MIND THE GAP - WOMEN'S SOCCER COACHING SOCCER COACH - Women's Soccer Coaching
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SOCCER COACH
WEEKLY
DECEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 01 | BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY
WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING
COACH INTERVIEW
MIND THE GAP
THE PSYCHOLOGY THAT SAW HOUSTON
DASH OUTFLANK THEIR NWSL RIVALS
PLUS • SCAN LIKE THE PROS • SET-PIECE BRILLIANCE
• CPD WEBINARS • COACHING REMOTELY
• FESTIVE FUN • AND MORE...
DECEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 01 | BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY
WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING FROM THE HEAD COACH
We’re for the coaches,
COACH INTERVIEW
MIND THE GAP
THE PSYCHOLOGY THAT SAW HOUSTON
DASH OUTFLANK THEIR NWSL RIVALS
PLUS • SCAN LIKE THE PROS
• CPD WEBINARS
• FESTIVE FUN
• SET-PIECE BRILLIANCE
• COACHING REMOTELY
• AND MORE...
driven by the coaches
Issue 001 Welcome to the first issue of Women’s for youngsters, as they play the parts
December 2020 Soccer Coaching, a new monthly of elves and grinches, and for older
resource for female coaches, coaches children there’s a session plan which
Women’s Soccer working within the female game - or teaches the importance of scanning.
Coaching website anyone interested in expanding their But it’s not just about the kids. As
and monthly digital library of coaching material. you see on the cover, we chat to NWSL
magazine offers We’ve scoured the UK, USA and Challenge Cup-winning head coach
proven, easy to beyond to speak to coaches who will be James Clarkson, to learn the secrets
use soccer drills, contributing with session plans, quick behind Houston Dash’s recent triumph.
coaching sessions, drills, articles, coaching tips, CPD advice We’ve also got a sublime set-piece
practice plans, and recommendations. for your players to practice, some great
small-sided games, And we’d welcome contributions exercises for keeping them fit over the
warm-ups, training from you, too - just email me on festive period and suggestions of free,
tips and advice. editor@womenssoccercoaching.com. online CPD courses - recommended by
The resources are This is a coaching resource for you, and also coach an U14s grassroots team. coaches - to keep you busy over the
created for the driven by you, the coaching community. But enough about me and more on this forthcoming break.
grassroots youth I myself am still at the beginning of first issue. If you enjoy the content, mention
coach following my coaching journey. Having passed Firstly, thank you for reading it. You’ll us to your coaching network. A
best practice from the old 1st4sport FA Level 1 coaching find session plans, articles and top subscription would make a great
around the world course back in 2007, I have since tips which can hopefully help develop Christmas gift!
and insights from juggled a playing career with advancing your coaching and allow you to take On that note, have a great Christmas,
the professional my coaching – and continue to do so. ideas and inspiration into your own stay safe, and see you all in 2021.
game. I received my UEFA B licence at the environments with your own players.
Head coach/editor
Hannah Duncan
end of 2019 and, alongside playing, I There’s a fun Christmas themed drill Hannah
editor@womenssoccercoaching.
com THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS CONTENTS
Production editor
Andrew Raeburn
Hannah Duncan Head coach Fun drill - ages 5-11 P3
Contributors Elves try and decorate the tree - but the
Natascia Bernardi Hannah holds a UEFA B licence and FA Youth Award, and currently works Grinch tries to stop them! Find out how.
James Clarkson in the Youth Development Phase at an FA Women’s National League
Emma O’Connor club. She has taken a representative team to the Gothia Cup, the world’s
Ali Speechly Professional insight P4
Rachel Thomson largest youth football tournament, and plays for Whyteleafe in step 5 of How scanning can improve your game
the women’s pyramid.
Illustrations Session plan - ages 11-16 P5-7
Sutrimo
Rachel Thomson Contributor Scan like a pro (warm-up, practice, SSG)
Pictures
Reuters Media Express Rachel is lead academy strength & conditioning coach at Hibernian Girls Coach interview P8-11
Houston Dash FC Academy in Edinburgh, working with players from U13 to U19. She also
Chris Randall James Clarkson, head coach of NWSL
coaches at Spartans Community Academy. Follow Rachel (@rachthom2) Challenge Cup winners Houston Dash
Customer Services and Hibs Girls Academy (@HFCgirlsacademy) on Twitter.
support@womenssoccercoaching.com
Fitness drills P12-13
Managing Director Ali Speechly Contributor Some simple ways to keep your players
Kevin Barrow in shape over Christmas
Ali has coached in grassroots, community and academy settings, includ-
Women’s Soccer Coaching ing at Millwall Lionesses and Tottenham Women. Currently an academy
is published by Green Star One off the training ground P14
Media Ltd, MBX124, 19
coach at a WSL club, Ali is also director of women’s football at commu- Emulate AFC Bournemouth’s innovative
Moorfield Road, Guildford, nity club Camden & Islington United. FA Level 2 and Goalkeeper Level set piece with our step-by-step guide
Surrey, GU2 9LX, UK. 1-qualified, she is working towards her Uefa B licence.
(c) Green Star Media Ltd.
All rights reserved. How to...coach remotely P15
Natascia Bernardi Contributor Locked down? No training space? Here
SUBSCRIPTIONS Natascia currently coaches Wildcats for Actonians LFC in west London, are some top remote coaching tips
To subscribe to working with girls aged 5-11. Previously, she has coached the women’s
Women’s Soccer Coaching
click here. football team of Newham Sixth Form College in east London. CPD advice P16
Free online webinars to further your
For more information, see coaching credentials over Christmas
page 18 Emma O’Connor Contributor
Emma is a Uefa B licence coach, currently working with Wheatley Oaks Matchday advice P17
SOCIAL MEDIA
FC, a team for women aged 30+ in Oxfordshire. She has previously How to keep your subs engaged in bad
@soccercoaching
coached at Richmond Park FC and AFC Wimbledon. winter weather
/womenssoccercoaching
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 2
QUICK DRILL CHRISTMAS FUN
Christmas fun: decorate the tree!
