uefa b licence assignment one & two - max rogers

1 | P a g e M a x R o g e r s

UEFA Basic Licence 2012

Assignment One - Match Analysis

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Assignment Two - Training Sessions

Max Rogers

[email protected]

Attacking Patterns and Striker Movement


Contents

Title Page

Assignment One

Introduction 3

Methodology 4

Theme Selected 5

Match One v Chico State 6-7

Match Two v University of Nevada Las Vegas 8-13

Summary of Analysis 14-15

Assignment Two

Training Session Introduction 16

Training Session Components 17-23


Introduction

This report has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Scottish Football Association

UEFA Basic Licence Assignments One and Two, which are both outlined below.

Assignment One

Identify and select one team to analyse

Analyse a particular strength or weaknesses of the team (theme)

Assignment Two

Devise a training session to capitalise/improve the team’s strength and weaknesses

Training session must include; Component One, Component Two and Phase of Play


Methodology

Team Selected for Analysis

University of California Davis Men’s Team

Matches Analysed

v Chico State (18/08/2012)

v University of Nevada Las Vegas (24/08/2012)

Method of Analysis

Notational


Moments of the Game

Defensive Organisation

Transition from

Defence to Attack

Offensive Organisation

Transition from Attack to Defence

Theme Selected

The theme selected was ‘Attacking Patterns and Striker Movement’. This is a key aspect of

football, as quite obviously if a team cannot initially create and then score goals they will

achieve little to no success.

Outlined below is the ‘Moments of the Game’ model which identifies the four universal

game scenarios that a team will face over 90 minutes. The continuous flow indicates that

the four scenarios are always happening no matter what the team’s style of play or tactical

set-up, the score of the game or what players are on the pitch etc. In order to analyse a

team’s attacking patterns and striker movement, the focus is on the transition from defence

to attack and the offensive organisation game scenarios.


Match One v Chico State

UC Davis Chico State

Match Observations

UC Davis lined up in a standard 4-4-2 formation for the duration of the match (Figure 1). The

midfield players were free to change positions although this often led to their less

technically proficient personnel in 1v1

attacking duels in the wide areas. At times

their strong and powerful right footed

central midfielder player was playing left

wing, which subsequently created a

weakness in the centre of their midfield.

When they have possession of the ball the

two centre backs try to initiate the attacks. The fullbacks

meanwhile do not advance forward which means their wingers remain deep and are unable

1 1

18/08/2012

Stadium – Aggie Soccer Field,

Davis CA

Kick Off – 12:00pm

Conditions – 850 Slight Breeze

Tyson Crim (22) Ra Martin Del Campo (55)

(9) SHOTS (13)

(5) ON TARGET (6)

(5) SAVES (4)

(4) CORNERS (11)

(0) OFFSIDES (5)

(7) FOULS (17)

(2) YELLOW CARDS (3)

(0) RED CARDS (0)

Figure 1 – UC Davis 4-4-2 Formation


to force their markers backward towards their own goal (Figure 2). Another problem they

had was transferring the ball from defence to midfield quickly. The attacking transition was

very poor and allowed the opponents to organise themselves defensively in a solid 4-4-1-1

formation. Zone A (Figure 3)

was seldom occupied by their

central midfield players which

was the reason for the lack of

passes from central defence to

central midfield. The two CM

remained extremely square

and neither of them exhibited

any confidence in dropping

deep and acting as a

pivot/playmaker.

The other option for the

defenders was to play passes

into the striker’s feet, who

could then lay passes off for

the advancing midfielders to

penetrate the opponent’s

defensive block. However,

there was a distinct lack of

confidence shown by the team

and although there were

opportunities to do this, the

player in possession opted for

a lower risk option. This

second option was a long ball

played into the opponent’s defensive channels (Figure 4). This played into the hands of the

Chico defence as their strong and tall

defenders dealt quite easily with the aerial

balls.

UC Davis got their goal from a move which

was initiated via a striker dropping deep,

receiving a pass before playing it wide,

first time, to a supporting winger.

