Complete Details and Diagrams of the Seminar Sessionswcctrainingcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/ct-seminar-journal.pdf · Counter Attacking With Pace Full Field Game Mark two goals

INTERNATIONAL COACHING SEMINAR

INTERNATIONAL COACHING SEMINAR

Complete Details and Diagrams of the Seminar Sessions

Connecticut - June, 2000

� © WORLD CLASS COACHINGCT �000 Coaching Seminar

Assistant Manager and First Team Coach at Liverpool F.C., Lee had a stellar playing career winning four League Championships and two European Cups while playing for Liverpool during the years they dominated English and European soccer. During this time Sammy also played many times for the England National Team.Lee’s coaching career started with the reserve team at Liverpool F.C. This was followed by a move to coach the First Team squad as an assistant to the manager, Gerard Houllier. His ability to coach and motivate players didn’t go unnoticed when Lee was chosen by head coach, Howard Wilkinson to be the assistant coach of the England U21 National Team for the Euro-2000 U21 Championships.

Coach of the Manchester United U19 Youth Team, Williams is responsible for developing the youth players and preparing them for play in the First Team. Williams has extensive coaching experience and credentials including coaching in the English Premier League and at the National team level. Prior to joining Manchester United, Williams was the Assistant Manager/First Team Coach at Leeds United, Norwich City and Everton of the English Premier League and the Assistant Manager for the Welsh National Team.

Mick Hennigan started coaching following a playing career with teams in England, South Africa, Australia and Eire. In 1984 Hennigan was offered the position of Youth Team Coach at Sheffield Wednesday where he stayed for four years. In 1988 he joined Howard Wilkinson at Leeds United as the Assistant Manager/First Team Coach. During his time at Leeds they won promotion to the English Premier League and in 1992 beat Manchester United for the English Premier League Championship. Recently, Hennigan was the Assistant Manager at Blackpool F.C. for three years and was also a member of the England U21 National Team staff with responsibilities for scouting opposing teams during the Euro-2000 U21 Championships.

International Coaching Seminar

Sammy Lee

David Williams

Mick Hennigan

The clinicians and attending coaches - Connecticut, June 2000

In June 2000, WORLD CLASS COACHING conducted our first International Coaching Seminar. For the first time ever on American soil WORLD CLASS COACHING assembled coaches from England’s most successful Premier League clubs. This seminar was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Held on the beautiful campus of Connecticut College, the three clinicians conducted training sessions that they use frequently with their own players. The feedback from the attending coaches was nothing short of incredible. We trust you will enjoy this journal of the entire seminar sessions. Look for future WORLD CLASS COACHING International Coaching Seminars on our web site at www.worldclasscoaching.com

The Clinicians

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Warm-UpIn an area 30 x 30 yards, work in four 10 x 10-yard areas in the corners as shown in diagram 1 with five players in each area. The players move around their square passing the ball by hand ‘basketball’ style.

Coaching PointEncourage good communication.

Counter Attacking With Pace

Warm-UpOn the coach’s whistle, the ball is passed clockwise to the next group. For example, group A passes to group B, group B passes to group C, etc.

Coaching PointWatch for the next ball coming in from the other group and be available to receive it.

ProgressionsDo the same exercise but pass with feet instead of hands. Then progress as before by passing in a clockwise direction from one group to the other. A further progression was added when players followed their pass into the next group.

Every few minutes play was stopped to allow the players to stretch.

Coaching PointCreate angles for the pass out of the box into next one, avoid straight lines.

A1 Attacking Player

D1 Defending Player

Path of Player

Path of Ball

Path of Dribble

Target Area

© WORLD CLASS COACHING CT �000 Coaching Seminar

Sammy Lee conducted a progression of quick passing and moving exercises with the ultimate objective of implementing them in a 11 v 11 game.

Diagram 1

Diagram �

CT �000 Coaching Seminar � © WORLD CLASS COACHING


5 v 3Mark out two 25 x 25-yard areas side by side as shown in diagram 4. Organize two teams of five. The exercise starts with five dark players playing keep-away from three white players in one of the 25 x 25-yard areas. The other two white players wait in the other 25 x 25-yard area. If the three white players win possession of the ball they move into the other area and join their two teammates. Three players from the dark team follow which creates another 5 v 3 situation this time in the white teams favor.