It’s Elves vs Grinches in a fun Christmas-themed relay race, developing dribbling, 1-v-1
skills and running with the ball, plus touching on the social corner. By Hannah Duncan
Create an end-zone with enough balls to
fill your ‘trees’ - 11 for each team if the trees
are arranged in a 5-3-2-1 formation like ours here
THE SET-UP
Use cones to create
a Christmas tree
shape for your
players to fill
with the balls
Set up your relay team of
‘elves’ in a starting box,
with a defender - The Grinch -
waiting to challenge them!
THE GAME
Elves run into the end-zone to
collect the balls...
...and then dribble
towards the tree,
taking on The Grinch
before placing their
balls on the cones
Encourage your players to
be positive when dribbling
and taking the defender on
WHY USE IT HOW TO DO IT should collect the ball and return it to the box of
decorations, before starting again.
This is not just a fun game for the last training It’s Christmas, and it’s time to decorate our trees!
The first team to place a bauble on top of each
session before Christmas – addressing the social Teams of three elves race against each other to
cone, and successfully decorate their tree, wins.
corner - it is also a great opportunity to teach be the first to hang all the ‘baubles’ (balls) on
Alternatively, the team with the most baubles on
players the difference between dribbling and their tree – by placing the balls on the cones.
their tree after a certain time frame can be
running with the ball, develop 1-v-1 skills and One at a time, elves collect a bauble (with their named the winners.
breed confidence. feet) from the ‘box of decorations’ (the end
SET-UP
zone) and return to the starting area as quickly
as possible, ready to decorate the tree.
TECHNIQUE
This game will help players begin to understand
Split your group into two or three equal teams of But there’s a twist! There’s a Grinch lying in wait
the difference between dribbling and running
‘elves’. Create a Christmas tree shape for each to ruin Christmas, as they attempt to stop elves
with the ball, and when each might be used in a
team out of cones at the top of the area. dribbling their bauble to the tree.
game.
A defender from each team (‘the Grinch’) stands Elves need to beat the Grinch 1-v-1 to add their
Players can also practice 1-v-1 skills, such as ball
between the other team’s starting area and the bauble to the tree. Once an elf starts taking on
control and manipulation, getting a defender
‘tree’. At the opposite end of the area to the tree, the Grinch, the next one can go and collect their
off-balance and defending – including jockeying,
scatter enough balls to enable both teams to bauble from the box of decorations.
being patient, showing a player away from the
place a ball on each of the cones in their tree. If the Grinch wins the ball, the attacking player target and winning the ball.
Player movement Ball movement Run with ball Shot
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 3
SCANNING COACHING ADVICE
Steph Houghton’s awareness of her
surroundings has made her one of
the best English defenders of her
generation
Eyes on
the prize
Scanning for space before you
receive the ball improves your
chances of using it successfully,
writes HANNAH DUNCAN
The ability to know exactly what’s going could improve perception. Basically, I came to Research and observation of 250 professional
on around you at all times is a vital part of the conclusion that it is about getting as much players, carried out by Dr Geir Jordet at the
elevating your game to the next level. information as possible before I get the ball. I Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, showed
According to the former Arsenal men’s call that scanning. that former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard
manager Arsène Wenger, top players scan (or “I try to see what happens to a player in the scanned 0.61 times per second. The ex-Chelsea
‘check their shoulder’) six to eight times in 10 seconds before he gets the ball, how many and England midfielder Frank Lampard
the 10 seconds before receiving the ball, while times he takes information and the quality managed 0.62 searches per second.
average players will check their surroundings of information he takes. It depends on the However, eclipsing both was Barcelona’s
just three to four times. position. midfield maestro Xavi with an incredible 0.83
This enhanced perception allows the top “What is interesting is that very good players scans per second.
players the opportunity to make better scan six to eight times in the 10 seconds before Coaching players to check their shoulders
decisions, knowing in advance of receiving the getting the ball and normal ones three to four regularly will improve their decision making,
ball where the space times. That is a major awareness and the accuracy of their next pass,
is, where their team- step for improvement. all vital attributes in creating a star player.
mates are and where “Great players isolate “However, more
their opponents are. from the ball, their important - you have to SCANNING SESSION PLAN
Speaking at the analyse the quality of
Sport Innovation head is like a radar” perception and decision
Now train your players to spot
Society in 2019, Arsène Wenger making. My challenge
space and opponents, and
Wenger said: “The is to get my players to
improve their decision making,
problem in football is that you learn how to play know which the best choice is and make the
with our three-page session plan...
[the wrong] way round - first execution, then optimal decision every time they get the ball.
decision making and perception last. “The player has to scan and decide. When he Warm-up P5
“I have lost many top players because their has decided he has to make the best possible A simple arrival activity
head was on the ball and they were not seeing solution. This means a compromise between that could be used as a full
what was around them. Great players isolate risk and the progress of the ball.” practice session for younger
players
from the ball, their head is like a radar. When it seems like certain players have so
“Once a circuit is printed in their brain, we much more time on the ball than others, this is Practice P6
managers find it extremely difficult to change often as a result of persistent scanning. Places players into a more
that. It’s vital not to harm the perception This is particularly important for midfielders, game-realistic, pressurised
environment, with more
with young boys because they learn first the who have to navigate crowded areas of the
decisions to make
execution from five to 12. pitch, often receiving the ball with their back to
“As a player, whenever I get the ball I have goal, before looking to play forwards. Small-sided game P7
to analyse, then decide and finally execute. Scanning not only improves a player’s Put your players’ scanning
Perception plays a huge role in this. I worked chances of playing a positive forward pass but, and receiving skills to the
test
with a University in Norway to identify how I more importantly, a high-quality forward pass.
