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.
Spain and Barcelona mesmerise their opponents when in possession of the ball. Improve your players’ composure when they have the ball to emulate the Spanish. This session will help your players retain possession and if the opposition do not have the ball, they cannot score any goals. MORE
A snap shot at goal can be the difference between two teams on match day. When the chance to shoot arises, your players need to take advantage of the opportunity. MORE
This week’s session is designed to improve your players’ ability to score goals inside the penalty area. The term “goal poacher” describes a player who is desperate to score goals and is constantly looking to get a toe, foot or head on the ball to do so. MORE
This session is designed to improve your players’ turning in and around the penalty area. The aim for the forward is to get a quick shot at goal and catch the goalkeeper by surprise. MORE
This simple drill will help younger players to start thinking about coordinating the timing of a cross with a team mate’s run towards goal. MORE
This practice shows the advantage of forwards playing off each other and develops combinations with the wide midfielders. MORE
Prime your team to go for goal as soon as possession is regained because that’s when opposition defenders are least prepared and so most vulnerable to attack. MORE
This session is designed to improve playing between the lines. This means getting players and passes into the spaces created by the opponent’s chosen formation. MORE
This drill reinforces the basic principles of two-player defending. It is ideal for coaching your players to close down space, provide cover and force the play in one direction. MORE
Recreate the thrill of a clay-pigeon shoot as your strikers call for the ball to be pulled back before despatching it into the net. Can they keep a cool head and finish with accuracy? MORE
This session is designed to improve forward passing and supporting runs which give options to the player in possession of the ball. MORE
The midfield screen is a defensive line, shielding defenders from penetrating through balls and 1v1 situations. Use this session to get your midfield working as a unit to give the defenders behind them some protection. MORE
The ability to invite pressure on your defence then launch a rapid counter can devastate your opponents. MORE
Attacking in twos can be easy against a single defender. However, take away the overload advantage and your attackers’ decision making will be really tested. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Having players comfortable in possession, as well as being quick and accurate passers, are key elements to a winning team. “3-2-1 control and pass” improves your players’ ability to control and pass the ball at different heights and speeds. MORE
In a small-sided game, goals scored from quick one- and two-touch combination play count double. This rewards play that has been practiced and developed earlier in the session. MORE
Good communication between attackers is vital for a successful partnership because occupying the same area makes space easier to defend. “Cross fire” encourages your attackers to build an understanding of the runs they must make to create space. MORE
Your players need to be able to spot gaps in the opposition defence and exploit them by showing good pace to get in behind them in order to cross or shoot at goal. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
After being coached the basic skills of receiving and controlling the ball, players should be in the habit of using a positive first touch to move the ball into space. This creates more time for them to look up and see if a team mate is available before they make their next decision. Use this session to improve your players’ first touch and spatial awareness. MORE
This session will improve the first touch of your attacking players. A centre forward must have a good first touch in order to guide the ball into space or away from a defender to shoot. Improving this skill will add speed to the forwards’ play and enable them to shoot at goal quickly in order to catch goalkeepers by surprise. MORE
Attackers only need to create a little room in order to get a shot at the goal when there’s one defender between them and the goal. Get your players practising this attacking 1v1 situation. MORE
Do you want your team to score more goals? If you can improve your strikers’ ability to score goals from various positions in the penalty area and with different techniques, then this session will help. MORE
in Goalkeeping, Practice plans
Four balls, four goals and four chances to make a save, all wrapped up with a 4v4. This fast paced shot stopping session would even test the likes of Italian goalkeeping greats Gianluigi Buffon and Dino Zoff. MORE
in Ball Control and Footwork, Practice plans
Sharpen up your players’ close control and improve their touch when in possession of the ball with this session that will help their “dancing feet” dazzle opponents. MORE
