december 2011 Soccer · In partnershIp wIth Elite Soccer is published by: Green Star Media Ltd...

ExclusivE intErviEw with graham turnEr of shrEwsbury town:

Soccercoaching practicEs from English football lEaguE managErs and coachEs

www.elitesoccercoaching.net december 2011

huddErsfiEld townhartlEpool unitEdsouthampton

In partnershIp wIth

tom littlEPossession keeper catch

nigEl adKinsDefending crosses

micK wadsworthForward thinking

wigan athlEticnotts county

graEmE JonEsPosition-specific possession

martin allEnRotational play in midfield

Extra-timE:

ExclusiveTraining practicesfrom top professional managers

quEEns parK rangErs

nEilwarnocKthE confrontation linE

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Elite Soccer is published by:

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

Publisher: Kevin BarrowEditor: James EvansContributing Editor: Matthew Amos, LMADesign: Jimmy EgertonIllustrator: Richard PalmerCustomer Services: Duncan HeardMarketing Manager: Paul MortimerOperations Director: Toby CurthoysManaging Director: Andrew Griffithsphotos: action Images

Published in partnership with:

League Managers AssociationThe Camkin Suite, 1 Pegasus House, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6LW, UKTel: +44 (0)1926 831 556Email: [email protected]: Fabio CapelloChairman: Howard WilkinsonChief Executive: Richard Bevan

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issue 17/december 2011: from thE chairman

Bespoke training practices from some of the biggest names in football

Dear Coach,

Welcome to the December issue of Elite Soccer.

Queen’s Park Rangers have surprised many and provided some great moments in the opening months of

their return to Premier League action, and we are delighted to present a counter-attacking practice from manager Neil Warnock that looks at pressing and retreating.From the npower Championship, Nigel Adkins outlines a session that teaches effective defending against a range of different crosses, something this successful manager is seemingly on his way to perfecting having taken the south coast club to the top of the table.Notts County boss Martin Allen examines the technical aspects of rotation play in midfield, while also from npower League One, Hartlepool United manager Mick Wadsworth reveals the huge benefits which can accrue from dynamic and positive forward running.Huddersfield Town coach Tom Little presents a training practice that’s focuses on aerobic exercise for both keepers and outfield players. And moving back to the Barclays Premier League, Wigan Athletic first-team coach Graeme Jones examines the benefits that can arise from position-specific possession.Enjoy these exclusive sessions - we look forward to bringing you more next month.

Howard Wilkinson, LMA Chairman

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

2 DECEMBER 2011 www.elitesoccercoaching.net

03 MANAGEMENT MATTERS

16 BOOKED Elite sports book review18 EXTRA-TIME:

... with Graham Turner of Shrewsbury Town

6NIGEL ADKINSSouThamPTon

Defending crosses

10MICK

WADSWORTHhaRTlEPool uniTED

Forward thinking

8MARTIN ALLENnoTTS CounTy

Rotational play in midfield

12GRAEME JONESWigan aThlETiC

Position-specific possession

14TOM LITTLE

huDDERSFiElD ToWn

Possession keeper

catch

4NEIL WARNOCKQPR

The confrontation line

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www.elitesoccercoaching.net

management matters

MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

CAREER PATH... with Russell Slade, manager of Leyton Orient

Was becoming a football manager always your ambition?I think once you get a little taste for it - which I did at Notts County when I was thrown in at the deep end at the age of 33 – it’s a buzz that you want to keep. I’d already been youth-team coach, reserve coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager, and that experience was valuable.I moved on to Scarborough, who were in the Conference. That probably wouldn’t have been my first choice at the time, but football can cause you to go to different places and I’m thankful for that opportunity. Do you feel you became a better manager for the journey?Definitely, to cut my teeth somewhere where you’re literally running the football club brings out the best in you. It’s the same

for any manager or coach wanting to do as much for his team as possible – fulfilling any role that needs doing. It’s hard work, but rewarding.What qualifications did you have at the start?The qualifications we see now didn’t really come into the game until later, but whatever level you’re at, the coaching badges help in the learning process. They give you ideas and make you think a little more laterally about what is needed when looking after different players. I’ve got all mine now and they certainly help.The three things I’ve learnt about coaching is that it has to be relevant, realistic and challenging. If you’ve got those boxes ticked then you have the ingredients to go on and become a good coach.What tips would you give to an aspiring coach?Do your best and learn as much as you can through the coaching courses, but remember they only give you the passport to do more things in the coaching world. You then need to get into an environment

where you are able to work with groups of players on a regular basis, at whatever level that might be. Write to local clubs and ask if you can observe at a few sessions - that can make your experience much more rounded. It’s a route that a lot of former professional players take nowadays. It doesn’t take a great amount of effort to knock on doors, and clubs are often willing to help – we’re all in this for the same reasons, after all.On a personal level, always work on man-management with your players. For me, that’s the number one, and probably plays a part in 80% of what it is to be a coach or manager.

