wayne harrison - in depth look at all three summit sessions (57 page ebook)

1 WayneHarrison SoccerAwareness 2013

E BOOK: A THREE DAY COACHING

SUMMIT FOR THE PUGET SOUND

PREMIER LEAGUE, SEATTLE,

WASHINGTON; USA

31st May; 1st and 2nd June 2013

The information below is designed for coaches to take away after

watching the coaching clinics and to use with their teams in their

clubs. Not all information on here will be covered in the actual clinics

due to the time restraints; but I wanted everyone to get an

understanding of all the detail that goes with them.

1) Awareness Vision training for younger ages

teaching enhanced fast self thought: mirroring the

Barcelona academy ethos that learning the game

begins in the mind

Continuums of Development: Training the Mind and increasing speed of Thought; Decision Making and Movement OFF the ball

i) Awareness in threes developing angles of support

ii) Mannequins (or upright cones) to help with finding space

iii) Inside and outside 2 team passing game going to a game situation

iv) Numbers game teaching vision and awareness ahead of the ball

v) Specific Peripheral Vision training identifying the best option in the moment

vi) Game situational training for One touch


The Barcelona Ethos of Youth Development

It is essentially one touch, fast thinking, fast movement; awareness and

Peripheral vision; as is my training.

I have been using this training for many years, and didnt know what

Barcelona did until a few years ago. They mirror each other, especially in the

simplicity of the training.

My Book; Soccer Awareness: Developing the Thinking Player mirrors the

Philosophy too; and I wrote the first edition in 2002 and a long time before I

knew about Barcelona methods. I was thrilled to know what I had been doing

was along the same lines as them and it reinforced to me that the training

was the right way to work..

QUOTES BY XAVI HERNANDEZ OF BARCELONA AND SPAIN

When you arrive at Barca the first thing they

teach is: THINK; THINK and THINK.

Lift your head, MOVE; see; THINK!!

Some youth academies worry about winning, we worry about EDUCATION.

Our model was imposed by Cruyff.

Education is the key

Players have had 10 or 12 years here. When you arrive at Barca the 1st thing they teach you is think. Think, Quickly.

Lift your head up, move, see think. Look BEFORE you get the ballThink quickly, look for spacesIm always looking (Xavi swings his head)

Here? No. There? No. Space; Space; SpaceIts so hard.

I think; the defenders here, Ill play it there. I see the space and pass,


Its all about Rhythm and one touch, one touch, one touch. Every Single Day its the best exercise there is.

You learn responsibility and not to lose the ball

Pum-pum-pum-pum ALWAYS 1 touch

Some need 2 or 3 touches, thats too many. Messi, Piquet, me, Iniesta, Fabregas; Busquets: 1 touch Fast.

In fact our youth coach Rexach used to demand:

A Mig Toc: Half a touch


2) The 4-2-3-1 attacking system of play and

orchestrated movements within it; likened to Jose

Mourinho and Real Madrid plus the Spanish National

teams philosophies of play

i) In a competitive phase of play from the back

ii) In a competitive phase of play in the middle and attacking thirds of the

field

iii) Developing movement off the ball within zone 14; and particularly with

the shadow striker(s)

iv) Creating absolute freedom of movement within a disciplined system of

play through the transitions between units of play

v) Taking it into an 11 v 11 coaching situation

3) Target games for fast movement off the ball and

quick decision making (the skill factor) Dynamic Possession Games using Conditions to develop various Themes

of work

i) A Transition Clinic encouraging Movement AWAY from the ball

ii) Three zone movement OFF the ball Clinic developing the Idea of Dropping off to Receive

iii) Developing Third Man Runs with a Specific condition to Introduce the Theme

iv) Directional Awareness transition FOUR team Clinic

These are games we would like all the teams to use and be a major part of our developmental training program.

They bring out different themes in play that we need to promote and develop in the game situation and in the way we want our teams to play.

They can all be used from U11 to U19.


WAYNES BIO

Married to Mary for 27 years with two daughters Sophie 24 and Johanna

21.

Has played professionally in England (Blackpool) and Finland (Oulu

Palloseura)

Represented Great Britain in the World Student games in Mexico

English Football (Soccer) Association County Coaching Director.

UEFA A License Coach since 1996 who also holds the NSCAA Premier Diploma (A Staff

Coach teaching coaching courses for the NSCAA) and a Degree in Sports Psychology and

Applied Physiology.

He has coached professionally in England as the Youth Director at Blackpool Football Club,

and in the United Arab Emirates with top Middle East professional club Al Ain with great

success; where his Academy Youth teams won 7 National UAE Championships in 2 years

(2009 - 2011) under his leadership and specific training program; and particularly using the

4-2-3-1 system of play.

In tournament play the Al Ain U15 and U16 teams beat the likes of Atletico Madrid,

Valencia, Inter Milan, Blackpool and Raja of Morocco; plus a friendly game win against a

Manchester United U15 team; to give an indication of the top level the teams were playing

at.

Wayne has Written 11 Soccer Coaching Books; two recent E Books and has

currently 4 DVDs on his coaching methods available.


1. Awareness peripheral vision training for younger ages

teaching enhanced fast self thought: mirroring the Barcelona

academy ethos that learning the game begins in the mind.

This is using ONE touch training as the basis for development

Awareness in Threes: (A very simple beginning to establish the idea of

looking before receiving)


4. Look over the shoulder to see whats behind, do this before receiving the ball not after. Position

in the middle off at an angle to receive, this makes a triangular support position and opens up the

field of vision. Once the ball has been passed on the middle player moves to the other side off at an

angle again (can use cones to run to both sides).This forces the players to receive and pass with

both feet.

5. Now working on the movement of the outside player to create a bigger angle to pass and

receive the ball. Above; (2) passes to (1) who moves the ball into space with a good first touch to

pass the ball back with a second touch

6. The movement is shown below. Likewise (3) receives and moves the ball off at an angle and the

cycle continues.


