....
DEVELOPING CREATIVE DEFENDERS
FUTURE FOOTBALLFUTURE FOOTBALL WILL BE :WILL BE :
FASTERFASTER.- .- ball speed between players,player movement,ball speed between players,player movement,decision making,technical implementation.decision making,technical implementation.
UNORTHODOXUNORTHODOX.- .- un-expected,unusual skills will be necessary. un-expected,unusual skills will be necessary.VARIEDVARIED.- .- game tempo,technique requirements,game stylesgame tempo,technique requirements,game stylesINTELLIGENTINTELLIGENT.- .- individual,team-tactical decision making.individual,team-tactical decision making.DISGUISED.- DISGUISED.- deceit to beat the block and stubborn defenders.deceit to beat the block and stubborn defenders.POSSESSION BASEDPOSSESSION BASED.-.- ball retention,precision and incision with ball retention,precision and incision with
possession.possession.INVENTIVEINVENTIVE.-.- more “solo” players and “mavericks” will flourish. more “solo” players and “mavericks” will flourish.UNIVERSALITYUNIVERSALITY – – will be paramount - all must play as necessary. will be paramount - all must play as necessary.INSTANCYINSTANCY – – will be crucial. (NOW is the time.) will be crucial. (NOW is the time.)ATHLETICISMATHLETICISM. . - - Significantly enhanced.Significantly enhanced.
GAME STYLE CHANGES SINCE 1992 !
FUTURE DEFENDING REQUIREMENTS ?FUTURE DEFENDING REQUIREMENTS ?
Defending Implications.Defending Implications.
Longer defending phases – capability for prolonged defending. More defensive decisions and directional changes per game. More split second directional changes to make at high speed. Calculate ball speed and trajectory rapidly. Increased demand for mobility range in lower body especially. Increased demand for agility, acceleration, deceleration, explosion. Increased demand for lower limb and foot speed. Increased demand for rapid changes in stride cadence. Quicker defensive activity in response to unorthodoxy and speed. Excellence in defending alone in counter attack situations. (ie at
speed some 30-40 yds from goal.) moving backwards ,sideways etc Increased demand to defend against quick interplay near to goal. Defensive intelligence ( “knowing”) and ability to read and respond to
events will be paramount.
“ “ Talented players need attention –Talented players need attention –
they need they need specialistspecialist attention ! “ attention ! “
A Robertson 2003A Robertson 2003
POSITION SPECIFIC ?
POSITION SPECIFIC ?POSITION SPECIFIC ?
Under 16 Team CoachUnder 16 Team Coach
Under 15 Team CoachUnder 15 Team Coach
Under 14 Team CoachUnder 14 Team Coach
Defending
Coach
Midfield
Coach
Attacking
CoachAND Generic Team Technical & Tactical Practice
POSITION SPECIFIC COACHPOSITION SPECIFIC COACH
Rugby UnionRugby UnionCricketCricketAthleticsAthleticsAmerican FootballAmerican FootballHockeyHockeyFootball – Goalkeepers !Football – Goalkeepers !
75 – 90 minutesOne (two) sessions per weekFocussed,detailed,learning & practiceNumber of touches / repetitions = overloadSpecific positional circumstances = specificityRelevance and appropriateness – age / eventsSubstantial learning curriculum = progressionMore effective use of time ?
“ What did they do tonight son to make you a better ------- ? “
POSITION SPECIFIC ?POSITION SPECIFIC ?
Under 16 Team CoachUnder 16 Team Coach
Under 15 Team CoachUnder 15 Team Coach
Under 14 Team CoachUnder 14 Team Coach
Defending
Coach
Midfield
Coach
Attacking
Coach
+ = ACCOUNTABILITYTECHNICALCOACH
POSITION SPECIFIC ?POSITION SPECIFIC ?
Under 16 Team CoachUnder 16 Team Coach
Under 15 Team CoachUnder 15 Team Coach
Under 14 Team CoachUnder 14 Team Coach
Defending
Coach
Midfield
Coach
Attacking
Coach
TECHNICAL COACH+ = ACCOUNTABILITY
ARRANGED GAMES – Club v club - Internal Teams
Different SystemsDifferent ScenariosDifferent Tactics3 x 30 minutes Coach Interventions
DIFFERENT SCENARIOS
GK D & D.Play out from Back – with 3 or 4 or 2 !Holding MF Player.Playing with / against 10. Full court Press.Half Court Press.One forward only to defend in A 1/3rd.Two forwards defend in A1/2.
