‘Back to goal’ play is a true ... - Olton Ravens Youth...

Attacking players spend a high percentage of their time facing down the pitch - usually with a defender or two breathing down on them. Attackers good at ‘back to goal’ play seem to give themselves time and space to receive the ball, but this requires strength and presence, so players must practice to perfect the art.

This is an excellent activity that can be introduced to players as young as six years old – essentially as soon as they have demonstrated a competence for passing over a short distance and receiving ground balls.

How to set it up:• The practice only requires a small space, but you might want to set up multiple areas so all players are participating at the same time.

• Each area should be about 20x10 yards.

• You’ll need one ball per area. Despite the title, there’s no need to add a goal, just remember the top touchline represents the goal line.

• A server starts with the ball at one end of the area with the attacker and defender ahead of him. The attacker stands in front of the defender.

Getting started:• The server plays a firm pass along the ground to the attacker.

• The attacker receives the ball, turns and attacks the far end of the area. The defender applies pressure from behind but, at first, is a passive opponent, so must not tackle.

• Tell the attacker to use different turns – for instance, with the inside of the foot, outside of the foot, dummy (let the ball run through his legs), along with other moves such as faking one way and turning the other.

• After the attacker has had six attempts, the defender is now active and can win possession. Run the drill another six times.

Developing the session:• The first progression is for the attacker to perform a self-pass. When this happens, the attacker receives the ball with the defender behind, plays a short pass (about 5 yards) into space towards the server, sprints to the ball and turns before the defender can close down the space.

• Now facing the defender, the attacker attempts to beat his opponent to the end line.

Further progression:• There are 3 additional progressions for attackers:

- Check away from the server at an angle and turn creating separation from the defender- Check towards the server and let the ball run through the legs, or down the side of the attacker (roll the defender if he is over committed)- Check, hesitate (to imitate contact with the defender) and check to the ball again

• To create a game situation, add a goal and a keeper and instead of dribbling, the attacker needs to shoot at goal after turning the defender.

Why this works:Unlike any other position, attacking players spend the majority of time facing

down the pitch, which means they have their back to goal. Strength in possession of the ball, holding up the ball for supporting team mates and quick turns in the penalty box are all attributes of a great attacker. These skills are developed through repetition and reinforcement of activities, so as confidence develops, so too will the methods an attacking player uses to beat a defender.

August 17 2011 Issue 225Under 4s - Under 16s WEEKLY

‘Back to goal’ basics‘Back to goal’ play is a true art, and if practised well, the rewards can be huge, by David Newbery and Tony DiCicco

‘Back to goal’ basics

WELCOME…

Soccer Coach Weekly 1

player movementpassrunning with the ball

...to the new issue of Soccer Coach Weekly. Check out our main session below

that teaches attackers the fine art of playing with their

backs to goal. We’ve also got an exclusive interview with

Chelsea’s Head of International Youth Development, Jeff

Bookman. Enjoy the issue and we’ll see you again next week.

1 The server lays a ball

into feet to the attacker who has his back to the

defender


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

DAVID NEWBERYFor over 20 years David has studied and worked in youth education, soccer development and coaching. A former University Professor and CEO of a Youth Sports Company, he is the Director of Player & Coach Development of SoccerPlus.

TONY DICICCOTony is the most successful coach in USA Soccer history, most notably leading the USA Women’s national team to 1996 Olympic, plus 1999 and 2008 World Cup success. He is the Head Coach of the Boston Breakers professional women’s team. SoccerPlus has become synonymous with providing excellent advice, leadership and services raising performance standards of players and coaches and leading to organisation success. To learn more visit – www.soccerplus.org/services or contact David Newbery, [email protected].


2 On this occasion,

the attacker separates

from the defender before he receives


3 Checking forward creates

separation from the defender

and space to receive the

pass


WEEKLY


SAID LIKE A PROWARM-UP

Go left or go rightSAID LIKE A PROa WARM-UP

Dribble on demandHow to set it up:• The size of the playing area will depend on the number of players you have, but keep the space relatively tight so that players are aware of the need for good close control.

Getting started:• The players must listen to your various calls and carry out your commands.

• You can call out instructions such as:

“Slower”“Faster”“Turn”“Skill”“Keep ball up”“Best foot”“Weak foot”“Change balls”

• The practice is repeated for a set time period.

