

But on this occasion the

they are out of losing possession (1c). Key
Ball
movement
counter-attack fails, and
whites find themselves
position.”
Player
movement back on the attack
Dribble

4 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

counter-attacking masterclass

2a
Half pitch
Now we move to a half
pitch, with four groups
Neil Lennon of three attackers
CELTIC (2a), and two groups
Neil Lennon is manager of two defenders who
of Scottish Premier rotate frequently.
Division champions Blue attackers feed
Celtic, and this season
whites on the halfway
masterminded a
tremendous 2-1
line. These players
Champions League advance, attacking
success over Barcelona. 3v2 (2b). As the attack
The Northern Ireland- happens, blues In the half pitch game, the
ball is fed to the whites
born 41-year-old joined assume the positions who attack the goal 3v2
the club as first-team of the reds, ready to
coach in 2008, but commence the next
was promoted to the attack. When the white
post of manager two attack finishes, players
years later. In 2011 he exit to the opposite side
clinched the Scottish they received the ball

2b
Cup Final for the club, from.
following that up with
the SPL title a year later. To progress this
As a player, Lennon had
practice, we leave
already made over 200 two attackers on
senior appearances the pitch after each
before he got his break 3v2, also adding two
in the Premier League, extra defenders who
when signing for approach from behind
Leicester City in 1996. the goal. This creates a
He went on to become 5v4 (3).
a pivotal part of the
Foxes midfield under What are the key
then manager Martin things to look out Clever movement

O’Neill, before moving for? and use of space sees

the attackers work a
on to Celtic, Nottingham In each practice goalscoring chance as
Forest and Wycombe players need to pass blues prepare to start
Wanderers. and move at pace. If
too many touches are
made, or if players
fail to utilise good
movement and

3
positioning, attacks
will break down.

By leaving two attackers

up the pitch and bringing
in two defenders, we
change the game to a 5v4

5 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

LEEDS UNITED
Neil quick movement in the final third
Warnock
1a
Key
SET-UP
Quick
Ball
movement
Player

movement
Area movement
Dribble

Up to full pitch
in the final Equipment
third Balls, cones, goals
Number of Players
Overview:
Up to 22
Quick, intelligent Session time
play in the final third
Breakout 20mins,
is essential if a team 11v11 20mins
is going to create and
convert goalscoring What do I get the
opportunities. players to do? In the Small-sided game,
a 3v3 plus neutral passing
I like to run this Small-sided game – move begins in the right-
session because breakout hand box
it coaches players Setting up as shown,
in manipulating this game is 3v3 plus a
the ball, using a neutral (who plays with
variety of turns and the attacking team)
techniques. We in each of the boxes.
look at combination Further up the pitch,

1b
play, movement, there is a defender and
dribbling, as well keeper, who patrol the
as attacking and penalty area.
counter-attacking at
speed. The coach serves into
the right-hand box.
It’s the type of The team that wins
practice we’ll use in possession are the
the immediate lead- attackers, and must
up to a game so that pass the ball amongst
players approach themselves, making
match day fresh and use of their one-man
full of ideas. advantage. The Whites move the ball
around, then release their
defending team must attacker, who goes 1v1 with
press the man with the the defender, then shoots.
ball (1a). As he does this, a new
passing move begins in the
When ready, attackers left-hand box
set free one man to
‘break out’ of the box. In the progression, attackers
break out as a team – 4v3 –
He goes 1v1 against pursued by defenders who
the defender, looking must recover ground quickly

2
to get past his man and to support their lone defender
“We’ll use score past the keeper.
positioned in the penalty area

this practice As soon as the break

occurs, a ball is served
in the into the other box, for
immediate a similar possession
game and breakout
lead-up to to begin (1b). Players
a game so always recover to their
original start positions,
that players though we rotate
approach the lone defender
frequently.
match day
fresh and full
of ideas.”
6 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

quick movement in the final third

Neil Warnock
LEEDS UNITED
3a
Neil Warnock is now
in his 13th managerial
role having joined Leeds
United in the summer
of 2012. Starting out
at Gainsborough
Trinity back in 1980,
the 64-year-old’s
commitment to the
game has seen him
travel around the
country managing the
likes of Notts County, In the 11v11 full-pitch game, players
Plymouth Argyle, work 4v4 in the middle, and must
Sheffield United, make three passes
Crystal Palace and
QPR, winning multiple
promotions and taking

3b
two clubs (Sheffield
United and QPR) into the
Premier League.
As a player, Warnock – a
winger – made over 300
senior appearances,
before hanging up
his boots at Crewe
Alexandra in 1979.

