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SOCCER

www.elitesoccercoaching.net NOVEMBER 2015

SHEFFIELD UNITEDFULHAM

NIGEL ADKINSPenetrating the defence

ERIC STEELEPossession with keepers

DARREN KELLYWhen, where and how to press

QPR LMA AMBASSADORTHE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

CHRIS RAMSEYAttacking centrally

KIT SYMONSCounter-attacking structure

ExclusiveTraining practices from top

professional managers

MICHAELO’NEILLPOSITIVE POCKETS

NORTHERN IRELAND

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EXTRA-TIME INTERVIEW: WITH SOUTHAMPTON MANAGER RONALD KOEMAN

COACHING PRACTICES FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING MANAGERS AND COACHES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Elite Soccer is published by:

Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0AB, UKTel: +44 (0) 1483 892 894Fax: +44 (0) 1483 894 148Email: [email protected]

Editor: James EvansContributing Editor:Mark FarthingIllustrator: Richard PalmerCustomer Services: Duncan HeardManaging Director: Andrew GriffithsPhotos: Action Images

Published in partnership with:

League Managers AssociationSt George’s Park National Football Centre Newborough Road Needwood Burton upon Trent DE13 9PDTel: +44 (0)1283 576350Email: [email protected]: Roy HodgsonChairman: Howard WilkinsonChief Executive: Richard Bevan

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ISSUE 64/NOVEMBER 2015: FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Elite Soccer is a monthly publication for professional, semi-professional and aspiring soccer coaches and is available by subscription only. £97 for 12 issues.To subscribe email [email protected] or call on +44 (0) 1483 892 894

2 NOVEMBER 2015 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

3 MANAGEMENT MATTERS Our review of the past month

22 EXTRA-TIME: ... with Southampton manager Ronald Koeman

24 BOOKED Elite sports book review

Innovative training advice from the UK’s most recognised

coaches

Dear Coach,

Welcome to the November issue of Elite Soccer.

I hope the season is progressing the way you had hoped and that you’ve had the opportunity to implement on the training pitch a number of the training ideas we have suggested.There has certainly been a lot of football to discuss, with a whirlwind start to the Premier League campaign here in England and some brilliant European Championship qualifying encounters. Arguably, the headline grabbers from the UK have been Wales and Northern Ireland, so it’s a great pleasure to welcome Irish national team manager Michael O’Neill in to this issue of Elite Soccer.O’Neill has galvanised his side to lead them to their first ever European Championships tournament, and he uses a group qualifying match against Faroe Islands as the basis for presenting to us a session that teaches the benefits of having a player ‘in the pocket’. It’s a great session that I’m sure you’ll enjoy reproducing with your side.Moving on, from the Sky Bet Championship, Kit Symons explains the mechanics behind Fulham’s counter-attacking structure, while QPR boss Chris Ramsey outlines how his free-scoring side have used attacks through the centre to such great effect this season.From Sky Bet League One, Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins explains how his side plot to get past a resilient backline, while vastly experienced Football Association goalkeeping coach Eric Steele presents a session that uses the goalkeeper as a fulcrum for retaining possession.To conclude, we’re grateful for LMA Ambassador Darren Kelly’s time in putting together a practice that coaches players in when, where and how to press when defending.We hope you and your players enjoy what’s on offer, and we’ll see you again next month.

Enjoy your soccer,

Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman

5MICHAEL O’NEILLNORTHERN IRELAND

Positive pockets

8KIT SYMONS

FULHAM

Counter-attacking structure

11CHRIS RAMSEYQPR

Attacking centrally

13NIGEL ADKINS

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Penetrating the

defence

16ERIC STEELETHE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Possession with keepers

19DARREN KELLY

LMA AMBASSADOR

When, where and how to

press

Kit Symons was confirmed as the new manager of Fulham on October 29, 2014, having initially joined the club five years previously as senior scout and academy coach.The former centre-back was a strong but intelligent defender who began his career at Portsmouth before moving on to join Manchester City, then Fulham. After playing for Crystal Palace, he became caretaker boss at the South London club in 2003 and then, following the appointment of Iain Dowie, took on the role of assistant manager. He joined Colchester United, also as assistant manager, in 2008 before arriving at Fulham.Symons was capped 37 times by Wales over a 12-year international career. He is also a graduate of the LMA’s Certificate of Applied Management at Warwick University.

Chris Ramsey was appointed caretaker-manager of Queens Park Rangers in February 2015 before being given the manager’s job permanently at the end of the campaign.A player at Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Swindon Town, Southend United, Naxxar Lions (Malta) and Cocoa Expos (United States), he returned to the UK to work for the Football Association in 1998 as Regional Director of Coaching. While with the FA he served as head coach of the England national Under-20 football team, guiding them to the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championships in Nigeria. Ramsey has also been assistant manager of the England Under-17s national team, and Charleston Battery, plus has coached at Tottenham Hotspur. He holds a UEFA Pro licence and is a graduate of the LMA’s Diploma in Football Management.

Nigel Adkins was appointed manager of Sheffield United in June 2015. He was previously a double promotion-winning manager for both Southampton and Scunthorpe United – his position at the latter came after initially joining the club as a physio.After two promotions with Scunthorpe he guided The Iron to their highest league finish in over four decades, then joined Southampton in September 2010. He went on to win his third promotion as the Saints finished second in League One, then tasted success again the following season as the club completed its return to the Barclays Premier League.Adkins’ next move was to Reading, where he guided the club to a seventh-place finish in the Sky Bet Championship.

Steele began his playing career as a goalkeeper at Newcastle United in 1972, where he was part of the squad that won the Anglo-Italian Cup. He went on to play for Peterborough United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford, and Derby County, winning five promotions in 12 years with those clubs. Coaching appointments came at Huddersfield Town, Derby County, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United before, in July 2015, Steele was engaged by the Football Association to coach goalkeepers across their junior teams.

Darren Kelly is manager of FC Halifax Town, who currently compete in the Vanarama National League.Previously, Kelly was announced as Oldham Athletic manager in May 2015 – his first managerial appointment in the Football League having previously been a coach at Sunderland.Kelly retired from playing football in 2015, following a career that saw him appear for clubs including Derry City (twice), York City and Carlisle United.He is now charged with plotting the Shaymen’s route away from the bottom of the non-league’s top division.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

www.elitesoccercoaching.net3 NOVEMBER 2015

MICHAEL O’NEILLNORTHERN IRELAND

On his appointment as Northern Ireland manager in December 2011, Michael O’Neill took over a national side ranked 87th in the world, and who hadn’t qualified for a major tournament since the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain.Yet, on October 8, 2015, 46-year-old O’Neill and his Northern Ireland team beat Greece 3-1 to finish top of their qualifying group and secure a place in the UEFA European Championship finals for the first time in the country’s history.O’Neill’s abilities to manage at the highest level domestically were highlighted when he led Shamrock Rovers to successive League of Ireland titles, as well as the Setanta Cup. He also took the club to the group stages of the Europa League, as they became the first Irish team to progress that far in a European club competition. He began his managerial career in 2006 at Scottish club Brechin City.As a player, O’Neill played for clubs in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and the USA, and was capped 31 times at international level.