7. Working on the middle player again, if they are marked in a game look to come short to receive

the pass to get away from the defender.

8. Moving short to receive the pass; in a game it is getting away from the defender to receive in

space with time on the ball. Keep the angle wide so you can still receive the pass side on, if you

move short but more central you will receive the ball more with your back to the play with less room

to work the ball in.


Coaching Points

1. Look over shoulder before receiving (where you are passing to).

2. Body Stance half turned (can see behind).

3. Support at an angle.

4. Save a touch let weight of ball determine this- let it run across the body and move one touch.

5. Develop - Opposite player stays or closes the middle player down.

6. If closed down, middle player passes back to same.

7. If not closed the middle player turns and passes to opposite player.


Teaching the fundamentals of the Awareness Coaching Method

This practice is designed to allow the players to be gently introduced to the fundamentals of the

Awareness clinic enabling them to practice in a more dynamic way. The above clinic and this one can

flip flop or even be combined.

TWO TEAM SET UP

1. Have a ball each target player who must pass to an inside player and the players play through each

other getting the ball to the other side.

2. Progression 1: Players can rotate in and out as they receive a pass.

3. Constant passing and moving inside the playing area to receive and turn and pass.

4. Have a rhythm going between the two players on each team; one bad pass or control can spoil the

movement.

5. Progression 2: Use a couple of soccer balls only so there are lots of choices for all the players to

make it a little easier and insist on only one touch inside and outside. Add a ball as they get better thus

reducing options and sharpening up their awareness even more.

6. Progression 3: Coaches can come inside the grid and act as support players playing give and gos

with the inside players. An inside player receiving a pass from an outside player calls to the coach early to

support as the ball is traveling to them, this promotes good communication.

7. Coaching Points: a) Head up (awareness of the arena and the players in it).

b) Looking before receiving to receive and turn; to see who is free, to see where other players in the area

are, to see where the space is to take the ball.

c) Body position open to receive,

d) Focus on the first touch and where to take the ball; for more touches or maybe a one touch pass if it is

available.

e) Concentrate on the quality of the pass to the outside receiver.


Inside player passes to outside player and closes down quickly simulating a defensive movement, the

receiver has to make a good first touch away from the pressure i.e. to either side of the pressuring player.

1. Its a good session because everyone is working but they get short intermittent rests, so maintaining

quality.

2. Competitive: Have each player count the number of successful passes they make in a given time and

see who makes the most.

A GAME SITUATION

1. Numbers team can only pass to numbered players on the outside. Letters teams the same only

passing to lettered players on the outside.

2. Progression One: Play one v ones in the middle. Have it passive to begin the defending players

shadow the attacking players as they receive and turn and move.

3. Make it competitive. A lot of receiving and turning under pressure can occur now in the playing area.

4. Progression Two: Have a 3 v 3 small sided game in the middle.

5. Rotate the players.


Using mannequins in training for movement off the ball

All designed to improve thinking before receiving the ball.

Great for teaching spacing and positioning to players with static defending objects to

make it easy to understand for younger teams.

As players get older we will bring in more depth of thought and information to each

possession game. Below the first part of the clinic, we use upright cones here I show

it with mannequins, same ideas.

Points to Observe:

Getting into passing lanes to help each other

We can use many upright cones to represent opponents rather than mannequins.

We set the cones up in triangles and diamonds.

We ask players to position between the cones in the best space available.

Try to balance their position to find the best space in the middle of the triangle or

diamond of cones (opponents)

Players beyond the ball try to position in triangles and diamonds of support also.

OBJECTIVE: To improve movement off the ball by providing mannequins to act as

opponents to fill important space

1. A non-directional training practice

2. Mannequins represent opponents on the field. They fill important spaces so the


players need to pass and move around and between them. This ensures players

move off the ball to help the player on the ball have as many options as possible for a

pass.

The goal of the players is to find as much space as they can between the mannequins

to give themselves as much space as possible to play in.

3. Every now and again stop the practice and see where the players are positioned.

Are they in free space? Are they too close to a mannequin and hence in a game

situation not available for a pass? If they are then ASK THE PLAYERS to SHOW you a

better position to be in.

4. Possible problems here are the positioning of players behind opponents so the

player on the ball cannot see them to pass to.

5. Develop: a) Restrict the number of touches on the ball to 3 touches, two touches

then one touch; if it is on to do so. To enable one touch to be possible movement off

the ball has to be intelligent, fast and into space to help the passer play one touch.

Thinking AHEAD of the ball arriving is paramount here otherwise one touch play

cannot be performed successfully. Try to think two moves ahead.

Movement OFF the ball by others is paramount here also otherwise the person

receiving the pass will not be able to play one touch successfully.

b) Play the Numbers Game: 1 passing to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 and so on. Increase the

number of balls being used.

c) Two teams playing in the same area with a ball each. Now players need to avoid

the other team AND the mannequins to find space to receive the pass.

6. Coaching Points:

a) Thinking and looking before receiving of the receiving player so they have

assessed their options before receiving and in advance of the ball

b) Ability to play ONE touch if possible for speed of play

c) Movement OFF the ball of teammates to help the player on the ball

d) Movement INTO spaces between and around the mannequins to enable this to

happen using the mannequins as guides.

e) Thinking TWO moves ahead to support.

f) Playing in triangles of support offering several options for the player on the ball in

many directions.

g) Players position in the middle of the triangles and diamonds so they are as far

away from defenders (Mannequins) as possible. But then also it may depend also as

to where opponents are teammates are passing from etc.


1. An exaggerated situation but this shows what happens when players do not move

to space to help the player on the ball; and do not open up the angle for a pass,

instead standing behind an opponent and not being free to receive. How many times

do you see this?

