Organisation is vital!
It is the first impression you give to the assessor
How many Players do I need?
In a 6 v 6 you will need one goalkeeper and five outfield players for each team
Who Plays?
Before the session begins plan who is going to play in the positions you want to coach. You must pick the right people in the right positions to help your session go smoothly.
For example:
- If you are coaching crossing make sure your winger can cross the ball or you will get stuck too long on technique.
- If you are coaching long forward passes ensure that the full backs can pass the ball long enough for you or you may not get the opportunity to coach the forwards.
You should also try to match player’s ability if possible to keep the practice realistic. For example, if a defender is a poor player the attacker may go past him every time. You will have nothing to coach.
You must also consider who is coaching before and after your session because you may not be able to use them. The coach on before you might be given a debrief and the coach after you may need time to set up and visualise their session.
Setting Up
Grid size: 60m long x 40m wide
Set up as early as possible so you can concentrate your thoughts on the key points. On assessment days the small sided games are normally grouped together to save time but if they are not measure the distance you need in advance. Prepare:
- Balls around the pitch and in the goals. You don’t want to be chasing balls because this could ruin your concentration or your time.
- Bibs in the formation you want to play laid out on the floor. For example:
Coaching Position
Visualise your coaching positions before the session starts. Where do you want to be when you coach your key points and where is the best position to see any mistakes? For example, if you are coaching spreading out, you might want to start in the defending third to start with the goalkeeper.
Introduction
Be Friendly and ask the players to come to you. If you command or shout the players may not respond well to you in the session.
This is what I say before an assessment session:
“Hello everyone can you gather round please.” I then wait for them and try to smile even though I can feel butterflies in my stomach. “Hello my name is Chris James and today I am going to coach the blue bibs, ‘Long Forward Passes ’. As you can see I have laid out the bibs in the formation we are going to play. When I call out your name can you put the bib on and stand where the bib was? Thank you. We Are gong to play 6 v 6 so I will need two goalkeeper’s. Peter (best goalkeeper) can you go in goal for the blues and John can you go in goal for the reds for me? Thank you. I am going to need a left back, Sam (left footed full back who is confident running with the ball) can you play left back for the blue bibs and Simon (right footed defender who is confident running with the ball) can you play right back for the blue bibs? Thank you. Terry and Nigel can you play left and right back for the reds? Thank you. I will be playing with one midfield player today, so Bill (experienced central midfield player who is confident running with the ball ) can you play midfield for the blues. Thank you. Charlie can you play central midfield against them in a red bib? Thank you. Up front I am playing with two forwards. Rob (left footed forward player) can you play left sided centre forward and Tim (right footed forward player) can you please play as the right sided centre forward for blues? Thank you. Max and Callum can you play upfront for the reds? Thank you.
The rules of the game are: Reds you have five passes to get a shot on goal (this ensures that reds will get the ball back quickly so you can coach more) while blues can have unlimited touches. Reds when their goalkeeper has it can you drop off to the half way line please (so I can get my first key points in quickly for the defenders spreading out). When I call out stop (whistle or shout freeze), can you please try to stand still so I can make a coaching point. Ok can you please get in your positions, its reds to kick off. Thank you.”
Let them play for a bit
Don’t rush in straight away. Let the players settle into the game for two minutes before coaching. In this time think about your first key point. Don’t panic if it does not come up and don’t invent a mistake that did not happen (the assessor will mark you down for this). Coach what you see! For example, your two full backs may spread out every time but they make a mistake with the first pass. Now you can say “Sam, you were excellent spreading out but what are your priorities of passing when you get the ball?” This shows the assessor that you recognised the first key point, you are praising good play and you are now coaching the second key point.
Starting Position
You do not need to start play with a centre every time. To coach attacking topics you will need the goalkeeper to get the ball via a shot from the red centre forward as shown. Then you can start coaching from the back to the front. Make the starting position realistic and go back to it until you feel you have completed your key points. Remember to progress up the pitch if necessary.
Recommended starting positions
- Attacker has week shot at the goalkeeper.