KIT SYMONSFULHAM

CHRIS RAMSEYQPR

NIGEL ADKINSSHEFFIELD UNITED

ERIC STEELETHE FOOTBALLASSOCIATION

DARREN KELLYLMA AMBASSADOR

ELITE SOCCER NOVEMBER 2015

MANAGER PROFILESHere are the six managers andcoaches we’re delighted to welcome into this issue of Elite Soccer

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

4 NOVEMBER 2015 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

CAREER PATH... with Derek Adams, manager of Sky Bet League Two side Plymouth ArgyleHow have you found the transition between the Scottish Premiership and League Two?It has been fine. What helps in this division is

there isn’t a huge disparity between the teams at the top and those at the bottom. When we go out onto the pitch each week we know what to expect. It

means we have to play at a high level each week, but we’ve been succeeding in maintaining that level of consistency.Your team has started well. What

has been the secret behind your success so far?

We have a team of players here who are passionate about

learning. They don’t see the ceiling and will always train with an eye towards doing new things and developing new ideas. When you have that in a squad there’s no reason to suggest you can’t go on to achieve everything you want to.How far can you go this season?You look around Plymouth, the ground and the city, and you realise this is a club that should be playing at a higher level. We’ve done very well so far but there is still a distance to go. I’m not one to make bold predictions but we are doing what’s required and if we keep that up it could be a really good 2016 for us.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino

was named Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for September after the Lilywhites won all three of their Premier League matches.Spurs saw off Sunderland away from home before defeating Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane, both by a 1-0 scoreline. But the final match of the month really saw the north London club find their goalscoring boots as Manchester City were put to the sword with Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Harry Kane and Erik Lamela all on target.P3 W3 D0 L0 (LEAGUE ONLY)

In English football’s second tier,

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka took the award after Boro won all five of their league matches in September.Having come close to promotion last season, the north-east side are determined to go one better this time round, and saw off MK Dons, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Leeds United during the month, scoring 13 goals in the process to move into the division’s automatic promotion places.P5 W5 D0 L0

In Sky Bet League One, Jimmy Floyd

Hasselbaink picked up the divisional award after his Burton Albion side tasted defeat only once in five matches in a run that saw them climb to the top of the table. The Brewers, who were promoted from League Two last season, enjoyed victories over Rochdale, Swindon Town and Chesterfield, plus held promotion candidates Sheffield United to a goalless draw at the Pirelli Stadium.Surprisingly, given Hasselbaink’s prowess as a striker in his day, his side’s defensive strength has seen them excel this season – they conceded only three goals in six competitive matches in September.P5 W3 D1 L1

And finally into Sky Bet League Two, where

Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman saw his team take 13 points out of a possible 15 in September.Stanley operate on one of the Football League’s smallest budgets, but continue to surpass expectations with a brand of positive, attacking football, and in September strode to victories over Bristol Rovers, Exeter City, Crawley Town and Yeovil Town. Stanley also fought out a battling goalless draw at league leaders Portsmouth.P5 W4 D1 L0

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


NORTHERN IRELAND

Michael O’NeillPositive pockets

SET-UPAREAUse of a full pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goals, mannequins, mini-goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 22SESSION TIME75mins each

1

18

18

2

What do I get the players to do?Warm-up (not shown) (15mins)One of our coaches will run a conventional warm-up to get players ready both physically and mentally.

Stage 1 (12mins, 90secs x 4, two groups)Setting up as shown (1), this is 4v4 in the box. After two passes players can then transfer to the grey player in the centre, then go to support the ball in the opposite box. If successful, the team maintains possession; if not the other team keeps the ball and then takes up the task themselves.

What are the key things to look out for?Players for the team in possession are encouraged to find ‘the pocket’ in between opponents before transferring - they need to volunteer to move into tight possession areas.Grey players must work off the angles to facilitate movement of the ball from one end of the area to the other.Pass restrictions can be removed as players become more adept, but rarely can the transfer be rapid as the team with possession needs time to move across into the empty space.

Overview:The session is about playing into positive pockets behind the opposition midfield upon regain of possession. For a team such as ours, where the sum is greater than our parts, each session is specifically opponent-focused and normally involves playing to our attacking strengths and opponents’ defensive weaknesses.For instance, we worked on positive pockets in preparation for our match against Faroe Islands who we believed to be

a misunderstood opponent. Analysis led us to realise that possession equalling success versus the Faroes was a myth. Instead, we found that they lost 80% of their goals from moves of a possession phase of fewer than five passes. Long periods of possession therefore reduced our chances of scoring, while positive pockets encouraged accelerated, dynamic attacks.So upon turnover we needed to have a trained process of getting players quickly into positive pockets behind the

midfield, and finding those players - notably Oliver Norwood and Steven Davis - within one or two passes.This session moves from training in isolation through the coached phase, to ending with the players finding the moment in the game.We would run this session four days before the game and the workload broadly comes in at 5,500-6,500 metres, with 30-50 accelerations/decelerations. Any nearer the game and there would be a danger of fatigue.

Ball movement Player movementDribble

KEY

1 Greens bring the ball out

2 Short, measured passes are made

3 Here, the man in the pocket occupies a space in between opponents, and he will always try to move the ball on into a key area within one or two passes

4 Grey receives and holds up play waiting for players to transfer into the bottom area

5 This supporting green is the first player to move

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


MICHAEL O’NEILL: POSITIVE POCKETS

Stage 2 (18mins, two groups with rotation) Setting up as shown (2), the ball starts with the defensive midfielder, who chooses the full-back with an initial deep pass. The ball is then played into the pocket - where mannequins represent opponents - for the attacking central midfielder. When he receives and turns this is the trigger for a team mate to break the line from wide. This is in keeping with getting the ball there in two passes. When the winger has broken the line and received, it’s the cue for our three key attacking players to ‘hit the box’.While the pocket player’s instruction is simple - he must make a positive, attacking pass in one or two touches - we still want to explore ways of developing the role of the wide player. We can do this either by encouraging him inside (for a direct run on goal) or recommending he goes outside the full-back. In an instance where the midfielder is ‘low’ and cannot make it into the pocket, we would expect the wide player to drift in to occupy that space.