2. To defeat this problem; the player on the ball can pass to a space which will force

the receiver to move to that space to receive the ball. Then the weight; timing and

accuracy of the pass have to be particularly good.

3. Whilst players can still be successful with later movement off the ball of

supporting players; if the player on the ball has time on it to take more touches; it is

always better to provide options of a pass as early as possible to increase speed of

play and give opponents less time to work out their movements.

Develop: Add goals within the area that are both FREE zones and goals. Players can

move into them and not be tackled.


1. (1) passes to (4) who has moved between the mannequins to the biggest and most

open space possible to receive. (6) Moves between the mannequins also to receive

the next pass.

Show the difference between the timing of (6)s move and how it will effect (4) in

terms of potential possession and number of touches on the ball.

2. Show when (4) receives the pass and looks for the next pass (6) then moves and

then show the difference when (6) moves as the ball is being passed to *(4) or even

when (1) shapes up to pass depending on the distance (6) has to move to get free to

receive.

3. Therefore; (6) should be moving as the ball is being passed to (4); or even before,

so the ball can be moved more quickly. The other players also are looking to find the

best space to be in to offer options for the next pass.


1. Here we show the end initial movement of the other players to support (6) and

offer him as many options as possible. Each player has attempted to find the biggest

and best space possible to receive the pass.

1. Here showing possible passing routes with each group of three players also

showing how they get free and into as much space as possible, based on the

positions of the mannequins who act as opponents filling spaces.

GAME SITUATION

1. Have players passing in two teams to begin as a warm up, with a ball each team,

then two and three balls each team. Then they pass to opposite colors only.


2. Now play a 6 v 6 (or any number you like) and make it a possession game.

Mannequins make it more difficult by filling spaces so players have to play around

them as well as their opponents.

This should improve them playing in tight situations.

3. Use a 2 player overload if required initially until they get really good; e.g. 6 v 6 plus

2; then make it equal numbers each team, you dictate this based on the ability of your

players. Of course change the numbers of touches on the ball decreasing the number

as they become proficient to increase the difficulty.

A Non - Competitive awareness Numbers Game: passing in

Sequence

1. 8 Players and only 1 ball to begin. Players must pass in sequence i.e. 1 passes to 2; 2 passes to

3; 3 to 4 and so on to 8 who passes to 1 and we begin again. You can have players static to begin

as easy introductions to the theme then have them passing and moving. In a roster of 16 players 2

groups of 8 can do this in different areas separately to begin.

2. Player receives from the same person and passes to the same person each time. This develops

great awareness of time, space and player positions. This is continuous work on and off the ball.

Awareness of: where the player you receive from is and where the player you pass to is. Because

of this players begin to anticipate the pass to them and where it is coming from. Also they must look

to where it is going to (where is the player they are passing to?).

3. We are trying to create a situation where players are looking two moves ahead not just one. For

instance as (1) is about to pass to (2), (3) should be looking to support (2) for the next pass already,

looking two moves ahead before the ball leaves (1). Likewise, (2) should already know where (3) is

to pass to.


4. Peripheral Vision Development results from this. Ask players to make it difficult to find them by

lots of movement off the ball to test their teammates vision.

Develop: Use two balls then three balls at the same time. Start with a ball at (1) and (5) then at (1),

(4) and (7).To keep the sequence going players must move the balls quickly with few touches hence

their peripheral vision development improves dramatically. As soon as they have passed one ball off

the next one is arriving so quick thinking is needed to make the correct decisions.

Working on Specific Peripheral Vision A 40x30 area is organized as shown in the Diagram below. Six players are used within the activity. Repeat the setup to accommodate the entire team.

30 x 30

This is a simplified set up to get initial understanding. Increase numbers as previously e.g. two teams of

six. We started earlier with one ball and six players for example so each person on the ball had five

choices of pass to make and that was easy.

Now we must identify one and only one pass and must try to make it. That pass is to the person who

runs outside the zone. This player is the free player (unmarked). The session goes as follows and

numbers are used only as a reference only, the players can pass to anyone, in any order, but always

looking for that vital run by a player to the outside area:

1. Player (1) runs outside the area (perhaps after several passes within the zone).

2. Player (2) on the ball sees the run and must pass to (1).

3. As (1) is about to receive (as the ball is traveling to him or her) (3) moves into a position to support (1)

showing anticipation and awareness.

4 (3) has already seen the run by (4) and passes. (4) Brings the ball back in and the game continues,

(4) Passes to (5) who has moved into position in anticipation and (5) passes to (6) who also has done the


same. This is an indicator of how quickly players recognize the run and consequently make the pass.

5. Hence players are beginning to look one and two moves ahead of the ball. It doesnt need to happen

so quickly in terms of the next player running outside but it serves as an example. The run can be likened

to a penetrating run into the attacking third where the player hasnt been picked up or tracked and is in a

great position to attack and score if the passer sees them and makes that pass.

6. Coaching Points:

a) Decision: Movement of the player running out of the area to initiate the move

b) Observation of this movement or run by this player by the other players

c) Observation by the one player receiving the pass as this movement of a run outside the area is taking

place

d) Decision by this player to make the one pass they need to the outside player

e) Quality of Passing: A one or two touch pass to the outside player for speed of action to show the

run was spotted

f) Weight of pass to the next passing player so they have the choice of making a one touch pass if

they have seen the run

g) Observation of the receiving player on the outside of the runs of others to receive the next pass

h) Support Positions: Other players already making movements to help the receiving outside player have

options to move the ball quickly with good support in terms of angles, distances and timing.

GAME SITUATION

1. Three team game, two teams combine and play together against one team. It is always best to begin

with an overload situation to help them make it work. Once they are successful go to two equal numbered

teams.

2. Count how many occasions the combined teams give the ball away in a set period of time.

Have each team be the defending team.

