Tony Carr
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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.
Sessions by Tony Carr
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Watch your players’ confidence soar when they realise they can keep control of the ball for longer by using their bodies as a shield to protect the ball. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Players should be encouraged to express themselves in practice. This will improve their confidence in matches and they are more likely to try out some skills. You should inspire your players by asking them to play in the “showboating” role of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Improve your players’ close control skills with these easy-to-set-up drills which place the emphasis on the individual. Each player can become a “one man army” if he can keep the ball away from opponents. MORE
in Defending, Practice plans
Teaching your players how to block or intercept an opposition forward pass will help your team regain possession of the ball. Remember – you can’t concede a goal if you have the ball. MORE
in Attacking, Practice plans
It is vital to encourage inventive play in the attacking. third of the pitch, your players should practise co-ordinated forward runs off the ball that will enable them to open up space and therefore create opportunities to shoot for goal. MORE
in Midfield, Practice plans
Developing a three-man midfield is important because it will give your team domination and versatility. Formations that include three players in midfield, such as 4-3-3 and 4-5-1, are the most popular used in the English Premier League. MORE
in Passing, Practice plans
Coaching players to perform with their “heads up” so they can survey what is happening around them is an important part of football. This not only makes them more aware of player positions, but also improves possession. “Passing by numbers” encourages your players to see the big picture when passing. MORE
in Passing, Practice plans
Improving your players’ vision and awareness when passing the ball can help create goalscoring opportunities for the team. Soon your players will be able to see and execute passes into the gaps between the opponent’s defenders. MORE
in Defending, Practice plans
Your players need to assume a defensive mindset the moment the opposition gains possession. “Chain reaction” will enable your players to smoothly switch from attacking to defensive duties because failing to do so will give their opponents an immediate advantage. MORE
in Attacking, Practice plans
Overlapping is a particularly important tactic in the final third of the pitch where full backs can combine with wingers to get into dangerous crossing positions. MORE
in Defending, Practice plans
Play 4v4 with two keepers in an area 30 yards by 20 yards. MORE
in Attacking, Practice plans
A good winger can be a real advantage for your team when it comes to attacking. This session focuses on developing the dribbling and crossing technique of the team’s wide players. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Receiving the ball is more than just a case of simply controlling it when it reaches a player. He has to make sure the first touch is into space so it gives him time to make the next decision, whether that be a pass, shot or dribble. MORE
in Attacking, Practice plans
When two strikers play together they develop an understanding of what each other is doing – therefore more chances are created. This session initially concentrates on the forwards then integrates defenders and team mates to replicate a real match. MORE
in Defending, Practice plans
It’s important your whole team, not just the defenders, stay focused and begin defending the moment possession is lost. Most goals are scored within three passes so if you allow your opponents time and space your team will be punished. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Improving your players’ ability to use a skill, show disguise or combine quickly with a team mate in and around the penalty area can be crucial to the final result of a game. MORE
in Attacking, Practice plans
Dribbling, passing and receiving the ball are three vital skills needed to launch attacks and subsequently score goals.
This simple drill helps reinforce these basic techniques. MORE
in Defending, Practice plans
When defenders hold up forwards, inevitably the attack is slowed down. This type of patient defending allows for your team mates to make recovery runs and track back to help in defence. MORE
in Attacking, Tactics
This set is set up to improve general movement in players when they are in possession of the ball and attacking the opposition goal MORE
in Passing, Practice plans
English Premier League midfield stars such as Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard use raking diagonal passes at every opportunity to open their opponent’s defence. This creates 1v1 crossing situations or chances to run behind the defence and into goal-scoring positions. This session will improve your team’s ability to do the same. MORE
in Midfield, Practice plans
The success of Spain at international level proves a game based on possession can win the biggest trophies. Try this exercise with your players and they will start appreciating the value of keeping the ball. MORE
in Passing, Practice plans
Quick passing upfield can catch the opposition cold. This week’s session is designed to improve passes from your team’s defenders to its forwards. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
These fun, competitive drills will help players develop their close control and dribbling, before “running The Gauntlet” at the end. MORE
in Defending, Practice plans
Teach your players how to organise themselves to defend a corner, which areas to defend and how to quickly execute counter attacks when clearing the ball. This session can be adapted for mini soccer, intermediate or 11v11 adult football. MORE