ETC ETC ETC
DIFFERENT TACTICS
Man for man + SW.Man mark “certain” opponents.10 yd channels for W and FB v 1 oppt.Press for 30 mins.Drop for 30 mins.Free defending for 30 mins.Playing 1 up.Playing 3 up narrow.Show infield / show outside.Opposite wide players.Opposite full – backs.
ETC ETC ETC
POSITIO
N SPECIF
IC
DEFENSIVE PRACTICE DEFENSIVE PRACTICE
CURRICULUM ?CURRICULUM ?
PREMIER LEAGUE ( PREMIER LEAGUE ( averagesaverages))
FULL BACKS
CENTRE BACKS
MIDFIELD
FORWARDS
POSSESSIONS per GAME
48
44
50
40
PASS % SUCCESS
78 . 45 %
80 . 65 %
80 . 66 %
79 . 85 %
Prozone
Average contact Average contact TIMETIME on the ball. on the ball.PREMIER LEAGUE
2.67 seconds
MAJOR LEAGUE
2.74 seconds
SPANISH LEAGUE
2.75 seconds
INTERNATIONAL
2.94 seconds
TOUCHES
2.04
TOUCHES
2.03
TOUCHES
2.29
TOUCHES
2.17
AVERAGE NUMBER OF CONTACTS
IMPLICATIONS FOR PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ?
INDIVIDUAL PLAYERINDIVIDUAL PLAYER Practice Practice ContentContent
Defensive Defensive TechnicalTechnical Content. Content.
Defending alone in a Counter Attack context.Defending alone in a Counter Attack context. Showing “infield,outside and nothing”.Showing “infield,outside and nothing”. ““Screening” opponents preferred pass options.Screening” opponents preferred pass options. Pressing and containing opponents. (from front and rear.)Pressing and containing opponents. (from front and rear.) Interceptions, Spoiling, Challenging, Blocking- passes, crosses and Interceptions, Spoiling, Challenging, Blocking- passes, crosses and
strikes.strikes. Defending player inter-changes.Defending player inter-changes. Marking and tracking opponents.Marking and tracking opponents. ““Shifting” and “turning” in “tight” defending situations – defending off-Shifting” and “turning” in “tight” defending situations – defending off-
balance.balance. Heading from a variety of ball trajectories.Heading from a variety of ball trajectories. One touch clearance , “directing “ skills - head,volley etcOne touch clearance , “directing “ skills - head,volley etc Developing a range and craft when passing the ball.Developing a range and craft when passing the ball. Running with the ball.Running with the ball. Bodywork – receiving and protecting the ball.Bodywork – receiving and protecting the ball.
Individual, group, functional practice.
Individual and unitAWARENESS.
CENTRAL BACKSCENTRAL BACKS
PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES ?PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES ?
PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES !PSYCHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES !
DeterminationDetermination StoicismStoicism DurabilityDurability Mental toughnessMental toughness ResilienceResilience Courage – mental and physical.Courage – mental and physical. Appetite for defending – a “love” for defending !Appetite for defending – a “love” for defending ! AlertnessAlertness AwarenessAwareness ConcentrationConcentration Belief Belief ComposureComposure
“ I was born to defend.”
Hugo Montero Uruguay
“ You have to love not having the ball.”
New Zealand All Blacks
CENTRAL BACKS – SKILLS ?CENTRAL BACKS – SKILLS ?
CENTRAL BACKS - Skills requiredCENTRAL BACKS - Skills required
Reading, understanding and anticipating the development of play. Positioning accurately. Capability to accept changes of responsibility and act accordingly. Accurate marking and tracking skills. Ability to intercept passes and crosses. Ability to screen passing options and block passes and crosses. Ability to “spoil” opponents possession and to contain when they are in
possession. Ability to press and “show” opponents in various directions as required. Ability to defend alone on counter-attacks or in static circumstances. Ability to challenge for the ball and win possession. Ability and courage to block shots at goal Ability to support, and cover fellow defenders and spaces as required. Heading ability. 1 touch intercept and “directing the ball” skills with feet,head and body.
DEFENSIVE SKILLS
Never taken by surprise – awareness and use of all senses !
CENTRAL BACKS – skills required.CENTRAL BACKS – skills required.