Why this works:Dribbling is one of the simplest yet most important parts of the

game. Any training session should start with some element of technical skill, so rehearsing your players in close control whilst in close proximity to each other is a great way to start.

dribble

Dribble on demand

KEY

ELEM

ENTS • Dribbling

• Reactions

• Speed

• ReactionsPlayers use the area to

perform different commands

dribble

TOOLS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Timing it right

Five minutes to go and you’re trailing

If there is one point your players should remember it’s not to give up if they’re trailing going into the last few minutes. Late goals have been a feature of football since day one, and everyone gets lucky from time to time. But players need to make their own luck by keeping fit, remaining focused and staying positive. And remember, there is never a bad time to score in a game!

If you let a goal in attack straight back

One of the key times to attack is just after conceding. Your players’ heads will go down if they let a goal in, but this is undoubtedly the best time to stay positive and strike back. Teams think they are in control when they score - make sure your side is aware of this.

The last five minutes of the first half

This time represents your cue to tell players to turn up the heat on the opposition. Conceding just before half-time is a big psychological blow and can potentially change the whole feel of what should be an uplifting team talk at the interval.

Slow start in the second half

The start of the second half is key. Often, a team that has been sitting around at half-time comes out having not stretched, and maybe even lacking focus. Smart teams can create good chances if their half-time chat is structured, and they are back out on the pitch early ready to restart.

Do your players crumble under pressure?

Timing in football is everything, but there’s lots of psychology in play when teams score. If you can prepare your team so they don’t panic when trailing in a game, and so they don’t relax too much when in front, they’ll be less worried about keeping an eye on the stopwatch.

And it isn’t just the final minutes in which teams should be looking to win matches. There are lots of important times you need to make a note of and prepare your team for.

Attack straight from kick-off

When the match kicks off you need to tell your players to be first to the ball and to get it forward into attacking positions. And make sure you have prepared them with a set kick-off plan to attack. A team shouldn’t needlessly be giving the ball away straight from kick-off.

FULL TIME

The significant points of a football game revealed


WEEKLY

People sometimes look on international youth development with suspicion, and of course through Chelsea, we’re trying to develop the brand worldwide, but the idea is in doing that we can hopefully partner with grassroots clubs in America. We offer them some of the philosophy and methodology behind Chelsea and learn lessons in return.

At the same time, if we can end up getting a player from here, then fantastic, but as far as our duties go, if we can help develop the game and build in an innovative structure, then a small part of west London would be delighted.

World viewMy philosophy has

always been to give coaches the chance to view what’s what’s happening around the world, an idea that was never really taken on before. You can go to a convention here or there to see some good coaches, but to watch good coaches work, that’s the only way I think that people can learn. Over here in America, we certainly have the flavour for the game now, and there’s an eagerness to take in as much as possible. I’m not sure that was always the case back in the UK, but that’s changing. So the more we can showcase what’s going on around the world, the more youth development can profit.

The US and the UK are similar in many ways – both nations play the game with intensity, passion and enthusiasm, which is great. But I think both probably overlooked the technical part of the game for too long. So back home, they’re working much harder on their technical skills and getting players at younger ages to work on that aspect. I think we’re coming round to that way of thinking in the States but it’s taking longer.

At the moment it’s still the winning mentality that’s pushing US teams into games and tournaments, and I think the time is coming where we need to take a step back and work on the basic technical skills of players first. But it will be interesting to see how it develops.

THE ART OF COACHING CHILDREN

And I think Spanish coaches are really taking it forward with new ideas and new formations. It’s almost like their technical game is so strong they can experiment whereas the rest of us are too afraid of failing.

Germany is another country that has reinvented itself - there’s so much going on in youth development, there. So I think in Europe definitely, Spain and Germany seem to be the two countries for me because they’re producing something slightly different.

A changing landscape?But there is an added influence slowly

creeping into play – something that may even threaten the huge shift over towards technical football, and that’s athleticism.

Technology means we’ve now had a chance to scour the world, and the players we’re bringing in from Africa have pace and power in abundance. So yes, you’ve got to have that technical talent but there is a major leap in sports science where every training session is now being monitored for the physical - as well as technical - aspects. It could be interesting to see how things move on in the next 10 years or so, because athleticism is certainly en vogue at the moment.

