THE FA

UEFA B
Technical
FA Learning
Wembley Stadium,
Guidelines
Wembley,
London HA9 0WS

Postal Address:
FA Learning
Wembley Stadium,
PO Box 1966,
London SW1P 9EQ

Telephone:
0870 850 0424

Email:
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Visit:
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Coaching

FA Learning Hotline: 0870 850 0424

1
5533/11
FA UEFA B LICENCE
Technical Guidelines
 Contents
Recommended student Playing out from the back - Phase 2 18 Key
coaching sessions 5 Principles of defending play 19 GK - Goalkeeper
Small-sided game  5
In a 7v7 or 8v8 small sided game  5 Pressing - Skill practice 20 MF - Midfielder
Sliding and screening 21
Phase of play 5 SSG - Small sided game
Attacking 5 Defending in wide areas:
Functional practice 22 CB - Centre back
Defending 5
Advanced technical practice 6 Defend deep to counter attack RW - Right wing
(S.S.G 8 vs. 8) 23 D - Defender
Wave practice 6
Function: Winger to receive and cross 24 RB - Right back
Functional practice 6 Crossing and finishing (Skill) 25
Let’s raise the standards in our game. Pattern drills 6 Attacking in wide areas (Squad) 26
FB - Full back
Coach a team 6 A - Attacker
Its time to recognise that coaches need the same training, Phase: Wingers when forced inside 27
support and qualifications as any other credible profession. Example coaching sessions Defending when outnumbered -
Launching in August 2011, The FA Licensed Coaches Club Principles of attacking play 7 Skill practice 28 Player movement without the ball
will help coaches to keep their knowledge up to date. Passing control 1 - Defending when outnumbered - Player running with the ball
You will get access to exclusive coaching insights, discounts Advanced technical practice 8 Squad practice 29
Ball movement
on courses and a whole lot more. Register your interest Passing and control 2 9 Defending when outnumbered
(Phase of play) 30
now by contacting FALicenceQuery@TheFA.com Wave: Passing and control on the move 10
Central midfield - Receive and distribute 31
Retain possession (Squad session)
passing, support, movement 11 Central midfield - Receive and distribute
(Skill practice) 32
Passing and receiving priorities
(S.S.G. 8 vs. 8) 12 Central midfield play - (S.S.G 8 vs. 8) 33
1. Receiving skills and protecting Advanced technical practice:
the ball 13 Forwards movement and finishing 34
2. Receiving skills and protecting Strikers movement/finishing
the ball 14 (Individual combined movement) -
Squad 35
Running with the ball skill practice 15
Skill practice: Counter attacking -
Running with the ball - Squad practice 16 Winning the ball back 36
Playing out from the back - Phase 1 17 Counter - Attack - Phase of play 37
11 vs. 11 38

