Tag Archives for " Trukan "

0 5 v 5 + 2 Transition Game to Develop Aerobic Power

By Alex Trukan

This game has many outcomes in different aspects of the player development. From the physical point of view, it develops aerobic power, which ensures the recovery between high intensity actions is quick and efficient. Apart from that, it focuses on the transition phase from defence to attack and vice versa. In addition it contains many specific technical elements like long passing, receiving and finishing. It is especially suitable for 14+ players.

Set up and directions

Cone off the area of approximately goal box width and 30-35 yards length. Place second goal on the end opposite the big goal. Divide the team into two groups of 6, place goalkeepers in goals. Four players from each team play inside the area (4v4 + GK’s), while two remaining players are positioned outside the

1 Defending From the Front in a Flat 4-4-2

By Alex Trukan

Playing with two strikers up front gives an opportunity out of possession to force the opposition into central areas of the pitch as well as wide. That gives a chance to adapt to the opposition more fluidly as well as to be more flexible when defending. Having a block of two units of 4 players in a line in behind two forwards is a simpliest way to get compact and narrow when out of possession and is an easiest defending strategy for players to understand. On the other hand, using flat lines poses a danger when defending against opposition playing in between the lines, for example offensive and defensive midfielders.

Team shape – playing 1-4-4-2

The team is playing with three flat lines: 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 2 strikers. The main strength of this formation when out of possession lies in the ability to

0 Attacking Quickly

By Alex Trukan

In the times, when the teams are organised in defence so well, narrowing up spaces and patiently pressurising and covering, it is difficult for the teams to break through and create chances using conventional possession play. Therefore, it is becoming more and more popular not to try to possess the ball, but rather invite the opposition to attack and exploit their weaknesses in transition phases. One of those methods is a quick attack, a golden mean between patient positional attack and counter attack. It can be classified as a part of attacking phase, however it has still many transitional characteristics such as quick penetration, exploiting spaces in behind of the opposition defence, through passes, early crosses or forward runs.

Initiating the attack – Priorities

When defensive unit is in possession, the

0 Reaction Game with Dribbling

By Alex Trukan

This practice is focusing on developing reaction time and quick bursts of acceleration over short distances. Its’ design ensures the practice is fun and challenging at the same time what makes it suitable for almost all age groups. Relating to the match context, the exercise will help the players to make quicker decisions, react and accelerate to win possession or make a tackle.

Set up and Directions

Set up four cones, two on one side, and two opposite them. Organise two players, both of them between two cones, opposite

0 Defending to Counter-Attack

By Alex Trukan

Football can be divided into three phases: attack, defence and transition (attack – defence, defence – attack). That division simplifies the game and makes it easier to understand and coach, however, any division carries with itself a danger of isolating components from the bigger whole and losing the complexity and realism of the game. Putting all of that into context, the way your team attacks, will affect how it defends. The way your team defends will affect how your team will attack. All of the four phases are linked and interconnected. Modern football has become a game of ‘chess’, where every move will have an influence on other and players have to think couple of steps ahead. For example, if you want to exploit the opponents on the counter attack, the preparation starts when your team is in the defensive phase. The technical details of defending will be then influenced by the next phase which is a transition to

0 1v1 Race Circuit with Finishing

By Alex Trukan

The presented exercise is designed to develop repetitive short sprinting power in a running with the ball scenario with a finishing element. From the physical perspective, it helps the players to be quicker and more explosive when trying to win a race to the ball or be faster than the defender in and around the box. That is linked to technical element of running with the ball and shooting on goal. The organisation of the practice ensures that work to rest ratio is easier to manage as well as players get enough repetitions without long waiting periods.

Set up and Directions

Cone off two channels of approximately 20 yards in length and 4 in width. Place one goal on the opposite ends of the channels. Divide the players into pairs and set half of the pairs at the beginning of one channel (opposite the goal) and the other half at the start of the second channel. Two coaches/players are needed to play the

0 Give-and-Goes and Sprinting

By Alex Trukan

The following practice is aimed at developing an ability to sustain the amount of sprints and high intensity actions throughout the whole game. This physical component is linked into technical content of passing, one-two’s and receiving. The practice can be adapted to suit different numbers as well as physical focus. More players involved, as well as smaller area will mean longer resting periods. Also different passing combinations can be used to increase variety.