Roberto Mancini scooped the

Manager of the Month award after his Manchester City side found the net 17 times in four matches in the Barclays Premier League during October. City hit four against Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa before their stunning 6-1 success at Old Trafford. They concluded the month with a 3-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, plus added Carling Cup and Champions League victories as well, over Wolves and Villareal respectively.manChESTER CiTy: W4 D0 l0 (lEaguEonly)

Four clean sheets in

five npower Championship matches meant Birmingham City went unbeaten throughout the month of October, earning manager Chris Hughton the divisional award in the process. The Blues defeated Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Bristol City and Leeds United, and earned a goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. They also won on the road in the Europa League, 2-1 at Slovenian side NK Mirabor.BiRmingham CiTy: W4 D1 l0

Huddersfield Town’s

incredible unbeaten league record continued through the month of October as the Yorkshire outfit won five of their six matches. The club’s last league defeat had come way back on Boxing Day last year after losing at home to Hartlepool United, and in October they powered their way past Brentford, Stevenage, Exeter City, Preston North End and Yeovil Town, as well as drawing with Scunthorpe United.huDDERSFiElD ToWn: W5 D1 l0

And in npower League Two,

newboys Crawley Town continued their pursuit of back-to-back promotions after moving to the top of the table with five straight wins in the month. Victories over Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town, Shrewsbury Town, AFC Wimbledon and Dagenham & Redbridge – and a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley - earned manager Steve Evans the divisional award, to see the Sussex club reinforce their tag as title favourites.CRaWlEy ToWn: W5 D1 l0

3 DECEMBER 2011

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What do i get the players to do? In a two-way 11v11 game, blues begin as the attacking team, with whites the counter-attackers. When blues play out from the back, whites’ first instinct must be to press opponents and attempt to win the ball. If, however, an opponent is too far away so that a white is unable to directly and quickly affect his decision-making, then all whites must retreat back towards the confrontation line (1a), which is to be indicated by the coach.Retreating to the confrontation line will encourage blues to advance. When play approaches the line, the defending team must move in to win the ball (1b). If they can do that, the compact nature of their frontline now makes it possible for quick counter-attacks to be made behind the blues’ defence, either with a direct pass (1c) or varied passing combinations (1d).The roles and responsibilities of all 11 whites are therefore very important when the team is out of possession, and good

QPR

neil WarnockThe confrontation lineoverview:This session is about counter-attacking in a 4-3-3 formation, with the use of a ‘confrontation line’. This virtual line gives players a unique positioning point to defend up to before releasing a counter-attack. The line moves depending on the opposition and how quickly they progress with the ball, but is always around the halfway line.The practice enables attack-minded players to learn their responsibilities when both in and out of possession.We’ve seen the rewards of dynamic counter-attacking frequently this season in the Barclays Premier League, notably in our home win against Chelsea, when we utilised the pace of Shaun Wright-Phillips to repeatedly get in behind the defence of our London rivals.

the confrontation line

SET-UPaREa

Full pitchEQuiPmEnT

Ball, goalsnumBER oF PlayERS

22SESSion TimE

20-30mins

“The confrontation line virtual line gives players a unique positioning point to defend up to.”4 DECEMBER 2011

ConfrontationLineRestrainingLine

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Ball movement Player movementDribble

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After regrouping, whites begin to push out to stop blues from playing through

After regrouping, whites attempt to stop blues from playing through

A successful interception is made and a counter-attack launched with a direct pass

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communication is essential.

how do i progress the session?To ensure that teams don’t sit deep we add a restraining line, which represents the furthest point that defenders can drop to. This compression of play in match practice allows a free flow of counter-attacking scenarios to develop at both ends (2). We’ll also pause play to highlight developing situations.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?Players who press must realise when to approach and when to drop back, quickly communicating this decision to team mates. When preparing to counter, team mates must be similarly clear about the areas that are to be attacked (3).Remember too that counter-attacking teams must themselves be aware of being exposed, so team mates must cover forward breaks. For example, if the full-back is counter-attacking, the centre-backs and opposite full-back must slide across, with a midfielder dropping into the gap as extra support.

neil WarnockQPR

QPR became the 12th club manager Neil Warnock took charge of when he joined in March 2010. And at the west London outfit the 62-year-old is hitting previously untapped heights with his side having taken to life back in the Premier League with real aplomb.