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 4
SCANNING SESSION PLAN
Learn to scan like a pro WARM-UP ACTIVITY
Often overlooked in favour of more technical skills, scanning is vital to developing
creativity. This arrival activity will encourage players to be aware of their surroundings
Mark out an area roughly
resembling a circle
Use coloured cones to mark
out four gates within the
circle - players must turn through
these with the ball on their first
touch to score points
Here, a player scans over her
shoulder before receiving
a pass - allowing her to see the Place four players around
the edge of the circle (‘the
incoming defender and protect the
ball or play backwards
Two defenders work hard in the
circle to block gates - attackers
must constantly scan for free space
servers’), who pass a ball towards
a player on their team
WHY USE IT instead forcing them to pass straight back to the server. Attacking players
must constantly scan to see the position of defenders, where the free
Scanning is a vitally tool for players to learn from a young age – and servers are and where the space is. They must also look to receive in front
something that is often overlooked in favour of technical ball skills. By of a gate with an open body, to allow their first touch to take them back
encouraging players to scan, we can develop better decision-makers and through the gate.
more positive and dangerous attacking players.
TECHNIQUE
SET-UP While scanning is the main focus of the session, players must also look to
Set up a circular area, with several ‘gates’ placed around the inside. Begin receive the ball with an open body, enabling them to take the ball through
with four servers spread evenly around the outside of the area, each with a a gate on their first touch, or play back to the server as necessary.
ball. Four players within the area begin as the attacking players, while two
Timing of movement to receive is also an important component. The
begin as defenders. The circular area gives players plenty of decisions to
servers should be encouraged to send a message to the receivers through
make and several directions in which to scan.
their pass. A pass to the back foot encourages the turn, a pass to the front
foot indicates they should play straight back to the server.
HOW TO DO IT
The attacking players in the middle of the area aim to score as many points ADAPTATIONS
as possible in the time allocated. Players score by receiving the ball from a To give your players a greater challenge, you can ask one of the attacking
server and taking the ball through a gate with their first touch – therefore players or one of the servers to become an extra defender. This will create
turning away from the server with the ball under control. more pressure on the attackers, forcing them to scan more often and
They then pass to a free server on the outside, before looking to receive improve the timing of their movement to receive.
another ball from a different server. Defenders aim to move around the If the attackers are struggling, take out one of the defenders to create
area blocking the gates, preventing attackers from turning through and more time and space as players get to grips with the session.
Player movement Ball movement Run with ball Shot
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 5
SCANNING SESSION PLAN
Learn to scan like a pro PRACTICE SESSION
This practice advances the previous warm-up session and places players into a more
game-realistic, pressurised environment, with more decisions to make.
Set up a six-sided playing
area, roughly like a hexagon
Place gates on each
side of the hexagon Two teams (here 3v3,
yellow v red) compete
for possession. Players are
encouraged to scan for space
to receive the ball away from an
opposing player
Three to six players (blue)
outside the playing area
support whichever team is in
possession. Teams score by
Here, a supporting player
spots a gate blocked off
and runs round the area to a
passing to a supporting player
between a gate
free gate to receive the ball
WHY USE IT TECHNIQUE
This game gives players the chance to put their scanning skills into a game- Players must constantly be scanning to identify space, opponents,
realistic scenario. Especially pertinent for central midfielders, the shape of team-mates and opportunities to score. They should also be encouraged to
the area means players are guaranteed a number of options at various receive the ball with an open body, enabling them to turn and play forward,
angles, meaning scanning skills have to be sharp for success. or play a safe backwards pass if a defender has closed the space.
Players may also be encouraged to send a message with their pass. Playing
SET-UP to their team-mates’ back foot encourages the turn, a pass to the front foot
indicates they should play back or protect the ball.
Set up a hexagonal area, with a gate along each line. Depending on your
numbers, place three to six neutral players around the outside, behind each
gate, and the remaining players separated into two teams, playing within ADAPTATIONS
the area. In this example, we’re playing 3 v 3 + 4. If players are finding it challenging to find space, scan and turn to play
One ball is in play, but try to keep some available around the outside. The forwards, you could increase the size of the playing area. Or, consider a line
coach serve these in when needed to maintain intensity. to divide the area in half (as pictured), with only two defenders at most
allowed in either half. This will also encourage defenders to provide cover
HOW TO DO IT and balance.
Alternatively, reduce the size of the area to increase the challenge. The
The two teams play a possession game within the area and look to score fewer the number of neutral players on the outside of the area, the greater
by passing through a gate to a neutral player. If a team scores, they retain the challenge too.
possession.
Progress the session by allowing the neutral player which receives the ball
If you have fewer neutral players than gates, this encourages the neutral to come into the area and join the team that scores, creating an overload.
players to remain focused, as they may have to move to a free gate to Alternatively, to add a psychological challenge, the neutral player could join
better support play. the team which has conceded.
Player movement Ball movement Run with ball Shot
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 6
SCANNING SESSION PLAN
Learn to scan like a pro SMALL-SIDED GAME
Put your players’ scanning and receiving skills to the test in this small-sided game.
Mark out two
‘safe zones’
roughly midway
inside each half of
your playing area. No
player may be in it
unless dropping deep
to receive the ball
This is the key player here.
They should scan as they
enter the ‘safe zone’ to check for
space to move into, or positions of
opponents and team-mates, when
they receive the ball
WHY USE IT Players from the team in possession cannot wait for more than a couple
of seconds in the ‘safe zone’ without receiving possession. This
This practice allows players to see the importance and effect of scanning encourages good timing of movement and midfield rotation.
in a realistic game, with goals, designated formations and positions. The
set-up enables early success, before adding a greater challenge. TECHNIQUE
The game also allows teams to work on midfield rotation and timing of Players need to time their movement to receive possession and look to
movement to receive. receive with an open body, while scanning to determine the position of
opponents, their own team-mates and the space available.