Ability to support others accurately.Ability to support others accurately. Reliable, assured and varied first touch.Reliable, assured and varied first touch. Ability to accurately pass the ball over a variety of Ability to accurately pass the ball over a variety of
distances.distances. Ability to travel with the ball at varying speeds.Ability to travel with the ball at varying speeds. Ability to perform a “safe trick” when necessary.Ability to perform a “safe trick” when necessary. Ability to disguise intent when receiving and releasing Ability to disguise intent when receiving and releasing
the ball.the ball. Ability to participate in combination play.Ability to participate in combination play. Ability to protect the ball if under pressure.Ability to protect the ball if under pressure.
ATTACKING SKILLS
Central Backs –Technical PracticeCentral Backs –Technical Practice ? ? Wide range of receiving skills – ground, aerial, under pressure . Carrying the ball at varying speeds if appropriate. Ground and aerial passes off the run. Medium and Long Range Passing. (Ground and aerial passes.) Long driven, diagonal passes. (50 – 60 yds little backlift.) “Changing the play passes” especially diagonal play changes. Measured passes to and for front players- 40 yds +.(aerial, ground.) “Fast” and “hidden” ground passes. (15 – 30 yds. – into & through MF especially ) Safe trick ! All heading skills- straight, across field, diagonals, “drop-off heading” etc
Marking,tracking and back-tracking skills. Interception ,spoiling and challenging skills. Blocking shots and crosses. Defending “dummies.” Defending alone against Counter attacking players. (Alone ! and in pairs and
units.)
WIDE BACKSWIDE BACKS
MODERN FULL BACK CONTACT SCATTERGRAPH
WIDE BACKSWIDE BACKSTECHNICALTECHNICAL PROFILE PROFILE
Total Passes 93Successful Passes 82Pass Success % 100Passes forward 58Passes received 95Average no: touches 1.99Headers 25Tackles 13Interceptions 34Crosses 13Shots 5
PREMIERSHIP BEST
3627782036
10 416 2 0
AVERAGE
WIDE BACK – necessities.WIDE BACK – necessities.
Able to defend in 1 v 1 and 2 v 2 .Can “smell” danger.A range of passing – channel,diagonal,behindCrossing ability on the move at ¾ pace.Ability to over and underlap.Play “wall-passes” on the move.Finish 1 and 2 touch.
1,000 league games
78 International caps.
S K I L L S R E Q U I R E DS K I L L S R E Q U I R E D
Passing range and capability over a variety of distances.Passing range and capability over a variety of distances. Short range inter-passing and combination skills with others.Short range inter-passing and combination skills with others. Excellence in first touch – D – D – D .Excellence in first touch – D – D – D . Ability to run with the ball.Ability to run with the ball. Crossing and passing ability when moving outside and inside the Crossing and passing ability when moving outside and inside the
opponents defensive structure.opponents defensive structure. Ability to combine play with others to attack the penalty box with or Ability to combine play with others to attack the penalty box with or
without the ball eg wall-passes,1 v 1 and link with others.without the ball eg wall-passes,1 v 1 and link with others. Positioning, marking and all 1 v 1 defending skills. – pressing, Positioning, marking and all 1 v 1 defending skills. – pressing,
intercepting, challenging for the ball, containing opponents,blocking intercepting, challenging for the ball, containing opponents,blocking passes ,shots and crosses.passes ,shots and crosses.
Defending skills in far-post and central defending locations eg heading Defending skills in far-post and central defending locations eg heading and clearance skills.and clearance skills.
Combined defending skills eg wall-passes ,overlaps ,take-overs etcCombined defending skills eg wall-passes ,overlaps ,take-overs etc
WIDE BACKS- WIDE BACKS- TechnicalTechnical Practice. Practice.
Receiving and Running with the ball.Receiving and Running with the ball. Short range “combination “ plays.Short range “combination “ plays. Assured “fast” passes into feet over 20 – 30 yds.Assured “fast” passes into feet over 20 – 30 yds. ““Bent passes” forward – 30 yds +.Bent passes” forward – 30 yds +. Crossing the ball and operating infield in the A1/3rd.Crossing the ball and operating infield in the A1/3rd. Supplying players inside the penalty box.Supplying players inside the penalty box. Measured passes for front players-ground / aerial.Measured passes for front players-ground / aerial. Understanding “combination-play skills” with and without the Understanding “combination-play skills” with and without the
ball.ball. All 1 v 1 defending skills.All 1 v 1 defending skills. ““Showing infield and outside”.Showing infield and outside”. Blocking crosses.Blocking crosses. Defending at the far post.Defending at the far post.
OVERALL DEFENDER’S QUALITIES !OVERALL DEFENDER’S QUALITIES !