They can either lay a ball into the

Key
feet of a frontman, or it can go wide
Ball
movement
to the winger
Player
movement
Dribble
Optional pass/
run

How do I progress What are the key finding a way past an channel where an
the game? things to look out opponent. attacking winger
for? awaits (3b).
“We’re Now we allow the
whole team to break We’re looking for
11v11 full-pitch
If the ball goes to the
Setting up as shown,
looking for out, thus replicating players to make quick the full-pitch game attacker, he has one
players to the movement in a
counter-attack. The
one-twos, breaking
out of the box with
begins 4v4 in the touch before shooting.
If it goes to a winger,
central box. Players
make quick defender must aim to speed and positivity. must link up one- players in the central
one-twos, slow the 4v3 attacking
breakout to enable his
Players must find
space, and time
touch, with the aim of area ‘break out’. The
winger must take a
making three passes
breaking team mates to retreat passes into feet, while (3a). Then, the ball touch before sending a
out of the to defensive positions
(2).
breakout players must
dribble with purpose,
can either be played cross into the box to be
attacked. Play restarts
forward to one of the
box with displaying individual strikers (who is being in the middle after
speed and skills such as feints
and step-overs in
man-marked), or each attack.
it can go into either
positivity.”
7 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Mark crossing and finishing
Robins
1
3 The left winger prepares 1 The ball is worked to
Crossing to move into the box the target player

and
to support inrushing
attackers
finishing
Overview:
Crossing and
finishing is an
inherent part of
attacking play, and
this quick-paced
session addresses
that by working on
creation of space and
movement in the box. 2 Possession is
then fed out to the
It’s also an right winger
important session
for rehearsing the
second phase of play,
both for attackers
and defenders.

2
This time the team
abandons the flanks and
concentrates the attack
through the middle

In the first progression,

blues construct four
quick passes

“We’re looking
for purposeful
Key
Ball
movement
Player

forward runs,
movement
Dribble

with players SET-UP What do I get the The winger in winger can also enter
taking up key Area players to do? possession takes
a touch to set up a
from the other side
and, with his team
The server plays the
attacking Half pitch
Equipment ball into the central cross. Blues break mates, attack the
positions in Balls, cones, goals area, to any player on into the box with the
focus being on good
cross.
the blue team. Blues At the end of the attack
the box, at Number of Players
14 have to make three attacking movement. – and whether a goal
near and far Session time
passes before working We’re looking for
purposeful forward
is scored or not - blues
the ball to their return to the central
posts, in front Session 10mins,
progressions 10mins target player, who is runs, with players box. Now the server
of the keeper, each positioned just inside taking up key attacking
positions in the box,
plays the ball in to
the box. The ball is the red team, who
and on edge of then fed wide to either at near and far posts, must repeat the task,
the box (ready of their two wingers in front of the keeper,
and on edge of the box
attacking the opposite
(1). Blue players now goal.
for a second make runs into the (ready for a second
ball).” penalty area. ball). The opposite

8 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

crossing and finishing

Mark Robins
3a In the second
progression,
defenders are
allowed to retreat
into the box
HUDDERSFIELD
TOWN
Mark Robins was
announced as the new
manager of npower
Championship side
Huddersfield Town on
February 14, 2013.
The 43-year-old former
Manchester United
striker joined the
Yorkshire outfit after a A cross into the
hugely successful five middle results in a
months at Coventry City, header that’s saved
emerging with a 51%
win ratio in the process
of elevating the Sky
Blues from the npower

3b
League One relegation 1 The keeper rolls
the ball out for reds
places to the verge of to counter-attack
the play-offs. immediately
Having previously
managed in the
Championship
with Barnsley, plus
Rotherham United
lower down the league
structure, Robins
can also draw on the
experience of being an
FA Cup and European
Cup Winners’ Cup
winner under Sir Alex
Ferguson, as well as
having played almost 2 Reds quickly aim to make
400 senior matches four passes in the central
box as blues retreat
for clubs including Key
Ball
Norwich City, Leicester movement
Player
City and Rotherham. movement
Dribble