For more information call

0870 850 0424
or visit
TheFA.com/
LicensedCoachesClub

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Technical Guidelines 3
Recommended student coaching sessions
Small-sided games Phase of play Coach: - Defending Advanced technical practice Functional practice Pattern drills
In a 7 v 7 or 8 v 8 small sided game. Coach: - Attacking - a team to defend early on losing Coach: - Coach: - Coach a team: -
Coach: - - a team to play from the back, from a possession of the ball. - a central midfield player to distribute the - a full-back to defend in wide positions in - to build attacks from a
- a team when and when not to pass the goalkeeper’s possession. - a team to defend in its own half of ball over long distances. the defending half of the field. goalkeepers possession.
ball forward. - a team to attack quickly on the field. - a central midfield player to pass off his - a full-back to receive and cross the ball in - to improve understanding of combined
- a team to improve its understanding of gaining possession. - a team to defend from crosses. front foot over a variety of distances. the attacking half of the field. movement in flank positions.
support play and movement. - support play and movement in the - a full back to control and pass the ball in
- a team to defend when outnumbered in - a centre-back to defend against strikers - to improve understanding of central
- a team to establish width to attack from attacking half of the field. the defending half of the field. the air.
who receive the ball to feet and lay the movement in build up play.
the flanks. - a team to attack down the flanks. - a full back to cross the ball “off the run”.
- a team to defend against ball off to other players before moving to
- a team when to use individual and - to develop build up play through
- full backs and wingers to attack down counter attacks. - a central back to receive from a to a goal scoring position.
combined clever play when attacking. central strikers.
the flanks. - a team how to mark, cover and press goalkeepers throw and run with the ball. - two centre-backs to defend against two
- a team to attack quickly on gaining - to develop central midfield players ability
- a team to attack using wall-passes and when defending. - a winger to control and combine his play strikers who display clever movement.
possession of the ball. to break forward beyond
combination play in the attacking half of - a goalkeeper and back 4 to defend with others to produce a cross.
the field. - a winger to attack and dribble past a full- forward players.
- a team to use combination play (wall- from crosses. - a winger to drive infield with the ball
passes, overlaps etc.) when attacking. back to produce crosses.
- a team to ‘change the play / switch the and shoot. - to develop understanding of
- a team to ‘show’ opponents infield when - a winger to position themselves to interchanges of play between forward
- a team to improve its passing choices play’ to advantage. defending on the flanks. - a striker to control and turn to strike receive the ball in a flank position. and midfield players.
and deliveries when attacking. - a team to produce and score at goal.
- a team to press whenever appropriate in
- a team to spread out and utilise space from crosses. - a winger to attack a full-back on gaining - to use full-backs and central defenders
the defending half of the field. - a striker to combine play with others to
when attacking. possession of the ball. when attacking.
- a team to use long passes produce a strike at goal.
- a team when to risk and when to retain when attacking. - a striker to play against a tight-marking - to attack down the flanks and
- a striker to move into goal scoring
possession of the ball. - clever movement from attacking players positions and strike at goal from crosses. centre-back. produce crosses.
- a team when and when not to play in the attacking half of the field. - a striker to move into goal-scoring
quickly when in possession of the ball. - a team to attack centrally and quickly on positions when the ball is being crossed. Coach: -
Wave practice
- a team to retain possession in gaining possession of the ball. Coach: - - wingers and full-backs to combine their
- a midfield player to move into a goal
a congested area and attack - crossing and finishing. play in flank positions.
- midfield players to move into goal- scoring position in the penalty box.
when appropriate. scoring positions. - passing and movement. - midfield players to break forward into
- a team to defend early - a midfield player to use wall-passes in
- strikers when and how to combine their goal-scoring positions when the ball is in
when appropriate. - combination play to produce strikes at order to move into goal-scoring positions
play to create scoring opportunities. flank positions.
goal from strikers. around the penalty box.
- a team to defend against - defenders to move forward and join in - strikers to interchange positions with
counter-attacks. - overlapping play to produce crosses. - two midfield players to combine their
attacking play. other attacking players to produce
- “switching the play”. play to create space to shoot at goal.
- a team to show opponents ‘in-field’ when - a team to attack quickly from a strikes at goal.
they have possession. goalkeepers possession. - quick forward passing and movement. - a midfield player to run with the ball and
- overlapping play in flank and
- a team to pass, mark and cover create a goal-scoring opportunity for
- a team when and when not to - goal scoring from low crosses. central areas.
as appropriate. himself or others.
attack quickly. - passing and controlling the ball at speed. - combination play in central
- a team to be compact when defending. - a striker to play with his back to goal in
attacking areas.
- forward runs into goal-scoring positions. and around the penalty area.
- a team to defend against combination
- wall-passes and movement at speed. - crossing and finishing.
play in the defending half of the field. - two strikers to combine their play to
- a team to ‘man - mark’ opponents. create a goal-scoring opportunity. - movement in wide areas to
produce crosses.
- a team to defend against opponents’ - two midfield players how to defend
movement in the defending half of against opponents who use clever - central attacking movement to produce
the field. movement and interplay around the strikes at goal.
penalty box.
- a team to prevent opponents playing
through midfield when in possession of
the ball.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 5
 Passing and control 1 -
Principles of attacking play Advanced technical practice
Front
65 yds 10 yds 10 yds

12 yds
45 yds
GK GK

Back

10 yds

30 yds

12 yds
Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• 8 v 8 – different or similar team organisation, including GK’s. Team in Possession • Adjacent areas of 10 yds x 12 yds maximum. • Q
 uality of diagonal and vertical passes – speed,
accuracy, trajectory.
• Area of 65 x 45 yards wide (adjustable according to needs). • “Dispersal” (spreading out – creating space). • 4 players for each area, 1 on each corner.
• Quality of receiving touch.
• Coach one team, one theme. • “Support Play and Movement” to create passing options. • Pass forward on angles only from back to front.
• Encouragement of variety of passing and receiving surfaces.
• Footballs around the pitch and to side of goals. • “ Penetration” as a principle and priority where possible, • O
 n receiving a diagonal back pass – change the play to
but with accuracy. other area. • R
 ecognising when to change the angle of 1st touch and direction
• Normal rules of the game apply.
of pass.
• Width – distance between opponents and self. • P
 layers can interchange from side to side or front to back
• Offside rule applies – according to coach’s wishes.
relevant to and concurrent with appropriate movements of • Timing of movement by “end” players to receive the ball.
• Individuals and Combined Creativity (Improvisation).
the ball.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 7
Passing and control 2 Wave: Passing and control on the move
15yds
B MF Zone A

Team 2

Team 3
25 - 35 yds
GK GK
GK

40 - 60 yds
10 - 15 yds

Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation 3. Mannequins as static interference.