DEFENDERS WHO - - -DEFENDERS WHO - - - Receive the ball and play in and from the defending third of the field. Run with the ball into MF and beyond with speed and control. Are able to combine play with MF players intelligently on entering the MF areas. Can deliver passes with either foot and any surface over a variety of distances with
deception and spin if necessary. Know how and are able to, release appropriate passes into players located in MF areas. Are able to provide forward placed players with appropriate passes behind and in front of
the defence.
Understand the priorities of defending and the concepts of defensive safety and risk. Can read and predict the play and are then decisive when making decisions. Are able to defend in 1 v 1 situations from static and fluent circumstances e.g Counter
attacks. Understand the priorities in individual defending circumstances e.g Intercept,spoil etc Can defend with composure and accuracy.
Have explosive speed over 5 – 15 yds. Have “pace” ,and explosiveness in their general movement. Have “spring” if not height when competing in aerial challenges. Are mentally “adaptable” in a variety of defending circumstances.
TEAM TACTICAL PLAY FOR DEFENDERSTEAM TACTICAL PLAY FOR DEFENDERS
STARTING ATTACKS FROM THE BACKSTARTING ATTACKS FROM THE BACK
WHY ?WHY ?
Playing from the back – Why ?Playing from the back – Why ?1.1. To provide pre-determined players with possession in chosen To provide pre-determined players with possession in chosen
situations.situations.2.2. To move the ball to designated areas of the field.To move the ball to designated areas of the field.3.3. To provide a more controlled service to players in the middle and To provide a more controlled service to players in the middle and
attacking thirds.attacking thirds.4.4. To create players who are confident to take possession in areas To create players who are confident to take possession in areas
close to their own goal.close to their own goal.5.5. To produce an overload of players beyond the first defending line.To produce an overload of players beyond the first defending line.6.6. To create composed & “ free” supply positions into the attacking To create composed & “ free” supply positions into the attacking
third.third.7.7. To run well established patterns of play that are clearly To run well established patterns of play that are clearly
understood.understood. etc; etc:etc; etc:
TACTICAL OPTIONSTACTICAL OPTIONS
GK DRIBBLE
DESIGNATED TARGET
AREA
2
563
4
8
10
119 7
PLAY OR PRESS
2
5
6
3
4
8
10
11
7
9
BUILD UP FROM THE DEFENDING THIRD
Assumed Defending Structure.
GK IN Possession - Play out against 1 forwardGK IN Possession - Play out against 1 forward
Team Dispersal High,wide,long.
5
6
3
2
4
8
10
11
7
9
Make the opportunity
to play
OR !!
Playing out against 2 forwards – eg Playing out against 2 forwards – eg Mexico WC 2010Mexico WC 2010
8
3
11
4
5
6
7
9
2
10
N0; 4 drop to into / ahead ofBack line.
MAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
PLAY OUT
OR ?
Playing out against 2 forwardsPlaying out against 2 forwards
8
311
4
5
6
7
9
2
10
FB drop to into / ahead ofBack line.
Playing out against 2 forwards FB push forward No; 3Playing out against 2 forwards FB push forward No; 3
8
311
4 5
6
7
9
2
10
1 FB push into wideMF position.
Playing out against 2 forwards CB push forward No; 5Playing out against 2 forwards CB push forward No; 5 10 push forward 10 push forward
8
311
4
56
7
9
2
10
CREATING OUTLETS AHEAD OF THE BALLCREATING OUTLETS AHEAD OF THE BALL
Pass outlets forFB in M1/3rd
4
27
9
10
5
6
311
8
Options for CB in possession.
7 2
5
9
10
11
4
6
3
8
DEPENDENT on :
Team TacticsTeam Style of PlayCapabilities of the Central back – how to increase range of ability ?.
2
5
6
3
4
8
7
9
10
11
1
7
CB ‘s APPROACH PLAY
Options ahead of the ball !
LIKELY PASSING REQUIREMENTS ?
2
5
6
3
4
8
7
9
10
11
1
7
CB ‘s APPROACH PLAY
Options ahead of the ball !
LIKELY PASSING REQUIREMENTS
Straight “driven” over 50 – 60 yds to change play – trajectory !Driven with backspin on the 30 – 40 yd diagonals to CF.“Clipped” up to strikers chest / feet – 30 – 40 yds.Disguised ground diagonal to MF or “shadow” off the front.Fast ground pass to strikers / No 10 feet “W” infield.Measured to space for runners eg FB – outside of foot or “chip”Wall – passes with MF players on carrying ball forward.
Coaches workwith
defenders !
