Tony Carr is one of the most influential figures in English football. The former West Ham Academy director has brought through – from the youth team to the first team – players like Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe.
It is the last minute of a cup final and your team is 1-0 up. The opposition is firing long balls and crosses into your penalty area. Can your team remain calm and clear the danger? MORE
Retaining possession of the ball by passing it along the ground in all areas of the pitch requires courage and good technique, but as Spain has proved in recent tournaments, it can be a blueprint for success. MORE
Your attackers will have a better chance of beating the opposition goalkeeper if they strike the ball first time. A goalkeeper or defence is less likely to be ready to deal with such a shot and this could result in more goals for your team. MORE
Arsenal and Barcelona are excellent examples of teams that play composed football through their Midfield Maestros (Fabregas, Nasri, Wilshere, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets). This session will help your team launch attacks through the middle of the pitch. MORE
in Fitness and Diet, Practice plans
Improving your team’s fitness in the pre-season period could be the key to a winning start. These practices aim to develop fitness through the use of a range of movements, changes of speed and the use of smallsided games. MORE
in Practice plans, Soccer tackling drills
If your defenders want to be the next John Terry, or Nemanja Vidic, they will need to be able to stop opposition attackers from taking shots at goal. This session will help teach the virtues of blocking shots and tackling players. MORE
A good defence will be able to pressure its opposition into making a mistake. The rule of this session is that the nearest player to the ball must go to pressure the opponent in possession. MORE
The session will lead your team through three key steps of defending in order to improve the team’s shape and awareness of space. MORE
Attackers apply pressure to try and win the ball from the defence and shoot at goal. MORE
To score goals, players need to have the correct techniques and ability to use all parts of either foot. This session will have your players practising a variety of shooting techniques. MORE
All players want to score the winning goal or at least make a skilful run to set up the winner. The key is to have a sound ability in basic techniques. This session puts together a range of techniques in a fun, all-action skills circuit. MORE
One of the most attractive and effective ways of scoring goals is to use the entire team by playing the ball out from the back. From the goalkeeper, through the defence and midfield, to a forward who can finish the move. MORE
An accurate, well-weighted, lofted pass will allow your team to exploit space behind the opponent’s midfield or defence. This does not mean simply hoofing the ball upfield. MORE
When an opponent who can dribble well with the ball bears down on your team’s defence, it can often lead to a goal against you. Teach your players how to deal with this threat. MORE
Playing in triangles with three players gives the one in possession good passing options and helps the team maintain possession. MORE
in Attacking, Ball Control and Footwork
This sessions helps players to practise swerving the ball, which is an important skill to help them take advantage of goal scoring opportunities from free-kicks and shots. MORE
in Practice plans, Soccer dribbling drills
This intense session will hone your players’ dribbling skills. This vital attribute opens up avenues of attack and means your opponent does not have the ball. MORE
Teaching your players the art of defensive positioning and how to work as a unit will help stop opposition attacks and that means conceding fewer goals. MORE
If you want your team to dominate possession by passing the ball out and upfield, starting with the goalkeeper, your players need to show skill, hard work and courage. MORE
in Practice plans, Soccer dribbling drills
The ability to change direction at speed is one of the key elements of successful dribbling. Coach your players to leave defenders dazzled with this session. MORE
in Goalkeeping, Practice plans
Modern goalkeepers are as comfortable controlling the ball with their feet as they are with their hands. Having this ability allows them to help their team retain possession after they receive a back pass. MORE
The conductor may be the person who controls a group of musicians but on your team, he pulls the strings when it comes to attacks. Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona is one famous player who thrives in this crucial role. MORE
A well-timed through pass can cut a defence wide open and set a forward on his way towards goal with a clear opportunity to score. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Improving your players’ skill levels could give them the ability to beat an opponent in tight areas. The theme is “getting a yard” and encourages players to realise that a yard of space is all that is needed to score or create a goal. MORE