• Team 1 starts in the MF zone. 4. Progress to a number of defenders e.g. 2, 3, 4.

• Full width, ½ way + 15yds to line. • Distances and angles of support from player in possession.
• 1 player drops into end zone A to receive from GK. Key coaching factors
• GK, back 4, midfield 2. • A
 wareness of positions of other players ahead and around
ball holder. • All players must touch ball before a shot at goal. • A
 wareness of own receiving situation and location of other
• Work to line, return to GK to serve.
• Quality of delivery of passes: • Work various passing/movement patterns. support players.
• Drop in and receive from the GK.
• Repeat from opposite end with team 2 etc. • Quality of first touch:
- Varied distances.
• Repeat. - To control.
- Varied skills. • O
 ffside lines applicable even without opposition ie player
• M
 annequins may be used to challenge techincal competence cannot be in the end zone in advance of the ball and receive - To release the pass.
and decision-making. - Accuracy, speed, trajectory. a forward pass.
• Speed – accuracy of passes:
• Support role after release of passes. • Attack alternate ends.
- 1 touch, 2 touches etc.
• Progress the play with accuracy, speed and passes to space. • I ncrease complexity of passing and receiving on the move by
adding conditions e.g. - Which player?
1. Time to complete. - Where: feet and space?
2. Number of touches on the ball. • Support and movement after releasing the pass.
• Passing in stride.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 9
Retain possession (Squad session)
passing, support, movement Passing and receiving priorities (S.S.G 8 vs. 8)

70 yds

50 yds
GK 1 GK 2
50yds

GK 1 GK 2

70 yds

Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation • Observation – pass options – forward, sideways, back?
• Quality of pass – weight, accuracy, feet/space?
• Area of 70yds x 50yds. • Positioning to receive: • Area of 70yds x 50yds.
• Movement to receive the ball – where, when?
• Footballs around pitch and beside the goal. - Support. • Two teams of 8v8 including the GKs.
• T
 ouch on the ball – take on the move, stand still,
• Begin the session with GK 1. - Movement. • Starting Positions: forward movement?
• All the players in one half of the pitch - 8 red v 6 blue. • Awareness, decision-making on receiving ball. - Free play. • Support for the player receiving the ball – where, when?
- Overhead pass from opposition into GK/Defender. • Options for the player with the ball – turn, dribble, shoot?
• A
 dvance into the other half of the pitch through • Receiving skills: D D D D! Decision, direction, distance, disguise.
retaining possession. - Interception. • Compactness – players stay in touch, GK position?
• Passing – decision, delivery: who, where, when, how, why.
• A
 ll players transfer into the empty half of the pitch initiated • Two teams of equal number – different formations? • Support and movement positions.
• Support for receiver.
through attacking teams’ forward runs/pass. • Footballs distributed around pitch and beside goal.
• Movement, interchanges to create pass outlets. • Awareness and action selection – how?
• Pass to the hands of GK 2 to finish the attack. • Offside does apply according to the coach’s wish. • Receiving skills – decision, disguise, direction, distance.
• Repeat in the other direction to GK 1.
• Pass selection – who, where, when, how, why?
Key coaching factors

Dispersal on regaining possession

• Good first touch – how, where, why?

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 11
1. Receiving skills and protecting the ball 2. Receiving skills and protecting the ball
Key coaching factors
40 yds
• Man-marking distances and responsibilities.
50 yds GK
• Sweeper role and positioning.

Receiving Skills

a. Positioning to receive the ball.

b. Awareness of position of marker.
c. Assessment of incoming pass.
d. Decision on controlling touch:
- Touch into space.

