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.
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
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
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
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
Whether it’s playing a through ball, switching the play or simply maintaining possession, being able to pass accurately and with the right weight is critical to your team’s chances of success. MORE
It is vital to improve the decision making of the last defender when caught in 1v1 and 2v1 situations. When a defender is isolated they must first look to force the play away from goal and second, they need to delay the attack and enable team mates to track back and help. MORE
More than 80% of goals are scored in three or fewer passes after regaining possession of the ball. An alert move forward after winning the ball can catch defences out and give your team chances to score goals. MORE
in Goalkeeping, Practice plans
There are times when the distance between the attacker and the goal is so small, the only way a goalkeeper can stop the ball is by taking up a good position to stop a shot and relying on quick reactions. MORE
in Goalkeeping, Practice plans
A goalkeeper that can confidently catch high crosses will provide welcome relief for any defence. Not only is the goalkeeper likely to stop goals being scored, he will boost confidence in the rest of his team. MORE
The enforcer’s role in the team is to stop opponent’s attacks by applying pressure and making tackles. He plays just in front of the defence and is often the first resistance an opposition attack faces. MORE
The offside law is difficult to explain and requires a lot of patience on the part of the coach. However, use this simple set of drills regularly to reinforce the basic principles and it won’t be long before your players start to get the hang of it. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Displaying quick, fancy footwork isn’t just useful for showing off – being able to manipulate the ball at speed will help your players get out of tricky situations or create space for themselves when required. MORE
Quick reactions in the penalty box can earn your team a lot of goals – players just need to be made aware of the chances that await alert minds. MORE
Attackers such as Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka thrive on through balls and score most of their goals with this method. Your players need to develop their ability to make these passes for the forward to run on to. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Being able to control, or “trap” the ball instantly gives your players time to perform comfortably under pressure and in tight situations. MORE
The session tests all the techniques defenders need as individuals to stop attackers from getting shots at goal in 1v1 situations. MORE
Tearing an opposition defence apart is exciting and can be done especially well on the wing. But what can you do if the wing is blocked? Cross the ball to the other side and create chaos there instead. MORE
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