“Precision How do I progress In the second central area, reds look with players being
of pass is the session? progression, to make four quick aware of transitions
defenders can now consecutive passes and the danger caused
important, To progress, we turn
this into an opposed retreat in order to before attacking the by any turnover of
with players game, where teams defend the cross other goal. possession.
(3a). If successful
being aware have to make four
passes before hitting in protecting their
What are the key
things to look out
of transitions the target player. The goal, defenders
for?
can counter-attack
and the ball can then either go
wide or stay central quickly without the We’re looking for quick
danger as attackers break ball having to go back passing and intelligent
movement into space.
to the server (3b). So
causedbyany into the box, looking to
score (2). with blues having to Precision of pass is
turnover of retreat back to the equally important,

possession.”
9 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

WEST HAM UNITED

Neil Perfecting the 4-3-3 formation
McDonald SET-UP
Key

Perfecting
Ball
movement
Player

the 4-3-3
Area movement
Dribble

Full pitch Optional pass/

formation
run

Equipment

Overview: Balls, cones, goals,

mannequins
This session advises Number of Players
players how to set up 22 (11v11)
playing 4-3-3 when Session time
in possession. It tells
60mins
them where to run,
where to receive and
where to pass, and
is vital in cementing
individual roles as
well as creating unity
between positions
across the
pitch.

Repeating
the session
on a regular basis
enables us to The full pitch Blue arrows show
recognise opposition In this an all- possible areas of
ploys and act upon encompassing diagram, attacking movement,
them, keeping the we outline the session’s depending where the
purpose, namely to break ball is.
flow and movement
of the ball simple, as down playing units: Green lines show
well as being positive defence, midfield, attack. attacking movement.
and determined in Doing this enables us to Pink lines show
highlight how they work defensive movement.
creating goalscoring
in terms of individual The formation flows
chances. responsibilities, but also from 4-3-3 to a 2-5-3
What do I get the in the greater context of when developing attacks,
players to do? the whole team. to a possible 2-3-5 in the
We work through final third. In defending,
different set-ups we would drop back to a
4-5-1.
in outlining the key
qualities required
of players in certain
positions. We can
use poles and
mannequins to help
Neil McDonald he also starred at Everton, at Carlisle United,
WEST HAM UNITED before ending his playing Ostersunds FK and
players recognise days at Preston North End Blackburn Rovers.
and become familiar Neil McDonald enjoyed
in 1998. In June 2011, McDonald
an impressive playing
with their start Moving into coaching, joined up, not for the first
career, notably making
positions, feeding 180 appearances for he worked for Preston, time, with close ally Sam
balls in to them so Newcastle United in his Bolton Wanderers and Allardyce, becoming West
they can practise native north-east. As Crystal Palace, then Ham United assistant
the positional and right-back or midfielder, stepped into management manager.

10 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

movement-based Perfecting the 4-3-3 formation

advice offered.
Key
That movement is The final third Ball
movement
essential and must • If the ball goes into the centre-forward, the other two
Player
movement
Dribble
be seen across all forwards move, so one goes behind and the other comes Optional pass/
run
portions of the pitch. close in to support. If the ball goes to a wide man, the
We also want a other forwards make runs into the box - one
willingness to create going to the front post, and the other to the
2v1 situations, as back post.
well as a competency • When the ball goes into the
in players receiving forwards, at least two of the
the ball with their midfielders must drive in to
backs to goal support, with full-backs also likely to
(although they need make overlapping runs.
to grow competent at • The player with his back to goal must hold
receiving side-on as the ball up.
well). •Always look for 1v1 situations, and 2v1 overloads where
Our philosophy possible.
comes from • Movement to support is crucial.
recognising that the • Either play narrow to interlink play, or wide to leave space for
pitch represents support.
a series of small • We need a definite end product – a final pass or a shot.
battles. This leads
us to create and
concentrate on units
before bringing what
has been learnt back
together again on The middle third
match day. • If the player receiving has his back to goal, we must
Operating as units see good movement from players around him in
creating passing options.
Where each of the • If the ball is received side on, the
defending, midfield player must be on the front foot,
and attacking units looking to drive into space.
are concerned, we • We will always
want players to get expect support from
the first pass off behind, and from full-
quickly in order to backs, again looking to
start the forward create 2v1 situations.
movement. Units
must look for the
areas in which to
receive the ball and
support, with a final
pass, shot or cross The defensive third
resulting from the • Defenders, when bringing the ball out
play. of defence, must spread out to make the
Operating as a team pitch big.
As a team, we look • The first pass would typically go
for players to see into the midfielder, although
the signs and have defenders may choose to
seek out a striker.
the intelligence
and ability to act on • Fellow defenders
must adjust their
them. The flow and
positions in relation to where
movement of the ball the ball is.
must be kept simple,
• We are looking for forward runs or a
with players being
support outlet, depending on the position
positive at all times of the defender and any encroaching
and actively seeking attacking players.
out overloads. We