40 yds

50 yds
T T - Touch ball away from opponent.
- Secure possession by “screening” the ball – interposing the
body between opponent and the ball.
- Turning with ball etc.
• Protecting the Ball.
a. Awareness of opponent’s position.
b. Balance and body strength.
c. Escaping the tight-marking.
GK

Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation

• Teams of 6v6/7v7 and 2 neutral players. • Positioning to receive a pass. • Pitch of 50 yds x 40 yds.
• Area of 50 x 40 yards. • Awareness of circumstances before and on arrival of the pass. • G
 ame of 7 vs. 7. Each team plays with a GK and a “sweeper”
type player.
• Suppply of football around the pitch. • Body and feet position for ease of control – early or late!
• “ Sweeper” has a maximum of 3 touches in each possession
• 2
 target players at each end with a maximum of 3 touches • Decision-making on receiving the pass.
(sweeper’s possession).
per possession.
• Quality and requirements of first controlling touch.
• Teams mark man-for-man during free play.
• T
 eam in possession include 2 neutral players in attempting to
• Action after the controlling touch.
pass the ball to a target player behind the end line. • Each team plays to score.
• I f successful, target player returns the ball to the same team to
attack in the other direction.
• O
 n gaining possession from the opponent, a team can pass to
any target before then attacking in the other direction.
• Throw-ins taken for ball leaving the pitch.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 13
Running with the ball skill practice Running with the ball - Squad practice
Key coaching factors

10 yds 10 yds 10 yds • Support positions to receive.

50 yds
• Awareness of space available.
• Quality of first touch on ball in order to run decisively.
• Strength of touch into space. Head up as carrying the ball.
• Timing and accuracy of release of passes.
10 yds

Practice organisation 2

• Area of 50 yards (20, 10, 20 wide zones) x 15 yards.

3v1 2v1 • 4 v 2 – 1 v 1 – 3 v 2 practice.

44 yds
20 yds 10 yds 20 yds Also: GK GK
• As for 3 vs. 1 practice:
• On approaching centre grid.
- DECISION:
• Continue to run with ball.
15 yds

• Combine play with X.

• Release X to carry ball into end grid and supply.
• X (on end line) with balls.

4v2 1v1 3v2 Key coaching factors

• On approaching centre zone.

- Decision:
Practice organisation 1 Practice organisation Key coaching factors
• Continue to run with the ball.
• Area of 30 yards (3 x 10 yards) x 10 yards. • C
 ombine play with the attacker marked by a defender • Area of 50 yards x 44 yards. • Recognise the opportunity to run with the ball.
• 3 attackers in one area play 3 v 1 against a defender. in the centre zone. • Footballs around pitch and beside the goal. • Quality of the first touch when moving onto or with the ball.
• R
 elease attacker to carry the ball into the end zone and supply
• W
 hen appropriate, one attacker runs with the ball into the an attacker on the end line with a pass. • T
 wo teams of 5 players in the defending half and 3 players in the • Quality of the touches when running with the ball.
middle zone and: attacking half.
• Observation of play ahead when running with the ball.
1. Release a pass to one of the other attackers and follow the pass • 1
 of the 5 players at appropriate time runs with the ball into
• D
 ecision-making and quality of action on releasing or striking
to make 3 v 1. opposition half.
the ball at goal.
2. C
 ontinue to run with the ball from the centre zone and release to • 1
 of the other 5 players may also move forward to join the attack
one of the other 2 attackers, to make 3 v 1. to produce a strike on goal – i.e. 5v5.
• Repeat in the other direction. • O
 n taking possession, the defending team can now counter-
attack, possibly by running the ball.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 15
Playing out from the back - Phase 1 Playing out from the back - Phase 2

GK GK

Practice organisation Key coaching factors Technical - Tactical detail

• 2 thirds of the pitch. • Dispersal of team – who, where, why, how when? • Fullbacks pull wide/stand still?
• 10 attackers, including goalkeepers, and 8 defenders. • GK – decision, delivery, support. • CB’s move to the edge of the penalty area and split.
• GK – 4 – 4 – 1 v 2–3–3. • R
 eceiver – awareness, decision (release, retain, run), • GK delivers the ball to the best option.
1st touch.
• Attacking team attempt to score through either of the small • Full backs advance forward – how far?
goals on the edge of the attacking third. • Movement (if needed) to create attacking outlets:
• MF – one short/long, 2 wide?
- pass receiver.
• Wide MF – push high.
- pass rates.
• Striker – high starting position – why?
• Developments – change play, across back, across midfield.
• Support and security as team advances play.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 17
 Full width of pitch