SET-UP Those passing the ball should send a message with the pass – effectively
Set up a three-quarter sized pitch (depending on numbers), separated telling the receiver whether they can turn, should play backwards or
into thirds, with each third divided by a ‘safe zone’. Divide players into protect the ball.
two equal teams - each team should play with an overload in their
With older or more advanced groups, this small-sided game also presents
defensive third and with equal numbers in the midfield third (for example
an opportunity to work on rotations of a midfield three, as one midfielder
1–3-3-2, or 1-2–3-1, depending on numbers).
could drop into the ‘safe zone’, dragging a defender out, before rotating
with a second midfielder who then drops in to receive the ball.
HOW TO PLAY IT
Set your two teams up in their formations. The two ‘safe zones’ should be ADAPTATIONS
clear of players. Normal game rules apply, but players can only advance Progress the session by allowing a defender to follow an attacking player
the ball into the next third (from defence to midfield, or midfield to into the ‘safe zone’ to present more of a challenge, or make the ‘safe
attacking third) via a player from the more advanced third dropping into zone’ smaller to challenge players’ timing of movement.
the ‘safe zone’ to receive the ball. For advanced players, or those you want to encourage to be more
That player can then travel into their third with the ball, or pass it in. To creative, a further condition could be that once players receive the ball in
start with, the team out of possession cannot enter the ‘safe zone’. the ‘safe zone’, they cannot play backwards.
Player movement Ball movement Run with ball Shot
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 7
COACH INTERVIEW JAMES CLARKSON
A Dash of
inspiration
With an emphasis on team spirit, and
some tactical fine-tuning, English coach
James Clarkson helped Houston Dash
to an unexpected NWSL Challenge Cup
triumph. ANDREW RAEBURN meets him.
James Clarkson is into his stride. As he reflects “Hopefully when we start again next year “I think we all underestimated the mental
on unlikely silverware for his Houston Dash everybody gets an opportunity to come into side of it and how difficult it was going to be,”
side this summer, the 48-year-old Englishman the stadium and we can repay them with more Clarkson admitted. “We certainly hit a wall in
has a smile on his face and a glint in his eye. performances on the field.” the preliminary rounds – going into the third
“Nobody expected us to do anything,” What is clear is that the bond between head and fourth games, we really struggled.”
Cambridgeshire-born Clarkson admits of his coach and his roster is very strong - and that It’s analysis borne out by the results. All
Dash side, who went from perennial outsiders extends to the supporters. teams played four matches to create standings
to winners of the NWSL Challenge Cup, the “We’ve got an underdog mentality and that would determine seedings for the
mini-tournament held in Utah which replaced everyone loves an underdog,” he said. “You can knockout phase.
the cancelled regular season. see that team chemistry and the joy they have The Dash made a good start - denied victory
Clinching the trophy after three knockout when they’re playing and people can relate to over the Utah Royals after conceding two late
victories without conceding, they then finished that. goals, before beating OL Reign 2-0. But they
second in the brief Fall Series which followed. were beaten in their final two matches as cabin-
No wonder Clarkson is a happy man. He fever took hold.
beams most when discussing two things - his “We’ve got an Clarkson and his staff knew things needed to
players, and his adopted city and its soccer
fans.
underdog mentality change before the knockout phase.
“It did get to the stage where we had a
Scores of supporters turned out to a trophy - and everyone loves day off and we said to everybody, ‘we all just
parade with a Covid-secure difference - an underdog” need to get away and have our own time with
instead of an open-top bus driving through ourselves’.
the throngs, the players set up a stage while “We had a couple of barbecues, where we
socially-distanced fans drove past them instead. “Our players are fantastic role models, they were able to deflate the ball, get away from
“These have been really tough times for do tons of stuff in the community. They care soccer, calm things down and try to have
everybody, so to give them a little bit of joy was about the city and I think that’s part of their something normal.
amazing,” Clarkson said. responsibility - to get out there, represent the “We had table tennis tournaments, just tried
“It wasn’t really until we came back [from club, promote the sport and the fact they’re to find things that would keep us busy and
Utah] and did the parade, and you saw how highly successful, highly intelligent, elite-level distract us from the boredom.”
many people came out for that, that we athletes who are highly motivated.” The psychological side of the game -
appreciated the excitement. To have the That motivation was sorely tested while in ensuring players are as fit mentally as physically
mayor there, talking about the team and how the biosecure Utah bubble, where all teams - is important to Clarkson, as is fostering a team
important it’s been to the community, was were holed up during the entirety of the spirit that lifts his squad above the sum of its
terrific. Challenge Cup. individual parts.
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 8
COACH INTERVIEW JAMES CLARKSON
The bond between squad and coach
is evident at Houston Dash
Clarkson took over at the Dash two years ago becomes even harder and we wanted to focus MEDITATION
this month, succeeding current Ireland coach on a smaller group. All of these little things “We spent a lot of time meditating and that was
Vera Pauw. helped, especially when the going got tough really useful. That carried on into the fall and I
After a seventh-placed finish in his first – not just from a soccer stand point, but the know some of the players continue to do it – I
season - par for the course for a club that had mental side.” certainly know I do.
only ever finished between fifth and ninth since “It has become really beneficial for us. Just
joining the NWSL in 2014 - he immediately ENJOY COMING TO WORK finding time to relax, concentrate on breathing,
plotted a path towards improvement. “We wanted to create an environment where visualisation, all of these things really helped.