11 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

want to see good

close control, the Perfecting the 4-3-3 formation
determination to
create goalscoring Key

The defending half Ball

movement
chances, and an Player
movement

awareness of both • This diagram represents bringing playing units Dribble

Optional pass/
together. The back four split, with full-backs run
team mates and pushing forward, and the three midfielders make
opponents. themselves available. The intention here is
How do I put to try to play the ball into the midfield
this into a game to support, although that may
situation? not always be possible, and
it might need to go to a
To rehearse all full-back.
elements of this • Players in the
session in a small- defending half should
sided game, play adjust positions depending
4v3 on a half-pitch, on whether the ball goes to the
with the emphasis midfielders or the full-backs.
on reproducing the • The emphasis remains on how players
individual and team receive... back to goal or side-on.
elements practised • Players must find the spare man with a pass.
in the units above. In • Good interlinking play is crucial.
particular, creating
2v1s all across
the pitch will hold The attacking half
significant rewards. • The emphasis here is on interlinking play between the
front players, with support from the full-backs.
• Players must not progress beyond the box until
the ball does.
• Players must find the spare man with a
forward pass.
• In the attacking half, we
encourage players to
receive the ball side-
on, with movement in
support.
• While players will
find themselves in 1v1s, with
support coming from midfielders,
full-backs or attackers (depending upon
where the ball is), we’re looking for 2v1 and
3v2 overload situations to be created wherever
possible.
• Players must attack with drive and speed.
• We must see a good end product – be that a cross or a shot.

Beyond the box

• This shows the positions players 4
3
should assume when the ball 1

does advance beyond the 18-yard 4

box – in the example given, the ball has

been played to near the right-hand corner
flag.
• Players 1, 2 and 3 make runs into the box. 5

• Players 4 and 5 are support players.

• The final ball into the centre must be good,
and players must show real determination
to score.

12 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

SHEFFIELD UNITED
Jamie the dedicated defence
Hoyland SET-UP
1
Defenders must work
The side-to-side in relation
dedicated
Area
to the ball
Up to a full pitch
defence Equipment

Overview: Balls, cones, goals,

mannequins
This session is all Number of Players
about defensive
Up to 21
positions. It looks
Session time
at how players
should act when the Unopposed and
opposed back four In the Unopposed
opposing team has 10mins each, practice, the coach
the ball, working 8v6 25mins, moves the ball
firstly with units and Full pitch game across the pitch
then with all of the 35mins
team together. What do I get the A defender
moves forward
It’s important to players to do? when he is the
practise this in order Unopposed back four nearest man to
to retain defensive The first set-up
the ball
shape when out of coaches players
Defenders react
to the ball going
possession. Players

2
in adopting the wide by moving
need to look at which correct position in across the pitch
side to show, which relation to the ball,
side to mark, as and each other. Four
well as assessing mannequins occupy
defensive distances perceived attack
and planning how to positions (two centre-
win the ball back. forwards and two
This is relevant to wingers). The coach
every match we play moves the ball from
in, and we practise side to side, backwards
the session each and forwards. The In the Opposed
week. practice, attackers
nearest man presses link up without
the ball, while the trying to score in the
back four move in goal
relation – side-to-side, The furthest
squeezing out and full-back
can leave his
dropping off (1). man
Opposed back four
Other players move
Now the mannequins in relation to the ball
are replaced with whilst staying close to