Principles of defending play Pressing - Skill practice

65 yds

5 yds 5 yds

5 yds

5 yds
5 yds T1 T2

45 yds
GK GK

Practice organisation CONCENTRATION – (Compactness) Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• Distances – between players, units, from goal, from ball.
• 7 vs. 7 (inc GK). • Area as appropriate. • Start positions.
• Relationships – angles, cover etc.
• 65 yards x 45 yards. • 2
 x target players in target areas. 5 yards in from end line to box • Travelling/speed, angles, distances.
• Movement – as a defending team. (5 yards x 5 yards).
• Footballs around pitch and beside the goal. • Prevent forward passing opportunities.
DEPTH • T
 eams play 1 direction only. On reaching T1, they then defend as
• Coach one team – 1 theme. • Control and restraint when pressing.
• Protecting the space behind the back line – how? other team attacks other target player.
• Offside rule applies according to coaches wishes.
• Distance from goal, of back line. 10
• T1 rolls to other team who try to pass to T2.
• Angles/distances of support. 10
Key coaching factors BALANCE yds
• Opposition try to press ball and prevent forward
• Appropriate compactness between individuals/units/team.
yds
passing opportunities. • Receiving as appropriate.
• Supporting.
DELAY
• D
 efensive symmetry – marking opponents, marking/occupying
• Pressure on the ball – why, when, where, how? significant spaces at right time.
• Giving ground – why, when, where, how? CONTROL/RESTRAINT
• Pressure, cover, marking. • P
 ersonal defensive discipline – decision-making, defensive
actions, control of thoughts and actions.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 19
Sliding and screening Defending in wide areas: Functional practice

70 yds
60 yds

40 yds
50 yds
GK GK
GK

Practice organisation CONCEDING POSSESSION Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• When? Why?
• 8 vs. 8 games (including GKs). Starting Positions: • Pressing the ball -
• Recovery to defensive organisation.
• Area of 70 x 50 yards. - Reds have the ball. - When? Why? How?
• One team – one theme. DEEPER DEFENDING - Red play forward – intercepted by blues. • Supporting the press -
• Offside rules apply. • 1st defending line. - Lose possession/free play. Blues attempt to score past GK. - Marking spaces.
• Footballs around pitch and beside the goals. • Team movement in response to opponent’s ball movement. • Area of 40 x 60 yards as illustrated. - Marking opponents.

• Distances and relationships between defenders. • GK – 3 – 3 – 1 vs. 2 – 3 – 2. - Who? How?

Key coaching factors
• Reading opponents intentions. • Defend on the half way line. • Tracking and marking opponents.
PRESSING THE BALL • Preventing penetrative passes when unable to press the ball. • Defend in final 1/3. • Defending responsibilities in/around the penalty box.
• When? Why? How? • Directing opponents play into chosen areas. • R
 eds on regaining possession - deliver ball into goal behind end
line (as illustrated).
• Securing the space behind and ahead of the back line.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 21
 Defend deep to counter attack (S.S.G 8 vs. 8) Function: Winger to receive and cross

TARGET AREA
50 yds
GK GK
GK GK MF 2

40 yds
MF 1

RW

70 yds 15 yds

Practice organisation • Secure space behind back line. Practice organisation Key coaching factors
• Pressure applied – Where? When? How?
Starting Positions: • 7 attackers vs. 8 defenders (inc. GK). Winger
- Regain possession from:
1. GK possession. • Length – half way + 15 yards. - width 40 yds approx. • Movements to receive as required.
- pressing.
2. Interception from defenders. • T
 arget area for defenders to attack – score with ball under • Selection and quality of pass to the winger/wide forward.
- challenging. control in area.
3. Free play. • Receiving skills.
- intercepting. • Normal offside rules apply.
• Area of 70 x 50 yards. • Eliminate defenders – alone or in combined play.
• Early and quick attacking from: Regain of possession by: – • S tart with MF1 who runs the ball across pitch towards MF2 –
• GK – 3 – 3 – 1 vs. GK – 2 – 3 – 2. • Cross selection/execution.
cross over and switch to RW.
- early pass release.
• Movements to attack cross/support play/secure.
Or
Key coaching factors - running with the ball.
• W
 ork situations for flow of game – overload,
- presence of support ahead/around ball.
• Recover possession early if possible. clever/combination play.
If not then drop deeper. • Strike at goal from the counter attack.
• 1st defending line – where? • Security as counter attack takes place.

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Technical Guidelines 23
Crossing and finishing (Skill) Attacking in wide areas (Squad)
• Red 2 continues into penalty box after releasing red 1. • 2 goalkeepers.
• r
 ed 3/red 4 make forward runs into goal scoring areas and attack • G
 K supplies MF (unopposed) to start practice. MF feeds ball to
the crosses from the flank players red 1/red 2. GK any neutral wide player.
• D
 2 attempt to defend the cross and prevent it reaching - D’s react to service to wide player. Wide player produces
red 3/red 4. crosses from crossing channel.
GK
• Blue can now attack in other direction. • 1
 MF along with two attackers attacks the cross into
goal-scoring areas.
Key coaching factors
Key coaching factors
• Overlap/under lap – how?
• Wide players:
• Releasing the overlapping player – how, where?
50 yds

- available to receive passes.