Stage 3 (15mins) Setting up as shown we organise with eight attackers and three defenders (3). The ball starts with the defensive midfielder who chooses the full-back with an initial deep pass. The game is then played within the lines of the box with players encouraged to come into the pocket (with the mannequins acting as outside midfielders in a four) and make runs ‘from out to in’ leaving the gap for the full-back.Players can only ‘activate’ an attack when they receive the ball within the lines of the mannequins. If an attacking midfielder finds this pocket then the wide player keeps his width; if the wide player finds the pocket, the full-back is responsible for the width. The aim here is to try to move the opposition full-backs into the pocket, leaving their centre-backs engaged with our striker. If a full-back is engaged the defensive unit becomes so narrow that the wide player can break lines centrally, or the full-back can be in a high position to cross. Ball

movement Player movementDribble

KEY

2

3

The defensive midfielder passes right to his full-back

The defensive midfielder feeds a pass

out wide

Opposition full-backs are drawn into the pocket

Opposition full-backs are drawn into the pocket

If this attacking midfielder finds the pocket the wide players, left and right of him, retain their width

Centre-backs become isolated against our incoming attacking players

A pass is played into the pocket

Players progress from the midfield area and attack

the goal

The pocket player receives on the half turn and, within one or two touches, passes to his

overlapping winger

The full-back will now pass the ball

diagonally into the midfield area, then edges forward, but must remain in his wide channel at all

times

The two static mannequins and two moving midfielders

create the pocket that one opposing green needs to penetrate

The pocket is represented by the space in the middle of the mannequins

If in a different attack this wide

player is the man to find the pocket, we

want to see the full-back progressing

further up the wing than he usually

would given that he is now responsible

for adding width

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


MICHAEL O’NEILL: POSITIVE POCKETS

Stage 4 (15mins) Setting up as shown with a 9v8 and opposition midfielders replacing the mannequins (4), the first attack allows the pocket to activate the route forward. Except now the second ball represents a situation in a live game whereby whites, upon regains, look for the mini-goals, giving the game shape and inviting a competition element. This allows space to find pockets.The match element invites players to find pockets in different areas as well as well as allowing the space for more to develop naturally.The ball must go into the positive pocket within three passes of possession being regained (which means the player must be ready in the pocket within two). When in there it’s likely, at first, players will choose to feed the wide player, but as a game progresses they will grow more comfortable in the role and will discover central situations where the pocket is most open.

What are the key things to look out for?Where technical play is concerned we want to see receiving on the back foot and on the half-turn, and players checking over their shoulders as the ball comes in to them. Hips should be facing towards the goals and the intention should always be to pass up the pitch. Finally, players should not stop the ball – they should

always be on the move with it.For tactical observations players must never make square passes on a turnover as these allow the opposition to get back and cement defensive shape,and must be clear as to whether they should get to the pocket or play into the pocket. The man in the pocket should never play backwards, and we want to see attacks finished in five passes.

We want to encourage players to be positive, not just in retaining the ball but in feeling able to take the risk of losing it with shots, crosses and dribbles. In some matches the mistake is actually in not taking the risk though this may vary depending on the opposition, scoreline or game plan.

“Players must never make square passes on a turnover as these allow the opposition to get back and cement defensive shape.”


KEY

4

The initial pass will go out left or right

Full-backs must be ready to advance up

the wing

The wide player can easily drift across

into his own pocket

The green player finds the pocket between two banks of whites

A wide player not in a pocket must be ready to make an attacking run into the box

Defenders hold back, alert to the

threat of a counter-attack should the

pocket fail

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


FULHAM

Kit SymonsCounter-attacking structure

What do I get the players to do?Counter-attacking to finishWe set up as shown (1), starting at the blue cones just inside the opposition half. The aim is for players to play forward with specific types and weights of passes so that a counter-attacking move is structured and planned.

What are the key things to look out for?We want a quick tempo, with playing into space and forward runs aplenty. The timing of those runs is imperative as is the quality of the final ball into the box. To support that approach play we then need to see good movement and finishing positions in the area, including a player across the near post. But all runners must show positive play, with an eye on the speed of recovery runs (when required – see below).

How do I progress the practice?If our outcome also includes a fitness element, we will include a recovery run once the attack has finished. We might also encourage the first pass into the wide man to be deeper, so he has to cross earlier. We can also place a time limit on the counter, or adjust the players’ starting positions so they are inside their own half.

3v2 counter-attacking (opposed)This practice is about attacking from deep with a 3v2 counter-attacking overload in creating a goalscoring opportunity. Setting up as shown (2a) we have

SET-UPAREAUp to a full pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSFull squadSESSION TIMEApprox 60mins

“The logic is to ensure our players make forward runs in numbers and organised patterns to exploit overloads and get to the opposition goal in the shortest time, and with as few passes as possible.”

Overview:This is a counter-attacking practice that leads into transitions. The session will start with an unopposed counter, attacking from deep. This will then progress into a 3v2 attacking opportunity and on into a 4v3 with transition to win the ball from deep in order to counter.The logic is to ensure our players make forward runs in numbers and organised patterns in order to exploit overloads and get to the opposition goal in the shortest time, and with as few passes as possible.Depending on player numbers we can work in threes, fours or fives.


KEY

1 Player 1 receives the ball from the coach who then plays

on the angle to player 2

2 Player 2 then plays to the

wide player, 3

3 Player 3 takes a touch inside so that player 2 can overlap

4 Player 3 makes a run inside into the box along with players 1 and 4

5 Player 2 then looks to cross for a scoring opportunity

1

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


two or three defending groups (of two defenders) and three or four attacking groups (of three attackers), which creates 3v2s in the attackers’ favour.The attacking group are given three attacks – one with no time limit, one capped at eight seconds (2b) and the third capped at six. Once they have completed all three, the next group of attackers and defenders work.Players set up with two attacking players either side of the goal and a striker around the halfway line, with two defenders marking, as shown.

What are the key things to look out for?We are looking for the same technical and tactical moves as before, this time with the addition of players making unselfish movement and runs. We have to see overlapping, with players recognising and using the space (‘out to in’ and ‘in to out’), identifying and exploiting the overload, as well as showing good decision-making.

How do I progress the practice?An easy progression is to switch things around so that the focus is predominately on the defending team – this, in itself, creates a difficulty progression for attackers. In addition, we can change the time given to attack and score, with the attackers needing to make a recovery run should they fail. We can limit the number of touches.

4v3 counter-attacking (recovery run)Now we’re looking at developing the previous exercise, initially with the same 3v2 set-up albeit with the addition of one extra defender and striker (3). The attacking team has three attacks again.

What are the key things to look out for?We’re looking for a first pass into the striker, plus support and movement when the ball is played forward. Movement of the striker to receive the ball is important with recovery runs, unselfish play,

KIT SYMONS: COUNTER-ATTACKING STRUCTURE

2a

3

2b


KEY1 The attack starts off 4v2, with an extra striker now emerging from behind the goal

2 The two defenders again set up marking

the lone striker

3 A third defender starts in line with the edge of the centre circle

4 This defender makes a late recovery run when the striker passes back into the supporting attacking players

1 The ball starts with an attacking player on the goal post, who plays a pass across to the

other attacker

2 The attacking player takes his first touch inside, then plays on the angle to the striker who has made movement to come off to receive the ball

4 Once the first attack has finished a second ball

is played into one of the attackers who advances

from the centre circle. They now have eight

seconds to score

3 The striker controls the ball, then must play back into either of the attacking players supporting him. This then creates a 3v2 attacking situation that is played to a finish

5 When the third ball is played in they have six seconds to attack and score

8SEC

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


overlaps and good use of space all key. As before, decision-making, timing and weight of the pass and a positive end product are vital; by this stage we would also expect players to show positive actions in 1v1 situations.