Despite a slow start, subsequent wins over the likes of Everton, Wolves and Chelsea have proved that Rangers can compete in the top flight, with Warnock’s down-to-earth style once again winning admirers across the game.

Warnock started out on the managerial ladder at Gainsborough Trinity fully three decades ago, aged just 32. Notable spells at Huddersfield Town, Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United followed, gaining promotion with each club.

In March of last year, he left Crystal Palace to move across London to QPR, steering the club away from relegation danger in his first season before taking the Hoops to the npower Championship title last term.

the confrontation line

5 DECEMBER 2011


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On this occasion blues apply quick pressure so a counter-attack is launched using indirect passes

Players must aim to break into designated counter-attacking areas

The restraining line ensures high defensive lines are maintained. But defenders must be aware of the danger areas left by adopting a high line, which are vulnerable to quick counter-attacks

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What do i get the players to do? On a half pitch, there are two attacking wingers on each flank and, at each end, four defenders – two centre-backs and two full-backs – a keeper and a goal. Once each crossing phase is complete, it’s rerun on the opposite flank.Outswinging crossFor this phase, the full-backs must stay in the box. The keeper plays out to the left wing, a winger takes the ball on, advances, then sends an outswinging cross into the penalty area (1a).Second phase crossImmediately, the coach feeds the ball to the opposite flank as soon as the first cross is cleared (1b). Inswinging crossFull-backs can now press, with the keeper playing out to a defender, who supplies a left winger. He checks back, then makes an inswinging right-footed cross into the area (2).‘Lay back’ crossHere, a winger touches the ball back for his team mate to make either an inswinging or outswinging cross (3).

SouThamPTon

nigel adkinsDefending crossesoverview:This session enables defenders to learn how to best to repel a number of different crosses into the box. We test defensive strength against four different deliveries – an inswinging cross, and outswinging cross, a cross that’s laid back on the wing, and a second phase cross.It’s crucial we practise this because, in matches, most goalscoring opportunities arise from crosses into the penalty area. Therefore, preventing and dealing with this threat is a key aspect in ensuring we keep clean sheets.

defending crosses

SET-UPaREa

Half pitchEQuiPmEnT

Balls, goalsnumBER oF PlayERS

Full squadSESSion TimE

Crosses 20 mins, game 20mins

“It’s crucial we practise this because, in matches, most goalscoring opportunities arise from crosses into the penalty area.”6 DECEMBER 2011

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The first centre-back protects the near-post area

The second centre-back protects the middle of the goal

The full-back protects the far post area

A left wing attack ends with an outswinging cross that the centre-back clears at the near post

The second phase develops with a ball to the right, and subsequent cross

Zonal defendingWe run a positional set-up using three defenders. Each must defend at an angle of 45 degrees to the ball, so that he can see the delivery and also space around him.

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Free crossFinally, wingers combine to send over a cross of their choice.

What are the key things to look out for technically/tactically?Defenders must ensure they remain in their designated areas, opening out to a 45 degree angle to give themselves the best chance of seeing what’s around them.Defenders must be positive in their clearances, making a solid first contact that offers height and distance. They follow out, ready to regroup for any second phase crosses.The full-backs’ task is to engage wingers and restrict wing threat.how do i progress the session?In progression, centre-backs now handle the threat of active forwards, while wingers can create one-two interplays, which threaten to pull full-backs out of position.

how do i put this into a game situation?The session progresses into a continuous 8v8 game, with an emphasis on balls to the wing. A full-back must defend well whilst also supporting his attacking winger (4).

nigel adkinsSouThamPTon

Nigel Adkins was announced as manager of Southampton in September 2010 – the appointment signalling the next stage of an incredible climb in the coaching side of the game, which started as club physio at Scunthorpe United.

Adkins was given the first-team manager’s job at United in November 2006 following the departure of Brian Laws, promptly guiding the club to the League One title.

Relegation and promotion from and back to the Champion-ship followed before the club achieved their highest league finish for 40 years in 2009/10 season.

At Southampton, Adkins earned the south coast club promotion from npower League One last season, and is well tipped for further success this term, with his side at the top of the table going into the festive period.

As a player, the 46-year-old starred in goal for Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic and Bangor City.

defending crosses

7 DECEMBER 2011

“Defenders must be positive in their clearances, making a solid first contact that offers height and distance.”

