Coach Tim’s Session Notes

Not long in from a wonderful Academy session today.  We had a squad of 15 boys aged 11-13 that reported for the session.  It was a lovely morning in Belfast with blue skies & sun.

Structure your training sessions well

I always arrive 20 minutes before the players so I can set my coaching area up and everything runs smoothly.  I set up a coaching area measuring 38 x 20 yards using the throw in line & 18 yard line as a guide.  I used red cones placing one on the throw in line with another 5 yards heading towards the 18 yard line.  Width wise I then set another red cone down every 7 yards approx.  This set up a rectangle scoring grid.  Length wise I set down a yellow cone every 7 yards until I got 33 yards away when I set up another scoring zone (5 x 20 yards) using blue cones.  In the other half I had 2 full size portable goals placed on the half way line & the 6 yard line.  I used cones to make the pitch slightly smaller than the full width but left a 5 yard channel for my themed coaching game.  I also placed 2 dome cones in each corner of the pitch, while the Speed, Agility & Quickness (SAQ) was set up off pitch.  No waiting about for the players!  They moved from one area to the next.

On arrival my players know to get a ball and go for a light dribble.  We used the 'yellow' area for their warm up.  This is their own time as I encourage them to arrive early, get a ball, go for a dribble and have a chat with their team mates – always giving each other a high-5 on arrival.  I then welcome the group, give all the boys a high-5 and ask how they got on in their matches for their club sides.  I then give them a quick overview to the session ahead.  Players then focus and get to work.  They continue the warm up through a series of dribbling, skills, turns & keepie ups.  This morning they worked 3 v 1 keep ball.

By the time my warm up is complete each boy will have touched the ball several hundred times.  Yet how many youth set ups still keep the ball locked away and have their players run laps around a pitch!  There is time allowed for players to stretch & take on fluids.  I always like to use the ball and will always concentrate on possession games setting goals and keeping game realistic.

After the warm up I got my players organised into teams.  6 players remained in their orange Academy tops, while 6 put yellow bibs on & the 3 remaining players but blue bibs on to be the neutral players (although adapt to suit the size of your squad, I had to change from my original diagram below.)  I like to overload the attack, especially at the start of sessions to have a high success rate.  Basically the neutral players played with the team in possession offering 9 v 6.  I keep score to add a competitive edge, i.e. orange 2 up, orange 1 up, all square, etc.

Passing Skill & Possession

Emphasis

Possession game improving passing, movement & support play with direction.

Set-Up

Session takes place on half a pitch with 2 end zones of 5 yards in length but same width as pitch.

Objectives

6 v 6 with 3 neutral players play on half a pitch.

On gaining possession of the ball each team must retain possession & attempt to move the ball into the opponent's end zone & one player must put their foot on the ball in that zone.

If a team is successful the opponents gain possession & attempt to score in the other end zone, so play is end to end.

Progressions

1. Encourage variety of passing, i.e. short, long, ground, aerial, etc.
2. Running with the ball to beat the opponent - encourage 1 v 1 duels.
3. Play 1 or 2 touch.
4. Extra point for set number of passes.
5. Time limit to score or loss of possession.

Coaching

Quality passing.

Support & movement on / off ball.

Work rate on / off ball.

Encourage forward passing - penetration.

Speed - counter attack.

Direction & attacking purpose.

Communication.

Summary

The session worked well, although the orange team hammered the yellow team.  They seemed to grasp the concept better.  They used possession well with a number of quick short balls mixed with a variety of driven passes.  Real joy to watch.

After the players had a quick drink they went into their S.A.Q. working speed ladder, hurdles & hoops.  You can find more of my S.A.Q. plans on my coaching website, TrainingSoccer.Org.

Keeping the possession theme in mind we moved onto the half pitch that I had set up at the start of the session.  I wanted to encourage switching the point of attack & width.  This is one of my favourite possession games.  As we now had 'target' players in the game I reverted to 7 v 7 + 1 neutral player.

Shifting Point Of Attack

Emphasis

Directional possession game with 4 mini goals.

Set-Up

The game takes place on half a pitch with a mini goal positioned in every corner.

5 v 5 (+ 2).  Each team has a target player in opposite diagonal goals.

Objectives

Teams must keep possession from one target to the other.  To score you must pass the ball to one of the target players & they must return the ball to the same player or a team mate.

Look to switch & attack the other goal.