• Crossing the ball from distance –

60 yds
D D
D M M D
- aware of reactions of defender in channel.
- observe the penalty box situation.
M M
- overlap/under lap/wall passes to produce
- decide an area to cross and type of cross.
crossing opportunities.
- avoid GK and defender.
• Delivery of the cross:
• LATER – over lapper attack infield with ball and cross.
- observe circumstance in scoring areas.
GK • Goal scoring –
- choice of delivery for cross.
- observe the situation on the ball.
- delivery quality.
- identify spaces in box to attack.
• cross early – how, where?
50 yds - timing and type of runs to move to the ball. GK
• cross later – how, where?
- decision-making on skill to score. 10 yds 10 yds
50 yds
- quality of contact (technique).
Developments:
- Wide player may attack infield with the ball to produce shorter
Practice organisation Practice organisation distance crosses and passes/strikes at goal.
- Far side red moves into goal-scoring areas.
• Area 50 yards long x 50 yards wide. • Area 60 yards long x 50 yards wide.
• Footballs at starting point of the practice, with red 1 and blue 1. • Crossing channel – 60 yards x 10 yards.
• 2 GK’s, 4 defenders, outfield players. • 22 players.
• A crossing channel (early part of practice). • 4 pairs of attackers/defenders.
• Defenders start 20 yards from goal. • 4 neutral wide players.
• R
 ed 1 pass forward and diagonally to red 2 and over/under lap. • 4 midfield players (2 for each team).
red 2 attack the defender with the ball and either feed red 1 on
• 2
 defenders (are in each channel) and 2 resting defenders
the overlap to cross OR eliminate the defender and feed red 1 on
(change after 90 seconds work).
an overlap to cross.

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Technical Guidelines 25
Phase: Wingers when forced inside Defending when outnumbered - Skill practice
• P
 layers in possession can only pass (below head height) through
front of box or run ball into box.
• I f recovering players gain possession: they pass to either of their
target players located in boxes to conclude practice.

[ • P
 ractice recommences with players from circle and boxes
alternating position and changing point of attack from circle.
T1 Detail
• D presses ball, deflecting play away from supporting A – when?
• B
 ody shape of D: low stance, split feet, changing feet as
appropriate, shoulders forward.

GK
[ T2
• Staying inside line of ball and goal.
• A
 ttempt to tackle off front foot and remain on balance, if
not successful.
• S imple progression for this practice is: A’s have to score within a
time frame (e.g 6 seconds).

[ Key Coaching Factors.

T3 • Q
 uick realisation and reaction to movement of players from
centre circle.
• I nitial D engages attack early without becoming isolated too far
from defensive box.
• D
 denies space, delays progress, deflects ball to defend target
box whilst recovering D makes ground.
• Recovering D engages ball if possible on his recovery run.
• Once recovery is complete: defend with two as required.
Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation

• Full width, ½ way + 10 yards. • Movement to receive and receiving skills. • Full pitch with boxes marked by cones set-out as illustrated.
• Defenders score by taking ball under control through T1 - T2 - T3. • Carrying and protecting the ball. • 8
 players, arranged 2Reds and 2Blues in centre circle, plus 2Reds
and 2Blues who serve as target players, one in each of the 4
• 8 attackers and 9 defenders (inc GK). • Release – shooting/passing.
boxes, as shown. 1 ball.
• Normal offside rules apply. • Movement in advance of the ball to clear space/link play.
• Practice starts with: 4 players in centre circle passing randomly.
• Start MF, pass to RB then RB passes to RW. • Movement behind to support/secure play.
• E
 ither Reds or Blues initiate attack with one player breaking
• Ensure realistic start positions in relation to ball. from circle supported by team mate, looking to gain entry to the
target box.
• All react realistically.
• O
 pposing player in circle, closest to box being attacked; drops off
• Work both sides through free play when possible.
to defend against counter (1 vs. 2).
• Defending team ‘show infield’ – how?
• D
 efender delays attack whilst team mate from circle recovers
from behind ball (to make 2 vs. 2).