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The inswinging cross results from the winger cutting back and delivering right-footed from the left wing

The ‘lay back’ cross offers wingers a choice of final ball, meaning defenders must react quickly

In the continuous 8v8 game, full-backs must defend, then be ready to support their winger in forward breaks

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What do i get the players to do?40x20-yard practiceOur passing drill takes place in a 40x20-yard area, with four players in a midfield diamond. Two more – a server and a receiver – wait at either end of the area.The ball is fed in at the bottom. Each player moves off his cone to have a touch and moves the ball on (1), before rotating anti-clockwise around the area. When the ball is passed out the top edge, we reverse the cycle (2).In the next part, we place a goal and keeper at the top. Again, each player must have a touch, but this time the player on the top cone goes through to shoot at goal (3).Two-goal practiceFor the progression, we use a 60x40-yard area split into thirds, each 20 yards deep. There is a goal at each end, and now two groups of four players, playing unopposed. Each group starts as a diamond, with one player in the defensive third, two in the midfield third (one on

noTTS CounTy

martin allenRotational play in midfieldoverview:This session is about rotational play in the centre of the park, specifically when using a midfield diamond. The set-up enables us to examine movement, combination play, link-ups and one- and two-touch passing.We run this as a way of ensuring constant improvement in player movement as well as spotting the triggers that provoke attacking play. The aim is for players to be getting on and meeting the ball, driving forward and scoring goals.

rotational play in midfield

SET-UPaREa

60x40 yardsEQuiPmEnT

Balls, cones, goalsnumBER oF PlayERS

10SESSion TimE

40x20-yard practice 25mins, Two-goal practice 25mins, game 20mins

“The aim is for players to be getting on and meeting the ball, driving forward and scoring goals.”8 DECEMBER 2011

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In the first practice, players can move off their cones to receive and pass the ball through the area

Players rotate positions and the cycle comes back in the other direction

Now with a goal added, the passing move ends with a shot

In partnershIp wIth


each wing), and one in the attacking third. The keepers serve, with play going clockwise and teams attacking opposite goals (4a, 4b). Players again rotate, moving into different thirds when receiving passes. Again, each player must touch the ball before a shot is taken. We then restart again from the other end.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?We’re looking for firm passing conducted at a high tempo, with players encouraged to move off cones to receive, before making onward passes. When a player is sent through on goal, he must deliver a confident end product.

how do i progress the session?We add time and touch restrictions to increase the difficulty of each practice – for instance, one-touch throughout, or a 10-second maximum time for scoring a goal.

how would you put this into a game situation?Using the 60x40-yard area, we play a 5v5 one-ball directional game, using the same principles of playing through areas with each man having a touch before a shot is taken (5).

martin allennoTTS CounTy

Notts County manager Martin Allen has used all of the experience gained throughout an impressive playing career to become regarded as one of the game’s most forward-thinking managers.

In his first managerial post, at Barnet, he invited players to camp in tents outside his house as a team-bonding exercise, and has carried forward similarly unique ideas through spells at Brentford, MK Dons, Leicester City and Cheltenham Town.

Returning to Barnet briefly towards the end of last season to steer them away from relegation danger in npower League Two, Allen switched to Notts County. He performed similar heroics at Meadow Lane in the closing weeks of the season, and this year the club are eyeing up promotion to the npower Championship.

Allen, as a player, was a rampaging midfielder who starred for QPR, West Ham United, Portsmouth and Southend United.

rotational play in midfield

9 DECEMBER 2011

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In the 60x40-yard game, reds rotate during play so as to meet the ball in each third

At the same time, whites play into the other goal

The session is completed with a directional 5v5 – here whites move through the areas to fashion a shooting chance

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What do i get the players to do? We set up three players in a 40x20-yard area, with additional players ready to come in at the top and bottom edges.Two players start at the bottom – they always play one-touch. Player 1 feeds player 2, then runs around him and up the line. Player 2 lays to player 3, himself then making an intelligent run.Player 3 - who is one-or two-touch - links with the advancing player 1, who then plays into the feet of player 2. A final ball to one of the two new players waiting to come into the practice completes the move (1). Players 1 and 2 leave the area while player 3 remains – he is the central cog for play coming back the other way. After a few minutes we change the central player.

how do i progress the session?We progress by giving players the freedom to make their own choices in terms of running and passing angles (2), but at no point must the ball go backwards.

haRTlEPool uniTED

mick WadsworthForward thinkingoverview:At any level, the ability to attack the opposition with quick, positive forward play can yield terrific rewards. This session requires determined and aggressive forward movement and clever passing, and the key is to always be moving forwards or sideways – so never backwards, and never remaining stationery. If players follow this simple blueprint, we, as a team, have the makings of fast, invasive attacks, which are so dangerous.The session improves inventiveness in passing. It also increases ball retention, and promotes dynamic forward running.

forward thinking

SET-UPaREa

40x20 yardsEQuiPmEnT

Balls, goalsnumBER oF PlayERS

Full squadSESSion TimE

Practice 15mins, progression 10mins, game 20mins

“If players follow this simple blueprint, we, as a team, have the makings of fast, invasive attacks, which are so dangerous.”10 DECEMBER 2011

