under 4s - under 16s attacking...

For many young players, throw-ins resemble nothing more than an annoying break in play, often solved by a basketball-style lunge designed to get the ball back onto the pitch.

But, if done well, returning that ball from the sideline can produce something really deadly. Tactical throw-ins require hard work and practice, but the rewards from giving your players some fun exercises to develop their technique are potentially huge.

Presenting a session that’s based around attacking throw-ins will grab the attention of youngsters – it’s all much more exciting than a throw to feet. And this session’s main tactic is all about launching the ball high onto the head of an attacker, who nods it on deeper into the penalty area. This means the ball is coming in at a different speed and angle to a standard cross, which presents a new challenge to defenders.

If your players are too young to be practising headers, attacking throw-ins to quick feet can be equally as effective.

The technique:• Players need to place their hands behind the ball to make the classic ‘W’ shape, with elbows pointing to the side.

• Tell them to take a couple of positive steps forward before bringing the standing leg firmly down, thus enabling them to catapult the ball from behind the head with power.

Set-up:• Put your players into groups of threes.

• Each player stands on a cone, with the cones 10 yards apart around the angles of a triangle.

• A slippery ball is no good, so get players to dry it on their shirts to maximise grip.

Getting started:• Player A throws to B who heads to C.

• Player C must control the ball with part of their body or head, and play it back to player A.

• After three throws swap roles – so A swaps with B, who swaps with C.

Developing the session:• Set up this tactic and get your team to play it as though it was in a real game, using attackers, defenders, a thrower and a target player.

• Frequently switch throwers and the target players.

The tactic:• To many youngsters, this will be a new type of throw-in – one delivered with aggression and pace – so it must be practised well before being attempted in a match situation. You’ll find that some players are better than others at pulling this off, but everyone should become proficient in knowing the tactic and technique behind the attacking throw.

• The more you work on long throws the better and more accurate your players will become. And doing this will limit the need for a specialist thrower to trudge all the way across the pitch in order to take a throw.

Why this works:Throw-ins are an important part of the game but are often something that’s

overlooked. Rather than just being a way of getting the ball live again, attacking throw-ins can be extremely valuable in fashioning genuine goalscoring chances.

Well-timed flicked or powered headers from throw-ins can be just as effective as corners, not to mention more accurate. They represent a great way of ensuring ‘difficult to defend’ balls are put into dangerous attacking areas.

July 13 2011 Issue 220Under 4s - Under 16s WEEKLY

Attacking throw-insTurning a dead ball into a deadly ball by rehearsing the art of a great throw-in

Attacking throw-ins

WELCOME…

Soccer Coach Weekly 1

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2 Players practise around the points of a triangle

...to the new issue of Soccer Coach Weekly. We’re looking at the advantage of a good throw-

in in this issue, with our main session practising the tactic for outfield players, and our

Tools and Tips feature designed specifically for keepers. Why not see what advantage your side

can gain? Enjoy the issue...

1 Perfecting the initial technique is important

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3 Now in a match rehearsal, a target man flicks into the

danger area

British PE teacher Danny Brooks holds the record for the longest recorded throw-in. The former gymnast has perfected a flip technique which

creates added thrust, thus meaning he can throw a standard football an incredible 49.8 metres.

TOOLS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

WEEKLY


SAID LIKE A PROWARM-UP

Go left or go rightSAID LIKE A PROa WARM-UP

Pressing techniqueHow to set it up:• Create a playing area measuring 20x20 yards.

• Within the area, scatter a number of cones or poles.

• Line up players so that one groups starts from the top edge, and the other from the bottom edge.

Getting started:• Get your players to move into the area and pressure the cones, one at a time.

• They should sprint to the target, but slow down as they approach, ensuring that they take up an open stance with their weight evenly distributed on both feet, ready to react.

• Tell them to hold the pressure for 2–3 seconds before moving on to a different target.

• Get them to angle their runs and show the cones inside or outside, or jockey them.

