Quick Transition 2 v 2 Rondos

The following drill comes from the New Soccer Awareness eBook Developing Players with Rondos Using the Soccer Awareness Philosophy. This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. Preview The Book

---

This is a 2 v 2 game going to 4 goals. The team who scores stays on and must quickly defend the 2 new players coming in (one from each goal that the opposition defends). 

Instant transition with the same ball that the opponents scored with, here (3) and (4) are positioned to immediately bring the ball the opponents’ may score with out to attack. The other two players (1) and (2) must get off the field ASAP.

Introduce a target player (can be coaches or players). Now it can be a 3 v 2 effectively. 
Players can use the target to play give and goes with each other or with their immediate teammates.

Liken passing into the goal as a midfielder passing into a striker so they get the ball in there as quickly as possible or a defender into a midfielder.

• The 1st thought of the player on the ball has to be “Can I score?”

• The 1st thought of the 1st defender is can I stop them scoring, win possession immediately, and score myself.

• First team to 10 goals wins, keeping the competitive element.

• If the ball goes out of play the coach can provide another one to keep things going quickly.

Coaching Points Attacking:

1. Quick Break and counter attack

2. Switching the point of attack if another goal is more open

3. Quick one and two touch passing

4. Positioning to open up passing lanes and getting between defenders to pass the ball in early

5. Creating 2 v 1 situations from a 2 v 2 set up and setting up a give and go.

Coaching Points Defending:

1. Instant pressure as possession changes (transition after scoring going from being an attacker to being a defender)

2. Regaining possession at the front with a scoring reward

3. Getting in front of the passing lanes to prevent the quick pass into the goal.

4. Working together with pressure and support, the support player supporting the first defender, stepping across and covering the passing lane to the second goal and also keeping an eye on the 2nd attacker.

Transition Coaching Points:

Immediately the team that has been in possession of the ball and has scored then they must switch on mentally to being defenders and high pressuring the new attacking team to try to win the ball back and score again.

Area: 15 x 10

1. A 2 v 2 game going to 2 goals. The team who scores stays on and must quickly defend the 2 new players coming in (one from each goal that the opposition defends).

2. Offside half way line. Instant transition with the same ball that the opponents scored with.

3. Players can use the target to play give and goes with each other or with their immediate teammates.

1. Use the players in the goals to support. They have 1 or 2 touches only so they must play quickly.

2. Now it is essentially a 3 v 2. For the inside players start with unlimited touches then as they are successful decrease the number to test their peripheral vision and awareness on and off the ball.

3. Always increasing the challenge each point of success is reached.

Now develop by allowing the balls to transfer

1. This will really test the players imagination and awareness on and off the ball. In one instant (3) and (4) are defending, in the next they are attacking. Likewise for the letters team.

2. Here we show how the mental transition works with each team suddenly changing their positions defensively to deal with the change.

Get much more like this in the New Soccer Awareness eBook Developing Players with Rondos Using the Soccer Awareness Philosophy. This 222 page eBook explores the use of rondos in youth soccer. Rondos are a great way to prepare players for the game situations and especially the fast decision making needed within the game. Preview The Book

---

Soccer Awareness and Barcelona 4 v 1 Rondo

The following comes from the Soccer Awareness 12 Week Academy Level Training Plan! 

Do you want to get to the next level in your team's soccer development? If so check out this specialized coaching and training program by our Founder, Wayne Harrison, is designed to cover: Technique; Skill; Physical; Tactical and Psychological / Mental Developmental Training.

Preview Here

---

This exercise is what the Barcelona thinking model of passing and movement is built on.

Players start at 7 years old and use it right thru the ages; and even at senior level it is a staple practice for the players.

Please read to understand the “attention to detail” required to do this correctly. It's not just a passing around the square game, it is so much more than this.

We build it up to make it work with real pace and accuracy; as again; it speeds up the mind and body in decision making. Unlimited touches to begin.

Area is 7 x 7 yard grid.

Players move to the cones to receive the pass. Moving left to right the player must position so they receive the ball with the OUTSIDE / OPPOSITE / BACK foot. This opens their body position up to be able to either pass back or in a different direction very easily and very quickly because they are already balanced and ready. White players signifies their movement.

It seems a very simple idea; and it is; but it is the attention to detail that is paramount in the learning process.