Your coachingMy advice to any coach is to

look around, explore new ideas and be ambitious. The global pool of coaching talent has never been more open and approachable, so seize the opportunity now to educate and inform, because the chances are you’ll be giving yourself a headstart on your rivals.

Opportunities and role modelsIt’s clear in the UK that we need a flood of

new coaches coming into the game. I’d be interested to know how retiring amateur players view their role in all this. Obviously there are a large number now with free time on Saturdays or Sundays.

I think the issue is the amount of red tape that has to be gone through. And it shouldn’t always be assumed that great players are great coaches. I remember when Fulham midfielder Damien Duff came out complaining how many hoops had to be jumped through to

become a coach. It was the whole ‘I’ve been a player, I know all about coaching’ mentality. Well sorry Damien, but you

don’t, because you can’t just assume coaching intelligence is there.

I wasn’t hugely in favour of a non-English manager for our national team, but I was willing to give Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello a chance. I thought, ‘Okay, if the managers that come in have got something to offer our coaching structure, and we can progress and advance where we are, then it’s a worthwhile project.’ But I haven’t seen any evidence that either are helping young people improve their coaching abilities. It’s purely and simply at the top level, that’s where they stay, and I don’t think that is of value to anybody, personally.

Who have it right at the moment? Well, here in America I’m working with coaches from Argentina, Spain, Germany, Portugal...

all over, so I’m getting bits from everywhere.

The developing world of football

PROFILE

Having managed the Chelsea Under-13 Academy team, Jeffrey Bookman spent the past decade travelling around the world promoting English Premier League heavyweights Chelsea.

He specialises in offering help and advice with player development and coach education, and achieved the UEFA ‘A’ licence back in 1998.

Returning to our series in which we speak to some of the leading coaches and coordinators in youth football, Chelsea FC Head of International Youth Development Jeffrey Bookman tells Soccer Coach Weekly how the global

view of football might be changing...

Jeffrey Bookman

SCW SURGERY

Q We’ve got a large squad of 16 players. About half have developed well over the

past year yet others are standing still. I can’t help but get frustrated. Tony Minot, Kansas.

A Players develop at different ages and different speeds, particularly through puberty

when their bodies are changing. If you have a number of players who you feel are leaving the others behind you essentially have two choices...

First, just accept that this is how footballers are. As long as you’re teaching to the best of your ability and the less skilled players are still attending and taking training seriously, you have to let the natural order of things dictate what happens. Give it six months and some of the players currently struggling may have picked up of their own accord.

The other option is to split the group, focusing on more advanced skills and pursuits for the players developing quicker, and doing some sort of a refresher course for the others. You run the risk of creating a division by doing this, but players won’t feel held back or overstretched by training.

But be sensitive in whatever you choose, and remember neither of these two options permits you to get frustrated, even though it’s probably just down to the fact you care!

Q A player of mine also turns out for another team on a Sunday. They’re in

a different league but opposition managers have got wind and are telling me it’s banned. Are they right? Jules Simon, Harrogate.

A In short, yes. The FA’s directive is that players cannot play in more than one match

in the same day. There is a minor allowance for competitions that allow double-headers, namely that if matches are played back-to-back, then players cannot play for more than 100 minutes.

Of course, different rules apply for different countries but it’s always good to check these things in advance. And as daft as it sounds, don’t assume that just because your players don’t tell you they’re turning out for someone else, it’s not happening!

There’s also a moral duty at play here. If you know kids are putting in too much match time – be that for Sunday teams, in 5-a-side or even for their schools – remind them how important it is to rest between matches. As with any athlete, recovery time is arguably the most valuable.

Got a question for SCW Surgery?Email it to us at

[email protected]

Q A rival coach told me he is thinking of imposing on his players a 50p fine if they

turn up with dirty boots, since “dirty boots equals bad mentality”. Is he winding me up? Jock Anthony, Ayr.

A I’ve actually heard this before and the coaches in question have been deadly

serious about the idea. Another coach also stopped one of his players taking part in an end-of-season final because he didn’t turn up to the venue in a shirt and trousers, as had been the order!

I can understand coaches wanting to instil the right mentality in their players, but personally, this all seems like it’s going a bit far.

