Soccer Science
664 Pages
Through the years a wealth of information has been accumulated in soccer. Experiential and science-based knowledge abounds in the sport. Yet the scientific information has not been sufficiently disseminated to those who would benefit most from it.
Soccer Science fills the void with the best and most up-to-date research in the sport. With editor Tony Strudwick and a who’s-who list of international experts on the sport, Soccer Science offers you an unprecedented wealth of advanced yet accessible information on biomechanics, physiology, psychology, skill acquisition and coaching, tactical approaches and performance and match analysis. It is simply the most significant and comprehensive published work on the sport.
Part I. Foundations of Soccer Science
Chapter 1. Evolution of Soccer Science (Neil Carter)
Chapter 2. National and Cultural Influences (Craig Duncan and Tony Strudwick)
Part II. Talent Identification and Player Development
Chapter 3. Practical Aspects of Player Selection and Development (Iñigo Mujika and Carlo Castagna)
Chapter 4. Development of the Young Soccer Player (Viswanath Unnithan and Jon Iga)
Chapter 5. Skill Acquisition and Learning Through Practice and Other Activities (Paul Ford)
Part III. Biomechanics and Technological Applications
Chapter 6. Biomechanical Principles of Soccer: Translating Theory Into Practice (Anthony Blazevich and Sophia Nimphius)
Chapter 7. Refining Techniques and Skills Through Scientific Analysis (Neal Smith)
Chapter 8. Practical Biomechanics for Optimal Performance and Injury Prevention (Martin Haines and Daniel Cohen)
Chapter 9. Soccer Boots and Playing Surface (Thorsten Sterzing)
Chapter 10. Soccer Ball Dynamics (Andy Harland and Henry Hanson)
Part IV. Physiological Demands in Training and Competition
Chapter 11. Targeted Systems of the Body for Training (Greg Dupont and Alan McCall)
Chapter 12. Conditioning Programmes for Competitive Levels (Tony Strudwick and Gary Walker)
Chapter 13. Environmental Stressors (Donald Kirkendall)
Chapter 14. Nutritional Needs (Mayur Ranchordas)
Chapter 15. Injury Frequency and Prevention (Dr. Mario Bizzini and Dr. Astrid Junge)
Part V. Psychology and Mental Demands
Chapter 16. Psychology and Elite Soccer Performance (Geir Jordet)
Chapter 17. Mental Game Interventions (Matt Pain)
Chapter 18 Performance Mindset (Mark Nesti)
Part VI. Tactics and Strategies
Chapter 19. Popular Systems and Styles of Play (Jens Bangsbo and Birger Peitersen)
Chapter 20. Defensive Pressure and Goal Prevention (Sam Erith and Gary Curneen)
Chapter 21. Key Transitions and Midfield Maneuvers (Dave Tenney and Sigi Schmidt)
Chapter 22. Essential Elements of Attacking Soccer (Richard Hawkins and Darren Robinson)
Part VII. Match Performance and Analysis
Chapter 23. Player and Team Assessments (Rob Mackenzie and Chris Cushion)
Chapter 24. Match Evaluations: Systems and Tools (Chris Carling)
Chapter 25. Statistical Evaluations in Soccer (Ron Smith)
Epilogue: The Future of Soccer Science (Tony Strudwick)
Tony Strudwick has experience working in national and international performance structures, providing strategic and long-term planning for management of elite athletes. He is head of performance at Manchester United Football Club, a post that involves managing a world-class department of 18 full-time and consultant performance staff members. He manages the short- and long-term strategies of the performance services, ensuring the day-to-day running of the performance department is of the highest professional standard.
Recruited by Sir Alex Ferguson, Strudwick developed a research branch of the scientific support strategy intended to further the science department at Manchester United. He helped to shape a state-of-the-art sport science laboratory at the AON Training Complex.
