Latest Blog Posts
Attacking Centrally
Process: Normal rules apply, however the only difference is the pitch shape. This shape naturally forces the team in possession inside the pitch. Depending on your returns for the session and players add offside -lines. High lines to exploit space in behind. Deep...
Motivating Players for Set Plays
To be considered: Attacking corners. Identify opportunities to score, retain possession in the oppositions half and prevent being countered. Deploy you players considering your strengths and weaknesses. Rules: Allow free play for a period of time once the corner has...
Purposeful Possession
Coaching Pointers Dispersal: Length, width and depth. Support: Always be available. Forward, inside and backwards options. Movement: Become a free man. Penetration: Think forward, try to play forward. Security: Thinking about regaining possession whilst in possession....
Next Level Conditions
6 Pass Rule (Possession) Once the team in possession score, they must complete 6 successful passes for the goal to stand. 6 Pass Rule (Pressing) Once the team in possession score, they must press and prevent the opposition completing 6 successful passes. 4 pass Rule:...
A technical report on England in Euro 2016 – Part 2
England played a conventional 3-man midfield, featuring mostly Eric Dier as the holding player and Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli in front as a 2. I want to applaud the contribution Eric Dier made to the tournament. Very disciplined in that specialist role, from a...
A technical report on England in Euro 2016
The FA launched its ‘England DNA’ project in 2014. The DNA is the framework or blueprint to help bring success to future players and teams who represent England at international level. From U16 all the way through to the senior side, the DNA project is designed to...
The factors behind late goals in football matches
One thing stood out to me during the 0-0 draw between England and Slovakia on Monday evening. Clive Tyldesley the ITV commentator that the evening stated that 25% of the goals in the tournament so far have been scored beyond the 85th minute. This got me thinking… Why?...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Wales
Play Like Wales - Counter Attacking Themed Games: Attacking in 2’s Players are split into 2 teams – 1 team attacks north, the other south Players will always attack in 2's Players can only score in the ‘score zone’ marked by poles Golden Rules – The player who shoots...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Ukraine
Play Like Ukraine - Combination in Wide Areas 1. Overlaps Players are split into 3’s at each disc Middle player always starts with the ball Plays a soft diagonal pass in front of the player to the right The pass invites the attacker into the space which creates space...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Turkey
Play Like Turkey - Killer Passes 1. Rotate with receiver Play a soft pass to the spare side and rotate with the receiver Key Tip Receiver points and leans where they want it Pass is soft and guided Competition If the pass is stopped on the gated line = team point...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Switzerland
Play Like Switzerland - Cut in to Finish 1. Cutting in to shoot 2 opposite queues Players have a football each Moves Hazard: Inside/ Inside / Outside Ronaldo: Chop Suarez: Fake shot / Cut Once the move has been performed on the mannequin/pole join the opposite queue...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Sweden
Play Like Sweden - Finish from Crosses 1. Finish From Crosses Cross 1 2 lines of players with a ball each 2 plays a start on the pole A ½ is played around the pole The wide player crosses in to the player at the front of the opposite queue who looks to finish Crosser...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Spain
Play Like Spain – Possession in Tight Spaces 1. Possession Boxes – 20 minutes Easy: 3 v 1/4 v 1/5 v 1 Moderate: 5 v 2/6 v 2 7 v 2 Advanced: 3 v 2 4 v 2/5 v 3 Coach sets out a number of passes as a target which = 1 goal Coach can vary size of areas, numbers of players...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Slovakia
Play Like Slovakia - Flair and Skills 1. Inventing a new move Invent a new move – call it the ‘surname’ One ball each 5 practice time Presentation of the skill The player who shows the example becomes the coach to help the other players improve Key Tip Enjoy the ball...
Euro 2016 Training Drills: Russia
Play Like Russia - Running off the Ball 1. Squared area Players are split into 3’s in a squared area Each player covers a side of the square 1 player starts with the football and passes to a team mate The player who then played the pass moves towards the space side...