3. The winner is the team who defend and have the most gains during their time defending (can include


winning possession, forcing opponents to kick the ball out with pressure etc). If they win possession they

give it back to the two attacking teams (or reward them by letting them try to keep possession).

4. Develop: Include running out of the area in the game and if a player does this and receives a pass

successfully that cancels out two give a ways. Defending players cant track them outside the area.

5. This will encourage players to make outside runs as there is a reward and it will also test the players

on the ball as to their peripheral vision and how quickly they identify that particular run. This must happen

in less than 6 seconds though and if after a short time the player does not receive a pass then they come

back into the game.

6. Numbers and letters team work together. It is an 8 v 4 overload.

7. (2) Makes a run out of the area, (A) sees the run and passes. (2) Brings the ball back in and the game

continues.

8. You are looking for players to anticipate where (2) needs support and move into position to help.

9. Here (1) runs off the defender to create space for (C) to run into and support (2). (B) Also makes a

run between the defenders to offer close help. Other players need to move off the ball to get into open

positions for the first pass or in anticipation of the next ones.

10. Finally equal number teams but with the same rules.


2. The 4-2-3-1 attacking system of play and orchestrated

movements within it; likened to Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid

plus the Spanish national teams philosophies of play

Coaching the 4-2-3-1 the Spanish Way (becoming a 3-1-3-3 in

the Attacking Phase)

WITH BOTH FULLBACKS ATTACKING AT THE SAME TIME: HOW

TO BUILD FROM THE BACK

With both fullbacks attacking from the back from both sides and a defensive midfielder staying back

to drop in as a sweeper if need be. This is the usual method Barcelona and Real Madrid use as does

the Spanish National team in this 4-2-3-1 system of play to build up the play from the back.

1. The back four spread out as much as they can and use the full width of the field.


1. Change in shape as the players move forward, defensive midfielder (6) drops in between the

center backs as security for them, particularly if the opposition leaves 2 forwards up. Most often

teams play directly through the number (6) in this situation.

2. Here 2 fullbacks break forward, the center midfielder (6) stays in front as we have possession,

and as soon as possession changes and opponents win it and look forward, the center midf ielder (6)

drops back into the sweeper role. It is likely our opponents will have two players up so it now

becomes a 2 v 2 at the back, which is risky therefore we make sure a defensive midfield player; in

this case (6), stays back to help them CREATE A 3 v 2 going forward but also should the opponents

win the ball and counter attack quickly a 3 v 2 as security.

iv) (6) CAN DROP INTO DIFFERENT POSITIONS DEPENDING ON WHERE THE BALL IS AND

WHICH IS THE SHORTEST ROUTE BACK, IF THE BALL IS ON OUR WIDE RIGHT AND IN

THEIR POSSESSION SUDDENLY AND (6) IS SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT THEN HE CAN DROP

INTO THE LEFT HAND DEFENDER POSITION AND (5) CAN GO CENTRAL.


v) Likewise on the other side, and if closest to the middle then drop straight back into the sweeper

position

Build this up to an 11 v 11 session, but this is a simple way to start the process of developing player

from the back through the number (6).

A 4-2-3-1 function based positional possession game warm up for the attacking third These training activities are performed in tight spaces with few touches allowed on the ball when they get good at it. This helps develop the players confidence to play and think quickly in tight spaces. This is especially effective once we are able to get them to the high level of understanding where everyone on the attacking team can play with a one touch condition. In many ways this positional possession game represents the actual 11 v 11 game development and as the numbers involved increase through the progressions it gets closer and closer to the actual game situation. Based on the ability of the players and success of each progression you can experiment with the numbers of touches on the ball of all the players. This is a great warm up to go into a phase of play on the same topic.

1. It is a 4 v 3 plus 2.


1. After establishing the positional sense of the players in relation to each other we now can look at players interchanging between each other. 2. Set the condition where a player calls switch to inform their team mate early that they intend to interchange with them. 3. Initially have the passing inside player calling switch with the outside player they pass to. 4. Next to further develop the idea have other players switch with each other OFF the ball. 5. In the context of this session it is designed to confuse the defenders, in the context of the 11 v 11 game this type of movement, in some ways planned movement, can only work to make it more difficult for the defenders to make good decisions in terms of, who marks who, who tracks the runner; who stays and marks space; and so on.


1. Now introduce your two fullbacks (2) and (3). Enlarge the area where we now have more players and more options, perhaps 20 x 20 now. It is now a 6 v 3 plus 2. 2. So we have the target player (9), the support player in the middle of the three (10), the link player (8) supporting inside the square; and defensive midfield player (6) behind them. 3. Add to this our two wide players in the attacking three (7) and (11) plus out two attacking fullbacks from the back four, (2) and (3).

The basic set up using the 2-3-1 and then the 4-3-1 (of

the 4-2-3-1)

1. A shadow play with the 2-3-1 of the team (not including the back four and keeper yet). Basic

practicing of passing and moving between units.

2. Initially keep it short and tight for quick movement. So we have four zones just as wide as the

penalty area only to play in.

3. Have two groups of 6 players going one group at a time to keep the session flowing, by the time

the first group is back to the start again the 2nd group has gone and so on.

4. Eventually go to the full width of the field with 4 zones.

5. You can stop the action and show the changes in the interplay. As the passer is about to pass,

STOP THE PLAY, show all the positional changes and the potential passing options.

6. Actually fabricate some of the movements to show how they can work.

7. Condition defenders to do certain things, for example, the fullbacks have to either mark the wide

player coming inside or the fullback overlapping so the passer has to identify which player is free and

make the right decision.


Introducing both fullbacks to increase the number of options available

now we have a 4-3-1 (of the 4-2-3-1)

1. Here are some potential movements in front of the passer (8). All very simple but may cause

CHAOS in the opponents defense. We know what we are doing in advance of the ball, the

opponents do not; and this is to our advantage. Continue with the movements with the relevant

passes and have a finish on goal.