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Defending when outnumbered - Squad practice Defending when outnumbered (Phase of play)
• 3 vs. 3 in attacking area.
• O
 n gaining possession – defending team attacks their opponents
who are allowed to defend with 2FB’s and 2MF’s v 3 counter
attacking D’s, creating 4 vs. 3 initially, leading to 5 vs. 4 with MF
players from both teams joining in.
GK
• Offside rules apply.
• Practice recommences with original set-up from GK.
Detail 20 yds T
• G
 ood concentration and communication of GK and FB’s when
attacking team is in possession: anticipating/assuming
turn over. 4
• D
 ’s deny opportunities behind defence through early pressing 10 yds
and D’s positioning on half turn. GK
• Show good judgement on when to leave marker and press ball.
• Simple progression for this practice is:
- Initially: one forward is active to press first ball out
from back.
3 20 yds T
7
20 yds

Key coaching factor

2
GK • Attackers try to win ball early.
• Defenders delay progress of opponents and remain narrow.
• M
 F player tracks attacker’s runs, looking to get goal-side of ball
and player.
• Forcing play away from goal as a unit.

Practice organisation • G
 K supports defenders from behind with good position Practice organisation Key coaching factors
and communication.
• F ull pitch marked with cones (penalty area to penalty area) • D
 efending team try to remain as compact as possible to • Area – 2/3 pitch and full width. • Early decision:
including a 20 yard channel marked across pitch and goals at defend goal. • 8 red’s and 1 GK vs 7 blues’s. - Delay the attack early through pressure.
each end, set out as illustrated.
• O
 n regaining possession: defenders make early pass from back • R
 ed 4 MF attempts a cross field pass to overlapping red 2 Or
• 17 players (inc 2 GK’s), 1 ball. into MF and forwards, whilst pushing-up from back marking and with red 7 having moved infield to vacate the space.
assessing opponent’s recovery. - Recover and regroup to a ‘later’ defending position.
• P
 ractice starts with FB dropping to receive the ball from GK on
• FB blue 3 intercepts the intended pass ahead of red 7.
the edge of the penalty area, as shown. • Recovery runs to?
• Blue’s attempt to score.
• FB’s are initially unopposed and feed ball to MF. • Deflect the attack to?
• R
 ed’s recover, regain possession and attempt to pass to target
• M
 F’s play 2 touch and feed into A’s who play with any number • Delay the speed of the attack – how?
in the boxes who will within 2 touches pass to blue’s to attack
of touches.
quickly if possible. • When to engage the player in possession of the ball.
• P
 ositioning and responsibilities of back players and recovering
defenders as the attack is delayed.
• Regain possession and attack as appropriate.

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 Central midfield - Receive and distribute
Central midfield - Receive and distribute (Skill practice)
60 yds 15 yds 15 yds 15 yds

4 3

O
2

40 yds

12 yds
1

1 2

Practice organisation Development 3 Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• Include a defender in the central areas to oppose X and O on
• Area of 60 x 40 yards. • Area of 45 x 12 yards wide (as shown). • Support and movement to receive the ball.
gaining possession.
• 4 servers and 2 MF players. • 3
 attacker’s v 1 defender in one zone. 1 defender in mid-zone, • Q
 uality of 1st touch in order to set the ball up to deliver over
3 attacker’s at opposite end with one mobile along the some 45 yards.
• S1 feeds X to turn and distribute initially to find S3 or then S4. Key coaching factors
end line.
• Range and deliver the long pass with accuracy.
• Repeat using O working with S1 and S2 to pass.
• Positioning to receive at angle. • P
 lay 3 vs. 1 until one of the attackers (MF) recognises and takes
• Quality of the delivery –
Development 1 the opportunity to deliver a long pass to X, who is mobile along
• “Know” circumstance before/as receive.
end line. - accuracy, applied spin if necessary.
• R
 eceiver combines play with other MF players (eg X with O)
• Turn on receiving the ball (variety of turns).
and distribute the ball to S players who change places. • B
 oth defenders change roles with red 2 now pressuring the three • E
 mployment of both feet and different surfaces of the foot to
• Quality of turning touch. attackers and red 1 occupying the mid-zone. produce different deliveries.
Development 2
• Distribution quality:
• O
 and X change places up and down to receive possession
from S players. - over varying distances and angles.
• Passes to feet or space ahead of receivers.