Set-Up and Directions

Organise a square of approximately 5x5 yards. Set four players outside the square, one on each side, and one player in the middle of the square, with the ball. Area size and

0 Developing Wing Play

By Alex Trukan

Attacking through the wings requires many unique characteristics of players, including not only technical and tactical side, but also physical and mental aspects. Qualities, such as speed, flair, combination play, patience or simply crossing technique are essential. From the tactical perspective, utilising wide areas can be useful due to the change in the attacking angle, more spaces to exploit or an opportunity to cross the ball into penalty box. Having all of that in mind, it is also crucial to avoid utilising wings just for the sake of doing it. Wing play should be used as a tool when attacking centrally is not available or difficult to execute, remembering that breaking through the centre is a priority.

Preparation Phase

Even before the ball is played out wide, it is important to open up spaces and get into starting positions enabling to attacking through the wings effectively. One way of doing it is to overload central areas of the pitch by the inside movements of wingers, strikers and central midfielders. That will enable the team to exchange a number of passes in the middle to drag the opposition towards the

0 Building Up with a Back Three

By Alex Trukan

Playing with a back three gives huge advantages in midfield and forward units. It also enables the team to attack through the wings more effectively (using wingbacks) as well as create an overload in midfield. However, one of the trade-offs is playing out from the back which might be tricky and challenging. From the attacking point of view, considering that most of the teams play with two strikers, three players might not be enough to break through the first line of the opposition. Also, having transition in mind, the back three often does not provide enough defensive cover in case the ball is lost. That is why, not a back three, but defensive midfielders are crucial players in the build-up play.

Starting Positions

The middle centre back is usually the primary player to initiate build-up play. That enables the team to play three different directions: centre, right and left. Two other centre backs start quite narrow (in case the ball is lost) in the first phase and then get into wider positions as the

0 Reverse 1 v 1's

By Alex Trukan

This practice is designed to improve the quality of high intensity actions, developing speed and power to accelerate. It is relevant for all the positions, in particular, defenders (e.g. accelerating towards the ball played in behind) or strikers (e.g. getting away from defender). It has also a technical element of turning as well as shooting. For the players it is highly engaging and fun game that develops them physically, psychologically as well as technically.

Set up and Directions

Position two goals with the back to each other, 5 yards apart. Organise goalkeepers into goals. Divide the team into two groups, and set them next to the

0 Attacking Movements of Central Midfielders

By Alex Trukan

One of the advantages of a 4-3-1-2 system is having an overload in midfield (when playing against 4-4-2) without sacrificing the amount of forward players. Playing with a triangle, whether it’s a point up or down, makes supporting of the striker easier, and at the same time, remaining balanced in defence with one holding player. The profile of the midfielders is evolving into multidimensional role, combining qualities to support building up from the back (movements to receive, support, using blind space, passing and receiving range and quality) as well as attacking on the opposition’s half (playing off striker’s shoulder, combination play, through balls, movements to support wing play or shots from distance). Apart several characteristics that remain the same despite of the team tactics, there are also components that change depending on the formation and system employed.

Team Shape – Understanding Context

In order to understand the attacking profile of the midfielders in a given formation, it is important to be aware of the whole team tactics – understand the

0 Four Zone Game

By Alex Trukan

This game is a perfect option to challenge the players in tight 1v1 situations with the defender from the back. That will develop players’ strength, core stability, balance as well as agility to keep possession of the ball away from the defender and at the same time progress as a team onto opposition’s half and score. It is highly motivating and engaging game for almost all ability levels.