3
attackers, who are all their man
two-touch. Attackers
are not looking to
score though, they just
keep the defenders
moving – forwards and
backwards (2), and side
“This session to side (3).
is relevant Defenders must
to every mark on the correct
(goal-)side, should
Defenders must

match we
react to the ball
be tight, remaining being switched

play in, and close enough to the across the pitch

ball to affect play. The In particular,
we practise it nearest defender must
Key
Ball
movement
the full-back
must quickly
each week.” assume a position Player
movement recover to mark
Dribble
his man

13 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

the dedicated defence

4
as if he is about to win
the ball, using good
communication with
Jamie Hoyland team mates at all times.
SHEFFIELD UNITED 8v6 attacking overload
Jamie Hoyland is
Now we bring in
Academy Manager
at Sheffield United,
additional players
overseeing the next to make an 8v6 (4).
breed of talented Attacking full-backs are
youngsters to emerge two-touch and all other
from Bramall Lane. players all-in. Attackers
In the 8v6, defensive
The 47-year-old has a can now score; if the midfielders work in
long association with defending team wins closing down attacking
the Blades, having the ball it must find the team members and
forcing play wide
played for the club in coach. The back four
the Premier League again moves in
Defenders adopt the relation to the ball
between 1992 and 1994.
same principles as
He also appeared for
Manchester City, Bury,
before, but full-backs
Bristol City, Burnley, must now ensure they
Carlisle United and get out to the wide Closing down quickly

5
Scarborough. men quickly (because forces the winger to move
the ball back inside
Hoyland held coaching wingers are being
positions at Bolton supported by other
Wanderers and Preston wide attackers) (5),
North End before halting their forward
moving to the Sheffield momentum, showing
United academy. them down the line
and stopping crosses.
Centre-backs move
across when the ball
is played wide, and the
opposite full-back tucks Defensive midfielders
in to leave the furthest assist the full-back
closing off forward
attacker, but he must passing opportunities
be ready to recover.
Defensive midfielders
work across the ball.
Full-pitch game
In the Full pitch
This is 9v9 outfield plus game, the keeper
a neutral who plays for The attacker forces the begins each attack
receiving centre-back to
the attacking team.

6
play either left or right in
Attacks begin with stimulating the patterns
the keeper feeding a of defensive movement
previously practised
centre-back. Opposing
centre-forwards must
show one way to play,
“This session therefore making
play predictable,
is great for and enabling other
helping defenders to get into
their positions in
players use relation to the ball (6).
the ball in As before, the nearest
small and man presses, while the
midfield screens the
compacted front, closing down if the
Key
Ball
movement

areas.”
Player
ball goes into that area. movement
Dribble

14 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

GILLINGHAM
James post-match recovery session
Russell SET-UP Lunges
Post-match Example of a Lancelot lunge,
recovery
Area
holding for 10 seconds,
Full pitch
session Equipment
completing five on each leg.
Increasing mobility of the
Overview: Full pitch, gym and pool muscles around the hips, and
Number of Players activating quads, glutes and
The high turnover hamstrings as part of the active
of matches for a Full squad mobility circuit.
Session time
professional club can
be strenuous on the 75mins
body, particularly in
the second half of the What do I get the players
season when games to do?
can really mount up. Warming up
Here, the pressure Players report to the training
to succeed and high pitch and complete six full
intensity exertion can laps of the pitch, preferably
really take its toll on dribbling a ball, doing
mind and body. keep-ups, step-overs and Half squats
Example of a body
It is important toe taps. We want them to weight half squat
therefore to ensure get their heart rates up, as completed at walking
the correct recovery well as ‘getting a sweat on’. pace alternating the
strategies are put in Between each lap, players facing direction and
place to maximise complete an active mobility/ holding for three
seconds per squat.
player availability recovery circuit which is set Complete 30 squats to
percentages, up on the side of the pitch further increase the
reduce fatigue and next to a hydration station. mobility around the hip
continually keep the The circuit comprises joint.
physiotherapy room functional mobility exercises
empty. completed at walking pace
This session applies with exaggerated side squats
football specific under hurdles, high legs over
recovery strategies hurdles, banded monster
0-24 hours after walks, forward lunges, side
a game, offering lunges, straight leg raises and
players the best single leg half squats.
opportunity to repair The players have now
damaged muscle completed a pulse raiser
fibres, stay on a high with active mobility/recovery
level of fitness and circuits between each lap.
target psychological This gets the blood flowing, Monster walk
benefits. enhances the removal of lactic Example of a banded
You can adapt the acid, offers rehydration, and monster walk to
session depending loosens tight muscles around activated glutes, quads
the hip and lower back area. and hamstrings as part
on the equipment of an active mobility
and facilities you Gym work circuit. Crouching
have at your disposal, Immediately after the active down low, complete 50
steps.
but this is how we recovery the players will enter
run a recovery at the gym and put their legs up
Gillingham Football on the wall (above the level of
Club. the heart) for five minutes, so
the body’s natural recovery
system of the cardiac pump
can further the removal of
lactic acid.
From this the players will
complete a foam rolling