Coaching Points• Using a small area ensures the players must make

decisions early and be aware of where their next pass is going

• Communication is vital so that the same players are not doing all the work

Fun Practice Related GameOrganize one player at each cone of a 10 x 10-yard square with 10 balls in the center. The objective is for the players to retrieve the balls from the center of the square with their feet and bring them back to their cone, one ball at a time. The first player to get three balls is the winner. The players may also steal balls from the cones of other players.

Coaching PointAwareness of where the other balls are in the square.

5 v 3 BreakawayUsing a half field, mark a 15 x 15-yard area on the half-line as shown in diagram 5. Organize two forwards and two defenders on the edge of the penalty area and play 5 v 3 keep-away in the 15 x 15-yard area. When the group of three win possession they quickly collect another ball from outside the area and attack the goal creating a 5 v 2 situation.

Coaching Points• A quick attack doesn’t allow the defenders time to

get organized• Allow only 10 seconds for the attackers to score

ensuring quick play

Diagram �

Diagram �

Diagram 5

CT �000 Coaching Seminar5© WORLD CLASS COACHING


Full Field GameMark two goals with cones or flags on the half-line as shown in diagram 6. Play 11 v 11 using a full field. One team attacks both regular goals and the other team attacks both of the marked goals on the half-line. The team attacking the marked goals score by passing through the goal to a teammate on the other side.

Coaching Points• Create passing angles• Look for a forward pass whenever possible• Quick counter attacking is done over 30-40 yards

Diagram 6

CT �000 Coaching Seminar 6 © WORLD CLASS COACHING

Defending With a Back FourThis session by David Williams starts with some individual defending and progresses to various exercises using four defenders and finally ends with four defenders working on a full field.

Warm-UpOrganize the players in pairs with each pair in a 20 x 10-yard grid. Player A passes the ball to player B. When player B receives the ball he attempts to dribble past the end-line defended by player A. The players take turns in being the defender.

Coaching Points• Close the space quickly and don’t let the player with

the ball build up speed• Pass the ball firmly making it difficult for your partner

to control the ball• Pass the ball slowly allowing more time for the

defender to close the space down• Don’t dive in• Force the player with the ball to do what you want

him to do - force him to his weaker foot, force him to the side-line, etc.

ProgressionIncrease the area to 20 x 20-yards and play 2 v 2.

Coaching Points• Use the second defender as cover• Direct the player with the ball to the second defender• Force them to pass backwards or turn

ProgressionIncrease the area to 40 x 20-yards and play 4 v 4.

Coaching Points• Don’t follow the ball - know where the ball is and track

your player• Start to build an understanding with the four defenders

Diagram 7

Diagram 8

Diagram 9


Defending With a Back Four

Half-Field PracticeThe back four defenders start about 25 yards from their goal. On the half-line are groups of four attackers numbered one through four. The coach shouts a number and that player advances on goal with the ball, along with the other three attackers in his group. This gives the defenders practice in defending with the ball at different parts of the field.

Coaching Points• As in the warm-up drills• It is important that the defenders provide cover instead

of marking a player that is not in a threatening position• Communicate

Half-Field PracticeIt is important that the four defenders don’t get caught flat as in diagram 11. This allows the space behind them to be exploited by “through passes” from the attackers. In this example the defenders seem more concerned with marking their players than providing cover for the defender who is pressuring the ball.

Half-Field PracticeIn the example in diagram 12, the defenders are in the correct position. They are in a slightly staggered line with the defender furthest from the ball being the furthest back. This makes it harder for the forwards to attack the space behind the defenders and easier for the defenders to cover any “through passes” that are attempted by the attackers.

Diagram 10

Diagram 11

Diagram 1�


Defending With a Back Four

Half-Field Practice ProgressionAdd two midfielders to the defending team and add players to the attacking team to consist of three defenders, four midfielders and two forwards in a 3-4-2 formation. This exercise can be used to help the players become familiar with their responsibilities and each other.