• To progress this, now work with two players.

• The first player pressures, while the second reacts to the first player’s pressure and takes up the correct supporting position.

Why this works:Warming up without a ball means players concentrate more

because there are no tempting distractions to be kicked or juggled! And while the rehearsing of a positional move such as this may seem rather mundane to players, ensuring their approach and positioning is correct will save time in the long run.

Pressing technique

KEY

ELEM

ENTS • Pressing

• Sprinting

• Concentration

• ReactionsPlayers approach from each side, pressuring a cone before moving on

Throw it and show itGoalkeepers like nothing better than to having the ball in their hands, running

to the edge of their area, then blasting it into the sky.

But throw outs can be better, not to mention more valuable, because the ability to throw the ball quickly and accurately is becoming an increasingly important skill for goalkeepers in the modern game.

After all, many of the world’s top keepers can throw the ball more than half the length of the pitch, and the distance and accuracy they can achieve is a big counter-attacking weapon for the team.

The over-arm throw allows your goalkeeper to clear the ball over a long distance and at a great height. And it can be more accurate than kicking the ball. Here’s our quick guide for keepers looking to master the art of the long throw:

• Tell your goalkeeper to adopt a side-on position, and put their weight on the back foot.

• Your goalkeeper’s throwing hand should be positioned under the ball, and their throwing arm kept straight.

• The non-throwing arm should point in the direction of the target.

• The goalkeeper should then bring this arm down as the throwing arm comes through in an arc over the top of their shoulder.

• The goalkeeper’s weight should be transferred forward as the ball is released.

• It is similar to a bowler’s action in cricket.

• Over long distances, get your player to concentrate on powering the arm downwards on the same line as the target spot. This will help with his accuracy.

Throw outs, a great counter-attacking option...

“The over-arm throw allows your goalkeeper to clear the ball over a longer distance

and at greater height.”

1. Throwing arm straight, weight on back of feet

2. Throwing arm comes in an arc over the top of your shoulder

3. Weight moves forward, bowl the ball out


WEEKLY

The futsal fundamentals:Players• Players that don’t move typically fall into what is called ‘a dead zone’. Futsal takes absolute concentration, and players not switched on will see the game pass them by very quickly. If a coach perceives a player is in a dead zone, he should replace him immediately and, when the time is right, find out why he ‘went missing’. The likelihood is that the player is tired.

• Replace players often to make the most of their energy and coach them while they are out.

• Use the goalie as the fifth outfield player whenever possible. If an opposing player goes after the goalie the stopper passes to an open player. If the goalie can’t pass he can kick to get rid of the ball after four seconds of possession.

• Futsal is dynamic and so is marking players. A front player walking back slowly should be replaced immediately.

• Ball watching is okay! Players should have their eyes on the ball as close to 100% of the time as possible.

• When attacking, players should be moving constantly and always looking for open space. Rotation is highly desirable such is the intensity of the game.

THE ART OF COACHING CHILDREN

Technique• Goalies should roll the ball as close to the floor as possible because it is easier for a receiving player to control it.

• In futsal, the ball is meant to be controlled with the bottom of the foot as opposed to the side of the foot.

• Futsal is all about skill - it is not a physical game. Physical players need to focus on the game’s technical aspects.

Tactics• Futsal is not kick and chase. It is about moving and getting close to the goal.

• When your team has possession all players attack. But as soon as the ball is lost, all players must switch into defensive mode.

• The faster the ball is returned back into play, the better. Winning teams are those who maintain a high tempo throughout futsal.

Mindset• Tell your players to never give up: a goal can be scored in two seconds in futsal. If they think that the game is lost because you are losing by five or six goals, they are mistaken.

• When players see there’s only a minute or so remaining, they attack desperately. By doing that though, they’re increasing the odds that the other team will find the net. The tactics of over-committing players and going for attacks ‘gung-ho’ should only be used when right at the death.