Since 2006, Strudwick has been part of a FIFA Club World Cup championship along with Premiership, UEFA Champions League, Carling Cup, and Charity Shield winning teams. He was selected as part of the backroom team of the English F.A. to support the England national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He has an extensive background in player development structures from elite youth to senior level in both England and the United States. He has completed consultancy work with Nike, Red Bull, Google, AON, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Strudwick completed his post-graduate doctoral thesis at Liverpool John Moores University in 2006. In addition, he has a comprehensive background in teaching and lecturing at the graduate level, such as being an F.A. staff teacher for the F.A. Fitness Trainer’s course, while also earning a UEFA pro licence, an A licence, and a Youth Coaches Award. Strudwick has held positions with Blackburn Rovers F.C., West Ham United F.C., English F.A., Coventry City F.C., and United Soccer Academy.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Power Development
A player’s capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
A player's capability to generate power is a key goal of many training programmes to improve the performance of explosive movements on the pitch. Training strategies encompassing the force-velocity continuum (figure 12.3) can be used to improve lower-body power in the soccer environment.
Developing Power Through Strength
Numerous studies have reported relationships between relative strength, vertical jump power, speed and ability to change direction. In athletes who have done relatively little resistance training, increasing strength through a strength programme may provide both strength and power benefits. This type of approach would be beneficial to a younger player embarking on a long-term periodized strength and power programme or a player playing a highly regimented playing schedule with fixtures known well in advance.
Developing Power Through Strength Speed
Strength speed is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively large external resistance (typically greater than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in this category are Olympic lifts and their derivatives. Several factors go into the decision to use Olympic lifts or their derivatives with soccer players, including the player's age, resistance-training background, training priorities and time that can be devoted to learning technique. When Olympic lifts are used, they should be performed from the hang position because this skill is technically easier to master, yet the second pull phase produces the greatest amount of power during the lift, so the player receives a large benefit for effort. The value of Olympic lifting derivatives in athletic performance gives further credence to the support for technique development work during a soccer player's formative years.
Developing Power Through Speed Strength
Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute a movement quickly against a relatively small external resistance (typically less than 30 per cent of 1RM). Exercises commonly performed in resistance programmes in this category are squat jumps, loaded bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, resisted sprints and medicine ball power exercises. Both strength speed and speed strength exercises are known to increase the ability of an athlete to develop force quickly (rate of force development), an important characteristic to develop for soccer actions such as sprinting, jumping and changing direction, in which ground contact times are short.
Developing Power Through Speed
Plyometric exercises such as repetitive jumping, hopping, bounding and depth jumps have repeatedly been shown to increase power performance in athletes, in which the emphasis is on attempting to jump or move as high or far as possible with minimal ground contact time. Care must be taken to start plyometric exercise safely and progress volume and intensity sensibly, beginning with having the athlete demonstrate the ability to land and develop eccentric contraction.
This phase is particularly important for female soccer players because they suffer more ACL injuries than male players do when cutting and landing from jumps in noncontact situations. Furthermore, neuromuscular jump-landing training with correct coaching has been shown to cause a dramatic reduction in the risk of injury occurrence in this population.
A classification of plyometric exercise intensity is shown in figure 12.4. Players who are joint compromised should not use high-intensity plyometric exercises, but plyometric activity for those players can be performed in the swimming pool environment to reduce body load while still emphasizing minimal ground contact metrics.
A classification of the intensity of plyometric exercises.
Combination Power Programmes
The type of power programme that a player is prescribed depends on many factors together with his or her performance assessment profile. For example, an adult player identified as having a large window of adaptation for a certain component (e.g., unloaded power) will be provided with exercises that encompass the velocity end (speed strength and speed) of the force-velocity continuum, whereas a player identified as having a loaded power weakness will be prescribed both strength speed and speed strength exercises as appropriate. Players who need to improve all aspects of power may be prescribed three-way combination power programmes, in which a strength speed exercise is followed by a speed strength exercise and then a plyometric exercise, performed as a cluster set. Table 12.14 provides an example of leg power programmes to develop both bilateral and unilateral leg power in adult players.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Principles of Attack
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves.
The principles of attack will help a team in possession of the ball react to any situation during soccer. These principles apply regardless of the system of play and formation played by the team, and they will always apply, no matter how the game evolves. The principles of attack apply when a team is looking to keep possession of the ball, move the ball forward into an attacking position and create chances to score a goal. Principles of attack include the following:
- Penetration
- Support
- Width
- Mobility
- Improvisation and creativity
Penetration (figure 22.1) is the ability to play through or behind the opposition. Penetration is achieved by exploiting space with good on- and off-the-ball movement. A key facet behind the principle of penetration is to encourage players to look forward and exploit the space behind the opponents.
Penetration.