The Ball must be passed around the square not across it. Players adjust their position based on the ball.

They use the cones as positional points of reference.

So pass and follow pass to the right and you receive with the right foot and pass with the left foot, pass to the left you receive with the left foot and pass with the right foot. You can also change direction.

EVERYTHING DONE AT PACE and with ACCURACY, with good COMMUNICATION required.

3 v 1 SA Rondos Using Two Touches

Check Out the 12 Week Academy Level Training Plan

---

Continuums of Development Evaluation Form

This is designed to give you an honest assessment of where the player’s needs are for continued improvement.

This assessment is based on where they were at the start of the training to now. This is a long term process. As a general rule most players will struggle on (A) initially as it may be a totally new concept of the learning curve for them. Relating Word Association with Actions to identify the Strengths and Areas of Improvement needed in players.

DOWNLOAD NOW

---

The Tiffiny League and Wayne Harrison

• We currently have two Soccer Awareness teams, 2002s and 2005s, playing in the competitive Tiffiny league in Vista and will be building upon that for the upcoming Spring league when many clubs are in their down time. 
• Both teams have signed up again already within 3 days of advertising for the Spring League showing the success of this (starting March 6th, through June 14th; 14 games and 14 training nights), we would like more teams to participate with us and discover the benefits of the Soccer Awareness training model. 
• You can stay at your clubs but still play for us and experience more educational game and training situations; nothing is affected by it. 
• It supplements the work your clubs do with your children. 
• Both Boys and Girls teams catered for and some mixed where appropriate. 

Yes we want to develop winners too, but we want to teach THE RIGHT PHILOSOPHIES ABOUT THE GAME FIRST, and winning the Right Way is a consequence of it over a period of patience and time. 
 
PLEASE INQUIRE THROUGH Maryharrison67@hotmail.com about the Tiffiny league and how you sign up your son or daughter.

What do you get from playing the Tiffiny league and Soccer Awareness training?

A focus on the "Pure Development" of players; no pressure to win; though still encouraged to play in a very competitive environment; with mistakes used solely as "building blocks and support" for personal improvement as individuals and team players and not used as negative criticism or viewed as forms of failure, rather as forms of positive learning.

1. Coaching by Wayne Harrison: UEFA "A" license coach since 1996; Degree educated in Sports  Psychology, Ex-Professional player and Professional Head coach at Youth and Senior level.
2. Both Game day coaching and training time development by Wayne himself, hands on teaching.
3. Thirty years of coaching and educational experience including Wayne's greatest achievement to date; Developing a Coaching and Player Training and Educational Academy program that resulted in his youth teams at Al Ain and at Professional Level in the United Arab Emirates; winning 7 National Championships at various ages over his time in charge as the DOC and with several 2nd place finishes in that time period also.
4. A wealth of knowledge available through Wayne's 14 published Coaching books; 32 E Coaching Books and numerous videos presented by him on the game at the highest levels of it.
5. A proven and factual track record of success by Wayne in the soccer development of players and teams alike.
6. Most of all: Its REALLY FUN and the players LOVE IT; as do the Parents.
7. Great Fun, Stress Free; Positive, Educational, Developmental, Patient; Supportive, Encouraging, Engaging; Open minded; Detail focused; AND PROVEN success from the Soccer Awareness methods of teaching.

 
What will you SEE at the Tiffiny league games? 

1. Sorry, no focus on Winning for the sake of, but teaching winning the RIGHT WAY over time; even if we concede a goal or two because of trying to teach correctly.
2. Modern day tactical play from the professional game embraced by the coach and taught to the players
3. Building play from the keeper through the back players and advancing up the field this way, with encouragement to try things and take chances to learn from it
4. NO BOOT BALL: kicking it long for the striker to chase down and "hope" we win it.
5. No negative shouting from the sidelines; just pure positive coaching and help
6. Teams encouraged to play a "Possession based" style of soccer with a forward passing and moving purpose to it; but passing back and across and starting again when necessary.
7. Teaching Tempo in the game: Players learning to be patient and keep the ball; even slow it down until the time is right to attack; not just running around for the sake of it
8. Teaching the Value of WIDTH, few teams ever use this correctly or effectively, watch us; you will see the difference.
9. Players learning to rotate and play different positions; not just be stuck in one position:   The modern game is played this way with "Multi Functional Players" the norm now
10. Defending, learning to press quickly as an individual and as a team in a structured and effective manner using the 6 second rule of regaining possession
11. Shared playing time for all, everyone given fair opportunities to play.
12. Players having a great time and wanting more.