• There is no time in futsal for getting upset or frustrated. Getting annoyed with a failed attack or the referee may cost your team dearly. If you team doesn’t show focus and purpose, it will struggle, because with such small player numbers, each man is being relied upon.

Rules• Players need to place the ball on the line and have their body outside the field to restart play after the ball goes out of bounds.

• The goalie must use his hands for a goal clearance.

• The opposing player should allow a distance of five yards when a player is kicking the ball back into play.

• When the goalie throws the ball it must land in his half of the pitch or be touched by a team mate before it moves into the other half.

• There are no shoulder charges or sliding tackles in futsal.

• Players can only play the ball when they are standing up.

WHAT IS IT?

Futsal is a 5-a-side game, predominantly played indoors on a hard court surface. The average size of a pitch is around 40x20 yards with a goal at each end and a penalty box with curved edges. Given the pace of the game, unlimited substitutions are allowed, and at the top level, play is 20 minutes for each half.

While futsal tactics are still developing all of the time, the core attributes of the game are speed, movement, formations, plus attacking and defender proficiency.

What equipment do I need? A ball, cones, goals

How many players do I require?10

Futsal formations:

4-0 – quick-fire attack from the back3-1 – using a lone pivot hold-up man

2-2 – compact for ball retention1-2-1 – wild on wingers

Play the futsal wayFutsal’s impact on the world game has been huge, but some coaches are still slow to appreciate the qualities it can bring to your team. Here’s our simple guide to the game that inspired a generation of

technically-brilliant South Americans...

“The faster the ball is returned back into play, the better. Winning teams are those

who maintain a high tempo throughout futsal.”

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approx. 20 yards

SCW SURGERY

Q I recently used the word ‘selection’ in an ad I wrote for our under-8 team

trials, and have had complaints from parents saying that I am excluding potential kids. I’m speechless... Jon Maslen, Kilmarnock.

A You’re in a no-win situation. I think the point being raised is that if you aim to

‘select’ the best players, then at the same time you are rejecting others, and this ultimately isn’t in the spirit of youth football. In theory, youth football should invite all players of all ages, and those who can’t play should be coached so that they improve in ability.

Of course, in practice, it would be thoroughly unworkable if you ended up with 40 kids turning up for training on a Saturday morning. You could argue that each child will have so little attention you wouldn’t be taking your responsibilities seriously anyway.

Parents seem to forget too that their children are ‘selected’ for school teams – do they complain to PE teachers in the same way?

In my mind, you’re doing nothing wrong, but others will always disagree. Explain the limitation of player numbers and carry on.

Q A parent recommended that we should be taking the lads away on an

overseas tour. They’re only under-9s - is this too young? Andy Hassler, Southampton.

A In my experience, it’s never too young to take kids away – indeed, I’ve often said the

only thing that should hold any coach back from taking his players on such a trip is cost.

Money is tight for most at the moment, but a three or four-day trip can be cheaper than you imagine. There are companies who specialise in group excursions and will even help you book friendly matches or tournament places.

But I’ve always found it better to organise stuff yourself. It keeps costs down and you can cherry pick destinations, opponents and other activities.

Any trip is a great learning experience for kids – new opponents, new styles of football, new challenges, but most of all the adventure of going abroad to play football. They’ll look back on it for years to come, I promise.

Got a question for SCW Surgery?Email it to us at [email protected]

Q We undertake a number of drills and technical plays in training, but

my players are failing to replicate them in matches. Why is this? Terrence Tarbuck, London.

A Very often in football, less is more. In your case, you’re doing the hard stuff without

catering for the basics. And by that, I mean it seems as though you’re teaching your kids the technical ins and outs, practising drills and showing them some decent tactical ideas, but leaving it until match day for them to really try out what they’re learning.

If I were you I’d drop the technical drills down to a much lower level and use the time you save to play a number of small-sided games. That’s the only place kids are really going to get the opportunities to learn from what you’re teaching them.

Training-related games can fill up as much as two thirds of your training sessions, and your kids will enjoy the challenges more than if you’re just running through practice drills.