INTRODUCE DEFENDERS

1. A simple pass into (11) cutting inside will open up lots more possibilities as we develop the phase

of play.


DIFFERENT COLORS

So if the starting position phase formation is 4-2-3-1 the attacking phase is 4-2-1-3 or 3-3-1-3; and

the defending phase is a 4-4-1-1, we have four formations coming from one; depending on where

the ball is and who has it.

1. Where (6) passes to will depend on how the opponent defenders react to these combination

movements but with the left footer on the right and right footer on the left plus the fullbacks we have

two great options, one coming inside to attack the space inside and possibly shoot with his strongest

foot; and one overlapping with width to get a good cross in, again with his strongest foot..

a) Full backs BOTH go forward up to around the half way line

b) Center backs go AT LEAST as wide as the penalty area.

c) Number (10) pushes forward into an attacking position


d) Number (6) works initially as a sweeper in front of the center backs and if losing

possession drops in behind them acting as a sweeper behind them.

e) Opponents likely will have one or two strikers pushed on so someone should get free

to receive the ball, likely number (6).

f) If they push three strikers on to go with a 3 v 3 then we have to play longer. So back 3

just push up and condense the play.

g) Starts off as a 4-2-3-1, goes to a 4-2-1-3 finishes as an attacking 3-3-1-3.

h) Visual Cues: When the ball is in the center of the field with (6) or (8) this is the visual

cue for (11) AND (7) TO CUT INSIDE AND FOR (2) AND (3) TO OVERLAP.

i) The player on the ball has to decide which pass he makes depending on how the

defenders react to the movements.

j) So we have a staged pre planned movement in free play but decision making based on

the opponents reaction to these movements and so the end product can be different in

each situation; based on this.

BACK FOUR IN

1. If the opponents full backs are positioned too wide in dealing with the overlapping wing backs the

opponents may even have a 3 v 2 against their two center backs which is an ideal situation for our

team. Whilst this is unlikely to be allowed to happen, at any one moment if the attacking play by our

team is fast enough the opponents may not have the foresight to adjust quickly enough to deal with it

and for a moment or two we may create an overload centrally which is to our advantage. Remember,

we have the advantage of knowing what we will do in advance; the opponents do not know what we

intend to do and this may create the moment we are looking for.

2. Here (7), (9) and (11) outnumber (B) and (C), likely (D) will tuck in to even it up and the

opponents mdifield may track back to deal with this attack but if it is done quickly on the counter

attack this situation may develop for us.


UNDERLAPS

1. With opponents imagine (11) breaking wide taking the opponents fullback with him, creating

space inside for our fullback (3) to underlap and receive the pass.

BARCELONA: PLAYING THE 4-3-3 (4-2-3-1)

Team game plan and individual attributes needed by players playing this

system of play The 4-2-3-1 is a flexible way to play employing four units rather than the usual three. It can transform

quickly into a more offensive pattern of play of 4-2-1-3 by moving forward the wide outside

midfielders and with this push on the two fullbacks to fill the spaces they have left.


THE BEAUTY AND FLEXIBILITY OF THIS SYSTEM OF 4-2-3-1

1. Our wide players can attack the space between the fullback and the center back on both sides.

Left on right, right on left; coming onto their stronger foot is an advantage because they come in

against the full backs weaker foot

2. Our fullbacks attack wide to get crosses in and can cut inside also to do the job of the wide player

3. Our center backs spread wide to open up the attack from the back

4. Our defensive midfielder (6) drops back in to cover and to start the movement also; he can fill in

centrally or to the side

5. Our attacking midfielder (10) plays between the opponents defense and midfield and works in the

shadow striker zone 14. He can interchange with the wide players or the striker (9).

6. Our 2nd defensive midfielder (8) is more offensive and creates support between the back and the

front

7. Our two defensive midfielders can interchange.

8. (8) positions off center to (10) and off centre to (6) to maintain angles of support between them

when attacking

9. The most important thing we need when we play with such great flexibility and movement is

GREAT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PLAYERS so each knows in advance what the other

will do. By training the players using particular movements these movements in real game situations

will become automatic and when a certain set up of players occurs they will recognize the

movements beyond this. Almost like a set play in open play, which is to our advantage.

10. Attacking Midfielder (10) and (9) position off center to each other and often interchange positions

11. An alternative way to get out from the back through a fullback is for one center back to break

wide right (for example) into the right fullback position and the right fullback on that side of the field to

attack forward into a wide right midfield / right winger position; with the other center back in the

middle and the left fullback stays and covers across in a three.. In this case the number (6) plays

more distinctly in front of the back three and not between the center backs; when both fullbacks

would attack at the same time.

12. INTERCHANGING OF POSITIONS BETWEEN UNITS ETC SHOULD BE EXPLORED


Another example: Real Madrid of season 2010 / 2011 under Jose

Mourinho playing a 4-2-3-1

Real Madrid in this modern era play a 4-2-3-1 with two very solid defensively powerful center backs Carvalho (4) and Pepe (5), and two very offensively minded overlapping fullbacks in Ramos and

Marcelo.

With Khedira (6) and Alonso (8) as a two in central midfield, Khedira is the ball winning number (6) and the fill in player to offer the fullbacks the opportunity to attack, and Alonso being the great passing number (8) and Ozil in front of them in the number (10) role.