How do I progress the practice?As before, the most rewarding progression is to limit the number of touches.

4v3 transition wave gameProgressing from the previous sessions, this now also looks at winning the ball from deep to then counter within a 4v3 attacking situation.Setting up as shown we use two penalty boxes and a 12-16 yard middle zone, which represents an unopposed area for the team in possession to play forward into.A team starts by defending each end with three players, leaving one in the middle zone, who provides an outlet when his team wins back possession.The attacking team plays with four players to create a 4v3 (4a). If they score, they retain possession to then freely attack the opposite end, by playing unopposed into their striker, then it becomes a 4v3. When the defending team wins possession they can then look to play forward (4b), though attackers can immediately stop them by regaining possession and attacking the goal.

What are the key things to look out for?We are looking for all the key technical and tactical observations as before.

How do I progress the practice?As a final progression, we can specify a timeframe and reduce the number of touches allowed, plus allow one of the defenders to apply pressure to the striker in the zonal area.

KIT SYMONS: COUNTER-ATTACKING STRUCTURE


KEY

1 To start a wave attack, blues attack

reds, 4 v3

2 If blues score, they keep possesion and attack the other

1 The red defender anticipates the pass and

gains possession

2 The ball is played to the red striker on the halfway line to start a counter attack

3 The reds attack the yellow

goal, 4v3

4a

4b

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


QPR

Chris RamseyAttacking centrally

Overview:The session is about playing through the lines centrally with attacking runners. It then progresses to seeing players ‘going around the outside’ and pinning the far post with runners in the box.It is important to practise this, as playing through the lines into the heart of opponents will cause maximum damage, taking multiple players out of the game with a forward pass. When this attacking tactic is not always possible (should, for instance, teams line up a central block and get bodies behind the ball), having the option to overlap down the outside and deliver in crosses is a great way to combat teams getting bodies behind the ball.These drills will encourage forward balls and runs into the attacking third and will be performed every couple of weeks, with the option of increasing the frequency depending on match day performances.

What do I get the players to do?Warm-upWe’ll start with core skill ball warm-ups to rehearse a variety of technical tasks including heading, touches, plus long and short passes in pairs. There doesn’t have to be a regimented structure, but players must get a feel for the ball.Area oneNext, we split our 12 players into two groups of six. The first group lines up as shown (1). The opposite wide man attacks the far post hoping to score from the resulting cross. The next player in line starts the process again with balls coming in from alternate sides.

1

2

3

SET-UPAREAUp to a full pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 12 plus keepersSESSION TIMEWarm-up 10mins, Drills 10mins each, Progressions 20mins


KEY

1 A wide attacker begins

with the ball

3 The winger from the other side makes a run in to ‘pin’ the far post

2 A cross is made into the

box

1 Two defenders line up across the middle

2 Attackers must thread a ball through the middle to complete the task

3 The practice now turns and comes back in the other direction

In the progression a keeper is added to enhance realism

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


Working players always rejoin the group they emerged from.

How do I progress the practice?We can instruct that only the ‘weaker’ foot can be used when shooting at goal. Alternatively, the crossing player must send the ball in from the by-line, therefore cutting it back to the inrushing striker, or we can add a keeper (2).Area twoIn area two the second group practise playing through lines, as shown (3), in a 30x15-yard area. There are six players – two start in the middle with the other four trying to split that central pairing. This encourages forward passing and breaking the lines.6v6 practiceWe now move this into a 6v6 plus two keepers with the focus on possession in the middle third of the pitch (4). Once five passes have been achieved a through ball is played into the final third for runners to move on to unopposed against the keeper. This move can then be progressed to an unopposed overlapping run on the outside of the cones (using minimal touches) (5). Once the ball is in wide areas it is important to get bodies in the box, notably with the opposite wide man pinning the far post.To progress we can remove one of the defending team to help create an overlap. We play this with one-touch crosses and finishes and can also limit the rest of the play to one- or two-touch, if desired.

What are the key things to look out for?Crosses need to be game-specific, so precise and measured. When playing through the lines the ball needs to be moved quickly in order to create an ‘out of balance’ effect on opponents. We might also assign a midfielder who can only play forwards to see how he handles the situation.Keeping the drill’s intensity up is important so we encourage a competitive approach – keeping scores will also stop the players just rolling the ball into the net, and using a keeper to ensure a recognised goalscoring block is a good idea as well.

CHRIS RAMSEY: ATTACKING CENTRALLY

4

5


KEY

1 Five consecutive passes are made

2 The ball is released with a pass through the middle

3 The attacker runs on to score in the goal

1 Defenders set up a solid central block

3 The winger moves forward using limited touches and crosses

2 The ball is worked out to the flanks

4 Attacking players run in, one of whom ‘pins’ the far post

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


SHEFFIELD UNITED

Nigel AdkinsPenetrating the opposition defenceSET-UPAREAUp to a full pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goals, mannequins, rebound boardsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 22SESSION TIMEExercises 1&2 15mins each, Exercise 3 Optional times

“This session coaches movement and awareness – and for players, that’s awareness of themselves, their team mates, and certainly awareness of the opposition.”


KEY

Overview:This session is about penetrating the opposition defence with clever runs and passing. It also encourages attacking players to get on the half turn when receiving, ensuring they’re aware of where the next pass is going. At Sheffield United, we’re a team that likes to play with possession but we’re also looking for our attacking players to mix up their movement in penetrating in behind the opposition back four.In my coaching I’ve always looked to use end zone sessions because they reinforce the message that we need to be making runs ahead of the ball, and this practice is nicely match-related. They also encourage players to keep possession, making the pitch as big as possible in using our dynamic attacking players.

What do I get the players to do?

Technical passing rotationSetting up as shown (1), we’re looking for good awareness and movement by players as they perform a tight passing pattern around the playing area with mannequins in place.We’re looking for speed and

quality of passing, plus good combination play. Certain positions need to make more ambitious forward runs ahead of the ball than others (see diagram).

How do I progress the practice?To step this up we would

increase complexity in the wide areas, firstly encouraging players to ‘go long to come short’. We want players to receive, open out and run with the ball before playing in to the end player.Next we can ask a player to come short, spin long and receive a pass played inside the mannequin (which represents

a full-back).In the next move we want to see players receiving and playing one-twos around mannequins. We also want to encourage pulling away and ducking down the side, and seeing players experiment with playing a longer pass or diagonal ball for a team mate over the top of the mannequin.