- Winger or midfielder is tackled by full-back.
- Defensive header to midfield player. Throw the ball up for the defender.
- Full-back is tackled by midfielder or winger.
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Coach the Key Points Logically
You cannot coach everything at once! Try to number your key points and go through them one at a time in a logical sequence. This will help you to remember the points and it will show you can progress the session
Simple and Clear Explanations
Talk to the players and not the assessor! Face the players and keep focused.
Use the Coaching Formula!
The Coaching Formula gives you a structure on how to deliver information. It is a basic four rule system:
STOP!
When you identify a mistake step onto the pitch and “Shout Stop” (freeze or whistle whatever you agree beforehand). Take a mental note of where the key players were and move quickly to the area you need to be in because the players will drift towards the ball. Ask them (don’t order) to move back to the position they were in when you called out Stop! Check that they have gone back to the correct positions or you coaching point may not be realistic now. Correct the players if you think they are not in the right positions, for example, “Sam can you just move back another ten metres for me, thank you.”
Do not wait for the ball to go out of play and bring the players back because the moment will be lost and the players will not be able to visualise what you are saying. Coach as the ball rolls!
Now tell the player/s what they did wrong and give them a simple explanation using question and answer if possible. For example, the goalkeeper has picked the ball up and thrown it straight to the full back even though the centre forward has made a great run into space. You could say, “Stop, Peter, that was a good pass to Sam but what are your priorities in passing?” Wait for the answer then add, “That is right, Rob made a great run into space but you missed it?”
Demo (you do it)
Set the scene and demonstrate exactly what you want. Ask the players to get back into the positions they were in when the ball was played to the goalkeeper (this is your starting position). Now you become the goalkeeper! Ask the players to make the same runs and the defenders to let it happen (sometimes the players don’t want to look poor so they try to not let it happen again). Ask the player who shot to pass the ball into your hands and demonstrate looking up to the attack first and passing the ball into space for Rob to run onto.
Make sure you are happy with your demonstration before continuing.
Rehearsal (now the goalkeeper does it)
Get the players back to the starting position and ask them to make the same runs. This time ask the goalkeeper to rehearse what you have demonstrated to see if he understands what you have shown. Check to see if his first look is forward.
Make sure you are happy with the rehearsal before continuing. Don't settle for average performances
Live
Get the players back to the starting position and ask them to make the same runs. When the goalkeeper passes the game starts again (live). Play on and wait for your next key point!
Get in, show them, let them do it, play again.
Progressing the session
Try not to get stuck on one point for too long because it could ruin your session! If a player simply cannot do as you ask then you must have a contingency plan in your mind. I would give the player 3 -5 chances and then say, “Ok, Sam, do you understand what I am asking you? We can work on this again at another time so I am going to move the session on. Peter can you pass the ball back into Sam? After the pass we are live!”
Key Points
1. Decision of Goalkeeper
Starting position is a red shot into the goalkeeper’s hands from 15-20yds. Coaching position 1.
Look up - Can you pass forward? Don’t force the ball and give it away!
The best passes from the goalkeeper are:
- Behind the defence.
- To the feet of the furthest forward.
- Into midfield
- To the defenders
Coaching
Look to see if the goalkeeper looks forward first – a lot of times the goalkeeper will play it short into the defenders feet. Stop the play and coach the goalkeeper’s priorities. Don’t invent play – Encourage it.
For example, “Rob, if the goalkeeper’s first decision is looking for you, how can you help him?” You could also coach the goalkeeper how to pass.
2. Full Backs Spreading Out Side to Side
Starting position is a red shot into the goalkeeper’s hands from 15-20yds.
The two defenders should not relax when the goalkeeper wins the ball back. They should think quickly about creating space for the goalkeeper to pass to them and move as fast as possible into that position. The defenders should create space side to side (give width) but they should not run directly to the touch line. This will invite the forwards to close them down quickly therefore condensing play in their own half. They should make a run so that they exploit as much space as possible, therefore the ideal run would be diagonal.