This week’s coach: Simon Styles Group: 5 to 8-year-oldsSimon is a Level 3 coach and coaching assessor from Poole

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

Returning players and team disciplineAn email popped into my inbox this week which filled me with dread. The

title alone was enough to have me put my head in my hands… ‘Harry wants to come back’, it read.

Everyone had breathed a sigh of relief halfway through last season when Harry had decided to leave the team to go on to “better things”. His parents were quite adamant that this was his decision and that he was going to “a team that won every week”, even though we were on a strong winning streak ourselves. (That said, we’ve never preached that winning is vital to our success.)

Harry and his parents caused a lot of trouble - not at matches but at training. The lad rarely attended, and when he did, was one of the most disruptive boys I’ve ever coached.

But during matches he was the model player - very skilful, strong and never gave up. Even if I substituted him he was fine with the decision. But the trouble was getting him to matches in the first place. He once turned up

10 minutes after kick-off and was surprised that I made him sit on the bench for the majority of the game.

Harry’s problem was that his parents were too busy to get him to matches on time and too preoccupied with other things to ensure he attended training. But no matter how often I spoke to his mum and dad, they never reacted in the way I hoped. And Harry’s reasoning was that he couldn’t be blamed for his parents failing to get him to places on time.

But punctuality is the first example of player discipline at any football club, and the team will suffer if players don’t turn up for training.

It is vital in any squad that all of the players are singing from the same song sheet. What

was wrong with Harry was that - good player though he was - he wasn’t a team player. He missed out on key coaching sessions and the development of my other lads was being hindered by him not realising what he was supposed to do on the pitch.

So if Harry wants to come back he does so on a two-month trial. If he sticks to the team rules on match days and at training he will win himself a place in the side. If not he has to leave.

I’ve put the ball firmly in his and his parents’ court. They have to make it work or Harry will be finding himself another team.

“The lad rarely attended, and when he did, was one of the most disruptive boys I’ve ever coached”

How to set it up:• Create a playing area measuring 30x30 yards.

• To play this competitive game you’ll need only three poles (or cones) and one ball.

• It requires 10 players (an attacking team of five; and a defending team of three, including a keeper, plus two players ready to come on).

• Mark out three goals in the centre using the poles in the shape of a triangle.

The rules:• The attacking team starts with the ball, and can score in any of the three goals.

• The defending team must organise themselves so as to prevent attackers having a clear sight of goal.

• Attackers will fashion most chances by passing the ball quickly and switching play from one area to another.

• Defenders can prevent goals by pressing the ball and constantly re-positioning in order to halt the attackers’ progress.

• Defenders can ‘tag team’ with team mates off the pitch in order to stay fresh.

• If defenders intercept, they score a point and the ball is returned to the coach.

• When a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play, the ball is also returned to the coach.

• Play for five minutes, then swap team roles.

• The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

Why this game works:This game is based on space – for attackers, the pursuit of it; and for

defenders, the need to close it down as quickly as possible. Speed of thought is essential, as is the awareness of team members, either in creating room to fashion chances or covering areas where attacks might develop.

Teams must work together well, and for the defending team, a vocal goalkeeper is essential for communicating the developing attacking threats to his overworked defenders.

SMALL-SIDED GAME

5v2 three-goal defend

pass/serveshot/blockplayer movement


The interesting layout of goals

will test your defenders’

decision making

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5v2 three-goal defend


WEEKLY



The defenders will have to

move quickly and hedge

their bets as to where the ball will be played

The defenders will do well to

get in many blocks like

this one

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SKIL

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• Reactions

• Teamwork

• Passing

• Defending

The defenders must work to their maximum in order to pressure their opponents and block shooting opportunities.

This game was taken from Perfect Defending by Michael Beale.Perfect Defending contains 67 easy to coach drills and gamesto develop marking, tackling and blocking. Get your copy here:

www.coach-soccer.com/defending

under 4s - under 16s attacking...

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