Grassroots Coaching Manual PDF

PRESTON NORTH END
ACADEMY
GRASSROOTS
COACHING MANUAL
PRESTON NORTH END ACADEMY GRASSROOTS COACHING MANUAL
CONTENTS
PAGE 03. FOREWORD
ACADEMY FOOTBALL PHILOSOPHY
PAGE 04. OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE POTENTIAL: FORMATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS
PAGE 05. BOXES POSSESSION
PAGES 06. ‘DUALS’ ATTACKING AND DEFENDING
PAGES 08. 4V4 SMALL SIDED GAME
PAGE 10. ‘PRESSING’ POSSESSION
PAGE 11. ‘INVASION GAME’ POSSESSION
PAGE 12. 3V3 POSSESSION
PAGE 13. TARGET POSSESSION
PAGE 14. ‘END ZONE’ POSSESSION
PAGE 15. ‘GUARD’ POSSESSION
PAGE 16. ‘SWITCHING’ POSSESSION
PAGE 17. ‘PLAYING THROUGH’ SMALL SIDED GAME
PAGE 18. ‘DEFEND’ SMALL SIDED GAME
2
FOREWORD
The Grassroots coaching manual has been developed so that we can provide assistance to the hard working coaches who give up
their time to develop and educate young people in the north west.
We recognise that if we provide coaches with best practice sessions which are used within the Preston North End Academy, that
together we can have a positive impact in developing future stars of the game.
As you progress through the manual you will view a number of sessions which create various situations related to the game of football.
Along with the ‘four corner’ learning objectives, it will give you and your players all the information needed to progress as students of the
game.
The Grassroots Coaching Manual has been developed by Nick Harrison (Academy Manager ) and Stuart Delaney (Head of Coaching)
ACADEMY FOOTBALL PHILOSOPHY

Preston North End’s Academy strive to develop young footballers who are able to play attractive attacking football whilst making
good decisions whilst the game is in play.
We want to encourage our teams to play out from the back, whenever possible, using the goalkeeper as a player who can create good
supporting angles. Midfielders are encouraged to create angles to get on the ball and show a bravery to receive the ball in tight areas.
They have to be bright in possession and look to try and create inventive play going forward, when the opportunity is on.
Players must show a good understanding of the game so that they understand what passes, runs and support should be made on and
off the ball. The players must develop a good work ethic and understand the importance of being part of a team. Whenever the players are
out of possession, they must look to work hard as an individual and as a team to win the ball back at the earliest opportunity.
As the players progress through the phases, a winning mentality must be developed so that the young players are ready for first
team football. They must also be disciplined on the pitch and conduct themselves in a professional manner when off the pitch, always
representing themselves and Preston North End in a positive manner.
3
OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE POTENTIAL

Children develop at different stages. Some will go onto progress within
the system and create a career out of the game, but most will go onto
to enjoy football at whatever level they achieve.
It is important through all the information we give the young players,
that they are given the opportunity to progress, develop and fulfil their
potential.
We as an Academy are mindful that when a player is struggling, we
provide the correct support and exit strategy so that the player remains
and develops by assisting the player in finding a suitable club.
FORMATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS

PLAYING STYLE
1. To play from the back, through the
thirds to create opportunities at goal.
2. Rotation, to create space to
receive.
3. Look to create overloaded
situations (i.e. wide players coming
inside).
4. High pressurised defensive
strategy.
4
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - BOXES POSSESSION
3 v 1 Possession session in a ten yard by ten yard 4 v 2 Possession session in an 18 yard by 18 yard area 5 v 2 Possession session in a 16 yard by 16 yard area
area 1. Players look to keep the ball off the defender for 45 1. Players look to keep the ball off the defender for 45
1. Players look to keep the ball off the defender for 45 seconds. They can be challenged to take a set number seconds. They can be challenged to take a set number
seconds. They can be challenged to take a set number of touches (if the defender wins the ball, they give it of touches (if the defender wins the ball, they give it
of touches (if the defender wins the ball they give it straight back to the opposition). straight back to the opposition).
straight back to the opposition). Progression - the person who gives the ball away now Progression - the person who gives the ball away now
Progression - the person who gives the ball away now becomes the defender. The game can now last for a becomes the defender. The game can now last for a
becomes the defender. The game can now last for a longer duration. longer duration.
longer duration.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
Weight of pass, receiving skills (body shape, touch), type of pass (short, angled, firm, Creating space to receive, support play, making safe angles to support, time of support,
soft), use of different parts of the foot. positive and quick play (when?).
PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction. Concentration (pass completion), decision making, communication, keeping the ball to
the effect to psychological mindset of the defenders.
5
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 'DUALS' ATTACKING AND DEFENDING
1 v 1 Attacking/defending 1 v 1 Defending/attacking towards the 1 v 1 Attacking/defending 1 v 1 Attacking/defending