And here, in his own words, is how he did it. players really want to be, a platform where they “It gave us a thing to constantly come back
can be successful individually and collectively. to. In the Challenge Cup knockout rounds, when
A TEAM-FIRST DYNAMIC “We hired a chef last year to prepare the there was a water break, the first thing [captain
“We don’t have that one player that, when we’re meals for the players. It’s only a small detail but and goalkeeper] Jane Campbell would say to
really up against it, can get us out of a hole by it makes it so much more professional. We want everybody is ‘breathe’ and that was a trigger,
scoring an unbelievable goal. It’s a real collective the players to feel special and important, and like a reset button.
effort. So we had to look at ways of how we these small details can bring us simple wins. “It took a lot of the tension out and we were
could close that gap and be competitive. “We spent so much time on establishing team able to refocus. These things were hugely
“We made some big trades in the off season values and behaviours – we wanted the players’ important.”
that I think shocked a few people [captain and input, we wanted them to buy into it and fully
all-time leading scorer Kealia Ohai went to commit to it. STANDARDS ARE IMPORTANT
Chicago Red Stars] but in order to get better we “And it made a huge difference. I think we “Since we’ve been back, we’ve reflected on it as
had to make some really tough decisions. made the most of lockdown – we spent a lot a staff, and I’ve said to the players the biggest
“We looked at it and said we’ve got to have of time with individual players and with small takeaway from the whole thing is how difficult
the best team chemistry. We made a big push groups, looking tactically at what we want to it is to win. It’s easy to lose and be a good loser
on really trying to have the best attitude and do, the sort of behaviours we want from the but if you want to win, the amount of effort,
mentality, and a real togetherness. players and talking about what it means to play detail and preparation that goes into it, it’s
“We took the smallest squad to the Challenge for the Dash. incredibly challenging.
Cup – part of that was we felt we could manage “These are big things that really helped “Now we’ve set a standard. We can’t come
a smaller squad better, we could keep that cultivate that culture and environment where back in February and have the players feel our
camararederie going and keep the players who it became a real pleasure to be at work. I think standards have dropped, because it’s going to
aren’t participating as much connected. the players enjoy coming in every day, and that take a huge team effort on and off the field for
If you took another four players that just ultimately reflects in performance on the field.” us to continue to really move this thing forward.
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 9
COACH INTERVIEW JAMES CLARKSON
“We’ve done it, basically, for half a season.
Now can we do it consistently for eight or nine
months with the grind of a full season and
continue to see the same amount of effort and
detail from the staff and also the players?
It’s exciting and we’re really looking forward
to it.”
TRAIN IN THE RIGHT WAY,
AT THE RIGHT TIME
“Our home form’s not been particularly good
and I knew that for us to get into the play-offs
and become real contenders, we’ve got to be
better at home.
“The weather in Houston should be an
advantage for us – it’s incredibly humid in the
summer - but traditionally the Dash have never
been good at home.
“So we did a lot of research on it. I’m finishing
off my US Soccer Pro Licence at the moment
and on a course one of the guest speakers was a
high-performance coach. James Clarkson has turned
Houston Dash’s fortunes around
“I had the opportunity to ask him some
questions about how you turn Houston into
home-field advantage. He gave me a couple of humidity is an absolute killer. You could be Midfielder Kristie Mewis is the emblem of
really good points that we implemented. losing between 5lbs and 10lbs every training the Dash’s resurgence. Her form this year
“Because we train in the heat, we produce session just through water loss. earned her a recall to the US Women’s National
more red blood cells than other teams, so this “So maintaining that [hydration level] every Team following six years in the international
is of huge benefit for us in terms of fitness. It day, weighing in, weighing out, recovering when wilderness - and she scored against the
became a bit of a catchphrase – “we’re just you get home, is really important. Netherlands on the day of my catch-up with
producing red blood cells” – when we were “I’m a huge believer in training at the intensity Clarkson, her second USA goal coming 2,722
really pushing them before the tournament. we want to play at. So even if we have to reduce days after her first.
“Because we explained it to them that way, the time, when we’re actually doing something So everything is going right for the Houston
there seemed to be more of a buy-in from them we want it at full speed and recreating that head coach at the moment. And English
to actually push a bit harder, so when we got to match intensity. coaches are very much in fashion in the NWSL -
Utah I think we were in a really good situation “The other thing we’re huge on is individual six of the nine teams are led by Brits, including
fitness-wise and it showed in the tournament. development and making sure we build that into two-time league winner Paul Riley at North
“We changed our training times, too. We training. I encourage them all to do extra after Carolina Courage, former Birmingham City boss
usually train in the mornings but now, as we’ve training - I think we’ve created an environment Marc Skinner at Orlando Pride and ex-Reading
gone into games – so the Thursday and Friday player Freya Coombe at New Jersey-based Sky
leading into a Saturday game at home – we Blue FC.
changed it and trained in the evening. “The Houston “I think there’s some fantastic English coaches
“We worked in the heat in the mornings for
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then as we
humidity is a killer - over here in the States,” Clarkson said. “The
ones that have been successful have really gone
got towards the game we trained on Thursday you can lose 5-10lbs after it.
and Friday at the same time as we kicked off.
“It was an experiment to see if it would make
through water loss...” “They’ve gone through the coach education,
got themselves qualified, and really committed
any difference – and we won both games we to their craft, spending hours and hours on the
tried it for, so the players think it’s the greatest where the top players are all out there and that grass. And you can see that in the way their
thing ever.” becomes contagious with the rest of them. But teams play and how competitive the league is.
we keep that at a sensible load as well.” “The coach education in the US is excellent.
The culture Clarkson has fostered - whether It’s really pushed on over the last 10 years,
When best to train is a conundrum that Clarkson it’s the tight-knit family atmosphere, the and become more European in the approach –
has been juggling with since taking over. The psychological benefits brought by meditation, there’s more emphasis on philosophy, style of
heat and humidity means they have to be off socialising and an ‘all for one’ mentality, or the play, principles and it’s really progressing the
the field by 10.30am, so sessions usually start buy-ins from players over training tweaks - were game in a big way here.
at 9am. Recovery is particularly a challenge if just part of the Dash’s turnaround in fortunes. “Six years ago I did the Uefa A licence,
you’ve flown back from the east or west coast He also made significant tactical switches and and I’m just finishing my Pro Licence with US
after a game the previous night. was clever with recruitment (see next page). Soccer.Going through those courses is vitally
“Finding a balance between rest, sleep, and The overall package reaped rewards. In 2019, important. The more you do, the better you’re
active recovery, with foam rollers and stretching, the Dash had the second-worst attack and going to get.”
is really important,” Clarkson said. the second-worst defence. In 2020, they had The genial and hard-working Clarkson, and his
“The timing is key – you don’t want to be tightened up at the back and started scoring title-winning squad, are certainly proof of the
outside from 11am to 6pm in Houston. The more goals. saying that you get out what you put in. WSC
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 10COACH INTERVIEW JAMES CLARKSON
Talking tactics: How Clarkson
steered Houston into top gear
In his own words, the Dash head coach on three key factors behind their success
Staying compact: winning the
ball in the regain zone
“For us, the key is in transition and staying compact. We’re not
necessarily the most athletic team, so by being more compact,
vertically and horizontally, it creates a smaller area for us to de-
fend and chase.