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Working players link up to move possession through the area

Players progress by developing their own passing and movement variations

In the game situation, the keeper serves the ball into the defensive third, from where it moves into the key midfield area

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What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?We look for fast, dynamic passing and a willingness to run into space quickly to keep the drill going. Player 3 must resist the urge to play backwards, because going forwards (or even sideways) is the blueprint for fast invasive attacks.

how do i put this into a game situation?We play 8v8 (plus two keepers) in a 70x50-yard area, dividing the length into two outer 20-yard sections and a 30-yard central box. The two 20-yard lines act as offside lines, representing defensive, midfield and offensive areas. The game has a four-touch limit.The keeper plays the ball into the defensive area. Because there is no backward passing in the middle area, midfielders and strikers have to be inventive when receiving, so we look for them to turn with the ball or receive on the half-turn (3a). Players must support those in possession, particularly defenders and midfielders, in getting alongside and in front of the ball (3b/3c). Balance in attack and defence remains important at all times so as to protect against counter-attacks (3d). To finish, we can enlarge to an 11v11 game.

mick WadsworthhaRTlEPool uniTED

Although Mick Wadsworth completed only 19 senior matches as a professional – for Scunthorpe United in the mid-1970s – he spent a significant amount of time in the non-league game, and has used experience gained to forge an impressive career in management.

In between, he assisted England at Italia ‘90 has an official match observer, and worked with the Under-21 and Under-23 sides, as well as the England non-league team.

Switching to the domestic game, he took charge of Carlisle United, Colchester United, Oldham Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Chester City, before arriving at Hartlepool United in June 2010.

He has also managed the Congolese national team, and coached at Premier League Newcastle United.

forward thinking

11 DECEMBER 2011

“We look for fast, dynamic passing and a willingness to run into space quickly to keep the drill going.”

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The ball cannot go backwards in the midfield, so overlapping runners are vital to the overall forward progression

The right-winger here plays sideways in crossing the ball to the striker, who scores

In this instance though, the header is saved, offering the chance of a fast, invasive counter-attack

In partnershIp wIth


What do i get the players to do?We play this on a half-pitch, using the width of the penalty area, with a goal at one end. This is 7v7 plus one neutral keeper. Offsides apply from the edge of the penalty area.To start, the blue defender receives the ball from the keeper and moves forward linking with team mates with the aim of reaching the halfway line (1a), where his team turns around and attacks the goal. Midfielders and attackers break forward into space (1b).If reds intercept, they can immediately attack the goal without having to run to the halfway line first (2).Whether a shot misses the target, is saved, or results in a goal, the keeper plays a new ball out to the team who were out of possession (3); but any team receiving from the keeper can only score by taking the ball to the halfway line first.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?Rotation and movement of players in midfield

Wigan aThlETiC

graeme JonesPosition-specific possessionoverview:This session looks at how players should adapt their possession habits depending on where they find themselves on the pitch. Because the practice regularly causes players to change between attacking and defending principles, the need is there for them to be quick in reacting to opportunities to pass, dribble or shoot.We find this an important session to run – both in terms of it providing players with a worthwhile mental challenge, and because it requires a tempo and pace that is similar to that found in match situations.

position specific possession

SET-UPaREa

Half pitchEQuiPmEnT

Ball, cones, goalnumBER oF PlayERS

15 (7v7 plus neutral keeper)SESSion TimE

Main game 30mins, wide game 15mins

“Players need to be quick in reacting to opportunities to pass, dribble or shoot.”12 DECEMBER 2011

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A blue defender moves out from the back with the ball, aiming to reach the halfway line

Now turning back, the ball is worked forward for a shot at goal

In this instance though, reds intercept, and can attack the goal immediately

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is important, along with efficient use of 1v1 scenarios on the wings, but measured playing out from the back is the key component of this practice. Players must use clever angles of passing and movement because the emphasis is on using possession for a specific reason – either in taking the ball to the halfway line or, having already done that, scoring a goal.And a team losing possession must transition quickly because an attack will immediately come back towards them. Forwards need to backtrack to squeeze space while defenders must rapidly regroup into a structured backline.how do i progress the session?To progress, we limit the attacking team to two touches, with the exception of strikers who are encouraged to use as many touches as necessary in going 1v1 against opponents. This ensures rapid movement forward, with the need for supporting players to provide effective passing options.

how do i put this into a game situation?We extend to full width and play 10v10, maintaining an offside line on the edge of the box (4a/4b).

graeme JonesWigan aThlETiC

Graeme Jones is assistant manager to Roberto Martinez at Barclays Premier League side Wigan Athletic.