1. Reds pass the ball to Blue and try to goal 1. Reds pass the ball to blue and try to 1. Reds pass the ball into the Red middle.
defend. Once the forward has either scored/ defend. He gets closed down by a Blue. Can he
2. Blues try to attack the Reds and stop the missed or play has broken down, he has 2. Blues try to attack the reds and knock turn and score in the cones in the corner?
ball on the line between the yellow cones. to turn and touch a yellow pole before he over the cones facing them. 2. If the Blues win the ball they try to score
3. If the Reds win the ball back, they try to goes to defend the next player. 3. If the Reds win the ball back, they try in the Red team’s goal. Progress to 2 v 2.
score on the line between the orange to knock over the Blue team’s cones.
cones. Progress to 2 v 2.
1 v 1 Defending/attacking ‘recovering’ 2 v 2 Attacking/defending

1. Reds pass the ball away square and 1. Reds pass the ball to Blue and try
then recover quickly. to defend
2. Blues try to score into the goal. If the 2. Blues try to attack the Reds and stop
Red wins the ball back, can he run the the ball on the line between the yellow
ball over a line? cones.
3. If the Reds win the ball back they
try to score on the line between the
orange cones.
6
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘DUALS’ ATTACKING AND DEFENDING
2 v 2 Attacking/defending practice 2 v 2 Defending/attacking 1 v 1 Attacking/defending 1 v 1 Attacking/defending

Progress to 3 v 2. 1. Reds pass the ball to blue and try to 1. Reds pass the ball to Blue and try to 1. Reds pass the ball into the Red middle.
defend. defend. He gets closed down by a Blue. Can he
2. Blues try to attack the reds and stop the 2. Blues try to attack the Reds and knock turn and score in the cones in the corner?
ball on the line between the yellow cones. over the cones facing them. 2. If the Blues win the ball they try to score
3. If the Reds win the ball back, they try 3. If the Reds win the ball back, they try in the Red team’s goal. Progress to 2 v 2.
to score on the line between the orange to knock over the Blue teams cones.
cones. Progress to 2 v 2.
ATTACKING LEARNING OBJECTIVES DEFENDING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

TECHNICAL - First touch - direction - distance - disguise. Speed of attack (ball control). TECHNICAL - Nearest man to the ball and apply pressure. Travel quickly as the ball
Head up. Timing/distance of dribble. Angles/distances/timing of supporting runs. End moves and stop before the opponents first touch. Side on show away from danger.
product. PHYSIOLOGICAL - A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination). Change of pace and
PHYSIOLOGICAL - A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination). Change of pace and direction. Strength.
direction. Strength and speed.
TACTICAL - Pressure - cover - balance. Intercept - spoil - hold. Show into strength and
TACTICAL - Attacking principles - make the pitch big. Slow into dribble - disguise - away from danger. Deny space (be compact). Delay (allow team to re-group).
accelerate away. Space created - ball delivered - player arrives. Overlaps/underlaps/
PSYCHOLOGICAL - Concentration (against movement). Decision making (when to
decoy runs.
release, track). Communication. Desire to win the ball back. Be patient.
PSYCHOLOGICAL - Be positive (get defenders on the back foot). Decision making (when
to run with the ball, when to pass, when to dribble). Communication.
7
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 4V4 SMALL SIDED GAME
4 v 4 Line ball game 4 v 4 End zone game 4 v 4 Target men
ATTACKING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (If focus of session is towards attacking)

TECHNICAL
First touch - direction - distance - disguise. Speed of the attack (ball control), head up, timing/distance of dribble.
Angles/distances/timing of supporting runs, end product.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction, strength and speed.
TACTICAL
Attacking principles - make the pitch big. Slow into dribble - disguise - accelerate away. pace created - ball delivered
- player arrives. Overlaps/underlaps/decoy runs.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
4 v 4 - ‘4’ Goal game Be positive (get defenders on the back foot). Decision making (when to run with the ball, when to pass and when to
dribble). Communication.
8
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 4V4 SSG
4 v 4 Game 4 v 4 With goalkeepers 4 v 4 With goalkeepers and outside men (forward

One touch finish or head/volley passing)
DEFENDING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (If focus of session is towards defending)