“Then, when we win it, the big thing is our ability to play the ball
forward, connect the first two passes and get runners going off
those passes.
“We call it the regain zone – so when you win the ball, in that first
moment, the other team potentially has an overload in that area
where they can counter-press and win the ball back.
“Last year [2019] we really struggled. We kept playing back into
their counter-press – so we’d win it, they would win it back, we’d
be stretched and they’d take advantage of the gaps. But by being
more compact, winning it, playing forward and then linking up, we
escape the regain zone.
able to win it back and restart in their half rather than doing it
“We’ve also worked on our defensive shape when we attack – deeper in our own half.
committing a certain number of players forward and then getting
“We consider ourselves a counter-attacking team, but it’s not the
organised defensively – because we’re trying to eliminate as many
traditional dropping back to the 18-yard box. We’re more a me-
transitional moments as possible.
dium block, win it just inside their half, then exploit the space the
If we can get organised defensively, when we lose it we’re then other team has created for us and try and go to goal.”
Changing the shape Tightening up
“We were playing a 4-2-3-1 but we flipped it and “We scored basically as many goals in 11
now play a 4-3-3, with one holding midfielder and games this year [20] as we did the previous
two attackers in Kristie Mewis and Shea Groom. season in 24 [21].
“Shea’s a really good dribbler and I felt we needed
“In my first year, we didn’t score enough
a dribbler to be able to break the line, play in the
goals and we conceded too many. So
gaps and then run at the back four.
we looked at how we could become
“I looked at what we struggled with the year before defensively better. We recruited two new
and the teams that gave us a lot of problems had a
centre-backs and a new right-back, and we
dribbler.
feel we’ve got the best goalkeeper in the
“We were able to get Shea [from OL Reign] and league [Jane Campbell, pictured].
play her centrally, and that’s made a big difference
to our attack.” “In the Challenge Cup, we didn’t concede
a goal in the knockout stages. The way the
team played defensively, front to back, was
huge for us.”
Houston had a problem - but it was solved
2019 SEASON P W D L F A
7th in NWSL 24 7 5 12 21 36
- Second-worst defence in NWSL - Second-lowest goals tally in NWSL
2020 SEASON P W D L F A
NWSL Challenge 11 6 2 3 20 13
Cup & Fall Series
- Fourth-best defence, per game, - Highest goals tally, per game,
in NWSL in NWSL
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 11FITNESS ADVICE CHRISTMAS TIPS 1 Keeping in shape over Christmas Lead strength and conditioning coach at Hibernian Girls Academy, Rachel Thomson, shares exercises to ensure your players maintain sharpness and reduce injury risk With the various lockdowns and ‘circuit Nonetheless, bodyweight exercises can be breaks’ of the four home nations halting utilised to maintain and develop strength for training at non-elite clubs, and the festive increased performance on the field. break just around the corner, the intermittent The following are some examples of exercises time off could cause havoc with players’ that I coach to the Hibernian Girls youth section fitness regimes. via Zoom. This could also potentially cause a spike in I have included three levels in each exercise injuries, disrupting the New Year preparations that you may use to progress and regress of player and club alike. This year has created depending on your own unique requirements. new challenges to all aspects of life, and The exercises are designed to be completed at gym closures provided a hurdle to strength home, with no equipment and minimal space, development in young athletes. perfect for a busy family Christmas! SQUATS BASIC SQUAT The squat is one exercise I would always include in a soccer-specific gym programme. Strengthening the lower legs muscles (gluteal muscles, hamstrings and quadriceps) will allow players to produce a lot of force into the ground and become faster as a result. Start by standing tall, having feet shoulder-width apart, hands behind the ears to ensure the chest is up and the shoulders are back. A good cue is imagining you have a £5 note, or $5 bill, between your shoulder blades, this note should remain throughout the entire exercise. You then want to sit on an imaginary seat, keeping the chest up and shoulder blades back. Thighs should be parallel to the ground. From this position stand up, pushing through the heels. Try this exercise for 3 sets of 10 reps. GOBLET SQUATS If you have access to a dumbbell or kettlebell you could progress this exercise to add weight. Another way could be to hold a ball or another weight-bearing object. The technique is similar to the previous squat. Keep the chest up and try to keep the shoulder blades close together throughout the exercise. Again, keeping that £5 or $5 safe! Hold the dumbbell with 2 hands by the chest as shown. Try this exercise for 3 sets of 10 reps. SPLIT SQUATS Soccer exposes the body to a lot of unilateral loading of the legs. When running and kicking we are often putting all of our weight on to one leg. Ensuring the body is conditioned and strong enough to work under this load is therefore important. It is especially important in females due to what is known as the “Q” angle between our hips and knees. This angle means we are especially prone to knee injuries. The split squat can progress the squat to a unilateral exercise which can reduce muscle imbalances between the legs. Find an elevated surface, like a coffee table, to place one foot on. Take a step forward with the other foot. Lower the knee of the elevated leg until it just about touches the ground, then return to the starting position. Again, focus on keeping the chest up and shoulders back throughout the exercise. I would do this exercise for reps between 6-10 on each leg for 3 sets. WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 12
FITNESS ADVICE CHRISTMAS TIPS 2 Keeping in shape over Christmas Some more exercises from Rachel Thomson to maintain your players sharpness CORE EXERCISES SHOULDER TAPS There are so many great core exercises you could try in your workouts. Training your core will allow your body to stabilise during movement - an important attribute you may use on the field. One exercise I use with the girls is shoulder taps. Start in a high plank (the same starting position as a press-up). In a slow and controlled movement raise the hand to touch the opposite shoulder and bring it back down to the starting position. Then do the same with the other hand. Try this exercise for 30 seconds while maintaining a controlled body position. Keep the body in a straight line and try not to move the hips throughout. ARM RAISES One progression could be to perform arm raises. Start in the high plank position. Raise one arm at a time until the hand is about eye level. Bring the arm back down to the starting position and do the same action with the other arm. Maintain the straight line position, keeping the hips still throughout. Try this exercise continuously for 30 seconds. UP-AND-DOWN PLANK The up-and-down plank is a great way to implement arm strengthening movements into the core routine. This exercise asks the body to perform similar positions to the press-up which could aid progression in that exercise too. Start in the high plank position. One arm at a time bring the forearm to the ground to bring your body into the low plank position as shown. Then bring yourself back up, one arm at a time, to the high plank position. Maintain a straight line position throughout, holding the core and glute muscles in and concentrating on keeping the back straight. Try to minimise movement in the hips. Try this exercise continuously for 30 seconds. At the halfway point, 15 seconds, change which arm you are lowering and raising the body with first. WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 13
ONE OFF THE TRAINING GROUND SET-PIECE ROUTINE
The Bournemouth supremacy
Marginal gains were vital to the Premier League underdogs and set pieces remain key
to their Championship bid. Here’s one innovative routine you may want to rehearse...