The ball that arrives

first goes through the

mannequins

The ball that arrives

second goes outside the

mannequins

Players construct fast and quick passing moves

Rebound boards are used for quick

one-twos

1

End player

End players receive and work play back into the area

Mannequins represent full-backs

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NIGEL ADKINS: PENETRATING THE OPPOSITION DEFENCE

5v5 with end zonesNow moving on we set up as shown across the full width of the pitch (2a). To score, players must run the ball into or receive in the end zone. Two rules must be followed – namely a receiving player cannot be in the end zone before the ball is played; and the defending team cannot enter the end zone. Once a ball is received in the end zone we are looking for the player to finish purposefully against the rebound boards. The game restarts as the ball comes back from the coach (2b).The focus here is on movement, awareness, forward runs, combination play and making penetrating passes.

“Once a ball is received in the end zone we are looking for the player to finish purposefully against the rebound boards.”

2a

2b


KEY

1 The coach begins by feeding

the ball in

4 A red player makes a run into the end zone to

receive

2 Reds combine with quick, tight

passing

5 He finishes with a firm shot against the rebound

board

The red attacker now transitions to become a

defender

Team mates are alert to the transition and move in

to support

3 A one-two is made around an opposing

blue

The game continues in phase two as the coach feeds the blue team with a ball as they attack the other way

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NIGEL ADKINS: PENETRATING THE OPPOSITION DEFENCE

“We want the attacker to make a secondary run and sometimes a third run. When they get in those positions we want them to get back in, take up a new position and look to penetrate again.”

1

2

1

1

2

13


KEY

10v10 challengeWe now set up on a full pitch, as shown (3). There are no keepers to begin with although we can place mannequins in the goals to make it harder to score.If a player breaks into zone 1 he must cross the ball into zone 2, where a striker should be making a run for a one-touch finish. If a player breaks into zone 2 he must finish off two touches. Defenders cannot challenge the attackers inside the zones.To progress we can look to add a keeper to make it an 11v11, whilst ensuring we retain the

zone restrictions.There’s often frustration as an attacker when you’ve made a run in behind and not received the pass. So in those situations we want the attacker to make a secondary run and sometimes a third. Essentially, when they get in those positions we want them to get back in, take up a new position and look to penetrate again.

What are the key things to look out for?Primarily this session coaches players in movement and awareness – and for players, that’s awareness of

themselves, their team mates, and certainly awareness of the opposition.But the session is also good for defenders – when they can’t influence the passer they’ll need to be prepared to get into a good position to be able to defend the ball to feet, as well as the ball in behind. So it’s not just an attacking drill – there’s plenty to work on with defenders as well.

In the 10v10 challenge players cross or shoot from within designated zones, looking to put into practice the type of link-up play and movement rehearsed in the earlier parts of the session

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THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Eric SteelePossession with keepers

Overview:This is a focused possession practice that uses keepers at every opportunity, engaging them as key players in overloads and ball retention.The session develops in both pitch size and complexity, enabling all players to master the dynamics of possession in designated areas, with an eye on team mates, opponents, use of space, angles of passing and protection of the ball.This is a practice we will run regularly – it’s competitive, fast and lively, and unlike some training ground exercises it enables keepers to feel fully engaged with outfield players.

What do I get the players to do?30x30-yard set-upThis exercise is set up as shown (1a), playing 5v5 3x2min games and involving outfield players going all in. Four keepers are placed in the four corners, each restricted to playing one-touch. It’s a simple possession game between reds and yellows, using the (neutral) keepers as much as possible. When the ball goes dead the coach restarts.

What are the key things to look out for?Outfield players must look to shift the ball away from congested areas looking for keepers in the corners as outlets. Keepers must stay switched on to short passes received and must then look to play longer (1b). We need to see keepers interacting with outfield players, with an understanding of weight of pass and accuracy. They must also, at all times, have in their minds when, where and how to get the ball around the practice area.

SET-UPAREAUp to 70x30 yardsEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 7v7 plus keepersSESSION TIME20mins per practice

1a

1b

30

30

30

30


KEY

4 Player movement is vital to support the keeper

3 To encourage close control we ask the keeper to make quick, one-touch passes

2 Here the receiving player passes immediately

to the keeper

1 The coach passes the ball in to a red player

1 In the progression we task the keeper to be aware of the ‘big

picture’, making longer passes to break defensive lines

3 Possession is retained and the ball passed to the opposite

keeper. Reds can now attack the other way

2 Player movement is

crucial, finding space and giving

the keeper passing options

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30

5

30

5

30

5

30

5

How do I progress the practice?To progress we will allow one keeper to play to another – he must then put the ball back into the middle for outfield players to take forward.

40x30-yard set-upWe now enlarge to a 40x30-yard (3x2min) set-up with keepers positioned in the end zones, as shown (2a). They cannot come into the central area, nor can outfield players leave this space. Again this is a simple possession practice between two teams, with keepers operating two-touch and outfield players all in. Whichever keeper receives the ball must shift the ball laterally, then the second keeper puts it back into the 5v5.

What are the key things to look out for?We want to see a solid progression of skill and awareness from the original 30x30-yard practice because in this challenge both outfield players and the keepers have the opportunity to open up and play longer. Outfield players should also look to retain the ball for longer knowing the safe pass is available by finding the keepers.

How do I progress the practice?To progress, when keepers receive at one end they can look to go long and accurate to the opposite end, effectively sending one of the keepers a lofted back pass (2b). A further progression is that keepers are restricted to one-touch only, with outfield players reduced to two- or three-touch.

70x30-yard practiceIn the final practice we’ve extended the area lengthways again, as shown (3a). It’s still 5v5 in the 30x30-yard midfield area (all in), but now 2v2 in both end zones plus keepers each protecting a goal. The initial aim is for a keeper to link with his two defenders in playing out from the back (effectively in a 3v2). The ball must now move into the midfield area, where team mates

ERIC STEELE: POSSESSION WITH KEEPERS

2a

2b


KEY

1 Now yellows are in possession and combining in the

central area

3 He must play square to his fellow keeper, two-touch initially but one-

touch in the progression

2 A pass is made to one of the keepers

4 Now the receiving keeper plays back into the central area

In the progression we allow a lofted pass to the opposite end zone to simulate a high back pass.

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20x30 20x3030x30

5 vs. 5 2 vs. 22 vs. 2

20x30 20x3030x30

5 vs. 5 2 vs. 22 vs. 2

need to retain possession and play into strikers who are 2v2.

What are the key things to look out for?We want the keeper to be involved in playing out from the back at every opportunity, encouraging angles of support, depth, and using one- or two-touch play. Players must look for the next pass into midfield whenever possible, with an eye on adopted angles of play in creating space and setting up forward passing opportunities. We must encourage forwards to be direct

and to attack defenders with pace, always working for a shooting opportunity.