Figure 2 - Deep fullbacks results in deep wingers

Figure 3 - Ball circulation in defence and poor CM movement into zone A

Figure 4 – Striker movement deep and in the channel


Match Two v UNLV

UC Davis UN Las Vegas

1 0

24/08/2012

Stadium – Aggie Soccer Field,

Davis CA

Kick Off – 5.00pm

Conditions – 900 Sunny

Alex Aguiar (85)

(11) SHOTS (7)

(4) ON TARGET (3)

(3) SAVES (4)

(3) CORNERS (2)

(0) OFFSIDES (0)

(6) FOULS (9)

(1) YELLOW CARDS (2)

(0) RED CARDS (0)

Figure 5 - UC Davis using a 4-1-4-1 formation

UC Davis changed their formation

for the encounter against UNLV,

moving from the 4-4-1-1 formation

to a more organised and solid 4-1-4-

1. Utilizing this formation made

them very difficult to break down as

they used a deep defensive block,

whilst the holding midfielder

restricted the space available

between the lines of defence and

midfield.


First Half

Zone of Attack

Defensive Distribution

In the first half the majority of UC Davis attacks

came down their right hand side. This was clearly to

exert as much pressure as possible onto the UNLV

left-back whilst also forcing their left-midfielder to

defender more than attack. They were extremely

unbalanced, as the diagram shows, which made

their attacks quite predictable.

A1 to B1 – 5% A1 to C1 – 15%

A2 to B2 – 15% A2 to C2 – 5%

A3 to B3 – 25% A3 to C3 – 35%

Short Pass – 48% Long Pass – 52%

UC Davis favoured a long passing game into the

defensive channels of the opposing team. In

particular the pass in behind the UNLV left-back.


Second Half

Zone of Attack

Defensive Distribution

A1 to B1 –9% A1 to C1 – 40%

A2 to B2 – 5% A2 to C2 – 18.5%

A3 to B3 – 9% A3 to C3 – 18.5%

Short Pass – 13% Long Pass – 87%

UC Davis favoured a long passing game into the

defensive channels of the opposing team as was the

case in the first half. They became more direct in the

second half as they looked to score first.

In the second half the majority of UC Davis attacks originated down the left hand side of their team, the opposite to what happened in the first half. It was unclear as to whether this was a particular ploy to target each individual full back over the course of the game. Again this method of attack become predictable and although they had a number of shots on goal they were as a result of a defensive error rather than a slick attacking move.


Central Midfield Contribution and Striker Movement

From the preliminary analysis conducted during the game against Chico, it was observed

that the UC Davis central midfield players were reluctant to receive and distribute passes to

assist with the attacking transitions. In order to identify their contribution during this game

there was a particular focus on their performance.

Another key aspect of performance was the striker’s movement and decision making. Above

are the Key Performance Indicators for the forward players.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

of the Central Midfielders

Successful Pass

Unsuccessful Pass

Successful Shot

Unsuccessful Shot

Successful Header

Unsuccessful Header

Tackles

Interceptions

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

of the Striker

Movement

Into the channel between

defenders

Drop deep

In behind centre backs

Action

Pass/Cross

Turn/Dribble

Shot on goal


21

10

Successful Passes

Unsuccessful Passes

0

3

Successful Shots

Unsuccessful Shots

5

1

Successful Headers

UnsuccessfulHeaders

12

10

Interceptions

Tackles

75%

25%

Successful

Unsuccessful

74%

26%

Successful

Unsuccessful

41

19

Successful Passes

Unsuccessful Passes

1

5

Successful Shots

Unsuccessful Shots

7

2

Successful Headers

UnsuccessfulHeaders

20

8

Interceptions

Tackles

Central Midfield Contribution

Second Half Actions

First Half Actions


Striker Movement

First Half

Second Half

56%

13%

31%

Drop Deep

In Behind

In the Channel

25%

33%

42%

Drop Deep

In Behind

In the Channel

Received the Ball

4 times from 9

Action(s)

Pass/Cross – 3

Dribble/Turn – 2

Received the Ball

0 times from 2

Action(s)

Received the Ball

4 times from 5

Action(s)