The defender should:
- Keep his eyes on the goalkeeper
- Decide early the direction to spread out and the ground covered quickly
- When receiving the ball, the defender should open up his body so he can see as much of the pitch as possible. If the defender is facing the goalkeeper he will not be aware of the movement behind him.
- Control the ball with the outside foot (foot nearest the touch line) so the ball is played into his path. This will enable the defender to see the whole pitch and to exploit the space in front of him as quickly as possible. If we come out slowly it will give the defenders time to settle and get into shape.
- Look up - can you pass forward?
- Is there space for you to run into?
Remember the ball travels faster than the man
This is the wrong way to spread out because the defenders can get forward more
This is the correct way to spread out
Starting position is from the goalkeeper
The best passes out of Defence are:
- Behind the defence for the forwards to run onto
- To the feet of the furthest forward
- Forward so the ball takes out defenders
- Simple ball to retain possession either sideways or backwards.
Long diagonal passes are best when the Defence has lost its shape or been pulled over.
Coaching
- Look for defenders stopping and loosing concentration. Do they move quickly enough and are their runs the best to exploit space? You could demonstrate the runs and highlight the importance of concentrating when the ball changes team.
- Look for how the defender controls the ball. Has he opened up his body and does his first touch place the ball is the best position. You could demonstrate opening out and the importance of first touch.
- Look at his pass selection. Was it the right pass?
3. Forwards and Midfield Players Creating Space End to End
Now you will have to coach the midfield and forward players to push up. Do not spend a long time doing it
Starting position is a red shot into the goalkeeper’s hands from 15-20yds or from one of the defenders or Winger or midfielder is tackled by full-back.
The Forward Players should
- Not stand still and wait for the ball to come.
- Get forward and high as quickly as possible.
- Try to move the defenders as close to their goal as possible to create as much space as possible.
- Keep his eyes on the player on the ball
Coaching
Coach what you see
- Look for the attitude of the players to get forward. Do they get forward quickly?
- Look for their technique of running do they watch the keeper?
- Look for where the forwards stop. Can you push them up more? Are they pushing up far enough so one can come short for the ball? Tell them where you want them! Push them up!
4. Decision of the Full back - There is no forward pass but there is space to run into
Starting position is a red shot into the goalkeeper’s hands from 15-20yds or from one of the defenders or Winger or midfielder is tackled by full-back.
Or Starting position is winger or midfielder is tackled by full-back. This will help the full back to have space to run into.
Running with the ball priorities:
- Positive attitude to run with the ball
- Technique of Running with the
Ball, every time you touch the ball look up, make a new decision, has
the picture changed - Is someone in a better position than you now.
- Movement of players to create space for themselves and for you.
- End product. Should be positive. Dribble or shoot in Attacking third.
Support play for the defender
Midfield
Once the defender is running with the ball you will need to create space for him to run into. Do not complicate your session, use simple but effective movements.
Considerations:
- Do you want the midfield player to move into the yellow area? No - You will congest play. Coach the midfield player to offer a passing angle to play a one-two.
- Is there space for the defender to run onto. Yes - Now coach positive play.
- Has the defender got support from all around (defender, midfield player and forward)
5. Forwards Creating Space
Now the defender is running with the ball you must coach the next stage - movement of the forward(s)
There are two main methods of movement that the assessor will look for:
A. Creating Space Outside to In
As the player on the ball runs down the touchline the forward comes short then sprints inside.
If the defender
- Goes with the forward space is created to run into.
- If the defender goes to the ball then a short pass for the forward to run onto or a one two opportunity can be coached
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B. Working the Overlap - Underlap
As the player on the ball runs down the touchline he plays the ball into the forwards feet and sprints down the touchline to overlap. The player should communicate loudly and clearly, hold it, hold it - play me in.
The forward can now:
- Play the runner in (Overlap).
- Use disguise and come inside to run on goal, pass or shoot (underlap).
Another option with the player on the ball moving inside is covered later - creating space inside to out. |
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Coaching
Coach what you see
- Look for the player on the ball running, looking up eveytime he touches the ball and running positively. You could show him how to run with the ball.