Set-Up and Directions

Set up a pitch of approximately 25x35 yards. Divide the pitch into four smaller areas. Place one goal on each end. Divide the team into two groups of five, organise goalkeepers in goals. Set every player on each team into different area, so in each of the

0 Four Corners Game

By Alex Trukan

This practice is designed to develop players’ capacity to sprint with and without the ball over short distances. The ball work is incorporated in order to link it to football specific context as well as to increase players’ motivation. In addition, players change direction and angles of runs to make it even more realistic. The exercise is ideally working with 12 players (work to rest ratio automatically managed), but it can be adapted to suit team needs.

Set Up and Directions

Organise a square of approximately 8-10 yards in length and width. Place additional cone in the middle of the square. Divide the players into four groups. Each groups’ starting position is on the

1 Variation of the 4-2-3-1 Formation

By Alex Trukan

Argentinian coach, Marcelo Bielsa, that has recently led Athletic Bilbao and Chilean national team is known for attacking and dynamic style of play with high energy and pace. His teams can be distinguished by extreme work rate, vertical passes, quick possession as well as attacking through the wings. In the meantime, his ideas are driving the project of bringing Olympique Marseille back to the top football. Despite quite visible and unorthodox style of play, Bielsa has employed numerous formations over the last seasons including: 4-2-3-1, 3-3-3-1, 3-3-1-3 or 4-3-3. One of his major formations working in OM was 4-2-3-1 which was often employed against weaker teams.

Basic Shape in Possession

When in possession of the ball, Bielsa has used four defenders who were usually positioned asymmetrically (one full back forming back three, second one higher up the field), two defensive midfielders (one playing higher, one dropping into defensive midfielder role), number 10 playing off striker’s shoulder and supporting on the flanks, two wingers playing wide and central striker who moves across and

2 Overloads and Underloads Game

By Alex Trukan

This is a great game focused on improving multiple physical attributes including aerobic and anaerobic power (high intensity efforts and recovery time between them). Apart from that it forces players to adapt to different overload and underload situations. From the technical point of view, it includes a variety of 1v1 and 2v1 situations which then build up into 4v4 game. The practice is suitable for almost every age group and level of players.

Set-Up and Directions

Organise a pitch of approximately 30x40 yards with one goal on each end. Divide the players into two groups and position them next to the goals. Organise one goalkeeper in each goal. Provide a

2 Role of the Wing Backs in the 1-3-5-2

By Alex Trukan

The 1-3-5-2 system has gained popularity in the last couple of years and is now employed by many teams around the world. One of the most remarkable examples include Holland national team in the 2014 World Cup. Apart from creating overload in midfield areas, one of the main advantages of 1-3-5-2 formation are wingbacks, who help in forming a block of five players out of possession, as well as support two strikers and midfielders when attacking.

Out of Possession – Basic Shape

When the ball is in the central areas, the wingbacks’ role is to drop back and form a line with the back three. Their main responsibility are opposition’s wingers as well as supporting central defender in case he is following striker dropping deep. The distances between wingbacks and

1 Running with the Ball and Anaerobic Endurance

By Alex Trukan

This practice is based on developing an ability for repeated and regular high intensity efforts. That is achieved in a technical practice combining elements of running with the ball, passing and acceleration off the ball. It can also be used as a part of tactical programme focused on developing counter attack and transition play. Ideal number for this practice is between 8 to 10 as it then automatically manages work to rest periods.

Set Up and Directions

Organise two channels of 15-30 yards. Place two gates between them as shown on the diagram below. Divide the players into two groups and place each group at the

0 Building From the Back Against Medium Pressure

By Alex Trukan

Building up from the back has been a buzzword in soccer over the last years. Some teams have applied it effectively, others, however, struggled to understand the purpose of it which has led to many misunderstandings around the topic. Building-up from the back has many variations and types, some involving more direct play using long passes into striker’s foot, some are based more around sequence of shorter passes and patient progress through the thirds (depending on the philosophy of the club, opposition characteristics, pressure applied or result). However, regardless of its variation, the main aim remains the same: transfer the ball into opposition’s half and start creating chances. Therefore, as coaches, it is important to remember, that if the opportunity for a direct pass into strikers arises, it should be taken as soon as possible. At the same time, it shouldn’t be the only option. In this article, some aspects of the more common way of a building-up from the back against medium pressure will be presented.