How do I progress the practice?In the progression (3b), we would allow the keeper to switch play from the defensive to the offensive area with a long throw or ball off the floor.In addition, we would allow one player from the midfield area to drop into the defensive zone, thereby creating a 4v2 scenario. Attackers subsequently play out through the midfield area, who feed front players for 2v2 attack on goal.Finally, one player from the midfield area

can move into the final third. Although this is an outfield progression it obviously ensures the opposition keeper is more readily tested given that his defenders are operating against an additional attacker.In the progression we also want to see third man runs from midfield, with defenders showing players inside or outside as required. They must be dedicated in preventing the shot, delaying opponents and making recovery runs and tackles, but this will only be possible against a backdrop of excellent communication with the keeper and an expectation of the unexpected.

ERIC STEELE: POSSESSION WITH KEEPERS

3a

3b


KEY

2 The defence has pressed

further up the pitch to leave space behind

3 A fellow midfielder moves into the attacking third to support

1 The keeper sends a long ball forward, bypassing the central zone in stimulating a quick counter-attack

1 The keeper adopts a ‘defender’ role with the team assuming a 3v2 overload coming forward in the defensive zone

2 A pass is made into the central area

3 Reds successfully work the ball out the other side for a 2v2 attack on goal

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30

5 45

45

5

55

LMA AMBASSADOR

Darren KellyWhen, where and how to press when defending

Overview:This session explains how we work with the team in order to perfect pressing from the front. It outlines technical and tactical ideas, and explains when is the best time to press, when players should be patient, resilient, and when hard to break down.It’s a session that progresses from variable warm-ups to small-sided game situations and then a final 11v11 set-up, where we expect to see players practising all of the elements learnt in what is a plan that will test them both physically and mentally.

What do I get the players to do?Warm-upWe set up as a 45x30-yard grid, with a five-yard zone at each end, as shown (1). Within this there are seven reds, seven blues and two floaters. The warm-up is played out, as follows:1) Two minutes with the ball Four balls, two per team. Simply, players pass amongst themselves with floaters able to play with either team. We will encourage passing and dribbling with lots of touches. 2) Five minutes without the ball Next it’s dynamic play and movement in the grid. 3) Three minutes with the ball at a higher tempo Blues now pass to reds. Once a player has passed the ball they follow to put pressure on the player. 4) Two minutes without the ball Still in the grid, these are short, sharp sprints. So four six-yard sprints then back to a jog; four jump headers, then turn and sprint six yards, then back to a jog; four four-

SET-UPAREAUp to a full pitchEQUIPMENTBalls, cones, goals, mini-goalsNUMBER OF PLAYERSUp to 11v11SESSION TIME95mins

2a

1


KEY

In the first part of the warm-up it’s two balls per team, performing passes and dribbling exercises so as to get familiar with the ball and each other’s movement.

The coach serves the ball in

The blue player receives and is closed down by red defenders

The red players move in – their first reaction is to try to

prevent forward passes

Reds press as a unit

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30

5 45 5

5 45 5

yard sprints, then turn and sprint six yards; four 15-yard sprints with twists and turns. 5) Five minutes dynamic and static stretching

Game situationsWe now work in the same area, 3v2 (red defenders versus blue attackers) in the first two boxes, 2v2 in the middle and 2v3 in the end, as shown (2a).To score players must pass from one end zone to the other without the other team regaining possession. Once a team achieves this, the target man passes straight in to opposition and they try to score at the other end. The games evolve as follows:Game 1 5mins, players must stay in their zones. Players in possession can use the target man to bounce the ball off. We’re looking for the defensive team to try to regain possession quickly, thinking about when it appears right to press, and when to drop and remain compact. Game 2 5mins, players on the move. Once a pass is played into another zone, one of the players on the team in possession can move into that box (2b). Once possession is lost, the nearest player has to recover into the zone that has just been vacated. Defenders cannot track moving players out of their boxes. Game 3 5mins, dribbling. All players can now dribble from one box to the next so we’re looking for defenders to make it hard for players in possession (3). Teams can still pass from zone to zone and are still looking for players to join in when the ball has been passed, but one defender can now track the runner and teams must focus on regaining shape when possession is lost. Game 4 5mins, free play. Players can now move anywhere on the pitch, but we’re still looking for teams to keep the correct shape, knowing when and where to press.

DARREN KELLY: WHEN, WHERE AND HOW TO PRESS WHEN DEFENDING

2b

3


KEY

In the progression one player can move into the next zone once the ball is passed

With the move coming back the other way

defending reds must now sit back and be patient

This spare red defender must be alert to the threat of the overload on his wing

and close down accordingly

In game 3, one defender can now track the runner and

teams must focus on regaining shape when possession is lost

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What are the key things to look out for?Once the server passes the ball in to blues, we’re looking for reds to be patient, shuffling as a unit on side passes and trying to stop forward passes. The trigger to press is on any backward pass – the team presses as a unit to win the ball back. The other time to press hard is whenever the reds give away possession – and we will do this for six seconds. If defenders have not won the ball back after six seconds must sit back and be patient again.

Goal targets gameWe now set up as shown on three-quarters of a pitch, with 11 reds in a diamond formation and 10 blues in a 4-3-3, as shown (4a). Blues attack the big goal but will only ever have eight active players on the pitch at any one time, and their back four all start in the end zone. Reds must defend by keeping shape, knowing when to press and when to sit back. When they regain possession they can score into the mini-goals (4b). As soon as they score, the blue centre-back in the end zone quickly restarts play (to see how reds react when out of shape).

How do I put this into a game situation?To finish, we move this into an 11v11. Reds adopt a diamond formation while blues play 4-3-3. Putting all that’s been practised together we want to see players using good body shape, speed of approach and recovery runs whilst adopting a low centre of gravity when 1v1. Tactically, they need to know when and where to press, with an eye on forcing play outside and maintaining distances between defenders. They also need to fill in for team mates, press as a unit and communicate well, staying compact and disciplined.

DARREN KELLY: WHEN, WHERE AND HOW TO PRESS WHEN DEFENDING

4a

4b


KEY

1 When the left-sided centre-back receives the ball the left-back can release himself onto the pitch, but if play gets switched the other two defenders must

ensure they recover back into the end zone

2 The right centre-back and right-back remain in the zone to start

3 Reds close in, pressing the men on

the ball and looking to force play outside

4 Pressing players shift across to the side where play is

concentrated

1 Reds press successfully and

intercept

3 A diagonal pass is made

2 The left-sided centre-back is slow to react – he

neither closes down the man on the ball nor

retreats back into the zone

4 The red attacker scores

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EXTRA-TIME PROFILE

RONALD KOEMAN: COOL, CALM, COLLECTED

Koeman is as composed and tactical a manager as he was a player and has the potential to

be just as successful. During his former career as an attacking central defender, he scored more goals than any other defender in history and won numerous titles, in his Dutch domestic league, in Spain and in European competition.