15 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

post-match recovery session

routine attacking the following

muscles groups for one
minute per muscle: quads/hip
James Russell flexor, hamstrings, iliotibial
GILLINGHAM (IT) band, thoracic spine/upper
James Russell is Head back, piriformis and calves.
of Sports Science at After this the players are free
npower League Two to complete individual static/
side Gillingham.
aided stretches on the same
Working in close muscles groups as above.
proximity to manager
Martin Allen, James Hydrotherapy
is responsible for the Once all stretching and foam
welfare of the first- rolling has been completed the
team squad, looking players enter the pool for 15-20
after everything from minutes for a hydrotherapy
physical conditioning session, keeping their legs
to diet. Foam Rolling
moving in a non-weight Example of Iliotibal band,
James graduated bearing environment. The quads and calves foam
from Liverpool John hydrostatic pressure aids the rolling techniques. Roll
Moores University with for one minute per major
removal of lactic acid.
a Masters Degree and muscle group to further
has held conditioning Contrast bathing increase circulation.
posts at Notts County, Straight after the pool, the
Rochdale and MLS side players complete contrast
Kansas City Wizards. bathing to reduce pain,
swelling and inflammation.
Two colds tubs (at 2-6 degrees)
and two warm tubs (at 30-40
degrees) are used in a 4:1 cold
to warm time ratio.
Soft tissue therapy
Players will complete one
minute on each of the major
muscle groups, further
increasing circulation and
improving recovery. This takes
place in a room designed to Aided stretching
Example of aided
relax the players with soothing stretching of the quads
music and ambient lighting. and hamstring/calves,
“If organised Steam room steadily increasing
the pressure over 20
correctly the To finish the recovery session, seconds.
the players use the steam
post game room to loosen tight airways
recovery and relieve muscle soreness,
however fluid intake prior
session and post steam room must
will take no be monitored to avoid
dehydration.
more than Nutrition
75 minutes, Wearing compression
sending the garments, the players are
released from the club once
players home a high carbohydrate and high
physically protein meal has been eaten in
the players’ restaurant.
and mentally
recovered.”
16 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net
 In partnership with

EXTRA-TIME

ally mccoist glasgow rangers

Elite Soccer speaks to prepared the team, was

Rangers manager Ally involved in the tactics, did
McCoist, who continues the press conferences; the
with the significant the campaign was officially
rebuilding process at my responsibility.
Ibrox. He actually presented
me with his Scottish Cup
Ally McCoist’s medal after we won the
determination, drive and final and said ‘that’s yours’
devotion to the Rangers and it was the final piece in
cause during his 15 years the jigsaw for me of being
fully prepared to manage.
as a player was never in

Y
doubt. Now those same our career as
traits are serving him well Rangers manager
as club manager, during started promisingly, but
one of the most turbulent no apprenticeship could
periods in the Scottish have prepared you for
the financial plight that
giants’ history. McCoist
unfolded at the club,
shares his experiences of which saw them enter
Rangers’ recent financial administration. How
plight with Elite Soccer. much of a shock was that?
It was an unbelievable
F ollowing three
years as Scotland
first-team coach, and
shock. Once the club’s
situation came to light I
four-and-a-half years realised there was a fair
as Rangers assistant chance that we could go
manager, how well into administration, but I
prepared did you feel genuinely never believed
when you were appointed that a club like Rangers
manager in June 2011?
would. You can prepare for
In terms of preparing
the possible eventuality
to become a manager I
but until it actually
was incredibly fortunate.
happens it doesn’t really
It was the chance of a
hit you - and then it hits you
lifetime to be part of the
hard.
Scotland management
My immediate thoughts
team and working with were for the welfare of
Walter Smith and Tommy everybody within the club
Burns was a perfect start to my “Lookingbackatit,myfour-and-a-half
and how it would affect them and
education. I already had all of my yearsasRangersassistantmanager their jobs. I thought ‘this is going to be
coaching badges but nothing can wasanincrediblepieceofsuccession horrendous because we are dealing
beat hands-on experience. planningbyWalterSmith.Duringmy with people’s livelihoods.’ In the days
Looking back at it, my four-and- apprenticeshipwithhimhegaveme that followed the announcement
a-half years as Rangers assistant responsibilityforourScottishCupgames there was chaos and as you can
manager was an incredible piece imagine the volume of press and
of succession planning by Walter
-Ipreparedtheteam,wasinvolvedin
media coverage was incredible.
Smith. During my apprenticeship thetactics,didthepressconferences; There were meetings here, there and
with him he gave me responsibility thecampaignwasofficiallymy everywhere.
for our Scottish Cup games - I responsibility.”