Coaching Points• All previous coaching points• Only coach the defenders• Focus on them working as a unit• Offside is in effect

Full-Field PracticeThe back four defenders start on the half-line with two forwards. Three midfielders start on the goal-line and pass the ball into the two forwards and then join them quickly to make a 5 v 4 situation. Once the attack ends with a shot or loss of possession, the three midfielders waiting on the other goal-line pass a ball in to their two forwards who have been waiting in the other half with four other defenders.

Coaching Points• All previous coaching points• Allow the forwards to receive the ball, without pressure

to start with, then as the drill progresses have the defenders mark tight

David Williams moves a player into positionDavid Williams explaining a coaching point

Diagram 1�

Diagram 1�


Shooting and FinishingMick Hennigan conducted a lively session on shooting. The session had an overall theme of “quality finishing” with an emphasis of shots hitting the target.

Warm-UpOrganize two 10 x 10-yard grids that are 20 yards apart. Have three players in each grid. The players in one grid pass the ball around and then drive a firm pass into the other grid.

Coaching Points• Each player must touch the ball once before it is

passed into the other grid• The pass must remain below head height• Drive the pass into the other grid with the instep• Focus and be on your toes so that you can make

the correct decision of a short pass or a long pass into the other grid depending on how the ball comes to you

ProgressionInstead of passing the ball into the other grid, now shoot it hard and low. If the other team can’t control the ball and keep it in their grid, you win a point.

Goalbox ShootingThe practice area is the 18-yard goalbox marked out as shown with another goal positioned on the 18-yard line. Organize four groups of shooters at each goal post as shown in diagram 16. Four servers should be outside the penalty area. Each server is responsible for passing to a specific shooting group, e.g. S1 to A1 and S2 to A2, etc. The exercise starts with S1 dribbling the ball and then passing into the goalbox on the ground for A1 to run in and shoot. Next S2 passes for A2 and so on.

ProgressionAdd goalkeepers and the servers can now cross the ball for volleys and headers.

Coaching Points• Attack the ball• Don’t kill your space by getting there too early• Shoot back to the direction the ball came from• Wait until the last moment to attack the ball• Communication between wide players and strikers

Diagram 15

Diagram 16


Diamond ShootingThe field in diagram 17 is 36 x 44 yards. However, the sidelines are tapered in toward each goal giving a diamond-type shape. This stops the players from taking the ball out wide and taking shots from difficult angles.

Balls are placed in each goal with a player at each side of the goal to retrieve balls. Players are organized into 4 v 2 in each half. Players can only stay in their own half of the field. The four players can only score from their own half of the field. The two forwards can follow in for rebounds. Goalkeepers can only pass the ball into their own half. Defenders are limited to two-touch and any player that shoots the ball over the crossbar is replaced by one of the fielders.

Shooting and Finishing

Coaching Points• Take the first shooting opportunity• Attempt to shoot on the first-touch whenever possible• Follow shots in for rebounds

Progressions• Use one of the two forwards as a target man• One of the four players can join the attacking half with the ball

Mick Hennigan at work during his sessionThe coaches observe Hennigan’s shooting session

Diagram 17


Warm-UpOrganize the players into a 20-yard circle with one player in the center. The exercise starts with a player passing the ball to the center player and following his pass. The center player then passes the ball to the next player in a clockwise direction and follows his pass. The exercise continues round the circle

Progressions• Play two-touch• Play a give-and-go with the player on the outside• After playing the give-and-go, pass to the next

player

Coaching Points• Angles are important• Communication• When on the perimeter, stay out of the circle,

don’t come to meet the pass and close down you space.

Build-Up Play For CrossesThis session by Sammy Lee starts with a circle warm-up and progresses to a small-sided passing game and finishes with a half-field game designed to get the ball wide for a cross.

Small-Sided GameIn a 40 x 20-yard area, play 7 v 7 plus two neutral players that play for the team in possession. On each end-line is a target player. The objective is for the team in possession to pass the ball to the target player in the direction they are playing. If they are successful, the target player passes back to the same team who now attacks the opposite end.