After he hung up his boots in 1997, Koeman, the brother of a football player and head coach and the son of an international football player, was never likely to turn his back on the game he loved. He grabbed his first opportunity to manage with both hands, leading Dutch side Vitesse to the UEFA Cup despite having only limited resources. Between this promising start and his current position, Koeman’s management career has taken him via some of the biggest leagues in Europe and seen him hold the top job at all of Holland’s big three clubs.

Now manager of Southampton, Koeman has just experienced his first full season in charge in the Barclays Premier League, achieving an impressive seventh-place finish to secure European qualification for the club for only the second time in 30 years.

At what point did you realise a career in coaching and management was for you?I started thinking about a career in coaching and management when I was about 30. When you reach that sort of age as a player you know that it’s unlikely you’ll be playing for many more years, so you need to start thinking about what to do next. I was fortunate that, thanks to my past career as a player, I qualified to take part in a special coaching course in Holland, which prepares you for a career in management. I took the course alongside the likes of Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Johan Neeskens, and it was an invaluable opportunity for us to complete our coaching qualifications in only a year.

I knew that taking advantage of this educational opportunity would allow

Ronald Koeman’s 15-year management journey has taken him across Europe, but only recently has his career path ventured onto UK turf. Sue McKellar speaks with the Southampton boss to get an insight into his approach to leadership and management.

“To succeed in this profession you need experience and knowledge and that comes from continuous learning, every day, whether from a meeting or from certain moments in a game.”

me to see if a career in coaching was something I wanted to pursue, and I realised very quickly that it was. Gus Hiddink was the Dutch national coach at the time and I had the opportunity to learn and gain experience as his assistant coach during the 1998 World Cup before becoming assistant coach at Barcelona. Finally, I was given the head coach position with Vitesse Arnhem.

As a player, you were known for having great vision on the ball and being able to see how a game was unfolding. These are also key skills in management, so did the transition come naturally for you?In terms of the tactical side of management the transition did feel very comfortable. As a player I had been a defender and defenders tend to be more involved in team tactics than, say, strikers

Reproduced with kind permission of The Manager magazine.

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who have their own responsibility for getting the ball in the back of the net.

As a defender you need to be very organised and have a good tactical awareness, because you are watching the game unfold in front of you. When I became a manager it certainly helped that I was used to discussing team tactics and organisation. I was already conditioned to think in that way.

The fact that I played in several positions on the pitch also helped me to relate to the team. I have good relationships with my players and it’s great to be able to draw upon my own experiences as a centre back and later in my career as a midfielder. For the positions I have never played in, such as forward, I try to find others in my coaching staff who have, so that all of the players benefit from first-hand, specialist knowledge and experience.

You have worked across Europe, but this is your first post in the UK – how does it compare?The job of management is pretty much the same in the Barclays Premier League as in the other countries I’ve worked in. However, the level that the teams are playing at is much higher, certainly in the intensity of games, and that makes a difference.

One of the best things about managing in the Premier League is having use of all the great training facilities. The infrastructure here at Southampton has been set up to provide the very best opportunity for players to be successful. You can also feel that everyone involved at the club is working hard to help the manager, team and club succeed, which is really great. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to be a part of the Barclays Premier League and it’s a pleasure to work at Southampton, where the supporters like football and like the way we play.

You have played for a number of world-class managers. Did they influence your approach or style?Yes, when you’re a player or a coach you are always learning from and making observations of the managers that you work with. You’re constantly being influenced by what those managers are doing and when you become a manager yourself you have to try to assemble all of that insight and then see how it fits with your own philosophy and character. Staying true to yourself is very important. To succeed in this profession you need experience and knowledge and that

comes from continuous learning, every day, whether from a meeting or from certain moments in a game.

When has your learning curve been steepest?Often the biggest things you learn come from your mistakes. For example, when I lost my job as manager of Valencia and then later from AZ in Holland they felt like the worst periods of my life, but I learned a lot from those tough times. Sometimes things won’t go so well and you’ll find your team struggling more than normal, but that’s just part of management. That’s football. If you’re to deal with those tough periods well you need to enjoy your job and know that you’re doing your best.

It’s also important to me to have good relationships with my players, so I am straight with them and am always working to do my best for them and the club as a whole.

You clearly have the ability and desire to nurture young players and the patience to see them develop.Yes and I believe strongly in doing so and in giving them confidence, particularly the young ones coming through. Nurturing players is a very clear part of Southampton’s philosophy as a club and I like that. I understand that you must have a balance between young and more experienced players, but part of the club’s philosophy is to give young players an opportunity to be part of the first team if they have sufficient talent. I’m not afraid to give them that chance, because I do it with full belief in their qualities and talents. It is part of my job as their manager to give them the confidence and time to progress.

That confidence comes in part from the manager’s own demeanour,

which reflects on what he and the team represent. If I were to appear nervous then that would transmit to the players and fans. Fortunately, it’s in my character to be calm and relaxed. Certainly, when I’m on the bench I believe in staying calm; I don’t believe that shouting is always helpful for the players.

Tell me about your support team and how Sammy Lee and your brother fit in?As soon as I knew I would be coming to Southampton as manager I knew that my brother, Erwin, the physical coach and the goalkeeping coach, Dave Watson, would be joining me on my coaching staff.

I was also very clear in my mind that I wanted an experienced English coach on my side, someone who knew the Barclays Premier League, the opposing teams, their players and their stadiums.

Being able to appoint Sammy Lee with the experience and background that he has as a player and a coach was a great opportunity. He has been a head coach, part of the England coaching squad, and was part of Rafael Benitez’s coaching team at Liverpool. He is very different from my brother and I, so is able to offer a different mentality and approach, and it means we have a broad mix of experience and perspectives in our coaching team.

We are a very close team and are always discussing tactics and our overall philosophy. This proved invaluable when, having ruptured my Achilles tendon before the opening match of the season, I couldn’t be on the bench. Even though it was an unusual and unexpected situation, we were very well prepared and I had full confidence in my staff. If you work together every day and everyone understands how you play, then you’ll always be prepared to face whatever comes next.

As a player you came through the Dutch system, where players are encouraged to give their thoughts and opinions during tactical preparation. Is that something you encourage as a manager?Certainly. I believe in having a very good understanding between the players and the technical staff. It is very easy to just give orders and say ‘you have to go left’ or ‘you have to go right’, but I believe it is far better if the players choose to go left or right because they are thinking tactically; they know how we play and they understand why we are doing things in a certain way. To me, it’s important that the players have a level of understanding that means they are comfortable in their decision making.

EXTRA-TIME PROFILE RONALD KOEMAN

“I believe in having a very good understanding between the players and the technical staff. It is very easy to just give orders and say ‘you have to go left’ or ‘you have to go right’, but I believe it is far better if the players choose to go left or right because they are thinking tactically.”