Central defenders in possession

When the goalkeeper is in possession, central defenders usually become first players available to receive, starting the build-up play. Therefore, they shouldn’t possess lower technical abilities than midfielders or strikers. Unfortunately, that is often neglected and has negative effects on the

0 Reverse Goals Game to Develop Aerobic Power

By Alex Trukan

This game uses creative design to increase the amount of runs over medium and longer distances. The main aim from the physical perspective is to improve Aerobic Power, which in simpler terms aids recovery between high intensity efforts. Therefore, players will be able to perform more and higher quality actions. Apart from that, the game adds variety to the training and challenges players in new ways.

Set Up and Directions

Organise a pitch of approximately 30x40 yards. Divide it into two halves. Place two goals back to back in the centre of the pitch. Organise a team into two groups of 5 with one goalkeeper in each

0 Striker’s Movements in the Final Third

By Alex Trukan

Most of the work done by the strikers shown on the TV and appreciated by fans is when they're in possession of the ball: goals, assists, one on ones. That’s what matters the most, but we, as coaches especially, should also focus and appreciate all the work behind the scenes: subtle movement to create space, dropping down into midfield, body position to play forwards. All of these things have influence on the performance of the team. Striker’s movement in the final third is one of fundamental team tactical component that not only creates chances for himself, but also helps in the build-up play of the whole team.

Starting position and playing between the lines

Basic position of the central striker (number 9) in a 1-4-3-3 system would be between two central defenders of the opponent. That provides him an opportunity to be able to

1 Shielding Game for Strength and Skill

By Alex Trukan

The following practice is designed to develop upper body (core) and lower body strength. That can be used in and around the penalty box by the strikers holding the ball away from the opposition as well as in the own half of the pitch by the defenders. From the technical point of view, the practice focuses on defending position with the player pressurising from the back. The great thing about this exercise is that it can be adapted to different numbers as well as it’s a great fun.

Set-Up and Directions

Organise six cones as shown on the diagram below. Designate one player with the

6 Movements of the Midfield Three in a 1-4-3-3

By Alex Trukan

The system with a three midfielders operating in a triangle is widely known and implemented all around the world. Over the last years, numerous variations of this tactics have been developed and used what has led to the successes of the teams like FC Barcelona or Bayern Munich. One of the crucial components of this system are movements of the midfield three, which not only enable more effective build-up play but also support forwards in the final third of the pitch.

Starting positions – basic shape

When the defenders are in possession during building up play from the back, three midfielders form a triangle with a point down (defensive midfielder being positioned closer to own goal than the two offensive midfielders). That creates some defensive cover and great attacking potential with two

2 Possession Game to Develop Strength

By Alex Trukan

This exercise is focused on developing functional strength to improve individual ball possession skills under pressure. That will help the players to stay on the ball for longer periods of time if needed and be confident in manipulating the ball when pressurised and doubled up. From the conditioning perspective, the practice develops both upper and lower body strength as well as strengthens the core. It also contains an element of acceleration over short distances.

Set-Up and Directions

Set up a square of approximately 15x15 yards. In the middle of each side of the square, place a bigger cone. Divide the players into pairs. Each pair should take a position on each of the

1 Counter-pressing of Red Bull Salzburg

By Alex Trukan

Red Bull Salzburg was a revelation in the 2013/2014 season, winning the domestic league, cup as well as knocking out renowned Ajax Amsterdam in the Europa League. In the current season, the club is also leading the league with 10 points above second Rapid Wien and four matches to go. However, it is not the results that drew the main attention to the club from Salzburg. The club has become widely known for its ultra-high pressing, attacking style of play. Pep Guardiola, a coach of Bayern Munich, after playing a friendly match against Red Bull Salzburg managed by Roger Schmidt at that time, stated: I’ve never played in my career against a team that has played with such a high intensity’. The philosophy which has been brought to the