For this corner, used successfully against Newcastle, Bournemouth set up with a striker (9) just in front of the goalkeeper. A goalscoring midfielder
(10) lurked at the back of the six-yard box, while two sets of two attackers (5 & 6 and 7 & 8) occupied defenders, essentially clearing a path.
The striker (9) runs out towards the corner-taker to play a short one-two, dragging the three defenders nearest the goalline with them. This creates
space at the near post, which the two deepest attackers (5 & 6) move to occupy, taking their markers with them. Crucially, the other two attackers
(7 & 8) create traffic with their markers at the far post, blocking off the marker of the attacking midfielder (10) - who uses the diversion to loop
around to the vacant space between the penalty spot and the edge of the 18-yard box.
The corner taker, having received the ball short, plays a first-time ball low towards the penalty spot. At the same time, the advancing attackers (5,
6, 7 & 8) effectively become defenders, blocking their markers to protect the space behind them. The attacking midfielder (10) arrives into that
space and is able to get a free shot off on goal.
The key to this working is speed, timing and execution. In Bournemouth’s routine, Ryan Fraser took the one-two corner with Josh King, who
dropped off to drag defenders away. Harry Wilson bent his run from the far post to the penalty spot to meet the ball, as Steve Cook, Callum Wilson,
Nathan Ake and Philip Billing caused chaos in the box. Newcastle were also slow to react and made errors, but this was a very clever routine.
Player movement Ball movement Run with ball Shot
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 14TIPS AND ADVICE REMOTE COACHING
Four ways to take remote control
Professional and grassroots clubs were united in their response to Covid rules that
stopped players gathering on the grass during lockdowns. In case we ever need it
again, HANNAH DUNCAN gives you tips on how to make the most of remote training
Lockdown - the dreaded word of 2020.
As both pro and amateur players found
themselves kicking their heels rather than
balls, many coaches had the novel experience
of leading training sessions via video on
conferencing apps like Zoom.
While not quite the same as being out on
the grass with the players, Zoom sessions
allow coaches to maintain relationships with
individuals, generate a positive team morale,
give youngsters a chance to stay active and Crawley Wasps’ youth
maintain some level of normality and structure. section were among
With a vaccine on the horizon, we hope Covid those making use of
may not halt football again. But you may find Zoom
yourself wanting to run training remotely due to
weather or a lack of facilities or coaching staff.
So, here are a few tips to keep players Also consider that it might be tricky for especially for younger players, making Zoom
engaged and help your Zoom sessions run you to keep an eye on a number of different sessions fun is a big objective.
smoothly. players simultaneously, so if you’re introducing If your players enjoy getting competitive, try
something more complex, you may not always to set them challenges, or perhaps teach them
01 KEEP IT SIMPLE
It’s important to bear in mind that
some players won’t have access to outdoor
be able to spot where corrections and coaching
points are needed.
Ball mastery or fun fitness activities can be
a new skill that’s difficult to master, so they all
have fun watching each other try it. Or why not
go all-out and let them turn up in fancy dress or
space or lots of equipment, so the more you’re good ‘go-to’ options to keep Zoom sessions wearing silly hats?
able to do with just a ball in a small area, the simple, or return to practices you may already You could also finish your session with a fun
better. have done in person, that players are already game like dizzy penalties, or even something
If you know all of your players are able to use familiar with. non-football related like telling their favourite
an outside area, a wall or have a partner helping jokes or trying to drink a glass of water upside
them, you can always incorporate this into your
session. 02 STAY FLEXIBLE
With lockdown being such a difficult
down. Whatever gets them smiling!
and strange time for everyone, it’s natural
that players may not always be fully engaged
in your sessions, especially when they’re not
04 ALLOW PLAYERS THEIR OWN TIME
While some players in your squad
may go to school together, your remote
together in person. coaching sessions could be the only chance
Try to recognise your players’ moods and many get to see their team-mates.
if they’re not feeling the ball mastery work, Therefore the time you set aside for your
keepy-uppy challenge or work-outs, be ready to players needs to be as much about the social
change it up. and psychological corners as the technical and
There’s no harm in asking the group what physical.
they would like to do, or giving players the Maybe plan to stop your coaching five
chance to lead their own sessions. minutes early to allow your players chance to
have a chat, or even log-in deliberately late
03 MAKE IT FUN
As with any training session,
to give them the opportunity for a catch-up
without you overseeing.
A cone isn’t just a useful
training aid - turns out it also
helps prop up your tablet...