Add to this mix that center back Carvalho (4) likes to attack also so Khedira (6) will sit in for him also and the fullback (2) will stay home; which makes their build up from the back even less predictable... Also two different style wide players in Da Maria (7) a more traditional wide midfield player on the right and Ronaldo (11) a more traditional winger / wide striker on the left (hence the differences in percentages for attacking and defending with different types of players in these same roles) Ronaldo is particularly dangerous coming inside onto his better right foot to shoot (he has scored many goals with this outside to inside movement) though he shoots well with both feet. Higuain (9) is the lone Striker but is ably supported by 3 players in Ronaldo (11), Ozil (10) and Da Maria (7)


3. Target Games for fast movement off the ball and quick

decision making (the skill factor)

Dynamic Possession Games using Conditions to develop various

Themes of work

Part One: Dynamic Possession Game: Movement AWAY from the ball

1. Rules:

a) Players must pass the ball to their target players to score. To score again they

have to work the ball back into their own half of the field to be able to return.

b) Target players have two touches as do side players.

2. Coaching Points:

a) Creating Space by running off the ball to receive or to help a teammate receive.

b) Quality of Passing; long and short to targets and to teammates.

c) Support play: working angles and distances incorporating switching play using the

side players.

d) Receiving and Turning in tight situations and dribbling in 1 v 1 situations.

e) Quick decision making is required in this session because the numbers are small,

the area tight and the transitions rapid.

3. Develop: a) No restriction on touches then 3, 2 or 1 touch, but only if it is on to do

one touch.


b) All outside and target players have one touch only where possible

c) switch with target players as they receive the ball.

d) Switch with outside players

1. Here is an example of the transition and movement off the ball to make it happen.

2. (2) passes to target player (8) who brings the ball back into the playing area.

3. (3) makes a run into the other half of the field on the blind side of (C) to receive the

next pass. They need to get the ball into that half to be able to score.

4. (1) makes a forward run into space to receive the next pass off (3) and passes to

target player (7) who can start the play again.

5. (1) switches with (7) and becomes a target player for the next phase of play.

6. Observe the Attacking Team Recognize their movement off the ball for example

to work the ball into their own half see if the players make runs early in there as soon

as the ball is at a target, some should support short and some long so the target has

choices.

7. Observe the Defending Team see if they are sucked to the ball or they recognize

runs off the ball and track players making runs away from the ball into the other half.

8. To lessen the workload and keep everyone involved have players switch with

targets and outside side players when they pass to them.

Elements of play the target game teaches: Attacking as Individuals and as Team

a) Creating Space by running off the ball to receive or to help a teammate receive.

b) Developing quick support play working angles and distances incorporating

switching play using the side players.


c) Passing long and short to targets and to teammates.

d) Receiving and turning in tight situations and dribbling in 1 v 1 situations.

e) Lots of touches on the ball for the players in this practice.

f) Quick decision making is required in this session because the numbers are small,

the area tight and the transitions rapid.

Defending as Individuals and as a Team

a) Pressurizing players on the ball to regain possession.

b) Supporting pressuring players and tracking runners off the ball.

c) High pressure to regain possession in the attacking half to be able to go straight to

the target to score.

Transitions from defense to attack and attack to defense, quick decision making and

improved concentration as the switch occurs. Interchanges of positions between

inside players, targets and side support players.

As a coach you can work in this session how to defend properly as individuals and a

team or how to attack properly as individuals and a team.

Conditions to impose to change the focus of the game

1. No restriction on touches then three, two or one touch but only if it is on to do so.

2. Introduce neutral player so a 5 v 4 overload in the middle if possession isnt kept

easily.

3. Interchanges of players outside to in, inside to out as they pass the ball observing

the quality of the pass and the first touch of the receiver or performing a crossover.

4. Have one teammate at each end so you are attacking both ends but once you have

passed to one target you keep possession and must try to get to the other target. You

cant go back unless the opposition win the ball and then you get it back, only then

can you go back to the same target.

5. To lessen the workload and keep everyone involved have players switch with

targets and outside players when they pass to them. This causes a constant

transition of players and focuses the players concentration.

6. The team can only score if they get an overlap, crossover or 1 2 in during the

buildup.

7. No talking so players have to rely on their own vision to play.

8. Players move into the target zone to receive (timing of run and pass) so we dont

play with actual targets, different players can then become the target player.

9. Man Marking Have the players man mark so they must track a player when they

havent the ball and they must lose their marker when they have the ball. This is a


good test to see who is working hard and who isnt as they have a designated job to

do. You as a coach can see who works to get free of their marker and who works hard

to prevent the player they are marking get the ball.

10. This session is particularly good as a midfield play practice session as you can

liken the start when the ball is at a target as it being a target defender passing it in

and to get to the other side through midfield to the other target who is now a striker.

Then this target player maintains possession and the team can go the other way, the

target striker then becomes a defender for the attacking team starting the move and

the other target becomes the striker to pass the ball to. So it is consistent movement

end to end with the attacking team from a defender into midfield to a striker.

11. To improve the speed of thought reward a successful one touch pass with a goal

or point. To score a goal by passing to the target player now reward this with three

goals or 3 points.

12. The team in possession can pass back to the opponents target players to help

keep possession of the ball. Liken this to passing back to the keeper in a game

situation.

Getting it wrong defensively and / or getting it right offensively

1. This is an example of what to look for on the defending side of things.

2. Here the ball has been passed to the target (8) and a goal scored. The defenders

are ball watching and not seeing the runs off the ball of their opponents.

3. The idea of getting the ball back into the other half before they can score again


when in possession highlights these kinds of moments you need to identify in a

game situation.

4. (1) plays the ball to target (8) to score. (2) Supports the next pass short and at a

wide angle, and (3) and (4) make runs into the other side of the field and off the ball to

get free and receive a pass. Defenders are all ball watching and not looking at these

runs and so (3) and (4) get free. At the same time you can say it is getting it right

offensively.

5. The coach has to identify these situations and stop the game and show the set up

and ask the defending players what they need to do.

Things to Identify and Coach

Offensively

1. Lack of movement off the ball of the players in both halves of the field.

2. Poor quality of the passing.

3. Awareness of the players identifying correct decision making of when and where to

pass.