Finishing In and Around the Box with the 4-2-3-1 Diamond Attacking Set-Up

The following session is an excerpt from Soccer Awareness eBook 8: Small-Sided Games for Strikers. This 54 page eBook combines striker training with small-sided games into eight full training sessions, each with coaching points, multiple progressions and developments.

Striker movement is one of the greatest and most difficult ARTS to master. The situation is constantly changing and the striker is constantly moving to create space for him or herself but also for teammates. Small-sided games are important in the development of younger players through increased touches with the ball and more experience with basic tactical challenges.

---

1. Use the players on the team in their specific positions at all times, you could have two sets of 3 and 3 as attackers so they learn to switch on to defend also; like defending from the front. A 3 v 3 + 1 attacking and defending game.
2. Emphasize the diamond set up as in the attacking phase of the 4-2-3-1 is between the opponents back players and their midfield to gain an overload advantage.
3. Good for teaching strikers how to switch on immediately from at-tacking to defending so have 6 attacking players in there unless you want to work on defending so have the relevant defenders in place.
4. Build up can be slower using the outside players until the right moment appears then it has to be as fast as possible with quick combinations plays by the attacking team.

1. This is a Functional practice, a 3 v 3 + 1 with support players involving Receiving, Turning, Dribbling and Shooting. First priority of the striker is “Can I shoot?” Composure in the box is the key factor, defenders don’t want to concede a penalty so strikers have more time than they realize.
2. No conditions to start but support players stay outside the box. Defenders win the ball they play to the coach or just clear it to outside players. Start again with a new ball to the strikers. Strikers try to receive the ball at an angle so they are half turned and facing the goal so they can get a quick shot in. Others take up positions off this for rebounds etc.
3. Outside players can be passing a ball around between each other to keep active and when the play is finished inside the box whoever is on the second ball passes it in to restart.
4. Looking for quick shots, working off rebounds, combination work, 1 – 2’s, quick movement to create space, support play
5. Use the cone for an offside line likening to the deepest defender so inside attacking players can time their runs off it.
6. So one team attacks the other defends. How many goals can the attacking team score in 5 minutes?
7. If the defending team win the ball they pass to their own players on the outside (same as winning and keeping possession in a game) who then give the ball to an outside attacking player and the sequence begins again.
8. Rotate the teams and each team gets a chance to attack for 5 minutes. Add up all the goals scored for either side in the 20 minutes for a combined winning team. Alternatively have two goals at opposite ends so it is more like a game situation.
9. Rotate the players within each team.

Coaching Points In Shooting And Finishing

Make it a competition between two teams. Each team has 15 at-tempts at goal, see who can score the most goals. Attacking team continue each attempt until the ball is out of play or a goal is scored or the opponents win possession. Rotate the defenders to keep them fresh. Here the coach passes to (8) who lays it off for (9) who shoots and scores. (8) And (10) follow the shot in for any rebounds.

Coaching Points in Shooting:

1. Positive Attitude to shoot, quick shooting. Every opportunity try to get a shot in.
2. Receive on the Half Turn if possible (create space for yourself), take the chance
3. Accuracy and Power (accuracy first). Be composed
4. Shooting High or Low (low best because it’s more difficult for the keeper)
5. Selection of Shot (driven, chip, side foot, swerve etc). You can use defenders to shoot around for placement. Check keepers position (if time!)
6. Near Post or Far Post (can depend on keepers position, also if you shot and miss at the near post the ball is out of play, if shooting at the far post and it’s missing, the keeper may palm it to a striker following up, a striker may intercept it on its way and score, (it may hit a defender and go in off them)
7. Rebounds (follow all shots in)

---

Get this full training session including multiple progressions, attacking from crosses, making transitions and switching positions, a 3 v 3 attacking and defending transition game and more small-sided games for strikers in Soccer Awareness eBook 8: Small-Sided Games for Strikers.