TECHNICAL
Nearest man close the ball and apply pressure. Travel quickly as the ball moves and stop before opponents first
touch. Side on show, away from danger.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction, strength.
TACTICAL
Pressure - cover - balance. Intercept - spoil - hold. Show into strength and away from danger. Deny space (be
compact, delay (allow team to re-group).
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Concentration (against movement), decision making (when to release, track), communication, desire to win the ball 4 v 4 With goalkeepers and outside men (switching
back, be patient. play/crossing)
9
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 'PRESSING' POSSESSION

1. Grid/pitch size: U8 to U11 approx 30x30. U12 to U14, approx 40x40. U15 and U16,
approx 50x50.
2. Number of players - three equal teams (could be six players on each team).
3. White team and orange team have a ball each. The yellow team are the defenders.
4. When the coach says ‘go’, the yellow team try to win the balls from the white and
orange team. To win the ball they have to either:
(a) get a touch on the ball, or (b) kick the ball out of play.
5. The players in possession work with each other (i.e. pass the ball to each other) if
their ball is taken away by defenders.
COMPETITION
HOW LONG IT TAKES THE TEAM TO WIN ALL THE BALLS
BACK.
THE TWO TEAMS THAT HAVE THE SLOWEST TIMES DO A
FORFEIT.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
Weight of pass, receiving skills (body shape, touch), type of pass (short, angled, firm, Creating space as a team and to receive, support play, making safe angles to support,
soft). Basic defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?), defending as an individual amd as a
unit (pressure/cover/balance), make play predictable.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction. Strength. PSYCHOLOGICAL
Concentration (pass completion), decision making, communication, desire to win the
ball back.
10
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘INVASION GAME’ POSSESSION

High tempo 5v2 possession session in a 14 yard by 28 yard area
1. The coach plays the ball into the Reds and they play 5v2 against the Blues.
2. The Reds have to complete ten passes to complete the goal. If they earn a goal
the game stops and the coach plays another ball into the Red team again.
3. If, at the defenders touch, the ball count resets to ‘zero’, the only way the Blues
can have a go at keeping possession is by the Blues kicking the ball out of the grid.
In the event of this happening the coach then plays the ball into the Blue zone.
4. Team plays for four minutes, and the team with the most goals wins.
Progression
1. Restrict players with their touches.
2. If the defenders win the ball back they can either kick the ball out of play or if
they can turn and play back into their zone, then they can start straight from ‘five’
passes.
NOTE
The size of area and number of players/defenders can be altered to cater for the
ability and age of group.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
soft). Using different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?).
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction. Strength. Concentration (pass completion), decision making, communication, desire to win the
ball back.
11
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 3V3 POSSESSION

High tempo session - 3v3 with outside players in a 12 yard by 12 yard area
1. Players on the outside play on one touch and players on the inside can play multi-
touch.
Progression
If a player passes out from the middle, then he follows his pass and the outside player
steps inside with the ball.
NOTE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
soft). Use of different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?).
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction. Strength. Concentration (pass completion), decision making, communication, desire to win the
ball back.
12
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - TARGET POSSESSION

High tempo 5v2 possession - Target
1. Teams look to keep possession with the aim of progressing with the ball into one
of the target men. If the target man decides to play first time then he must play
the ball straight back into the middle area. If he decides to take a touch, then he
can pass the ball across the other target player who then would pass in the middle
(therefore changing the angle of pass, allowing movement and rotation in the
middle area).
Scoring
Teams can score a goal if they can play the ball from one end of the grid to the
other.
NOTE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
soft). Using different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?). Forward play.
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction. Strength. Concentration (pass completion), decision making (awareness), communication,
desire to win the ball back.
13
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘END ZONE’ POSSESSION

High tempo possession - End zone
1. Teams look to keep possession with the aim of progressing with the ball into the
opposition ‘end zone’.
Scoring
1. Initially the teams can only score by running the ball into the ‘end zone’.
2. Teams can only score by receiving the ball whilst in the ‘end zone’ (players must
time their run into the zone and they must not be stood still).
NOTE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
Weight of pass, receiving skills (body shape, touch), type of pass (short, angled, long, Creating space as a team and to receive, support play, making safe angles to support,
forward, firm, soft). Use of different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?), forward play.
14
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘GUARD’ POSSESSION

High tempo 5v2 possession session - ‘Guard’ game
1. Players keep possession and look to play the ball through any of the three gates
to score.
2. The two players who stand off the pitch move and try to block the gate in which
the opposition are trying to attack. Therefore the team in possession, must look to
pass quickly in order to score.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
forward, firm, soft). Using different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?). Defensive play (deny space).
15
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘SWITCHING’ POSSESSION