- Look for the movement of the nearest forward. Does he come short for the ball? Does he make an effective run? You could coach him coming short or sprinting inside.
- If the defender marking the forward does nothing you could encourage him to move. For example, you could say: "If the forward moves inside are you going to let him?" If he says yes, coach the through ball or the one-two.
- Look for the forward making the correct decision. If he tries the overlap and it fails you might want to coach him the underlap. For example, The defender read your pass, how could you fool him." You should coach opposite movement or dropping your shoulder.
- If the forward is dispossessed you might want to teach him how to show for the ball and how to shield the ball.
- Finish with a shot or a cross.
6. Midfield showing or running into space behind
Starting position is a red shot into the goalkeeper’s hands from 15-20yds.
The midfield player should not relax when the goalkeeper wins the ball back. He should think quickly about creating space for the goalkeeper to pass to him and move as fast as possible into that position. The midfielder should get into a position next to his marking player, not in front of him. This will give the midfielder more options and put doubt into the markng player. He can now create space by using opposite movement and tricking his marker.
Opposite Movement
The player makes in sprint in one direction, turns and sprints in the opposite direction to create space to run into.
Coming Short
The midfield player should offer opposite movement in the direction of the opponents goal, turn and sprint to receive the ball from the goalkeeper to feet. |
Exploiting the space behind
The midfield player should offer opposite movement in the direction of his own goal, turn and sprint to run onto the ball in the space behind. |
The midfield player should:
- Get forward as quickly as possible.
- Keep his eyes on the goalkeeper
- When receiving the ball short, the midfield player should come at an angle so he is already half turned. This will enable him to turn and shield the ball easier.
- Control the ball with the outside foot to the marking player (safe foot) so the ball is shielded.
- When running onto the ball in space keep his head up. Every time he touches the ball he should look around to see if someone is in a better position.
- Use opposite movement to create space for himself.
Coaching
- Look for at the midfielder’s runs. Does he move quickly enough and are his runs the best to exploit space? You could demonstrate the runs and highlight the importance of concentrating when the ball changes team. You could also coach him where to stand in relation to his opponent.
- Look for supporting the full backs when they have the ball. Does he come short and call for the ball? Does he come to the ball at an angle so he is already half turned? You could coach this run.
- Look for how the midfielder controls the ball. Has he opened up his body and does his first touch place the ball is the best position. You could demonstrate opening out and the importance of first touch.
- Once in position is he static or does he make movements off the ball. How can he help the goalkeeper? Demonstrate one movement e.g. coming short.
- Passing options. Could he switch play?
7. Decison of the Midfield Player (central position) - if there is space to run into
Starting position is a midfield tackle or a defensive header into the midfield player. This will help the midfield player to have space to run into because he will be in front of his opponent.
Running with the ball priorities:
- Positive attitude to run with the ball
- Technique of Running with the
Ball, every time you touch the ball look up, make a new decision, has
the picture changed - Is someone in a better position than you now.
- Movement of players to create space for themselves and for you.
- End product. Should be positive. Dribble or shoot in Attacking third.
Support Play for the Midfielder
Forwards
Once the midfielder is running with the ball you will need to create space for him to run into. Do not complicate your session, use simple but effective movements.
Creating Space Inside to Out
Do you want the forwards to stay together? No - You will congest play.
Coach the forward players to pull off the defenders shoulder (move into wide area) so they can be played in or so the midfielder can run into the space (as shown).
Coaching
Coach what you see
- Look for the player on the ball running, looking up eveytime he touches the ball and running positively. You could show him how to run with the ball.
- Look for the movement of the forwards. Do they show for the ball and then sprint of the defenders shoulder? Do they make an effective runs? You could coach them the runs.
- If the defender marking the forward does nothing you could encourage him to move. For example, you could say: "If the forward moves outside are you going to let him?" If he says yes, coach the through ball or the one-two.
- Look for the midfield player making the correct decision. Is there space to run into?
8. End Product
You should finish with a shot or cross.
Ask your assessor for help with this topic |