17 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

EXTRA-TIME: ally mccoist

L eaders can be knocked off centre,

but how they recover and the
example they sit is so important.
The focal point needed to be you, and
when you instinctively said “This is my
club. The likes of McCulloch and
Alexander were great and said ‘fine,
club, the same as it is for thousands we’re staying, we want to be part of
How did you personally react to this
of Rangers supporters, and we don’t the adventure of revitalising the club.’
setback?
do walking away”, you generated an It is important to communicate the
I felt that how we reacted to the
incredible cohesion with the fans, and proposition clearly and you have to lay
bombshell announcement of
a slogan an advertising agency would it on the line and say ‘right here’s the
administration was very, very
have been proud of...! deal - we are going to be part of SFL
important. It didn’t take me long to 3, it isn’t going to be an overnight fix,
That was quite amazing and it was
accept the situation because I had to. it’s going to be a long, hard road back
genuinely was not a rehearsed line – I
We had no Chief Executive, Managing was asked how I felt and having been to the SPL, and there will be some
Director or board so effectively it at Rangers for 15 years as a player and bumps and bruises along the way.
was just me and the administrators. four-and-a-half as assistant manager But I’ll tell you what, get yourselves
I was lucky that I had good people it wasn’t hard for me to say how I felt. I strapped in because what a ride it’s
surrounding me with Ian Durrant, think that the supporters recognised going to be!’
Kenny McDowall and Sandy Jardine, that I was one of them expressing how
and I’m not ashamed to say that I
wasn’t afraid to pick up the phone to
both I and they felt. They know that I will
always try my best and if I ever make a
H
ow have you had to adjust the
players’ mindset so they have
been able to compete in the Third
Walter Smith and Sir Alex Ferguson to mistake it will be an honest one made
Division?
seek their thoughts and advice. trying to do my best for the club. It was
Each match in SFL3 is like a cup
I also realised quickly that the staff
behind the scenes, probably more “Itwouldhavebeenarrogantand game with the opposition looking
for a giant killing every week. The
so than the players, needed a focal disrespectfultothinkwecouldarrive biggest problem I had at the start of
point, someone to lead them and
fight their corner. It was important
inSFL3andsweepalloftheopposition the season was making sure that this
to do that. I had three to five phone aside.Thatsaid,wehaveourownbelief didn’t sound like an excuse whilst
trying to manage expectations. The
calls or meetings daily with the thatweshouldwintheleagueandthat fact of the matter was we were the
administrators. We achieved good
channels of communication so that I willalwaysbethecase.” exact same football club but we were
could pass on what little information nothing like the same team and
that I did have at that stage to the staff an instinctive thing for me to say and I we’d lost arguably between £25-40
and players. think that it summed up our fans and million worth of talent and replaced it
not just me. with free transfers and members of