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Technical Guidelines 31
 Advanced technical practice:
Central midfield play - (S.S.G 8 vs. 8) Forwards movement and finishing
70 yds

12-15 yds

12-15 yds
S1

7-8 yds
50 yds
GK GK
GK

Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• Area of 70 yards long by 50 yards wide. • P

 ositioning and/or movement to receive the ball and • Supply of balls at S1. Strikers
body position.
• GK – 3 – 3 – 1. • Cones/mannequins for reference points. • Recognising possible pass routes from servers.
• Awareness on receiving passes.
• GK – 2 – 3 – 2. • Work formal patterns initially – into free movements. • ‘Knowing’ distance and angles
• Possession priorities –
• 1 Ball. from mannequins.
- turn. Detail
• T
 iming of movement to position to receive passes
- secure ball. • W
 ork with one striker to initiate movements based on transfer
from servers.
of the ball. Work to receive behind, inside, in front of defender
- supply others. (mannequin). Repeat from both sides. • Observation of GK positioning.
- run with ball.
• W
 ork with 2 strikers to combine movements based on transfer • Appropriate striking skill.
- combination. of the ball. Work to play to furthest striker, nearest striker to
• As above and possible combination plays between strikers.
• Support and interchanges of possession around/ahead of ball. combine, nearest striker to set back etc.
• Playing out of middle areas. • B
 all can be played in from wider servers or central server based
on demand and movement patterns required.
• Support and security from back play.
• Gradual introduction of defenders.

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Technical Guidelines 33
Strikers movement/finishing Skill practice: Counter attacking -
(Individual combined movement) - Squad Winning the ball back
70 yds

25 yds
50 yds
GK GK

30 yds

Practice organisation Key coaching factors Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• Penalty box to penalty box on a full size pitch. • Quality of passing and receiving skills on developing the play. • Area of 30 yards x 25 yards. Defenders
• 70 x 50 yards. • Timing of movement by strikers. • I nside area 4 vs. 2. On outside 4 support players who play with 2 Decision making:
when they are in possession (creating 6 vs. 4). 1. press ball, or
• Awareness on receiving possession.
• 2
 + 4 seek to retain possession (conditions may be imposed on 4 2. patience as a unit to manoeuvre ball into favourable
• Individual skills of turning, passing to others, holding the ball.
outside players if required). defending area.
• Combination play between two strikers.
• 4
 inside grid look to regain possession and release player through • Press and support the press.
• Goal scoring – decisions and execution of skills. any target gate within specified time limit (eg: 4 seconds).
1. preventing certain passes.
• Key focus for 4 inside grid:
2. challenging, pressing opponents.
- Efficient and effective collective pressure on the ball.
On regain of possession:
- Preparatory release of 1 player in anticipation of
regaining possession. 1. early decision to counter-attack; where, how?
2. support for counter attack.
- Exploiting turnover quickly with efficient movement of ball and
players as appropriate. 3. change of direction if necessary.

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Technical Guidelines
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Technical Guidelines 35
Counter-attack - Phase of play 11 vs. 11
THEORY
• Why is 11 vs. 11 necessary?
• Purpose of 11 vs. 11 coaching?
• H
 ow to consider 11 vs. 11 sessions? –
Methodology.
10 yds • Stages of conducting 11 vs. 11 sessions
20 yds

PRACTICE
• Organisation and explanation of team
system, tactics and player roles?
8 • I nformation on rules, circumstances
in practice (eg. opponent tactics/
style of play).
GK • Purpose of session being conducted?
4 • Observation position of coach?
4
• Observation factors?
10 yds
• Intervention skills?
• Communication skills?
20 yds

• P
 rogress of the practice – logical,
explained to students etc.

Clarity in understanding of: - process,

content and outcome (achieving what
you want).

Practice organisation Key coaching factors

• 9 blues (inc GK) vs. 8 reds. • R

 ecognise the possibility of a counter-attack on moving to
intercept passes.
• T
 wo target players in boxes for blues to find when in possession,
• Start any counter-attack with an early decision to do so AND:
and to then within 2 touches, pass to any red to initiate an early
and possible counter-attack situation. • Pass early and quickly to a player ahead of the ball.
• Blue 4 passes to blue 8 and moves forward for the return pass. • Run with the ball.
• R
 ed 4 intercepts the intended pass to blue 8 from blue 4 and • Quality of the first touch to pass or to run with the ball.
initiates a counter-attack.
Players ahead of and around the ball make:
• Outlets to receive possession.
• Runs to support the counter-attack.
• C
 ontinue the counter-attack to its conclusion or build if
opponents recover quickly and prevent the early penetration.

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Technical Guidelines
FA UEFA B LICENCE
Technical Guidelines 37
Notes

Q: What are the signs of a

good youth football coach?
Motivated players
A team that enjoys playing
more than winning
Players with self-esteem

All of the
above and more
A good coach knows what’s really
important in youth football. The
groundbreaking new FA Youth Coaching
Award will help you to really understand
and develop your young players.

Contact your County FA for full details.

38 FA UEFA B LICENCE TheFA.com/YouthCoaching

Technical Guidelines