CREATING OUTLETS AHEAD OF THE BALLCREATING OUTLETS AHEAD OF THE BALL
MF INTER-CHANGESMF INTER-CHANGES
4
8
27
Inter-changesInter-changes
4
10
5
11
3
W and FB INTER-CHANGE
8
311
THREE MAN ROTATION
INTRODUCTORY PRACTICESINTRODUCTORY PRACTICES
Changing the play across the back.
Deliver forward and diagonal passes.
Defenders in possession
30 yds
30 yds
Below head
height
Changing the play across the back.
Deliver forward and diagonal passes.
Defenders in possession
Varied receiving movements -Into the box after the passer’s first touch.
Changing the play across the back.
Deliver forward and diagonal passes
Varied distances & off the run.
Defenders in possession
40 – 50 yds 25 – 30 yds
Aerial and Ground passes
Changing the play across the back.
Deliver forward and diagonal passes
Defenders inside circles.
Defenders in possession
30 yds
30 yds
Below head height.
Changing the play across the back.
Three Central Backs
Defenders in possession
Appropriate Distance
DISTANCE
CONTENTCONTENTSupport and awarenessAdditions !
Pass quality
(aerial,ground )
Re-change the play
Choice of passRun with the ball.
Both feet any surface !
Receiving skillFor self.
For others.
Combination play
Disguise of passFirst touch quality
Changing the play across the back.
Deliver forward and diagonal passes.
Player for one touch drop off !
Changing the play across the back.
Deliver forward and diagonal passes.
Player for one touch drop off !
Support player Outside the
CB’s
Involve Midfield players in play with central backs.
Encourage MF inter-play and movement.
Involve Midfield players in play with central backs.
Central backs run with the ball and replaced by MF.
CONTENTCONTENTSupport and awarenessAdditions !
Pass quality
(aerial,ground )
Re-change the play
MF movement
Choice of passRun with the ball.
Both feet any surface !
Receiving skillFor self.
For others.
Combination play
Disguise of passFirst touch quality
MF players inter-play
MF replace Df’s
MF Pass links
Opposed practice with one opponent playing against
the central backs in each half.
CONTENT ?
Opposed practice with one opponent playing against
the central backs in each area.
Two midfield players in central zone
CONTENT ?
Opposed practice with two opponent playing against
the central backs in each half.
Holding line for
opponents
Player for overlapping
play
4 v 2 deliver long to T
2 defenders who change zones
4 attackers with one as the target player
20yds
10 yds
20 yds
20 yds
T
T
DEFENDERS DELIVERY OF LONG PASSES
UNIT AND TEAM PRACTICESUNIT AND TEAM PRACTICES
Ball transferred across back 4 and delivered to opposite back 4 OR to GK / T.
Back 4 playing “round” back.
Re-change the play !
Spread.Speed of passes.Readjust position.
GK / TGK / T
BACK PLAYERS ?
a) NON-PARTICIPANTSb) PLATFORM PLAYERSc) PLAY-MAKERSd) PENETRATORS
MF operate both ways.Ball transferred across back 4 and via MF: delivered to opposite back 4.
Back 4 playing “round” back.
M
M
M
M
T T
Ball transferred across back 4 and via MF: delivered to opposite back 4 from wide play combinations.
Back 4 playing “round” back.
Spread.Speed of passes.Readjust position.
M
M
M
M
T T
M
M
Ball transferred across back 4 and CB run with ball or combine with CMF
Back 4 playing “round” back. M
M
M
M
TT
Ball transferred across back 4 and via MF: movements ahead of the back 4
Back 4 playing “round” back.
M
M
M
M
T T
Ball transferred across back 4 and via MF: movements ahead of the back 4
Back 4 playing “round” back.
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
TT
Ball transferred across back 4 and link with marked MF players.Striker as target and as defender against CB’s
Back 4 playing “round” back.All MF players are opposed
T T
Back 4 playing outFrom the back.
From the GK’s possession play out from back until ball can be played to T’s but from over the halfway line and T continues the play.
T
T
Play out 9 (inc GK) v 6 into targets from over ½ way line.Targets switch the play.
First group of 6 recover as next group of 6 attack including target players.
C
Attacking waves !
Play out 9 (inc GK) v 6 into targets - from over ½ way line.Targets switch the play.
First group of 6 recover as next group of 6 attack includingthe target players.
C
Attacking waves ! Different start positions for 6
11 v 7Play out until a player can feed T / GK with ball and play continues.
T GK
Play out 11 v 11