This full training session is also available in the Soccer Awareness Training Center. The Soccer Awareness Training Center powered by Edufii is the ultimate youth soccer coaches learning platform. Join Our Team

Example Soccer Awareness Training Session

1. Footwork and coordination movements for balance and changing direction,
2. Dribbling techniques are practiced & reinforced every time,
3. Rondos to teach positioning, footwork and foot preparation and body stance as well as improve and speed up decision making
4. Developing the thinking process through specific “training the mind” exercises,
5. 1 v 1s plus 1 possession games with support and building them up in numbers to 2 v 2 plus 1 and so on using and transitioning with outside players to develop rotational patterns of play;
6. Finishing Techniques focusing on “Movements to get free” and shooting in both the corners of the goal;
7. A small sided game situation bringing it all together based on a particular theme (so many different game situations taught) which is vital for the players to end on.
8. Examples of SSG’s; One touch development; Movement off and “away” from the ball; Switching the point of attack; Zonal defending; High pressure games to speed up decision making; Shooting and Finishing games; Transition games highlighting the importance of when “possession changes” and what players need to do; Pressing games to improve immediate defending principles and so on. 

Download the rest of the example session and all that can be taught (PDF)

A Short and Simple Explanation on How to Defend

Get more like this in Soccer Awareness eBook 19: The Principles of Defending for U8 to U14.

This book takes you through simple individual beginnings to more complex unit and team ideas on defending. We address all the important facets of defending such as pressure on the ball and how to tackle or delay, immediate supporting positions, covering positions beyond the support player, the importance of recovery runs to get back goal side of the ball (which many players don't like or want to do), the need for players to track back individual opponents so they do not overload areas against us; and ultimately how we must develop compactness as a team. 

---

Attacking to Defensive Team Shape

Attacking: Based on the 5 corridors width-wise we want all 5 corridors to have players in them.

Based length–wise we want a maximum of 2 of 3 zones filled; with the exception of the keeper.

Defending: Based on the 5 corridors width-wise we want a maximum of 3 corridors filled with players preferably 2.5 if possible.

Based length-wise we want a maximum of 2 of 3 zones filled preferably the whole team is condensed into 1.5 zones or at most half a field.

Dividing the field into fifths widthwise and thirds lengthwise: The Offensive Set Up

Playing in 5 Corridors widthwise to help define the positioning of players. Also playing in 3 thirds from goal to goal lengthwise (lets call these ZONES FOR CLARITY). Here we have a good balance with players positioning at angles to each other. Must get the team into 2 thirds only, except for the keeper, both offensively and defensively.

Shadow Play: The Defensive Set Up

Play without opponents and show our basic attacking shape then offer alternatives for pressing as a group and have them do it as fast as possible. Use different color cones to represent where we lost the ball then organize the team around this defensive starting point having the players decide where they think they should be and why.

Can extend this back to the middle third also

We lose it wide in the middle third; purple cone; try to press them inside still to where our strength is with numbers. Wing full backs have to be brave and stay in midfield but condense in. (3) delays, shows inside to (10), the rest condense. (10) cuts off passing lane forward as does (11) inside or back.. It will NEVER be this picture perfect but all the same it shows what we should strive for. Pivot (6) is the key for cover.

Playing a Pressing game comes from the back

If we want to play a pressing game then we must have the back four as high as possible (essentially a back 3 now) and then the responsibility of the front players is to press asap when we lose it to stop a counter attack. Same in midfield where we now have our wing fullbacks positioned.

Pressing in attacking third condensing to 3 corridors

Condensing the spaces close to the ball. (11) forces (A) inside to the support and blocks the pass to (I). (3) is already up there and so is the next pressing player. Don’t worry about (D) and (G) and (4) already has covered the space should (A) be able to play the ball long. Defending just inside our own half.

---

Divided Up Field for Team Shape Direction

Dividing the field into fifths widthwise and thirds lengthways

Playing in 5 zones widthwise to help define the positioning of players. Also playing in 3 thirds from goal to goal lengthwise. Here we have a good balance with players positioning at angles to each other. Must get the team into 2 thirds only, except for the keeper, both offensively and defensively.

Soccer Awareness Model of Team Development

My model is implemented at professional Academy level. I believe in developing teams to reflect the most up to date and successful Professional European models of Soccer development. 