The 41-year-old previously worked alongside the Spaniard at Swansea City, and the pair were together as players at Wigan in the late 1990s.

That period saw the striker at his most prolific within a 13-year professional career, as he hit 31 goals during the 1996/97 season. Jones also played for Doncaster Rovers, St. Johnstone, Southend United and Boston United.

At Wigan, he and Martinez are working hard to extend the Latics’ seven-year stay in the Barclays Premier League.

position specific possession

13 DECEMBER 2011

“A team losing possession must react quickly because an attack will immediately come back towards them.”

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At the end of each play, the keeper serves to the team last out of possession

In the game situation, players use the full width of the pitch

Using the wing to retain possession is important – so that attacks develop, and so as to limit the danger of counter-attacks

In partnershIp wIth


What do i get the players to do? The game, Possession keeper catch, can be played in areas of varying size, and with different team numbers to suit. In the example given, we have shown a 70x40-yard area, with an arc inside the left and right baselines, in which keepers are allowed to move. This is 8-a-side.Teams score by passing to the keeper in their attacking half on the full, with the keeper catching the ball (1a). Keepers then recommence play by throwing to the conceding team (1b). We play this in repetitions of 10 minutes with a rest period between each.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?The team in possession needs to find space to tee up an accurate pass to the keeper, so clever one-twos and good angles of support are all crucial. We also look for overlapping and players’ willingness to take on opponents. When out of possession, players must press quickly to force mistakes, prevent

huDDERSFiElD ToWn

Tom littlePossession keeper catchoverview:This is an aerobic fitness session that, while ending with a goalkeeper catching the ball, has its emphasis on outfield players creating space, quickly pressuring opponents and, when appropriate, sending long aerial passes.Improving players’ aerobic capacity enhances their ability to maintain explosive efforts and skills as a match progresses.

possession keeper catch

SET-UPaREa

See rightEQuiPmEnT

Cones, goalsnumBER oF PlayERS

See rightSESSion TimE

See right

“The emphasis is on outfield players creating space, quickly pressuring opponents and sending long aerial passes.”14 DECEMBER 2011

Set-up variables for Possession keeper catch

Game Size Reps Time

5 v 550 x 30 yards 4 to 6 6 to 8 mins

6 v 6

7 v 770 x 40 yards

3 to 4 10 to 15 mins8 v 8

9 v 980 x 50 yards

10 v 10 Rest periods should be less than 2 minutes.

1,2,3,4,5

1a

1b


KEy


KEy

In Possession keeper catch, quick passing through the middle results in a catch, and a point scored

Coming back the other way, blues fail to press and a long ball by the yellow player scores a point

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an opponent getting his head up, and restrict the number of long balls played forward.Technically, although longer aerial balls are becoming less prevalent in the modern game, a good long pass to switch play or hit the front man, can still be a devastating weapon.

how do i progress the session?To encourage opponents to press, we award a point for five consecutive passes (2). Then we allow the keepers to join in play to add extra outfield options (3).We can also add a condition that teams must attempt to score in a defined time period to emphasise quick counter-attacking, or that they must be in a certain area to play a scoring pass (4).

how do i put this into a game situation?The drill can be progressed to match situations by emphasising effective long balls in larger-sided games (e.g. switching play), and by emphasising closing down in defined scenarios (e.g. immediately upon losing possession or when the opposition enter the final third).

Tom littlehuDDERSFiElDToWn

Tom Little is first-team fitness coach at npower League One side Huddersfield Town.

He has worked at Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley.

He possesses a doctorate in fitness and specialises in conditioning methods using football drills. At Huddersfield Town, he is responsible for all aspects of the first-team squad’s physical condition, including training and player nutrition.

possession keeper catch

15 DECEMBER 2011

“When out of possession, players must press quickly to force mistakes and prevent opponents playing long balls.”

1,2,3,4,5

2

3

4


KEy


KEy


KEy

In the progression, a point is scored with the completion of five consecutive passes

The keeper moves out to help provide an extra passing option

Introducing zones means a scoring pass can only be played to a keeper from certain areas – in this instance, the furthest zone

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booked: this month’s choicE

16 DECEMBER 2011

Shackleton’s WayLeadership lessons from the great Antarctic explorerMargot Morrell and Stephanie CapparellNicholas Brealey Publishing 238pp

The achievements of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the polar explorer, were overlooked for decades,

partly because they were obscured by the catastrophic events of the First World War. In recent years however, the man and his extraordinary leadership skills have been recognised more widely and his standing has been raised. Shackleton is now widely seen as a model leader with many lessons for others in leadership roles.

Shackleton’s 1914-17 expedition to reach the South Pole was an abject failure. His exploration ship Endurance was trapped in the ice before the trek had even begun, and the exercise became one of survival rather than achieving his objective.