Coaching Points• Your team needs possession to get progression• Encourage build-up play using moves learned in

the warm up• Be patient with your players, this is not an easy

exercise

www.worldclasscoaching.comFor more information on upcoming International Coaching Seminars

Diagram 19

Diagram 18

CT �000 Coaching Seminar 1� © WORLD CLASS COACHING

Build-Up Play For Crosses

Small-Sided GameIn the same 40 x 20-yard area, organize two teams of 10 players. One team plays with 10 players inside the area while the other team has five inside and five other players spaced on the perimeter. The objective of the game is to keep possession. The team with 10 players on the inside are limited to two-touch. The other team has unlimited touches for the inside players and the perimeter players are limited to one or two-touch. The teams change after every few minutes so each team takes turns having perimeter players.

Half-Field GameExtend the lines of the penalty area to the half-line as shown in diagram 21. Inside the marked area play eight attackers against five defenders. The objective is for the attacking team to play the ball into the wide channels to an overlapping player who attacks the end-line at full speed and crosses. Attacking players cannot stand in the wide channels waiting for a pass. They must enter once the pass has been made. Once the ball has been played wide, one defender and two attackers are allowed into the penalty area. If the defenders win possession they attempt to score in either of the two small goals (cones) on the half-line.

Coaching Points• Quality of passes and receiving touch• Speed of play and decision making• Perimeter players move to create angles and space

ProgressionTwo of the attackers have colored jerseys and are allowed unlimited touches. The other six attackers are limited to two-touch. Once the ball is passed into the wide channels, everyone can enter the penalty area.

Diagram �0

Diagram �1

CT �000 Coaching Seminar1�© WORLD CLASS COACHING

Developing Techniques - Youth Players

Small-Sided GameIn a 40 x 30-yard area, play 5 v 5 with a target man on each end line. Score by passing from your own half to a target player on the end-line.

Coaching Points• Only make the pass if it’s on, do not force the

long pass• Keep possession until the pass is on• Use the same turns and receiving techniques

practiced in the previous drills.

ProgressionPlay with man-for-man markers. The aim is to lose your marker. Give one point if the players can perform a receiving technique practiced in the earlier exercises.

David Williams conducted a session that included various exercises focusing on technique development for youth players. All the exercises can be used as warm-ups for just about any practice or they could be included as part of a typical training session to improve techniques.

Techniques• Receive with the inside of the foot and immediately

move away pushing the ball with the outside of the same foot.

• Receive using the same technique as above but this time use softer passes and sprint away for 5-10 yards after receiving the ball.

• Control with an open body position and move away.• Control with the outside of the foot and move away.• Firm passes, short and long, as required in a game

situation - receive using a variety of the previous techniques.

Passing and Receiving TechniquesOrganize two groups of three players in a 40 x 20-yard area with one ball per group. The players pass and move doing the following techniques. Each technique was done for two minutes. The size of the area can be altered depending on the number of players.

Coaching Points• The players without the ball make runs to create space before receiving the ball - the player with the ball must look

for these runs• Vary the runs - come short and spin to receive a long pass, go long and come short to receive a short pass, etc.• The passer and receiver must have a good understanding and good communication - the receiver goes to the ball

when the passer looks up• The third player must create an angle and space to receive a one-touch pass from the receiving player

Diagram ��

Diagram ��

CT �000 Coaching Seminar 1� © WORLD CLASS COACHING

This session on heading, conducted by Mick Hennigan, was extremely lively, fun and enjoyed immensely by the players. The session is suitable for any level of player.

Improving Confidence For Heading

Warm-UpOrganize the players in pairs, five yards apart. The player with the ball serves to his partner who heads the ball back. Then, instead of serving the ball, the player pulls the ball sharply to his head and heads the ball as hard as possible to his partner.

Warm-UpThis time the server backs up after each time he has served the ball and his partner heads the ball and follows him across the field. Then alternate with the header backing up and the server following.

JugglingPractice juggling variations such as heading the ball two or three times before heading back to your partner, heading the ball to your partner as high in the air as possible making it difficult for your partner to control with his head, etc.