H ow did you manage yourself on

a daily basis in what was a very
fluid set of circumstances?
The fans grabbed hold of that
statement and they have been
our youth team.
It would have been arrogant and
incredible and voted with their feet in disrespectful to think we could
I just had to approach it one day at a arrive in SFL3 and sweep all of the
an outstandingly positive way. Within
time. All managers know that football opposition aside. That said, we have
five days of us asking for support we
management is never a 9 to 5 job, our own belief that we should win the
had sold over 36,500 season tickets.
and if anything, my role became even That was during a time when we didn’t league and that will always be the
more of a 24-hour commitment have a bank account so they couldn’t case. How we do it will be determined
with phone calls late at night and purchase online. So for five days we over the season but we must do it
early morning, but that was fine. had thousands upon thousands of and we feel we will do it and that is
Quite literally, every day was a new people queuing outside Ibrox Stadium not an arrogance, that is a belief.
experience with two days never the to buy season tickets and that was At the start of the season when we
same, and there were days when heart warming. hadn’t won an away game and had
everyone was shocked and upset. got a couple of draws, people were
Despite the circumstances it was
very important to try and keep a level How did you persuade players
like Lee McCulloch and Neil
questioning whether I should still be
the manager, which I of course know
Alexander to stay, effectively agreeing goes with the territory. I did have a
of energy and positivity to carry people
to drop down from the SPL to the Third
through. I think our players reacted wry smile to myself because I firmly
Division?
terrifically well both on and off the believed that the people expressing
You become a salesman as best as
pitch during this period, and to still this opinion didn’t appreciate the
you can and through my history with
finish second in the SPL when we situation.
Rangers I should be as qualified
were a seriously wounded animal was
as anyone to be a salesman for the
no mean achievement.

18 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

 In partnership with

booked: this month’s choice Review by Steve Phythian

Whenthegoinggetstough...
Soccer Tough explores the concept Thoughts (ANTs). Dan examines
Dan Abrahams
of self belief and why this is so, preparing the

D
looks at how you reader to understand that, in
an Abrahams is a sports can use your certain circumstances they can
psychologist who memory and be life-preserving and yet, in a
specialises as a soccer imagination to performance environment sense,
consultant. He has worked with create a positive they can do exactly the opposite.
both clubs and individuals, and self image. Abrahams again demonstrates
was recently seen on Sky Sports Dan recounts some clear steps that, with
discussing a wide range of topics. a real life practice, shows how to recognise
With a Master’s Degree in situation about a and control such thoughts, and
Sports Psychology, and having
formerly being a professional
player with whom he worked and “Positive to re-programme your mind
some of the activities employed to self-talk is to constructing something far
sportsman, he brings a unique build that player’s self image and more useful for the performance
insight into the importance of the a technique
belief. that is environment.
mind in sport.
Dan’s book, Soccer Tough, is introduced
aimed at players and coaches Daydreaming to the reader. Summary
from the amateur to professional. Abrahams examines the useful This is not Throughout the book, while
There really is something for tool of daydreaming, looking merely Dan acknowledges that every
everyone here, aided by the use at how mental rehearsal can about being individual is different, he shows
prepare us for forthcoming that there are common mental
of plain English throughout, with
games. Finding an environment
‘upbeat’, challenges for all players and
simple, easy to understand tips. but works
where you can concentrate coaches at all levels of the game,
without interruption is described towards and these are superbly illustrated
A game of mindset as your “imagination home”, and creating a with the use of vivid examples that
Opening the book, Dan explores is where you can use mental skills script for highlight the issues.
the idea that the mind can be both to prepare your mind in the same yourself that With a series of exercises that
your greatest asset and your inner way as you would use a gym to can help you are both practical and simple,
enemy. prepare your muscles. overcome only the dedication of the reader
At one moment, when your
mind is sharp and tuned in, you
individual is required to practise and perfect
have a great game. The next, you Inner voice challenges.” the skills to enhance the mental
Positive self-talk is a technique control of your game.
make a mistake and self-doubt The author’s style is engaging
accentuates the error, creating that is introduced to the reader.
This is not merely about being and has a light touch that keeps
nervousness and fear. The result the pages turning, and with well-
is that your game deteriorates ‘upbeat’, but works towards
creating a script for yourself that illustrated examples, what could
with each passing minute. be a dry subject is never anything
This is purely a case of soccer can help you overcome individual
challenges. but fascinating.
mindset and Dan demonstrates Whether you are a coach,
clearly and simply how you can a player, or maybe even the
affect and control your mindset in ANTs parent of someone is in need of
the same way as you can control Again using clear examples and assistance, this easy to use book
your muscles and passes. real life situations, Dan Abrahams is a valuable tool for anyone who
looks at how the mind is often seeking to improve
You create you quick and pre-programmed to performance.
In the second chapter, Dan resort to Automatic Negative

19 march 2013 www.elitesoccercoaching.net