Professional Documents
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Wayne Harrison - in Depth Look at All Three Summit Sessions (57 Page Ebook) PDF
Wayne Harrison - in Depth Look at All Three Summit Sessions (57 Page Ebook) PDF
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Specific Peripheral Vision training identifying the best option in the moment
vi)
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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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
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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.
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1. The back four spread out as much as they can and use the full width of the field.
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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 midfielder (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.
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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).
1. It is a 4 v 3 plus 2.
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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.
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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 2 nd 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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d) Movement OFF the ball by the shadow striker to get free and into open space
e) Timing and angle of the run
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)
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(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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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).
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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..
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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
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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
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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
3. A good lead in to everyone being free in the area and passing and moving later.
4. Players need to look before they receive, see what the options are in advance of
the ball.
5. Initially all inside players must pass the ball before it goes outside the grid. Think
support short, wide (both sides) and long, rather like the diamond shape we use in 4 v
4s.
LIKEN TO WORKING THROUGH THE THIRDS OF THE FIELD
1. Two balls per inside team. Players on the outside constantly switch positions past
each other so the targets are moving targets (as in a game players are on the move)
and also to keep them working and on their toes. They can also pass a ball between
them to keep the game flowing. Therefore they are passing outside to a moving
player and not a static one; thus passing into their path and so into space.
2. Think defending line, midfield line, attacking line so if the ball is with a (3) player
they are the defensive line, the receiver (4) in the middle is the midfield line and the
player to pass to on the other side is the attacking line. We are working through the
team from the back to the front. Once the attacking player receives it then they
immediately change to being the defending player going the other way. Avoid players
just passing up and down in straight lines. 3. Above is an example of diagonal
passing and movement. Once this movement has been completed the player in
question must look for another ball to work with at either end of the field. Players
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must identify a free player to pass to before they pass to them. They also need to
be aware that by the time they get the ball and are ready to pass the situation may
have changed and so they are able to adjust with good awareness and find another
player who may have just become free.
Progressions:
a) Passing in straight and / or angled lines
b) Running in straight and / or angled lines
c) Mixing the two up (above (4) makes an angled run off the ball to receive, receives
an angled pass and makes a straight pass to the target). (2) Makes an angled run off
the ball to receive and makes an angled and diagonal pass to (1) in one touch.
d) Players pass to the end players only, to begin transferring the ball from one side
to the other. If both players on the other side have balls at their feet then liken it in a
game to the strikers being marked and you have pressure on the ball preventing a
forward pass so you have to go back to where you came from, either to the other
player you did not receive the pass from or back to the same player.
e) Passing inside the area to team mates in the build up not just to the outside
players.
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1. One ball per inside team. To change the angle of support inside the player on the
outsider receives the pass and then must pass to the other outside player who then
passes the ball back in.
2. Inside players then offer angles of support for the 2nd outside player who is now
on the ball. Here the (2) are doing this.
3. Progression: To establish in the minds of the players that they cannot always go
forward, the ball, once going inside off the 2nd outside player, then must be passed
back to the 1st outside player who on receiving, passes the ball to another inside
player and they then work the ball across the field again. Here the (4)s doing this.
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1. Now to involve everyone in the middle have the players switch positions when
they pass to an outside player. (4) passes to (3), and (3) takes the ball back in with a
good first touch to then look to pass to another player and get the ball to the other
side.
2. Likewise (1) receives from (2) and runs the ball into the middle to continue the
movement, and (2) runs out of the area to be an outside receiver. (1) Then passes to
another (1) player and switches with them.
3. As shown above, players (1) and (2) can pass to either numbers (1) and (2)
because it will be both numbers now on the outside not just the one number, as can
players (3) and (4) so it is still a directional session working up and down the field of
play.
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GAME SITUATION
1. One ball only. Now we take the session into a game. (2)s play against (4)s. It is a 4
v 4 game.
2. (2) work with (1)s on the outside and score by completing a pass to the outside
players. They then have to get the ball to the other side to score again. (4)s work with
the (3)s on the outside so teams play in opposite directions.
3. Play to 10 goals then rotate the players so the (1)s play against the (3)s. Rotate the
teams so the (1)s play against the (2)s and the (3)s against the (4)s.
4. Here the number (4) team have scored one goal at one end then switched the play
to the other end by quick accurate passing to score another goal.
5. The set up is designed to make it easier to maintain possession because they are
going both ways and it is much more difficult to defend against. Players who give the
ball away cheaply get punished because of this as it may be a while before they can
win it back due to the set up so everyone has to stay focused.
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1. Conditions: Outside players one touch, inside players two or three touch
restriction.
2. This forces players to use their awareness to be successful. Outside player has
only one touch so as the ball is traveling to them the inside players know this and
need to get in position to support early.
3. Player passing to the outside player knows they only have one touch so the weight
of the pass must be right.
4. Progression: To score the player passing to the outside player cannot be the
player to receive it back immediately. If they do they maintain possession but it is not
a goal. This means at least one other player MUST get into a support position to help
the outside players pass (and score a goal).
5. Progression: The first outside player receiving has to pass to the second outside
player, then the inside players have to position and work an angle of support off of
the 2nd player.
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Conclusion: This E booklet covers the basics of all the coaching clinics with attached
diagrams presented in this 2 day Symposium.
Thank you for everyones attention and if you have any further questions not
answered in here please feel free to contact me on:
wayneharrison@soccerawareness.com
Kind Regards; Wayne
Also many thanks to Stanley Holmes; President of the League for putting this
Coaching Summit on and inviting me to it
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