By Alex Trukan Dominating 1v1 situations has been a widely discussed topic over the last years. Many clubs have chosen to design their philosophy around this area stating that they want to consistently win ‘1v1’ situations both in attack and defence. That approach can be adapted at all levels of the game, whether it’s U6’s
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By Alex Trukan Position of a winger has primary importance in the attacking strategy of many teams. Initially, their responsibilities were based around winning duels on the wings as well as delivering crosses into the box. However, that has evolved over the last years and now being a winger requires more versatile abilities and intelligence
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By Alex Trukan Recent years has seen a rise in formations and styles of play overloading midfield areas and getting away from the traditional role of number ‘9’, replacing it with a ‘false 9’ and formations like 1-4-6-0. That has pointed many coaches’ attention to possible alternative roles strikers can have. One of the more
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By Alex Trukan Playing with a midfield four when out of possession is arguably the most popular way of setting up your midfield unit to defend. It is also relatively the simplest way of defending to coach and play based around several roles and responsibilities. If executed correctly, it is also one of the most
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By Alex Trukan Full backs’ position has evolved over the years. Involvement of full backs in attack seemed very unorthodox several years ago, whereas now it is considered as a minimal standard required. Recent years has seen this position evolving even further. Primary example includes Bayern Munchen under Pep Guardiola, which introduced full backs playing
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By Alex Trukan Defending in midfield and central areas is usually a big emphasis in a lot of teams. When out of possession, midfield is a unit that prevents the opposition from exploiting the back line as well as breaking into the final third of the pitch. Therefore, from the attacking point of view, finding
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By Alex Trukan Defending when compact has many advantages, including restricting space for the opposition, more effective pressure on the ball as well as better support and cover around and away from the ball. It can also lead to creating overloads around the ball and eventually winning possession. On the other hand, however, it also
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By Alex Trukan As an alternative to traditional sequence of wing play based on a cross into the penalty box from wide positions, trying to penetrate further into the penalty area before passing it across can be an effective strategy to create goal scoring opportunities. Its usage has been on the rise recently due to
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By Alex Trukan Doubling up is a defending strategy based on applying pressure on the ball by two defenders at the same time. It is a very common component of high and counter pressing game but it can be also used effectively in the middle or defending thirds. The rationale behind using it is to
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By Alex Trukan Combination play has been an important aspect in soccer coaching for many years. There are several ways it can be defined and then created during the game. One of the elements contributing to it are ‘wall passes’, an attacking combination based on quick passing movement between two or three players, in which
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By Alex Trukan Attacking through the wings is usually associated with the role of the wingers or full backs. Although, these two positions probably play the biggest role in creating opportunities from wide areas, players away and around the ball are also crucial in facilitating this type of attacking strategy. One of the key players
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By Alex Trukan Pressing is a defending strategy based on applying pressure on the ball and restricting spaces around and away from the ball in order to regain possession. It is often associated with teams defending with intensity and desire to win the ball as high and as soon as possible. However, it is important
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By Alex Trukan Red Bull Leipzig, one of the clubs owned by Red Bull holding has been a revelation of this season’s 2 Bundesliga, currently (07.01.2016) occupying 1st place in the table and not only winning the games but also playing very interesting and unusual style of play. Team managed by Ralf Rangnick, one of
Continue readingBy Alex Trukan Defending in and around the penalty box area is, alongside finishing, one of the two critical micro phases of the game. They are usually neglected and hoped they will ‘take care of themselves’. However, at the same time, it can be argued that these two phases are the two most important ones
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By Sean Pearson Area Size: 30 x 45 yards Teams: 6 v 6 Time: 15 Minutes Objectives To transition from defending to attacking with speed Use the overload of 3v2 to manipulate the defense After defending deep and stopping penetrations it is important for the team to capitalize on the space in front of them via a counter
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By Sean Pearson Area Size: 30 x 45 yards Teams: 6 v 6 Time: 15 Minutes Objectives To stay compact Deny penetration through the middle Work together as a team Defending deep in and around your own area is useful when the opposition has a prolonged period of possession and dominance. It is important your players don’t panic
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By Sean Pearson Area Size: Central Area: 30 x 40 yards, Channels 5 x 40 yards Teams: 5 v 5 + 2 Time: 15 Minutes Objectives To understand when to switch the ball To relate the switch to the formation 4-3-3 To understand how to switch depending on opposition player positioning This is a practice I have adapted from when
Continue readingBy Sean Reed - The focus of this session is to encourage players to identify and use space when in possession of the ball. Objective: Session 1 Ball work with the players before a possession and can be used within a warm-up. Looking for the player in possession to recognize and exploit the free space (gates).
Continue readingBy Sean Reed - The focus of this session is to encourage players to find and use space. Identifying where the space is, the timing of movement to get into the space, the using the ball when receiving in the space. Objective: Session 1 Working on identifying and using the space when looking to receive the
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By Sean Pearson Area Size: Central Area: 15 x 30 yards, End Zones 10 x 30 yards Teams: 6 v 6 + 1 Time: 15 Minutes Objectives To move the ball through all 3 zones via passing or dribbling Make the field as big as possible Understand the best option to move the ball forwards depending on the
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By Sean Pearson Area Size: Central Area: 18 x 22 yards, End Zones 18 x 10 yards Teams: 5 v 5 + 1 Time: 20 Minutes Objectives To pull defenders out of position To create chances to finish To make players aware of the different finishes available depending on the scenario I feel a lot of coaches
Continue readingBy Eric Clermont - In an earlier article, I highlighted a number of ways where coaches could run a number of practices which could be used to teach players to effectively build out of the back. Many coaches though, do not get past this aspect and wonder why their teams cannot possess the ball higher up
Continue readingBy Eric Clermont - The following session is a technically/ tactical progressive session based on teaching a team playing in a 4-3-3 formation how to effectively attack on the flanks. The session can effectively be adapted to teach a team playing in a 4-4-2 formation too. Warm Up Organization: The #2, #3, #7, #8, #9, #10
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