Center Circle GameOne team is inside the center circle, the other team is on the perimeter. The team inside juggles the ball only using their heads. Once the ball hits the ground they change places with the perimeter team. Each team keeps count of how many headers they can do.

Coaching PointCall your name before you head the ball to avoid more than one player attempting to head the ball at the same time.

Diagram ��

Diagram �5

Diagram �6


Heading On GoalOrganize two groups of players outside the penalty area as shown in diagram 27. A server at each goal post serves the ball to the incoming players who try to head for goal past the goalkeeper. The ball must be headed while outside the six-yard box.

Coaching Points• Head with power - attack the ball• Head the ball straight, it’s easier then a ‘glancing’

header• Time your runs - arrive when the ball arrives• Don’t volley - always head it• Hit the target• The more heading you do, the more confident you

will become

Heading On GoalThe same organization as in diagram 27, except the servers are now in wide positions. As before, no goals can be scored from inside the six-yard box.

Defensive HeadingOrganize the players in groups on half a field as shown in diagram 29. Each group has a server on the half-line with a supply of balls. The other players in the group line up on the edge of the penalty area. The server plays a firm lofted pass for the player to head away as if he was defending his goal. Then the server passes for the next player in line.

Coaching Point• Attack the ball• Head the ball high and far

End practice with a game of throw-head-catch.

Improving Confidence For HeadingDiagram �7

Diagram �8

Diagram �9


In this session, David Williams showed a number of circle practices designed to develop quick play. There are literally hundreds of different variations of these circle practices and others that can be used as part of your training sessions.

Warm-UpOrganize the players in a 40-yard circle with four cones placed in the center as shown in diagram 30. Start with two balls. Dribble into the center square, dribble out and pass to another player, then take his place on the circle perimeter.

Add the following conditions:• Left/right foot only• Perform a turn in the center• Change of pace, go in slow, come out fast.• Change direction

Coaching Points• One-touch passes if possible• Always be ready ‘off’ the ball• Fill the gaps around the circle as the players move• Be aware of where the other balls are and don’t

dribble to that area• Try to increase the speed of drill• The ‘set up’ pass must be of good quality to allow

the next player to pass with one touch

This exercise helps the following:• Technical - pace and angle of pass• Fitness - sprinting, running• Mental - always thinking

Coaching Points• Don’t let gaps appear on the circle perimeter• Communicate, and move around the edge to fill any spaces• Start with two balls - add or take away balls as necessary

Give-and-GoIn this example, player A dribbles the ball into the center of the circle and passes to player B. Player B passes back with one touch to player A who then passes one touch to player C. Player C continues the drill by dribbling into the center of the circle. Again, start with two balls and adjust accordingly. This exercise helps build quick play around the goalbox.

ProgressionOnce the player has been through the center square, instead of passing the ball to another player, the receiving player ‘takes’ the ball in a take-over move.

Diagram �0

Diagram �1

Circle Practices


Third Player RunningThe same as the previous exercise, except this time after player B has made the return pass to player A, he moves into the center to receive the pass from player C. Player A moves into the spot vacated by player B.

Coaching Points• Timing is vital - don’t make your runs too early• The ball must keep moving• The third player must be aware of where he will receive

the pass

Center PlayerStart with a player who stays permanently in the center of the circle. Player A starts by passing to the center player, D. Player D plays a give-and-go with player A who then passes across the circle to player B. Player B continues the drill by passing to player D.

Coaching Point• The player in the center ‘runs’ the drill,

communication, speed, etc.

ProgressionAdd a second player in the center.

Two Center PlayersStart with two players in the center. Player A passes a firm pass to player B. Player B lays a pass into the path of player C. Player C passes across the circle to player D. Each player follows his pass.

Coaching Points• Players on the outside must always be ready• The central player ‘without’ the ball makes the

decision for his team mate as to where to pass the ball

Circle Practices

Diagram ��

Diagram ��

Diagram ��


Two Center PlayersIn this example, the players perform an “over”. Player A passes to player C who allows it to run through his legs or by the side of him to player B. Player B lays the ball off into space for player C who has spun round into the space. Player C passes across the circle to player D.