Rather than dirty boots equalling bad mentality, I’d say dirty boots were a sign that a player loves his football! Sure, cleanliness and hygiene are important, but we’re talking about young lads here whose passion it is to play the game.

In my opinion, any coach who wants to cool those passions by imposing petty fines probably needs to go back to basics a bit. There are far more sensible ways to teach players to have respect for themselves, the game, and others around them.

This week’s coach: John Sampson Group: 9 to 12-year-oldsJohn Sampson is a retired former professional coach with over two decades experience in the game

Soccer Coach Weekly is published by Green Star Media Ltd, Meadow View, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0AB, UK. Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1483 892894 Fax: +44 (0)1483 894148 Editor: James Evans Publisher: Kevin Barrow Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths

Customer Service: Duncan Heard Designer: Steve Southern Contributors: David Clarke, Paul Dargan, Chris Galea © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

WEEKLY


This is a great game for angles of defence and changing roles in attack.DAVID CLARKE’S TOUCHLINE TALES

You’re the area managerI had a problem at training this week. I’ve been out watching some coaches

working with elite players, and I noted down some of the ideas they were using so I could try them out with my players.

I worked out how the exercises and drills could be adapted to my players and designed a session accordingly… but despite my best efforts the squad struggled to cope with what was in front of them.

It was an exercise about turning defence into attack – players taking advantage of space when they had won the ball off a team on the offensive.

But I soon realised that the dimensions they were playing in were making the session too difficult.

I had made the pitch too small so that there was not enough space for the players to exploit. I had also only put a small goal as the target and this was not wide enough to encourage the players to shoot.

So I made the dimensions of the pitch larger and added two small goals either side of the main goal. Instantly, players were more willing to move the ball wide and attack down the centre, because both tactics created goalscoring chances.

As the game progressed and they got the idea of what had to be done I gradually reduced the size of the training area. I soon found the optimum space that gave the players freedom without making it too easy to score goals. As it turned out it wasn’t that much bigger than the original area, but because players had solved the puzzle, they had been shown the way to play.

The idea of good player coaching is that as the team learns you make it slightly harder, stretching abilities all the time. This is the key to my sessions – I am showing the players how to solve the problem and giving them the means by which to do it. If it’s too hard they won’t be able to pull it off, and when too easy they’ll become bored quickly.

Changing the elements means I can use the existing structure to get this message across more clearly. And that adds to the fun!

The dimensions of a training area are much more important than many coaches realise – changing them can be a quick fix to a lot of learning problems.

“The dimensions of a training area are much more important than many coaches realise –

changing them can be a quick fix to a lot of learning problems.”


WEEKLY

How to set it up:• Create a playing area measuring 40x30 yards.

• There is a goal and keeper at each end.

• Two defenders cover each goal while four attackers begin on the halfway line.

• A coach stands to their left on the touchline.

Getting started:• To start, the coach passes to the attacking team.

• The attacking team has 10 continuous attacks (five at each goal).

• After each ball has been played, the coach passes the team a new ball and they attack the opposite goal.

• At the end of 10 attacks, attackers become defenders and vice versa. Which of the two teams can score most times from their attacking phase?

Why this game works:While attackers have continuous 4v2 overloads, their advantage

is diluted by the fact they are working twice as hard as defenders given the unrelenting nature of their end-to-end attacks. Attackers must therefore show strong stamina, and you should be looking for them to learn and develop their attacks on the basis of what was successful or unsuccessful previously.

Defenders must look to limit the resulting effect of their numerical disadvantage by communicating well, both with each other and the goalkeeper.

SMALL-SIDED GAME

4v2 continuous

The players pass the ball

back and forth

4v2 continuous

They switch the ball to an

unmarked man who

shoots towards goal

Immediately they turn and

attack the other way, with a new ball being

served

SKIL

LS

• Attacking

• Defending

• Passing

• Teamwork

Get your players used to counter-attacking overloads in this 10-ball continuous overload game

The ball is served in and the attackers

progress to attack 4v2

1

2

3

This game was taken from Soccer Attack! by Michael Beale. Soccer Attack! contains 80 drills and

games to develop shooting and finishing. Get your copy here: www.coach-soccer.com/attack

‘Back to goal’ play is a true ... - Olton Ravens Youth...

Documents

Transcript of ‘Back to goal’ play is a true ... - Olton Ravens Youth...