Progressions

1. I personally love to see players run with the ball but to encourage passing limit the touches.
2. Target players only allowed one touch.
3. Target players switch with the person that passed it to them.
4. Introduce neutral players that play with the team in possession.

Coaching

• Work rate & movement on / off the ball.
• Quality passing.
• Look to beat opponents by dribbling at speed & use of skills.
• Be direct - look to penetrate.
• Look to switch & keep the ball.
• Communication & understanding.
• Support & shape.

8 V 8 Plus 2 Wingers

Emphasis

Encouraging attacking play through the wings.

Set-Up

Play takes place on half a pitch with 2 full size goals & goalkeepers.  A channel is marked out with cones on either wing & separated in two.

Play 8 v 8 in either half (+ goalkeeper).  4 wide players are positioned in the channels, 2 playing in the attacking half for each team.

Objectives

The objective is to play the ball wide to one of the unmarked wingers.  The cross is then delivered to the forwards who look to finish at goal.

Progressions

1. Change roles.
2. Add restrictions, i.e. limit touches.

Coaching

• Quality of crosses.
• Movement of forwards.
• Movement - check run, make space in front to receive.
• Technique - stop just before receiving the ball.
• Strength - shield the ball from the defender.
• Awareness.
• Quality passing.
• Timing of run.
• Attacking & defensive heading.
• Quality finishing.
• Communication.
• Goalkeeper / distribution.

Let me know what you think of my session and if you try out the sessions how you and your team got on with them and what variations (if any) you made.  Remember you can have full access to all my session plans by clicking here!  As always please add your comments & if you like to use the session & share with others please credit my work with a link back to my blog or coaching website.

Parent & Player Welcome Pack

I thought I'd take the time to share with you my parent & player pack.  This is something I produce at the start of every season & pass around players & parents.  This has been my template as Academy Director at Irish Premiership side, Lisburn Distillery.  I believe it is essential to have good communication levels with parents & players.  At the same time it is essential to outline how you wish to operate your sessions, preparation before, after & during along with the important match day.

Communicate with players & parents

This is something which most coaches miss out.  Remember not all parents know football.  They maybe haven't played it so don't know about what us coaches see as basics, i.e. what boots, shin pads, behaviour.  As coaches we have an important role to play & we must insure we provide good information & communication to parents & player.  This also helps keep things running smoothly.  It allows parents to know what support they should be offering their child.

Only the other day did I have a parent asking me what trainers they should buy their child as she only had girls before her son arrived!  I also have heard about other parents being baffled to what shin pads are - never presume everyone knows what we are talking about!  Another common factor that is always brought up is touchline behaviour & parents 'coaching' from the side.  If you detail from the start how you expect your parents to behave this should minimise the problems.

Most importantly, respect the parents & communicate!  If it wasn't for mum & dad we wouldn't have their child along to training, matches & all those favours we ask from assisting with lifts to sponsor walks.  Hopefully you'll find my welcome pack informative.  Please respect the time & effort I have put into putting this together.  If you would like to use or share attach a link to my blog.  At the same time adapt it to suit your team.  Let me have your feedback & comments...

Welcome to TW Academy!

Dear Parent & Player

Please keep this in a safe place for reference.

Welcome to the Academy.  Your child & their development is the most important thing to us.  We guarantee that we will improve your child’s technical ability & game understanding in a fun, relaxed environment.

Please take time to read the following points that we hope ensure an enjoyable experience for both player & parent.

If you require any further advice you can contact me on 077 4012 0788 or by email, tim@twacademy.org.

IMPORTANT LINKS

www.YouTube.com/twsportsgroup - You will find two short videos of 1-to-1 coaching featuring one of our 98 players, Luke.  A number of the tricks & skills in these videos are named after players.  We expect all Academy players to practice these skills.

www.TWAcademy.Org/players/ - This is the parent & player section of the Academy website.  Here you will be able to read & print off information on diet, health (including what players should be eating / drinking before, during & after games), practice sessions, information nights & tours.

We have coaches from Braga & Benfica over during May to operate elite camps & hope to organise a tour to Portugal to visit & play against Braga toward the end of August.

www.TWAcademy.Org/tim/ - Will offer you more information on me & the Academy team along with my philosophy.

www.DutchSoccer4s.Org/who/ - Here you will find why we operate 4 v 4 games at the end of most sessions.  We want players to play with freedom with little to no coaching – the game is the teacher!  It will show the Manchester United study on how 4 v 4 is so much more beneficial than the likes of 8 v 8.  Also there is a section on the games that we will use in the Academy, players should be familiar with them.