The FIVE Phases of Play at the 8 v 8

We employ the 3-3-1 system of play. Using it from U6 to U10 with all our teams; we endeavor to teach a particular style of play that is popular, fun to play and successful and which teaches the players all the best aspects of soccer development.

This is how we develop our individual players and at the same time we are encouraging and helping players on how to use their imagination in 1 v 1 dribbling situations in the attacking thirds of the field. We want to develop technically great passers AND dribblers.

Remember the Art of great coaching includes changing the team shape / plan / style; based on the game situation; so prepare your teams with this in mind.
 
                                Please Click on this Link to Download this Information.

How Do You Define Soccer Intelligence?

I call it Soccer Awareness

1. This is the “thinking” part of the game. The game starts in the head of the player and we as coaches must guide the players to think more quickly and with better accuracy in decision making.

Therefore soccer intelligence is based around players being able to identify their options BEFORE they receive the ball; and pick out the best option of hopefully several available to advance it; and maintain possession of it in the next phase of play.

2. Another VITAL part of developing soccer intelligence in a player is the “Coaching Methodology” a coach uses.

You will never know how much a player understands until you ask them.                               

How often does your coach ask the players questions in training, how often do they ask the players to “decide themselves” where would be a better position to stand, what would be a better pass to make, where would it be best to dribble, where would it be best to play one touch; and then have the player SHOW the coach through their own movement and decision making?                                                                                    

How many times do you see a coach tell the player to do this, do that, go here; go there?

The player does it but doesn’t necessarily understand it; they did it because the coach told them to.

So with this current and prevalent style of coaching how does the player learn soccer intelligence for themselves when they are being told what to do all the time and not allowed to think for themselves? EXACTLY, they DON’T.

So from this my directive would be from the earliest age possible the coach should engage the players in conversation about the game, get their opinion, the coach doesn’t ram their opinion down the players throats, after a minute are the players listening anyway?

Half time team talk, have the players run it, yes even at U8. Ask them questions don’t tell them everything that happened unless they clearly do not understand for themselves and need the help.

In time you will see they are thinking for themselves; identifying situations that happened in the first half that they did well, that can improve on.                                     

Of course the coach must offer advice also, but mix it up so everyone has a chance to add constructive information.

From this you would find the players begin to talk more on the field of play which is a serious problem in youth soccer in the USA where players play and hardly say anything.

They should ALL be communicating on the field which means less need for the coach to offer direction, and therefore offer direction sparingly when they really need it.

So start this process as early as possible.                                                                    

I recently watched a team practice and hardly heard a player speak on the field. They wait until the coach tells them what to do, this is wrong but has developed because they have not been taught / guided correctly to think for themselves; from U8 and onwards and allowed / encouraged to develop their “own” soccer intelligence. 

We can fix this at U8 and every year beyond if the coaching methodology of “question and answer” and “guided discovery” is used as opposed to the traditional “COMMAND” style that is out of date; though can still be used when needed; but sparingly rather than as the norm.

Why is it Important?

Without soccer intelligence a player cannot assess situations quickly enough    through thinking and movement and therefore cannot maintain possession of the ball especially in pressure situations that occur every second on the field of play.

How Does Soccer Intelligence give players and teams a winning advantage? 

Players assessing the game more quickly cerebrally than then opponents can play faster and think faster and make better decisions through identifying the best options as early as possible than opponents; and hence be one step ahead of them.

In player development is soccer intelligence the most important? Where does it fit in with tactical and technical development?

I would say it is the key to being a great soccer player. It is the SKILL FACTOR in player development, the when, where, how and why of technical development in terms of decision making. I will explain more and in greater detail below.

At what age should soccer intelligence training start?

It depends on the player. Some can start at 7 years old some might not be able to grasp it until 10 years old. Generally speaking the earlier the better; introducing very simple decision making training at 7 or 8 years.                                            

Development of technique with closed skill training is the most important at these ages, repetition of the same things without too much thought; so they are capable of making successful dribbles and turns and passes without pressure and then introducing decision making to see if the players know where, where, how and why to make that pass, that dribble that turn and so on with pressure included.

How young is too young and why?

As I said it depends on the player.

How do you train soccer intelligence?

By systematically training the players with an awareness training model.                          

For example creating situations in training where the player MUST look around before they receive the ball, and so setting “conditions of training” to ensure this happens.