High tempo ‘switch’ possession game
1. Defenders start on the middle line and when the coach passes the ball into one of
the end grids, then two of them can go in and try to win the ball back.
2. The Reds have to try and get five passes then look to try and pass the ball into the
Blues grid without it being intercepted by the Whites.
3. If the Whites win the ball back they swap with the team who gave it away.
Progression
1. Restrict the amount of touches used by the players.
2. Increase or decrease the amount of passes required depending on intended
learning outcome.
Scoring
1. A goal is scored every time a pass is successfully completed from one end to the
other.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
forward, firm, soft). Use of different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?), forward play.
16
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘PLAYING THROUGH’ SMALL SIDED GAME

High tempo small sided game - Teams have to play through the middle section
of the pitch before they can attack the opponent’s goal.
1.The teams are restricted at first that they cannot go directly into the middle
section, therefore encouraging teams to play out from the back.
2. The session can then be developed so that the ball can be played directly into
the middle section, so you can work on players finding pace in order to receive a
forward pass.
Progression
1. Restrict the number of touches that the players can have, depending on the
individuals ability.
NOTE
Our Philosophy at Preston north End is to finish off the session with a free
flowing small side game, without restrictions being placed upon the game.
This allows the coaches to observe the practice to see if learning around the
session topic has taken place.
This encourages a competitive environment to develop a winning mentality.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
forward, firm, soft). Using different parts of the foot. Defending. timing of support, positive and quick play (when?). Forward play.
17
BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘DEFEND’ SMALL SIDED GAME

High tempo small sided game - Defending - the pitch is split up into thirds along it’s
length.
1. The players are challenged that if the ball is on one side of the pitch, then as a
defensive unti they squeeze across the pitch and leave the furthest channel free of
players. This will make the team compact and if the opposition tried to switch the ball
quickly, the defence can move across accordingly.
2. If the attacking team is in the central area again, the defending team are
encouraged to remain central and invite the ball to be played wide )away from goal),
and again, as the ball goes wide, the team will adjust their defensive positions, leaving
the furthest channel free.
NOTE
Our Philosophy at Preston north End is to finish off the session with a free
flowing small side game, without restrictions being placed upon the game.
This allows the coaches to observe the practice to see if learning around the
session topic has taken place.
This encourages a competitive environment to develop a winning mentality.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
TECHNICAL TACTICAL
Nearest man close to the ball and apply pressure. Travel quickly as the ball moves and Pressure - cover - balance. Intercept - spoil - hold. Show into strength and away from
stop before opponents first touch. Side on show away from danger. danger, deny space (be compact), delay (allow team to re-group).
A, B, Cs (agility, balance, co-ordination), change of pace and direction. Strength. Concentration (against movement), decision making (when to release, track),
communication, desire to win the ball back, be patient.
18
PRESTON NORTH END
ACADEMY
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OPPORTUNITIES

Quality coaching working on the Preston North End philosophy can be
organised for individuals, small groups or even teams upon request.
For information on development centre courses or for team events
please email youthadmin@pne.com
Preston North End Academy

Grassroots Coaching Manual
Edited 2014

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PRESTON NORTH END

ACADEMY FOOTBALL PHILOSOPHY

OPPORTUNITY TO REALISE POTENTIAL

FORMATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - BOXES POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 'DUALS' ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

1 v 1 Attacking/defending 1 v 1 Defending/attacking towards the 1 v 1 Attacking/defending 1 v 1 Attacking/defending

1 v 1 Defending/attacking ‘recovering’ 2 v 2 Attacking/defending

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘DUALS’ ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

2 v 2 Attacking/defending practice 2 v 2 Defending/attacking 1 v 1 Attacking/defending 1 v 1 Attacking/defending

ATTACKING LEARNING OBJECTIVES DEFENDING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 4V4 SMALL SIDED GAME

4 v 4 Line ball game 4 v 4 End zone game 4 v 4 Target men

ATTACKING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (If focus of session is towards attacking)

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 4V4 SSG

4 v 4 Game 4 v 4 With goalkeepers 4 v 4 With goalkeepers and outside men (forward

DEFENDING LEARNING OBJECTIVES (If focus of session is towards defending)

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 'PRESSING' POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘INVASION GAME’ POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - 3V3 POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - TARGET POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘END ZONE’ POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘GUARD’ POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘SWITCHING’ POSSESSION

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘PLAYING THROUGH’ SMALL SIDED GAME

BEST PRACTICE SESSIONS - ‘DEFEND’ SMALL SIDED GAME

DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OPPORTUNITIES

Preston North End Academy

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