4. Poor Communication to help each other.

5. Poor angles and distance of support and lack of variation of these concepts (long;

short and wide are needed so lots of options)

6. Mentally show change from attack to defense when possession changes

Defensively

1. Not seeing movements off the ball of the players on the team in possession of the

ball and not tracking these runs.

2. Ball watching allowing players to get in behind them.

3. Not pressing the ball quickly enough.

4. Working too much individually and not as a unit.

5. Mentally slow change from defense to attack when possession changes.


Part Two: The Three Zone Dropping OFF to Receive Game

A Three zone movement OFF the ball Clinic focusing on Zone 14 emphasizing movement back towards the ball to receive and play forward and the consequent interchange of players between the three units.

I really like this game you can bring in so many different ideas to the session and it all involves mental challenges to the players with regard to playing, moving and thinking quickly (AND AHEAD OF THE BALL).

THIS WOULD BE ONE OF MY REGULAR TRAINING SESSIONS.

A 3 v 3 in each end zone (can be any number based on the number of players at

training).

A Ball each team passing and moving but teams are not playing against each other

yet.

The central zone is the shadow striker zone known as zone 14 and usually where the

number 10 plays but 9, 7, 11, 8, 2 or 3 can also enter this zone..

Coaching Points:

a) An Awareness of the passing player of when and where the shadow striker drops

into the free zone

b) An awareness of the receiving player as to when the passer is ready to pass

c) Good communication via visual cues through eye contact or aural cues through

speaking makes this work


d) Movement OFF the ball by the shadow striker to get free and into open space

e) Timing and angle of the run

f) Timing; accuracy and pace of the pass

g) Good receiving and turning skills with an awareness of what is behind before

receiving it

h) Receive or be a decoy for someone else; depending on where the defender is.

Passing and moving, (4) drops in to receive as does (C) going the other way.

Movement OFF THE BALL to receive in the middle zone (zone 14)


(4) Takes the ball back into his own end zone, as does (C) in the other end zone and

play continues. All players are moving finding space to receive the ball. The two

Teams pass between each other but cannot tackle each other..

a) Timing of the pass

b) Timing of the run

c) Angle of the run

d) Timing of each has to be exact for it to work.

e) Have the receiving and dropping off player CALL THE NAME of the person they

will pass to next BEFORE they receive the pass.

Development:

Now 2 players come to meet the ball in opposite halves of zone 14 and at different

angles and depth to each other.

Still no opposition so it is free flowing movements linking the two front players now.

Do this going both ways with both teams so there is congestion in the middle.

DEVELOPMENT:

During the warm up: two balls in each side so all 4 teams playing with a ball each and

transferring it with good timing.

players pass to the other player dropping in from the other side then follow their pass

and switch sides with a give and go in the warm up and then in the competitive part.

The same but now they make a third man run to switch sides.

Two balls going at once in the competitive 3 v 3 4 v 4 or even 5 v 5 stage.

Competitive:

One ball; 3 passes then the ball can go into the other side.

Player drops into the middle zone to receive and maintain possession on the other

side.

Defender tracks him in.

2 players drop in.

2 defenders track them; the pass can be to them or beyond them.


Important points with regards to awareness:

The cue for the receiver is seeing; the passer on them getting the ball; having their

head up; and seeing the free space and even making eye contact with the receiver.

If the receiver goes too early and the passer is not ready to pass (for example if they

have the ball but have their head down looking at it and hence have not seen the

potential run, or their body position limits their peripheral vision and prevents them

from passing early) then they can check back out, and open up the space for the next

receiver having taken their marking defender away from the space; in order to leave it

free for the next player.

By then the passer may have their head up and be ready to pass or; maybe even have

passed the ball off in their own grid and the next player to get it has seen the 2nd run

into the free middle area and they make the pass.

The cue for the 2nd receiver to make their run can be the check back of the first

receiver who actually didnt get the ball.

Developments:

a) Give and go run passing; player drops off, receives, the passer continues his run

gets it back, they change sides. A 2 player combination

b) Third man run, passer passes, makes the forward run; receiver lays it back to

another player who plays the first runner in. receives switches sides with the runner.

A Three player Combination

c) Competitive with one ball. 2 successful passes then it can be transferred.

d) Competitive with 2 balls. Now a real test of the mind, one minute defending in your

own zone, but observing the other side as another ball may come in where you have

possession.

FORCES PLAYERS TO USE PERIPHERAL VISION TO OBSERVE ALL AROUND.

You can invent your own ideas for this.


Part Three: Developing Third Man Runs with a Specific condition to

Introduce the Theme

THIRD MAN RUN TRAINING FOCUSING ON MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL

Some of the best forward runs in soccer are deemed third man runs often made

from a position this is blindside of the opponents. The third man run player can start

the passing sequence; or not, but invariably they are on the end of a forward pass

often beyond the back four of the opponents. A usual sequence is; a forward pass; a

backward pass, a forward run. A one, two; three; so to speak.

Some of the best players in the world use this tactic to great effect, of course Messi,

Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro of Barcelona; Ozil and Kaka of Real Madrid; Frank Lampard;

Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney of England. Most of the runs start in or behind the

Zone 14 area which is approximately 25 to 35 yards outside the penalty area though it

can depend on the depth in defense of the opponents back four also.. It is best

against teams who defend high as there is much more space behind them to pass

and run into for the third man runner, or runners. Diagonal passing is often the best

way to employ this; a diagonal pass and a straight run, or a straight pass and a

diagonal run can occur too.

Small side third man run game situation with end zones to pass into

The set up is as it would be in the attacking shape of a 4-2-3-1, so you can take this

small sided game to represent the 11 v 11 in a particular area of the field making the


same types of plays.

You can also use this for any team shape set up you might use in an 8 v 8 or 11 v 11.

If you play with two strikers then play 7 v 7 and two up front for example or even

change the shape behind.