Simply put it goes like this and in this order:

1. Observe where the ball is coming from
2. Observe how it is coming? In the air; on the ground; and position accordingly
3. Know where “teammates” are before receiving the ball
4. Know where “opponents” are before receiving the ball
5. Know where the “space” is to play into before receiving the ball
6. Decide what to do with the ball before the ball arrives (one touch pass, two touch, dribble, run with it etc)
7. Observe “where” the ball is to be moved to (where is the free space for example)
8. Decide “when” the ball has to be moved (quickly due to pressure or keep it as you have time)
9. Decide how the ball needs to be moved (one touch pass, two touch, dribble, run with it etc)
10. Decide why that is the best option (compare all options with the teams tactical objectives in mind and pick the best one)

All this must be processed in the players mind BEFORE they get the ball.

I have created a “Continuums of Development Model” to identify what a player needs to do to develop soccer intelligence / awareness and it identifies all the component parts needed for a player to receive the ball and be successful in maintaining possession of it.

Therefore based on this above the Continuum looks like this:

All below done and worked out before receiving the ball:

• Look / Observe: what are my options?
• Body position: Open stance
• Feet preparation: not flat footed; but fleet of foot
• Communication: with your own eyes, vocally or from teammates

All done below after receiving the ball:

• Technique: the first touch; could be a controlling touch so 2 touches or more; or a one touch execution
• Skill: the when, where; how and why of the technique; the decision making process
• Mobility: Movement off the ball by the player and preparing for the next phase of play
• Transition: we lose possession we immediately tune into a defending mentality from an attacking mentality

To add, many players have the first part (the most important part), the look / observe assessment of options after e) and before f) when it should be at a) and be the first thing they do.

They don’t assess their options until they have received the ball and often this is too late and they lose possession.

Therefore the Look / Observe; if done before receiving the ball; actually may give them more “time” and offer three or four yards of space “in their head” or tell them they need to move it one touch because there is quick pressure on them.

How can parents help?

By learning more about the game, reading coaching books; by watching the top teams in the world on TV with their children, by going to live games with them when able. Even passing back and forth helping their kids develop their first touch or if they want throwing it to them as the first touch is a vital part of the players makeup.

I believe parent education of the game is vitally important to help them understand it more and they then can further understand even just the fundamentals of what we as the coaches / teachers are trying to develop with their children.

It might result in more questions for coaches to answer but coaches who know what they are doing will not or should not be afraid of that.

Is anyone really doing this today?

Good question, ask the coaches wherever your child plays to describe it; then you will know.

Please name a few professional players from clubs around the world who you think display soccer intelligence on the field today

Every professional player has soccer intelligence to a high level otherwise they could not play at the pace of the game today and be successful.

That said Paul Scholes of Manchester United has been the best in England, a great one touch player and interestingly enough whilst he hardly ever loses possession of the ball at the vast pace of the game today, he himself is not particularly quick of limb; but rather quick of MIND and has identified the game 3 moves ahead even before he gets the ball. He only needs half a touch he thinks so quickly J

Xavi; Buschets, Iniesta and Messi of Barcelona all completely different players who bring different qualities to soccer intelligence

Now there is another chapter for the future to explain all that!!

In essence, but not limited to: Buschets the set up player; one touch (especially good at awareness, possibly the best one touch player in the world), Xavi the link man, one and two touch, Iniesta the feeder player with quick passing and dribbling and Messi the finisher with EVERYTHING A PLAYER COULD EVER WISH FOR.

Book Review - Soccer Awareness: Developing the Thinking Player

This is a review from Amazon on the book: Soccer Awareness: Developing the Thinking Player

As a long time coach (not of soccer though), I took to the task of coaching my daughter’s travel soccer team. It’s not difficult to find drills for dribbling and passing and small sided games and such. What is difficult is getting the kids to look around and play the game. These drills provide dribbling and passing practice, but also awareness training.

This book details drills that get the kids heads up and checking out the game. I think you could run practices the entire year with stuff from this book and little more. Before long, the kids start to “get it” if you will. They start to think a play ahead of the game and are looking around for options. Players start to make runs to get the ball from a teammate. Before this I had a kid with the ball and the rest were watching the game.

One simple idea was having kids call out who they plan to pass to before they receive the ball in a pass and move drill. So simple yet so genious. Works great to get the kids heads up and looking around. All the drills are geared toward kids looking around the field.