TRAINING

All players are expected to attend all training sessions & arrive 10 minutes before the start of each session.  This is very important as to receive an appropriate warm up.

It is parents responsibility to contact their players coach to advise of non attendance.  This should be organised in advance as training sessions are organised to suit each squad size.  It also allows parents to receive important announcements that are made at the end of each session.

TRAINING KIT

All players are expected to arrive & depart training in the TW Academy polo & tracksuit.  On arrival they should change into the Academy kit (orange top, white shorts & orange socks) along with black rain jacket, boots & shin pads.

MATCH DAY

Players should pack their own kit bag the night before a game with the assistance of a parent.  Please don’t do this for your son as this is an important routine for your child to learn.  Players should have their uniform ready.  They should pack their boots (cleaned), shin pads, towel, change of clothes, toiletries, drinks (water or still sports drinks & child’s name should be marked on bottles), snack (banana, jaffa cakes or fig rolls.)

PLAYER CONDUCT / BEHAVIOUR

Players are reminded that at TW Academy their behaviour is expected to be exemplary at all times.

Players should be courtesy to all Club officials, coaches, parents & team mates.

The use of bad language or bad behaviour on or off the pitch will not be tolerated.

Players must remove jewellery before coaching sessions & are reminded not to bring valuables with them.  Players must show good sportsmanship at all times.  Good team spirit is very important; therefore encourage team mates, especially when a mistake is made.

Verbal, racist & physical abuse is totally unacceptable & will not be tolerated.

PARENT CONDUCT / BEHAVIOUR

It would be impossible to run our programme effectively without the support of parents, & we are grateful for any assistance you can give.

We ask that parents don’t coach their son - this must be left to the coaches - & expectations of him should always be realistic.

To allow coaching sessions to run efficiently & without undue distraction for both players & coaches, parents are asked to keep away from the coaching area for the duration of active coaching.

Unless they have consulted a coach, parents should refrain from giving feedback to players regarding their performance.  This avoids over repetition of or contradiction of a coach’s advice which can lead to confusion or frustration for a player.

To help a player understand the need to develop self-confidence, positive parental support is essential, particularly in times of disappointment.  During matches parents should set a good example by supporting the teams positively.  Please refrain from shouting unencouraging views & ‘coaching’.  Respect opponents & match officials.

SLEEPING & REST

Parents should ensure that their child is receiving enough sleep throughout the week & at weekends, especially the evening before a game or training.  Each child should be getting at least 10 hours sleep every night.

We would also advise you to take note of every physical session your child takes part in.  They should also have a balanced diet & ensure they drink enough fluids; this is especially important before & after training sessions & matches.

TWSPORTS.ORG

All children are encouraged to attend a TWSports.Org Mini Soccer Centre / DutchSoccer4s.Org Centre.  You can attend from as little as £3 per week while you remain at the Academy.  For those with younger brothers & sisters we operate ToddlerSoccer.Org!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any further information required about the Academy or advice on player’s preparation, diet, etc.

Yours in Sport

Tim Wareing
Academy Director & Head Coach

Coach Tim’s Academy Session

I thought I would share my own Academy session that I performed with my squad last Sunday.  We had a squad of 14 boys aged 11-13 that reported for the session.  Typical Belfast weather - rain & high winds!  With this in mind I wanted a session that would always involve the players and that was easy to manage in terms of setting up and developing.

As soon as my players arrive a ball is at their feet

I always arrive 20 minutes before the players so I can set my coaching area up and everything runs smoothly.  On Sunday I set up 4 grids measuring 15 x 15 yards with a 5 x 5 yard safety area between them.  This offered me an overall 35 x 35 yard coaching area which is what we would develop to.  One session to the next only involved lifting a few cones - no waiting about for the players!  Inside each grid I set up a 4 x 4 yard triangle.

On arrival my players know to get a ball and go for a light dribble in one of the allocated grids.  This is their own time as I encourage them to arrive early, get a ball, go for a dribble and have a chat with their team mates - always giving each other a high-5 on arrival.  I then welcome the group, give all the boys a high-5 and ask how they got on in their matches for their club sides.  I then give them a quick overview to the session ahead.  Players then focus and get to work.  They continue the warm up through a series of dribbling, skills, turns & keepie ups.  I like to run through the 'Ronaldo 7' and then organise them to juggle the ball in groups.