How Shackleton led his 27-man crew back to safety from the freezing Antarctic is one of the greatest adventure stories ever told. When, after several months, the trapped ship sank under the pressure of ice, the men sailed for five days in the lifeboats to relative safety of Elephant Island but remained stranded in an inhospitable and remote location. Shackleton then set out on an 800-mile small boat journey to

South Georgia where he knew there was a whaling station. The voyage took 15 days during which he and his small crew encountered hurricane force winds and were in constant danger of drowning. When a landing was finally achieved, the party faced a 36-hour cross-country expedition through mountainous terrain to reach the whaling station on the other side of the island. From there Shackleton organised rescue boats for his men on Elephant Island, who were finally relieved in August 1916.

How did he do it? Shackleton’s Way cleverly interweaves a gripping story with an analysis of how the men were kept healthy, sane and optimistic and ultimately, alive despite all the odds and the usual problems and difficulties that can afflict groups in pressure situations. Businesswoman Margot Morell and financial journalist Stephanie Capparell are veteran business observers who have encapsulated the examples set by Shackleton and which they claim can be followed by anyone leading a team.

One of the key factors in the survival of the expedition members was the nature of the men themselves and the type of individuals that Shackleton had recruited. He didn’t always get it right but usually went for creativity,

personality and character before competence. According to the authors he could afford to hire on this rather intuitive basis because, confident of his own abilities, he knew he could get above-average performance from the most average of men.

Creating a spirit of camaraderie was another

underlying feature of his leadership style that enabled him to build a united and loyal crew. He kept a balance between work and fun, ensuring that entertainment was a regular feature of the ship’s agenda. He ordered luxury foods to boost morale, there was a concert most Saturday nights, and all birthdays were celebrated. Shackleton joined in with games and puzzles, debates, singing competitions and mass head shaving. Alcohol was allowed in moderation.

Shackleton observed before he acted, only making changes to make improvements. When he arrived in Buenos Aires to board the ship he at first stayed ashore in a hotel to view the problems with the ship and crew. After a period of contemplation, he then set about dealing with Argentine red tape, improving the food by firing the cook, and letting three other crew members go for indiscipline.

He made himself accessible, listened to his men’s concerns

Getting the best from each individual

“Shackleton is now widely seen as a model leader with many lessons for others in leadership roles.”

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Shackleton’s way of getting the group (team) through a crisisWhen crisis strikes, immediately address your staff. Take charge of the situation, offer a plan of action, ask for support, and show absolute confidence in a positive outcome.

Plan several options in detail. Get a grasp of the possible consequences of each, always keeping your eye on the big picture.

Give your staff an occasional reality check to keep them on course. After time, people will start to treat a crisis situation as business as usual and lose their focus.

Keep your malcontents close to you. Resist your instinct to avoid them and instead try to win them over and gain their support.

Defuse tension. In high-stress situations use humour to put people at ease, and keep your staff busy.

Let go of the past. Don’t waste time or energy regretting pass mistakes or fretting over what you can’t change.

17 DECEMBER 2011

booked: this month’s choicE

and kept them informed about the ship’s business. Order and routine was established on the ship in order to foster an atmosphere of security and productivity.

Shackleton broke down traditional hierarchies by having everyone pitch in to do all the work on the ship, rotating work assignments, so that divisions were blurred. Whether they were scientists or crewmen, each man found himself sharing the ship’s chores. So the seaman were trained to take scientific readings and samples and the academics took turns steering the ship and doing night watch. Apparently, no one complained, though there would have been no alternative to Shackleton’s regime, which he enforced rigorously. By mixing things up, he fostered friendships and a blurring of divisions and encouraged teamwork.

He was scrupulously even-handed in his dealings with the men, and never asked anyone to do something that he would not do himself. Despite having strong feelings about the abilities of certain individual crew members, he kept these hidden and ensured that even the most difficult of characters were kept onside. Even when there were serious mistakes made – two of the men on watch allowed a wire to tangle around the ship’s propeller – there was no recrimination. According to the ship’s doctor, whenever Shackleton felt he had come down too hard on someone, he made sure any bad effect was

immediately undone with “an intimate talk.” The effect was “to put you back on a feeling of righteousness with him,” it was said.

To build an effective team, Shackleton understood that a leader needed to get the best from each individual, which in turn meant that a personal, human approach was required. This was in sharp contrast to the cold, remote and authoritarian style of leadership he had experienced as an officer under Sir Robert Scott whom he accompanied on an earlier polar expedition.