Soccer Symposium for Player Development

On Sunday, April 29, coach Wayne Harrison of CV Manchester Soccer Club presented a coaching symposium focused on his “Thinking Process” of training. The symposium, held at Carmel Creek Elementary School, was open to all interested coaches, parents and players. Harrison shared his views on coaching players to develop “vision” and to play a thinking style of soccer.

A former professional player with Blackpool Football Club in England and Oulu Palloseura in Finland, Harrison also represented Great Britain in the World Student Games in Mexico. His coaching experience includes Youth Director at Blackpool and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. Harrison holds the UEFA “A” License, the NSCAA Premier Diploma and a degree in Sports Psychology and Applied Physiology.

The symposium was designed to benefit players and coaches by presenting the 4-2-3-1 style of play favored by many top professional teams, including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal. As important was the focus on developing the thinking process of players and showing the importance of the mind in playing soccer. Harrison explained how to “train the mind” to increase “speed of thought and movement” during a game.

“I felt the clinics were successfully received,” said Harrison, “and very well performed by the players who attended. I would like to thank them for their efforts. I also want to thank Manchester Soccer club, and particularly Directors of Coaching Billy Garton and Jeff Illingworth, for supporting me on this Symposium.”

Coaches from several different clubs attended, and several shared what they had gotten from the day.

“I had a fantastic experience at the Coach Wayne’s soccer clinic,” said fellow CV Manchester coach John Matich. “Wayne Harrison presented relevant information to soccer coaches at many levels. It made me think outside the box, and gave me some great ideas to bring to my own teams, including a clinic on the 4-2-3-1 system which was brilliant.”

“I found the symposium to be very informative,” said RSF Attack Soccer Club coach Shawn Beyer. “The training sessions were clearly run and outlined. [Harrison] offered very useful techniques and tactics to read the game quicker and play the ball faster.  Also, it is clear Wayne is up to date on the modern style of play of the great Barcelona team with his understanding of their system played in the 4-2-3-1. I would attend another clinic if offered and took much away from the symposium.”

Warren Schwitkis of San Diego Soccer Club was also enthusiastic about the training from the Symposium. “Wayne Harrison is a detail-oriented guy who cares about the profession, and his coaching clinic symposium reflected this.  He does a fantastic job in preparing and delivering a training session. Wayne is clear and concise with the players during the session and also with the coaches surrounding the pitch.  I was very impressed with his knowledge.”

“The experience was worthwhile and extremely positive,” said Hector Garcia from Surf Murietta about the symposium. “Although there were many topics on the agenda, Wayne managed to cover all of them in a very organized manner. He was clear in his transmission of concepts   while keeping the environment light and the kids engaged. Wayne’s passion for the game and promoting growth is genuine and contagious. I look forward to attending future events.”

Santiago Baltazar, a coach with Olympicos Soccer Club, said, “[Wayne Harrison’s] drills will be very helpful in training our young players to be better players on the field. They will also help us to be better coaches, and we will implement all we have learned from your teaching in our own coaching.  I would like to see more clinics from him to help improve my coaching skills and learn more from one of the best.”

“I’ve always felt helping players develop a soccer brain was one of the most important and difficult tasks a coach is faced with,” said Travis Lucero of Encinitas Express. “Watching the progression of training drills Wayne presents to get the players to see the play before it happens is exciting.  I can’t wait to start applying these principals to my training sessions.”

In order to further spread the word on his training methods, Harrison had the symposium videotaped to create a DVD presentation that can be used alone or in concert with his eleven books on soccer training. The goal is to provide a better understanding of the training methods through the two mediums. Several coaches who were unable to attend have already approached Harrison about the DVD, and portions of the training will be featured on the CV Manchester website.

“Hopefully coaches and players got some new ideas from the clinics to enhance their abilities and range of knowledge in both the nature of the topics and the style of delivery,” said Harrison. “It is all about focusing on the decision making of the players and not the coaches.”

Harrison has been asked to present his symposium for several clubs in San Diego and Los Angeles and at the World Class Coaching Symposium in Nebraska in June. Later in the year he will travel to Antigua and Panama to share his knowledge and training methods in those countries as well. He is available and excited to share his clinics, and can be reached at wayneharrison@soccerawareness.com.