By the time my warm up is complete each boy will have touched the ball several hundred times.  Yet how many youth set ups still keep the ball locked away and have their players run laps around a pitch!  There is time allowed for players to stretch & take on fluids.  We then run through our Speed, Agility & Quickness routine.  We use a series of movements through the speed ladder, hurdles and hoops.  Players again take a drink before returning for the first part of our technical session.  I always like to use the ball and will always concentrate on possession games setting goals and keeping game realistic.

You will see from my first game we use the grids wisely.  I ended up having one grid spare.  In two other grids we had 4 v 1 and in the other grid we had 3 v 1.  This was intresting as I rotated so that all groups had the opportunity to try 3 v 1 as it was more challenging.  I always like to insure success in all my sessions but then like to challenge so feel free to make the triangle smaller (i did) or change it from 4 v 1 to 3 v 1 or maybe 4 v 2?  Have fun, this is a great session to develop movement and work rate off the ball along with passing and supporting runs to passing and touch.

Movement 'Off The Ball' In A Passing & Support Game

Emphasis

Focus on improving movement 'off' the ball.  Session to work on passing, movement off the ball, fitness & looking for the penetrating pass.

Set-Up

Play takes place in a 15 x 15 yard area with a 4 yard equilateral triangle in the middle made up of cones.  There are 5 players in the activity with one being a defender & the other four being on offense.

Objectives

The 4 players try to maintain possession while also looking to score goals by playing the ball through the triangle to their team mates.  The defender is NOT allowed inside the triangle so they must be constantly working their way around the triangle trying to cut of the penetrating passes.

What makes this such an interesting activity is the required movement off the ball by the offensive players.  On every pass they are moving in order to get into a better position to either make a penetrating pass or receive one.

Play this game for a 5 minute period with each player having a one minute turn in defence.  It gets the players working hard, thinking & competing while having fun trying to beat their team mates.  The player who gives up the fewest number of goals in defence wins.

There is a tendency in this game for the offensive players to get to close to the triangle which takes away the passing angles.  This is easy to correct & is a good learning opportunity for the players.

Progressions

1. Change to 4 v 2, or 2 v 2 v 2.  Keep the overload initially until players get good at this before you move on.  Experiment with numbers increasing the difficulty of the session as you go.

Coaching

• Creating space for yourself or for a team mate by movement off the ball.
• Quality of passing (weight, accuracy & timing.)
• Quality of control & first touch.
• Effective maintenance of possession,
• Communication.

Target Passing & Possession Game

Emphasis

Passing & possession game to play to target player.

Set-Up

Play takes place inside a 35 x 35 yard area with a smaller 6 x 6 yard square in the centre.

Objectives

The 5 yellow players pass the ball & look to keep possession from the 3 red players.  The object is to pass the ball to the 2 yellow players inside the square.

The 3 defenders work as a unit to stop the attacking players passing to the smaller square.

Apart from the 2 players inside the square, no one is allowed to enter the smaller area.

Progressions

1. If the defenders win the ball offer them a goal for set number of passes that they retain possession.
2. Players inside the smaller square follow their pass out of the square & the player making the pass replaces them.
3. Play 4 v 4 with both teams looking to play the ball into the smaller square to the target players.

Coaching

• Keep possession - be patient.
• Pass & move.
• Good supporting angles.
• Work rate & movement on / off the ball.
• Communication.
• For defenders look to press.
• Intercept / block passes.
• Anticipate.

U12 Training Session

I took a session for a local U12 side last week.  I always prefer my sessions to run smoothly so players aren't standing about but also that each session is based around the same theme.  Last Thursday was an awful night.  Strong winds and rain so essential that the players were kept busy and always moving.  Likewise, having your coaching area set up so players can move from one thing to the next without you having to have them stand about and take time to re-set your coaching area.  I like to see all players with a ball during the warm up dribbling, performing skills and juggling the ball.

My warm up started with all players in a 10 x 10 yard grid with a ball.  I made a further 4 different coloured 10 x 10 grids in either corner.  This concept is taken from my great Dutch friend, Bert-Jan Heijmans.  All players remained in the centre grid dribbling the ball, perfoming skills & juggling the ball.  I then performed the 'Ronaldo 7' which is 7 different skills performed while the ball is stationary.  The idea is that your feet is furthest away from your brain so through repetition will lead to improvement on speed, reaction and the idea of performing skills on the pitch 'without thinking about it' or if you prefer, instinct.