Pass/Cross – 4

Received the Ball

3 times from 4

Action(s)

Pass/Cross – 1

Dribble/Turn – 1

Shot - 1

Received the Ball

3 times from 3

Action(s)

Dribble/Turn – 3

Received the Ball

1 time from 5

Action(s)

Pass/Cross – 1


Summary of Analysis

First Half

UC Davis played a very direct game in the first half with the majority of their attacks

(63%) coming down the right hand side of their team. These attacks were initiated

via long and direct passes (52%) by the defenders hoping to exploit the space in

behind the opposing full back, subsequently forcing the UNLV midfield towards their

own goal.

This direct approach was further highlighted through the stats of the three central

midfielders. They only attempted 31 passes (21 successful) which indicated that they

were being bypassed during the attacking transition and were not involved in

recycling and circulating the ball.

The most common movement made by the lone striker in the first half was to drop

deep into space between the lines of defence and midfield (56%). The direct

approach taken by the defenders didn’t match this movement as they only played

the ball into the striker 4 times from 9 runs. Although the success rate for receiving

balls in the channel was high (4 times from 5) it often resulted in UC Davis losing

possession of the ball. If they had used the deep run from the striker as a platform to

build attacks they may have been able to work their way higher up the field whilst

keeping possession.

Second Half

The approach in the second half became more direct than in the first half overall.

They attacked most prominently down the left hand side (72%). There was an

increase in the directness of the attacks as this time 87% of the passes from defence

were direct towards the striker.

UC Davis’s midfield trio had a greater involvement in the game as they attempted 60

passes (41 successful), although again they preferred not to initiate the attacking

moves. Instead they worked harder to retain possession of the ball before laying

passes off to the fullbacks or central defenders to find the striker with a long ball.

They did provide greater attacking threat with a total of 6 shots.

The opposite occurred in the second half in relation to the runs being made by the

striker. The most common run was into the channel between defenders (42%)


although the ball was only received here 1 time from 5. The success rate after

dropping deep was 3 from 3 – 100%.

Overall, using the analysis from both games, it is clear that UC Davis favour a direct attacking

approach which involves as little risk as possible with regards to losing possession during

long build up play in their defensive/midfield thirds.

They possess a selection of forward players capable of producing a variety of runs in order

to find space and pose a threat to the opposition; however the support to these players and

the predictable approach taken by the team in their attacking transition makes them almost

void. The midfielders carried the greatest attacking threat as they were responsible for 9 of

the 11 shots on goal.


Assignment Two – Training Session

The objective of the training session is attacking patterns and striker movement, with a

focus on creating two attacking patterns for the team to use whilst also creating greater

cohesion amongst the side during these attacks so everyone understands their role.

The session is made up of four areas which are outlined below.

Warm-Up

A themed warm-up relating to attacking play and striker movement combined with

dynamic stretches, off the ball movement and plenty of ball contact.

Component One

The first component provides a basic introduction to the two attacking options. The

first one involves a striker dropping deep acting as a false nine, whilst the second

option involves an overlap from a full back to push the midfield up the pitch.

Component Two

The second component uses the specific moves in a small sided game (8v8), with two

teams attempting to complete them. Game conditions can be utilised to encourage

the players to use the movements introduced via Component One.

Phase of Play

The Phase of Play is the most game like situation with an attacking overload (10v6)

to encourage success in the attacking phase. When an opportunity arises to use an

attacking pattern, but is missed, play is stopped and ‘rewound’ to complete the play.


Key

Dimensions – 40x40

Yellow – Target Player

Grey – Player

Duration – 10 minutes

2 mins instruction

8 mins work

Warm-Up

Possession Boxes with Target Player

Four boxes are filled with three players plus one target player

fulfilling the role of a striker. Each box also has one ball.

Play starts with the groups passing the ball around their square

in any sequence with all players constantly moving around the

area.

On the coach’s call, the players transfer their ball clockwise

around the square aiming for the yellow target player who has

two options – drop deep to the edge of square or make a run

towards the back of the square to receive a longer pass.