Coaching Points• Player B must be the one to shout “over” - this

communicates to player C to let the ball run by him• Player C must spin quickly to receive the ball

Small-Sided GameEnd practice with an 8 v 8 game and look to incorporate all the moves learned during the circle practices.

Circle Practices

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Diagram �5

Diagram �6


Attacking In WavesSammy Lee conducted this session which started with some fun warm-ups and progressed to various finishing exercises that included defenders as well as forwards shooting on goal. The final progression was a half-field game that included overlapping defenders pushing forward and overloading the attack.

Warm-UpOrganize the players in groups of three with cones 20 yards apart and a cone between them in the middle. Warm-up with variations of dribbling, juggling and passing between the cones. Stretch every few minutes.

Head And Volley To GoalOrganize the players as shown in diagram 38. Player 1 throws the ball up and heads it to player 2. Player 2 heads the ball for player 1 to run onto and head for goal. The players rotate each time - player 1 goes to player 2’s position and player 2 goes in goal. The player in goal joins the back of the line.

Coaching Points• Cannot score in the six-yard area• The quality of the set up header is vital

ProgressionStart from 25-30 yards from goal with volleys instead of headers

ShootingOrganize the players as shown in diagram 39. Player 1 passes in to player 2 who lays the ball off for player 3, then gets a return pass from player 3 and shoots to score.

Coaching Points• Shoot from outside the penalty area if possible• The quality of the pass is vital to a good shot

Diagram �7

Diagram �8

Diagram �9

CT �000 Coaching Seminar �0 © WORLD CLASS COACHING

Attacking In Waves

Half-Field CombinationsOrganize two strikers in a coned area just outside the penalty area. Mark another area with cones for four midfielders. Position two fullbacks in wide positions. The goalkeeper starts the exercise by kicking long into the square of four players. Once in possession the players attempt the same patterns and rotations as in the previous drills. In this example, the ball is played to the fullback who passes into a midfielder who has moved into a wide position, and makes an overlapping run, where he receives the ball to cross. The two strikers make runs into the penalty area.

Progression - “Over”In the example in diagram 41, the fullback passes to the wide midfielder who lets it run by him to the forward who gave the shout, “over”. The forward then plays the ball for the overlapping fullback.

Diagram �0

Diagram �1

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Zonal Defending

Back Four DefendersThis is a simple exercise that introduces “key” words to the defenders and the actions that go with them. The players are lined up as shown in diagram 42 with a goalkeeper behind them. No ball is used at this stage. To start with, the coach shouts the key words and the players respond accordingly. The players must move in a line and as a “unit”. They must be constantly watching the ball and glancing across the line of defenders to make sure they are not out of position. Do repetitions until the defenders are comfortable with the key words, their actions, and each other. Note that the goalkeeper should also move up and down the field in unison with the defenders.

Defenders and MidfieldersAdd four midfielders as shown in diagram 43 and do the same repetitions with the defenders calling out the key words.

Note: It is important to understand that the gap between the defenders and midfielders should not be too big or too small.

Mick Hennigan conducted this session designed to get the entire team familiar with their roles when the opposing team has possession. It also helps the back four and midfield four to become comfortable and confident with each other. Mick pointed out that these type of exercises could be done with youth players as well as professional players.

Key WordsDrop - when the opposition has the ball and is attacking with an advantage in numbers or space.Action - the defenders backpedal attempting to keep the players and the ball in front of them.

Hold - when the opposition has the ball, but it might be bogged down in a crowded midfield area with only a minor threat of attack.Action - the defenders “hold their line” with little movement backward or forward.

Up - when we have possession or have just won possession with the ball in midfield and are starting to attack.Action - the defenders start to push up, not too quick, but enough to force the opposition’s forwards to move with them.

Out - when we have won possession and have moved the ball quickly into the attacking half. For instance, a long defensive clearance to one of our forwards.Action - quickly sprint up the field trying to get ahead of any forwards in the opposing team.

ProgressionHave the players take turns calling out the key words.