Shackleton believed in the importance of creature comforts in maintaining morale and let each man put his personal stamp on his surroundings. He insisted on a healthy diet, exercise, and reasonable safety measures, believing physical and mental

here at Elite Soccer, we value highly the knowledge and judgement of you, our

subscribers. Over the past few months we’ve been delighted to put forward some fantastic coaching literature that examines

the psychological side of sports practice, but there are undoubtedly a number of gems we’ve not uncovered.we’d like to hear from you if there’s a coaching book that has really helped to shape and focus your side. Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll

look to showcase the best going forward.In striving to make Elite Soccer the ultimate monthly soccer coaching title, we’re always keen to hear your feedback on the magazine’s content - be that our book reviews, bonus manager features, or the coaching sessions themselves.

acumen were closely linked. Stranded on an ice floe, the men played hockey and football, and raced the Huskies. It was necessary to eat fresh meat such as seal and penguin to ward off scurvy, and although the men at first rejected this in favour of more palatable tinned supplies onboard, Shackleton brought them round.

He made sure each man had challenging and meaningful work, but was at pains to match personality types with work responsibilities. There was never the opportunity for boredom because everyone was kept busy with projects.

He gave his men constant feedback, praising their efforts and correcting their mistakes. He related to every person under him as a human being, not only as a worker. He held small celebrations that recognised the individual. He was tolerant of people’s quirks and foibles and didn’t hesitate to pamper his men.

This book handily codifies Shackleton’s winning strategies with single sentence descriptions of main elements in the text and useful summaries at the end of each chapter, but it goes further with examples of how they have been successfully implemented by leaders in many fields. “Shackleton-mania” has reached the US Navy, car maker Jaguar, investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, and the website TheStreet.com. Is it time for his teachings to make a difference to your football team?

“He was tolerant of people’s quirks and foibles and didn’t hesitate to pamper his men.”

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Extra-timE

18 DECEMBER 2011

Graham Turner is working his magic in a second spell at Shrewsbury Town. The 64-year-old, who has clocked up over 1,500 games in management, spoke to Elite Soccer about some of the modern challenges that he and others face in the game.

h ow are you enjoying your second season back at

shrewsbury town?It has been very good. We were disappointed last term to have missed out on promotion as, over the course of the campaign, we felt we deserved to go up.

During my time in charge, there have been a number of changes in the playing staff, but we have managed to bring in some fresh faces as well. So it was a transitional period in my first year and I think most managers would relate to that. The majority of players at the club for this season are ones I have brought here and therefore, as manager, I take full responsibility for what is happening on the field. After a quite a reasonable start to this campaign, I think we can get better; we have high hopes for this season.

The club itself is well geared up for a higher level; the foundations are here, we have a very good ground, a good support base as well as decent facilities.

h aving started in management over 30 years

ago, what significant changes have you noticed in the game?I think any manager who has been in football a long time has had to change his approach to players, and the game in general. Players

have become more mentally fragile in coping with setbacks and the way you address them in the form of discipline. It is different now than, say, 15-20 years ago, where you could possibly get away with throwing tea cups around... and sometimes even teapots! But today I think you have to be a lot more measured when talking to players.

And the bane of the manager’s life now is the internet. Criticism in the game towards managers today can be unfair and totally unjustified at times. Maybe years ago supporters were more tolerant but now its instant success or the crowd can turn, and there is always a manager experiencing this feeling at any one time. So the spotlight and the criticism has made the job more difficult.

T here are some very experienced managers

in League two including Dario Gradi, John still and paul sturrock– do you enjoy competing against some of the younger managers?To be fair I don’t think it makes an awful lot of difference who you are up against. You set your side out to win the game and enjoy a glass of wine with the manager afterwards. But the league also has people like Paolo Di Canio who has lifted the profile of League Two, so it’s a strong, interesting league but ultimately its one we want to get out of.

C onsidering your history and long association with

hereford, is it strange having to face them?I don’t think so as you quickly

accept and grow accustomed to your new role. I think it is only natural to take an interest in all of your former clubs, but it was 15 years of hard work at Hereford, and being manager and Chairman was not a good idea. I perhaps did it for longer than I should have. So at Shrewsbury I am just enjoying the role of purely being a manager.

T o date, what has been the highlight of your managerial

career?As a boy I was very much a Wolves supporter so being able to manage the club for seven-and-a-half years, plus being part of the resurgence of that great club was without doubt a highlight. As a boy, my hero was Billy Wright, and when he joined the board I had him working alongside me, and helping the club get back on the

right track certainly makes those

years in charge stand out.

graham turnEr shrewsbury town

“You can never stop educating yourself, and I am always interested in other people’s practices and ideas.”

december 2011 Soccer · In partnershIp wIth Elite Soccer is published by: Green Star Media Ltd...

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