When a player isn’t in

possession of the ball they

must perform a dynamic

movement or stretch.

High knees, ankle flicks, lunges,

side steps, lateral shifts,

hamstring extensions, opening

the groins and skipping.

Progression

After the first four minutes of work a playmaker is introduced in each group of four who is only

allowed to pass the ball to the next box.


Key

Dimensions – ¾ of full field

P1 – Pass One

M1 – Movement One


2 mins instruction

8 mins work

Component One

False 9 Striker Movement

The aim of the first movement is to link play via a striker

dropping deep into the space between the lines of the

opponent’s defence and midfield.

CM M1

The move starts when the centre midfielder makes a

dummy run towards the centre back to create space for the

striker. After doing so the midfielder turns sharply as the

ball travels past.

ST M1

The trigger for the striker’s movement deep is when the central midfielder has stopped their run

deep.

CB P1

The centre back then plays the ball forward into towards the feet of the striker who sets the ball up

for the central midfielder.

LM M2

The left midfielder then bursts into life, having kept up with play, and begins their run forward in

behind the full back as the striker touches the ball.


CM P2

The centre mid plays a driven ball in behind the full back before continuing a run into the box along

with the strikers.

Coaching Points

Movements performed at game pace with a particular focus on the timing.

Quality passing at all times. Restart move if there is a poor pass.

Players’ must be aware of team mate’s movements and act accordingly to support

play.

When CM drops deep ensure they angle their run to allow a pass to be played

forward.

ST lays the ball off with one touch for the CM to strike first time.

LM must start out on the touchline to create width and space between defenders.


Full Back Overlap

CB P1

The centre back starts the move by playing the ball out wide to the full back.

CM M2

As the ball reaches the full back the central midfielder drops at an angle to receive a pass

from the full back (RB P2).

RB M2

Having knocked the ball infield the full back then makes a forward run, overlapping the right

midfielder.

RM M3

To create space for the overlapping run the right midfielder is required to make a run infield

before asking for a dummy pass from the central midfielder.

CM P3

The ball is then played out wide from the middle of the field for the full back to run onto.

Both strikers then attack the box and receive a cross from out wide (ST M4 and RB P4).


Coaching Points

Quality passing at all times. If the move breaks down restart from the beginning.

Movements performed at game pace. Very intense and sharp.

Timing of the runs must be accurate in order to create the required space.

Runs always made with an angle.

Strikers vary run into the box to make space. One goes near post, one hangs at the

edge.

When crossing aim for a specific area rather than trying to find a player.


Key

Dimensions – Half of full field


2 mins instruction

8 mins work

Component Two

Both teams adopt a 2-3-2 formation in order to

perform the moves covered in Component One.

The field is set-up with two

channels, split into three

sections, on either side.

Players are free to move in and out of the channel. However, if the full

back enters the channel the midfielder must be at least one box ahead

of them. This is to encourage the wide midfielders to remain high up

the field and in support of attacks.

When initiating the full back overlap move this is not important as the

wide midfielder is required to cut infield to create the space out wide,

meaning that they are vacating the channel.

Coaching Points

Perform moves when the opportunity arises; maintain quick game like tempo at all

times.

Improvisation is also a key component of attacking, be expressive and creative.


Key

Dimensions – ¾ full field

Yellow – Defenders

Grey – Attackers


3 mins instruction

12 mins work

Phase of Play

The attacking team, in grey, line-up in a 3-3-2 formation

and the yellow defending team line-up with a 4-1-1

formation creating a 9v7 overload in favour of the

attacking team.

The ball always starts from the attacking teams’

goalkeeper while the position of the defence, yellow team,

is always reset to a realistic position before play is restarted after a goal. If the defending

team gain possession of the ball their aim is to play the ball forward to their striker to hold it

up.

Coaching Points

Encourage the use of movements from previous two components. If an opportunity

is missed play is taken back and corrections made.

Players are also encouraged to be creative and make their own decisions when

attacking, e.g. using the wide midfielder to cross the ball instead of the full back.

Tempo must be game equivalent.

uefa b licence assignment one & two - max rogers

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