24 NOVEMBER 2015

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BOOKED: THIS MONTH’S CHOICE

HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?Mastering the psychology of mind over muscleBy Matt FitzgeraldPublished by VeloPress RRP £16.99 (Hardback)

It’s fair and accurate to suggest we’re all programmed to compete –

even the person least concerned about winning or achieving something/anything will have a tiny, alert element that spurs him on to challenge either himself or someone else. Whether though we can programme that competitive streak into a process and method that can leave us to excel past levels we thought unachievable is ultimately what separates great athletes from really great athletes.But to identify that point at which we should turn off and fold – or at the very least slow down – is exactly what psychologist Matt Fitzgerald sets out to achieve in How Bad Do You Want It? The book, rather simplistically, is the examination of how as performers we can take the body and the mind beyond the line at which they previously stopped. It’s a gesture into researching a method and a process for ‘going the extra yard’… literally, in some cases.And for the most part this is an interesting read. The author’s recommendations for pushing past natural boundaries are certainly useful, but ultimately you are left feeling they could have been compressed into, at most, three chapters. Instead, he pushes the direction of the book towards anecdotes, stories and successes from a cross-section

So bad it’s good

By Richard Aldhous

EXCERPT:A 24.5km cycling time trial is an exercise in pacing. So are all races that last longer than 30 seconds. In races that last less than 30 seconds, competitors go all-out, pedalling, striding, or stroking at absolute maximum intensity from start to finish. They hold nothing back and utilise their full physical capacity. In races that last longer than 30 seconds, competitors do hold back. They pedal, stride, or stroke at less than maximum intensity at all points of the race except perhaps the very end. Instead of going all-out, they maintain the highest intensity they

feel capable of sustaining through the full race distance.

Why 30 seconds? Because humans cannot sustain maximum intensity exercise longer than about 30 seconds without exceeding the highest level of perceived effort they can tolerate. Athletes are conscious of their effort in shorter races, of course, but because they know their suffering will end quickly they do not use this perception to control their pace, which is constrained only by their physical capacity. But when an athlete starts a race that he knows will last longer than 30 seconds, he holds back just enough that his perceived effort limit is not reached until he is at the finish line. That is the art of pacing. What happens when an athlete tries to sustain a maximum intensity of exercise longer than 30 seconds? Anna Wittekind of the University of Essex answered this question in a 2009 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Nine subjects were asked to ride stationary bikes outfitted with power meters as hard as they could for 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 45 seconds on separate occasions. When she reviewed the results, Wittekind found that the subjects had generated slightly less power during the first 15 seconds of the 45-second test than they had in the 15-second test. In other words, they had not pedalled as hard as they could at the start of the longest test ride, even though they had been instructed to do so. Instead, they had unconsciously paced themselves.Wittekind speculated that, on the basis of past experience, the subjects recognised that they could not sustain a true maximal effort for 45 seconds without exceeding their maximum tolerance for perceived effort, so they held back just a little without even realising it. These results suggest that the limit of maximum perceived effort tolerance is so impenetrable that athletes are not psychologically capable of even trying to sustain a maximum exercise intensity longer than approximately 30 seconds.

“Wittekind speculated that, on the basis of past experience, the subjects recognised that they could not sustain a true maximal effort for 45 seconds without exceeding their maximum tolerance for perceived effort, so they held back just a little without even realising it.”

of athletes. Useful, certainly, but relevant to the average sportsman? Perhaps not.There are also the usual bevy of scientific monitors that gather into this book a sense of authenticity. But much of this is about inspiration and process – whether that’s using anger, positive feelings or incentives to drive home an extra push.It’s certainly relevant to a broad cross-section of sportspeople, and Fitzgerald’s delivery is at once friendly, accessible and warm. Whether the reader will feel there is enough genuine ‘take out’ from what is a tough psychological subject to broach and expect any kind of recognisable results from it in this form is, ultimately, another matter.

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THE COLLECTORS’ SERIES Volume 7

36 EXCLUSIVE COACHING PRACTICES

FROM TOP PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS

Volume 2THE COLLECTORS’ SERIES DAVID MOYES

ALEX MCLEISH

STEVE BRUCE

TONY PULIS

HARRY REDKNAPP

Chris hughton

DAViD MoYEs

ALAn PArDEWJosÉ Mourinho

stEVE CLArKESoccer

In partnershIp wIth

36 EXCLusiVE CoAChing PrACtiCEs FroM toP ProFEssionAL MAnAgErs

thE CoLLECtors’ sEriEs Volume 5

Be ready for the new seasonTraining practices from the game’stop coaches

SoccerCoaChing praCtiCes from the world’s

leading managers and CoaChes

www.elitesoccercoaching.net

theprofessional fitness plans

garY walKerMANCHESTER UNITED

STRENGTH

Pre-season strength and conditioning

sCott millerFULHAM

AGILITY

Four types of pre-season agility

tom littleHUDDERSFIELD TOWN

fITNESS

Endurance and football fitness

antonio gomeZFC CARTAGENA

TECHNIQUE

Technique training

aleX armstrongSHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

ENDURANCE

Muscular endurance programme

strength

agilitYfitnessteChniQUe

endUranCe

Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 3www.elitesoccercoaching.net

15

KENNY DALGLISH

SAM ALLARDYCE

MICK MCCARTHYARSÈNE WENGER

ROBERTO MANCINISOCCER

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


THE COLLECTORS’ SERIES Volume 3

Neil leNNoN

MAlKY MACKAY

GoRDoN STRACHANHARRY ReDKNAPP

PAUl lAMBeRTSoccer

In partnershIp wIth

36 eXClUSiVe CoACHiNG PRACTiCeS

FRoM ToP PRoFeSSioNAl MANAGeRS

THe ColleCToRS’ SeRieS Volume 6

ALL NEW SESSIONS FOR THE 2013/14 SEASON

Be ready for the new seasonTraining practices from the game’stop coaches

SoccerCOACHINg pRACTICES FROm THE WORLd’S LEAdINg mANAgERS ANd COACHES

www.elitesoccercoaching.net SummER 2013

In partnershIp wIth

THE uLTImATE OFF-SEASON FITNESS pLANS

gARY WALKERMANCHESTER UNITED

Pre-season strength and conditioning

SCOTT mILLERFULHAM

Aerobic conditioning - equipment

RYLANd mORgANSLIvERPooL

Strength and aerobic maintenance

ANTONIO gOmEZFC BARCELoNA

Player’s off-season plan

JAmES RuSSELLgILLINgHAM

off-season programme

5 COmpLETE pLANS TO

KEEp YOuR pLAYERS IN SHApE OvER THE SummER bREAK

$37$37 $47

$47 $47 $47

$47 $47 $47

e s michael o’neill › downloads › ir8 › elitesoccer64.pdf · start to the premier league...

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