To maintain possession and move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support (figure 22.2). Forward, back and side support facilitate attacking options. When in possession, support requires good dispersal to spread the field. Angles, distance and timing of passes also become important.
Support.
Stretching the defence to create width (figure 22.3) should always be in the minds of the attacking team. Opponents can be stretched vertically or laterally. The ability to stretch opponents laterally across the field provides the opportunity for penetration through wide areas. Correct positioning also gives opportunities to switch the play to exploit the weak side.
Width.
Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions, or mobility (figure 22.4), are important in contemporary soccer. The ability to interchange positions and provide good movement to support the play creates attacking opportunities. Movement on and off the ball can create space for the first attacker or other players.
Mobility.
Improvisation and creativity (figure 22.5) are the most exciting principles. They represent the ability to provide inventive and unpredictable play achieved through either individual skills or small-group combinations, such as one-on-one plays, one-two passes, overlaps or feint movements, to create attacking opportunities.
Improvisation and creativity.
The events that occur immediately after regaining possession often determine the outcome of a competitive match. A fast, positive response at this time can catch teams off balance and in poor defensive shape. Transition should be discussed as part of the strategy and tactics of a team, and the principles covered in this section should be used.
Save
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Running Exercises
1. Straight Ahead Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
1. Straight Ahead
Jog straight to the last cone. Make sure you keep your upper body straight. Your hip, knee and foot are aligned. Do not let your knee buckle inwards. Run slightly more quickly on the way back. Perform two sets.
2. Hip Out
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee forwards (figure 15.3). Rotate your knee to the side and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip out.
Courtesy of FIFA.
3. Hip In
Jog to the first cone. Stop and lift your knee to the side (figure 15.4). Rotate your knee forwards and put your foot down. Repeat the exercise on the other leg at the next cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: hip in.
Courtesy of FIFA.
4. Circling Partner
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner (figure 15.5). Shuffle an entire circle around one other (without changing the direction you are looking) and then shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: circling partner.
Courtesy of FIFA.
5. Jumping With Shoulder Contact
Jog to the first cone. Shuffle sideways towards your partner. In the middle, jump sideways towards each other to make shoulder-to-shoulder contact (figure 15.6). Land on both feet with your hips and knees bent. Shuffle back to the first cone. Repeat until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Running: jumping with shoulder contact.
Courtesy of FIFA.
6. Quick Forwards and Backwards Sprints
Run quickly to the second cone and then run backwards quickly to the first cone, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. Repeat, running two cones forwards and one cone backwards until you reach the other side of the pitch. Perform two sets.
Learn more about Soccer Science.
Functional Exercises
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
The real teaching part of defending is establishing roles and responsibilities and emphasizing the importance of providing cover and distances. Here is an example of a functional defending exercise.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 1: Team Defending When Outnumbered
Three defenders play against four attackers in a 20-by-44-yard area (figure 20.7). The defenders start the exercise by passing to the attackers and then sprinting out to cut off the space in front. The objective of the four attackers is to score in any of the four minigoals ahead. If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score in the four minigoals on the other side.
Functional defensive training exercise 1: team defending when outnumbered.
Coaching points can be addressed in exercises like this. The role of the first defender; the supporting distance of the second and third defenders; and the importance of staying compact, communicating, and dealing with situations in which the attacking team interchanges are all areas that defenders need to apply in a game. The exercise also challenges defenders to deal with overloads, which is a huge part of the modern game.
Functional Defensive Training Exercise 2: Penalty Area Defending
Another functional exercise designed by Neil Adair takes place inside the 18-yard box. Four defenders and a goalkeeper stand on the goal line opposite four attackers, each with a ball, who are named A through D (figure 20.8). The exercise begins when the coach calls one attacker, who dribbles and has 5 seconds to create a shot against the opposite defender. After that ball, those two players stay inside the 18-yard box and the coach calls another player who brings the ball in to create a 2v2. The pattern continues as the exercise develops into a 3v3 and finishes with a 4v4.
Functional defensive training exercise 2: penalty area defending.
Because the exercise takes place inside the penalty box and has a time restriction on the attacking team, the defenders need to apply pressure quickly and delay the attackers. The basics of defending and communication are necessary for success because the players who react quickest to the coach's call will most likely be successful. The relationship between goalkeeper and defender is also highlighted. This exercise helps teams establish a winning defensive mentality.
Save
Save
Learn more about Soccer Science.