To begin to help provide a guide / signal for when to make the 3rd man run we have a

CONDITIONED RULE: Everytime the ball is passed BACKWARDS, another player

must run forward and beyond the ball.

That would be the forward third man run we are encouraging; and the player

receiving the back pass needs to see that run and mnake that pass.

Coaching Points:

a) Indentifying the conditioned moment (a back pass) to make the run

b) Identifying the conditioned moment to make the pass

c) Timing; angle and weight of the pass off a previous pass back

d) Timing and angle of the run to receive the through ball

e) Encouraging more than one player making a forward run to increase the options

Scoring: To score the player has to receive the pass as he or she is over the end line

within the end zone. Equate the first line on the end zone as the back four of the

opponents so you are timing the run to beat the back four (or beat their offside with a

run from deep).

Timing: Going too early with the run and they receive the pass in an offside position.

Weight of pass is so important here also.


1. The ball is passed forward first, as soon as it is passed back that is the signal for a

player; or players; to make forward runs beyond the ball and beyond the furthest

forward player; if possible.

Here (11) is the receiving player.

1. The third man run passing sequence can also be started and end with the same

player such as here with (11) who plays forward to (9) who drops the ball back to (7)

who plays the forward pass to (11) making the blindside run.


1. Here a run from a deeper position by (8). The ball goes back to (10) which is the

signal for a forward run, and (8) makes the run into the space that (7) has created by

coming inside and bringing the defender inside also. (8) Did not get beyond (9)

initially but we still got the third man run in.

1. Here two players make third man runs beyond the ball so (7) has two options of a

pass. This is even better.


1. The ball is played back to (10) off (11) who makes a forward run. When it was

passed back (8) started the third man run. Because it was from very deep he had time

to run a distance to meet the pass without being offside so there was time to pass to

(9) and for (9) to receive and turn and pass the ball in.

2. Again timing is the essence of all this for it to work.

3. Being wide, (8) is in a great observational position and can watch the play as it

builds up; and be able to make the right run at the right time.

Development:

1. Have a goal instead of an end zone so the outside end line is still the offside line

representing the back four; but now you can finish on goal.

2. Initially have it where defenders cannot track the player once they are beyond the

end line so they have a free run on goal to gain confidence in finishing without

pressure.

3. Then allow defenders to track the run and tackle so increasing the pressure on the

finisher.

4. Good for finishing one v one also with defenders tracking the player to pressure

them.

Include goals as an end product

1. The inside thick end line represents the back four position of the opponents. We

need to build the attack and once the ball is played back another player; or players;

makes the third man run off the ball, in this case (8) and (11).


2. Set up like this you can have two teams working on the same theme.

3. If you want to relate it to playing against a back four you can bring your own back

four in and set it up as such; as I have shown in the Phase of Play next.

Phase of play: focusing on movement and third man runs beyond the ball

You can Include the pass back condition to help the players identify the right

movement to make the 3rd man forward run until they can do it without this condition.

1. Defending team win it they pass the ball into the small goals and we start again.

You can keep score to keep it competitive. (7) Is a good option as he or she comes

inside from the blind side of (3) who may be ball watching and see their run too late.

2. Here as the ball is played into (9); (10) and (7) start to make forward runs to offer

two options behind the back four to pass into; and (11) plays the diagonal through

ball to (7).

3. (8) Fills the space behind left by (10) and it could easily be a lay off from (9) to (8) to

play the forward pass also.

4. DEVELOP: Bring in both fullbacks attacking so we add even more options of third

man runs, especially when the wide players (7) and (11) cut inside to clear the space

outside..


1. (11) has two options of a forward pass, choosing (10) in this case over (7).

2. In this case a ball over the top of the defense would be a great pass too; especially

if the defense is focusing on the ball. For example (7) comes from the blind side of (3)

as in the previous diagram. It could be a flatter run if it helps the timing.

1. It is easier for the third man run player to see the ball when it is coming towards

them at an angle, such as in this diagram above (with the run of (7) here). (7) CAN

SEE THE FULL BUILD UP HERE AND IT WILL HELP HIS OR HER TIMING.

2. If directly from behind the run (in 10s case) then it is much harder to see when


and where the pass is being made to get the timing and angle of the run correct,

though it can still work with players with good awareness and peripheral vision..

FINALLY: Take out the condition of the run coming off another player passing the ball

back.

Now players must work it out for themselves when and where they make the runs

beyond the opponents back four.

DEVELOPMENT: It also does not necessarily have to be from a back pass anymore,

that was just a condition put in to ensure the runs were made initially in the practice.

Players can still make third man runs off forward passes.

1. Here is an example of such a play. (9) Plays it forward to (7), (10) has already set

off on the forward run to receive into the space created by (9) coming short to receive

and dragging center back (4) to the ball also.

REMEMBER; All these diagrams are set up to show the attacking TEAM HAVING

SUCCESS.

It wont be as easy in actual play but our aim / goal here is to develop a training plan

to make it successful initially; and to give the players confidence in the execution of

the idea.

In reality the fullback (2) should tuck in to fill the space as (4) goes short, leaving (11)

free but he is not the danger, (10) is.

And / Or perhaps a midfield defending player (maybe (6) for example) will track (10)s

run to make it more difficult to have success but you will add that into the session


after initial success; to really test the players. This third man run concept is

particularly good when teams defend high against you so there is lots of space to run

into behind the back four

Part Four: Directional Awareness 4 team passing game

Introduction:

GAME OBJECTIVE: AWARENESS OF TEAM MATES AND OPPONENTS

POSITIONING ON THE FIELD IN ADVANCE OF RECEIVING THE BALL

Coaching Points:

a) When and where to pass (timing, accuracy, weight)

b) Looking before receiving

wayne harrison - in depth look at all three summit sessions (57 page ebook)

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