Hope Powell Session Playing Out From The Back & Through The Thirds
Hope Powell Session Playing Out From The Back & Through The Thirds
Introduction The enclosed training exercises include those demonstrated by Hope Powell, the former England Women’s Manager and current manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies, in her session on Playing Out from the Back and Through the Thirds for the London Football Coaches Association. In these diagrams, the dotted arrow indicates a player movement, while the solid arrow indicates a movement of the ball. The diagrams included in this eBook are provided using the excellent Tactics Manager software by SoccerTutor.com.
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Patterns of Play
Patterns of Play Set-up: • Set-up shown is as per the demonstration with smaller team groups and pitch area. These can be adapted for larger numbers and pitch sizes, by dividing the area into thirds. • The blues here are playing Variation 1, the Reds Variation 2. Either variation can be played to the left rather than the right where appropriate.
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Variation 1: GK signal for CBs to go wide GK plays to one CB Other CB takes covering position One MF player takes wide position to receive from CB • CB plays to wide MF player • MF player passes to ST who shoots • Other MF player takes either covering position or can take second striker position for rebounds • • • •
Variation 2: GK signal for CBs to go wide GK plays to one CB Other CB takes covering position One MF player looks to receive on the long diagonal (switch play) • CB plays switch pass • MF passes inside to other MF who supplies ST • ST shoots • • • •
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Key Coaching Points: • GK signal for CBs to get wide • Receiving players with open body/on half-turn • Players receive ball on front foot to enable play forward • Off-the-ball decisions – other CB taking covering position, other MF either covering or supporting ST • MFs not on same line – angle to receive passes • Players giving team-mates space to play – don’t block passing channels • ST receiving and shooting accurately • Quality at all times and play at match tempo
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Live Opposition
Live Opposition Set-up: • Same area still split into thirds The below example shows the set-up with odd numbers, where a neutral player is added, playing for the team in possession. • Players must remain in their zones initially (so 2 v 1 in favour of defenders in end zones (plus GK), and 2 v 2 in midfield)
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Key Coaching Points: • Principles should be the same as in patterns of play – teams should look to play from the back and through the thirds • Width & depth • Receiving players with open body/on half-turn • Players receive ball on front foot to enable play forward • DF should cover if not receiving the ball • MFs should avoid being on same line • When ball played to ST, second MF should look to support follow-ups. • Intelligent movement to find space in forward areas. Play off the shoulder of defenders. Progressions: 1. Allow movement between zones – players should only move to the next zone after the ball has entered the zone. Players should also be aware of cover should they lose possession. 2. Remove zones completely.
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Introduction The enclosed training exercises include those demonstrated by Hope Powell, the former England Women’s Manager and current manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Ladies, in her session on Playing Out from the Back and Through the Thirds for the London Football Coaches Association. In these diagrams, the dotted arrow indicates a player movement, while the solid arrow indicates a movement of the ball. The diagrams included in this eBook are provided using the excellent Tactics Manager software by SoccerTutor.com.
2
Patterns of Play
Patterns of Play Set-up: • Set-up shown is as per the demonstration with smaller team groups and pitch area. These can be adapted for larger numbers and pitch sizes, by dividing the area into thirds. • The blues here are playing Variation 1, the Reds Variation 2. Either variation can be played to the left rather than the right where appropriate.
4
Variation 1: GK signal for CBs to go wide GK plays to one CB Other CB takes covering position One MF player takes wide position to receive from CB • CB plays to wide MF player • MF player passes to ST who shoots • Other MF player takes either covering position or can take second striker position for rebounds • • • •
Variation 2: GK signal for CBs to go wide GK plays to one CB Other CB takes covering position One MF player looks to receive on the long diagonal (switch play) • CB plays switch pass • MF passes inside to other MF who supplies ST • ST shoots • • • •
5
Key Coaching Points: • GK signal for CBs to get wide • Receiving players with open body/on half-turn • Players receive ball on front foot to enable play forward • Off-the-ball decisions – other CB taking covering position, other MF either covering or supporting ST • MFs not on same line – angle to receive passes • Players giving team-mates space to play – don’t block passing channels • ST receiving and shooting accurately • Quality at all times and play at match tempo
6
Live Opposition
Live Opposition Set-up: • Same area still split into thirds The below example shows the set-up with odd numbers, where a neutral player is added, playing for the team in possession. • Players must remain in their zones initially (so 2 v 1 in favour of defenders in end zones (plus GK), and 2 v 2 in midfield)
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Key Coaching Points: • Principles should be the same as in patterns of play – teams should look to play from the back and through the thirds • Width & depth • Receiving players with open body/on half-turn • Players receive ball on front foot to enable play forward • DF should cover if not receiving the ball • MFs should avoid being on same line • When ball played to ST, second MF should look to support follow-ups. • Intelligent movement to find space in forward areas. Play off the shoulder of defenders. Progressions: 1. Allow movement between zones – players should only move to the next zone after the ball has entered the zone. Players should also be aware of cover should they lose possession. 2. Remove zones completely.
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