I then worked on a spatial awareness game.  I had 16 players in the centre zone so I wanted them to react on my whistle and dribble at speed to either of the 4 outside grids.  If done correctly we would have 4 players in each grid.  The players had great success from this.  You can also operate a number of  'mini games' within each grid like '3 v 1' or 'Ball Hunter'.

My diagram below doesn't exactly show what I have explained as it is another variation on my session.  If you add another grid in the middle and obviously base on the idea that the players will be split equally amongst the grids.

Dribbling Grid Game

Emphasis

Dribbling, spatial awareness & listening skills game.

Set-Up

Great game if you are on your own as a coach or waiting for another group to finish before your allocated time meaning no set up time or little preparation.

Start the session inside a 10 x 10 yard grid using all the same colour of cones (although in my diagram you can't see this the grid should appear in the middle with the other 4 grids on the outside.) All players have a ball & dribble around. While the players are doing that set up another 10 x 10 yard grid alongside it, but leaving a 10 yard safety area. This time use a different colour of cones.

Encourage players to look for space & perform skills. Again leave another 10 yard safety area & set up a third 10 x 10 yard area using another colour but keeping inside a 'square' shape. Finally set up a forth 10 x 10 yard area using a forth different colour of cones.

Objectives

With four different coloured 10 x 10 yard areas set up on the outside players should dribble within the centre grid.  On the coaches call players should dribble at speed to the outside grids.  I worked with 16 players so ideally there should be 4 players in each grid (unlike my diagram!)  On the next call players return to the centre grid.

This is an excellent session for players to improve their decision making & getting their head up.

Progressions

1. Play mini games when players are in the outside grids like '3 v 1' & 'Ball Hunter'.

Coaching

• Dribbling skills.
• Tricks.
• Head up.
• Look for space.
• Change of direction / speed.
• Awareness.
• Listening skills.

Set up well so players don't stand about

PSV 1 V 1

Emphasis

1 v 1 duel, beat the defender with a move at speed.

This is a simple session that I viewed at the PSV training ground.  The Academy played this at a high tempo.

Don't have long lines although work in groups of 4-5 players per grid so each player receives a recovery period.

Set-Up

Set up 10 x 10 yard grids with a safety area between each one.

Players should position themselves at the top of the grid in the centre facing the defender at the bottom of the grid.

A mini goal should be placed on either side of the grid.

Objectives

Defender starts with the ball (red player).  They make a firm pass to the attacker (yellow player).

The attacker should meet the ball & both players come to the middle of the grid.  The attacker performs a skill & attacks one of the goals while the defender applies pressure.

Encourage the attacker to be brave, perform a skill & play at speed.  They should also be patient & if they cannot score in one goal look to switch & attack the other goal.

Progressions

1. Increase / decrease area depending on age & group ability.
2. Change roles so each player has an opportunity of being a defender & an attacker.
3. If defender wins ball they can attack either goal.

Coaching

For attackers;

• Accurate driven pass.
• Good close ball control.
• Assertiv, determined dribbling in tight space.
• Use of both feet.
• Change of direction.
• Skills & turns.
• Fakes.
• Be direct.
• Speed.
• Be brave.

For defenders;

• Deny time & space for opponents.
• Pressure first touch.
• Close down space quickly.
• Jockey opponents.
• Force player wide - away from gate.
• Tackle opponent correctly - not from behind, make contact with ball & ensure correct timing.
• Don't go to ground unless the ball is played out of play.
• Showing a player inside - outside.

5 Goal Game

Emphasis

Possession & combination game focusing on changing the point of attack.

Set-Up

2 equal teams play on half a pitch.  5 mini goals / gates are set up within the area using poles or dome cones.

You can adapt the size of the area & the amount of mini goals set up to suit your group.

Objectives

Teams combine to score a point through dribbling through the gates, passing through the gates or score a bonus point by playing a 1-2 / give-&-go through the gates.

Players are not allowed to score back-to-back goals in the same gate.

Progressions

1. Add more mini goals / gates.
2. Colour code certain gates, i.e. gates on the wing to encourage good width.

Coaching

• Good first touch.
• Quality passing.
• Movement & work rate on / off ball.
• Don't force it through gate, look to open up & switch.
• Always receive ball side on.
• Awareness.
• Communication.