Diagram ��

Diagram ��

CT �000 Coaching Seminar��© WORLD CLASS COACHING

Zonal Defending

Midfielder/Defender SpacingIn diagram 44 the space between the defenders and midfielders is too big. This will allow the opposing team a large area that they can exploit with players running onto “through” passes.

Midfielder/Defender SpacingIn diagram 45 the space between the defenders and midfielders is too small. This will allow the opposing team space in front of the midfielders and behind the defenders that they can exploit.

ForwardsAdd two forwards and do the same repetitions. Maintain the correct spacing between the defenders and midfielders. Also, keep the correct spacing between the forwards and midfielders. When the key word “out” is called, the forwards should make runs toward the corners as shown in diagram 46.

Diagram ��

Diagram �5

Diagram �6

CT �000 Coaching Seminar �� © WORLD CLASS COACHING

SlidingIntroduce three offensive players who pass the ball from one flank to the other. This introduces the defending team to “sliding” where they move over to the side of the field the ball has been passed to. The defending team doesn’t try to win possession of the ball, they just react and adjust their position depending on where the ball is.

Midfielder/Defender SpacingNow have six attacking players with a ball. The defending team cannot tackle but can intercept to win possession. The attacking team attempts to pull the defensive team out of position and make them lose their shape. If the defensive team wins possession they must try to get the ball to player A as quickly as possible. As soon as player A gets the ball, he passes back to the attacking team so the defensive team must re-organize quickly.

Zonal DefendingDiagram �7

Diagram �8

CT �000 Coaching Seminar�5© WORLD CLASS COACHING

Passing ProgressionsSammy Lee shared some exercises that are designed to improve the quality of passing, and the movement off the ball to find space to receive passes. The session starts with some warm-up drills progressing to unopposed pattern play and ends with a small-sided game.

Warm-UpOrganize the players in a 20 x 20-yard area as shown in diagram 49 with a player in the center and players lined up at each cone. Only one ball is used. Player A carries the ball in his hands and runs toward the center player, passing him the ball and then joining the back of the opposite line. Player B starts his run a little after player A started his run, therefore he arrives in the center just after the center player has received the ball. The center player passes the ball to player B who carries it and passes it to the first player in the opposite line, player C. Player C continues the drill by carrying the ball to the center and passing it to the center player who then passes to incoming player D.

ProgressionIn this progression the timing of the runs is even more critical. The center player doesn’t touch the ball. Player A carries the ball to the center. At the same time player B starts his run. Player A passes to player B then runs around the center player to receive the pass back from player B. Both players run to the opposite lines. Player A passes the ball to player D and the drill continues.

Pass and FollowIn the same 20 x 20-yard area, the players pass and follow their pass. The sequence is straight, diagonal, straight, etc. Start with two-touch and progress to one-touch.

Coaching Points• Quality of the pass and receiving touch• Use both feet• Don’t run across the area of the next pass• Don’t start running until you receive the ball

Diagram �9

Diagram 50

Diagram 51

CT �000 Coaching Seminar �6 © WORLD CLASS COACHING

Passing CombinationsThis exercise emphasizes passing, movement and player rotation. Organize the players on a half-field as shown in diagram 52. Player 1 starts by passing to player 2, player 2 to player 3 and so on. Player 7 turns and runs into the penalty area to receive the cross from player 8. When the ball reaches player 6 the next ball can be passed in. Each player follows his pass. Many different combinations can be practiced using this exercise.

Coaching Points• Two-touch• Play as quickly as possible but still maintain control

Throw/Volley/CatchSet up a 15 x 10-yard field with full-size goals and play 6 v 6 throw/volley/catch with no goalkeepers. Any player can attempt to stop a goal but cannot use his hands. Encourage the players to use their support players and think about creating angles and moving to receive the ball as they did in the earlier drills.

Coaching Points• All previous coaching points• Don’t throw long balls - build the play with passing

and moving

Passing Progressions

Throw/Volley/Head game in actionSammy Lee organizes the players for Throw/Volley/Head

Diagram 5�

Diagram 5�

Documents

Complete Details and Diagrams of the Seminar Sessionswcctrainingcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/ct-seminar-journal.pdf · Counter Attacking With Pace Full Field Game Mark two goals