This scene has become familiar to coaches across the world at all levels of the game in 2020
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 15TIPS AND ADVICE CPD WEBINARS
Your CPD festive viewing guide
Once you’re on to the turkey leftovers and your fourth straight evening of charades,
you may want to escape to your happy place - and further your coaching credentials.
We asked coaches to recommend CPD webinars to binge watch over Christmas
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
courses are a great way to help advance your
knowledge as a football coach, refresh your
skills and challenge your way of thinking,
writes HANNAH DUNCAN.
In normal times, clubs and County FAs often
host in-person CPD sessions, but unfortunately
these have been among the many things
affected by COVID-19.
However, individuals, coaching companies
and the Football Association have worked to
provide numerous, varied and often free online
CPD webinars and workshops since March.
We asked three coaches to share those they
have found most valuable.
Ali Speechly @CoachAli Natascia Bernardi
DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL, CAMDEN AND ISLINGTON FC @NatasciaB_76 COACH, ACTONIANS
“The FA Hot Topics webinar on ‘Stretch and LFC WILDCATS
Support for the Female Youth Player’ was a
“Women in Football did
really interesting discussion around coaching
several great webinars. I
for the individual needs of youth players,
particularly enjoyed their
covering female-specific considerations as a
interview with Chelsea
coach in the women’s game.
Women manager Emma
“There were several key takeaways for me, Hayes.
including: build trust, check and challenge,
“It inspired me as a coach
stop and notice how players feel and what
and made me understand
they need, recognise and understand the
the importance of giving
individual, and develop critical thinking in
the same messages and values across all teams -
players and coaches.”
academy, development and first team - and how to
Watch on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjyDcAsMcBs create a culture within the club.”
Watch on https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=g5RGXPhKp_A
Emma O’Connor @MissEmmaOConnor
CO-FOUNDER AND COACH, WHEATLEY OAKS FC
“One of the best CPDs I engaged with over
lockdown was The FA’s ‘Talent ID: Exploring
WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING
RECOMMENDS...
biases in decision making’ webinar, available
through The FA Learning YouTube channel. “For coaches who don’t have an hour to spare, this
This explored coach bias with regards to 12-minute FAI interview with Barbara O’Connell
assessing player potential and highlighted is interesting viewing. The Dunbar Celtic coach
that coaches have the responsibility to discusses working with a men’s senior team and her
educate both themselves and others around experiences on a female-only UEFA B course.”
bias.” Watch: https://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/female-
Watch on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBGHWuRae70 coaching-focus-barbara-oconnell
DON’T MISS - TIME RUNNING OUT: Burton Albion Community Trust, in partnership with Staffordshire FA Female Coaches
Club, is running a female-only coaching webinar on Monday 14 December at 6:30pm. The event is a chance to discuss all
things coaching-related, relevant to female coaches. Book your place via scott.taylor@burtonalbionct.org
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 16TIPS AND ADVICE HOW TO...
How to keep your subs engaged
With the chill winter winds blowing, and rain lashing down, being a substitute in
grassroots football is no picnic. Whether it’s setting them tasks or labelling them
‘game-changers’, here are some tips and advice on boosting your bench
04 ENSURE YOU’RE PREPARED FOR
THE ELEMENTS
It’s no fun for substitutes to be sitting on a
wet floor, freezing cold, while their friends are
running around a football pitch. So, where
possible, try and make sure you’re prepared for
the elements.
Maybe ask your club to fund the purchase of
a pop-up subs’ bench to keep players off the
floor, or see if one of your parents could bring
along an easy-assemble gazebo for shelter.
05 ROTATE YOUR STARTING LINE-UP
It may seem obvious, but
where possible, try not to have the same
players starting as substitutes week after
week. Hopefully, at foundation and youth
development phases, many coaches will be
focused on the improvement and enjoyment of
players, over and above results.
But equally, lining up against a strong side
Being prepared for the elements is a key way of keeping young subs focused with several weaker players in your starting
team could serve to demoralise them, knock
Players don’t like being on the subs’ bench at thinking as the game goes on. confidence and hamper development -
the best of times and in wet and cold weather Perhaps split them into pairs and ask them especially if they can’t get near the ball.
it can be even harder to maintain their levels of to consider the opposition’s formation, style of To counter this, plan your matchday
enthusiasm. play, strengths and weakness, or alternatively to squads several weeks in advance, with player
But — for making them feeling valued, assess their team-mates and think about ‘what availability and opposition in mind. That way,
learning for their own development, giving are we doing well?’ and ‘even better if…’. you can ensure weaker players can get more
support to their team-mates and, of course, If you’ve set a certain focus for the game, game time in matches where they can have
their preparedness to join the action when such as winning the ball back in the opponent’s some individual and collective success, leaving
called upon — it’s important to keep substitutes final third, ask your subs to count how many your stronger players to be challenged with
as engaged as possible. times this happens and think about why their more game time against tougher opponents.
Here are some top tips to consider to keep team-mates got success. All players should then hopefully enjoy plenty
your subs engaged on your next matchday. To help team cohesion, you could give each of time on the pitch over the course of a month
substitute a team-mate to watch, then at half- and season.
01 REGULAR WARM-UPS
Having completed the pre-match
warm-up, it’s difficult for players to then sit on
time or full-time, it becomes their job to share
two things they did well.
You could even give them greater influence 06 CHANGE UP THE LANGUAGE
Telling players they are ‘on the bench’
the sidelines and remain prepared to join the by asking them to lead the half-time team talk, or a ‘substitute’ for the game can have negative
action at a moment’s notice. So be sure to keep or come up with a formation change for your connotations.
them doing regular warm-ups until it’s their team to adopt in the second-half and discuss While it’s good practice to explain the
turn to go onto the pitch. the reasons why. decision to players - be it a tactical choice,
If you have an assistant coach or a willing because they’ve missed a couple of training
parent, it can even be used as an additional
coaching opportunity. 1-v-1s and 2-v-2s, or
keepy-uppy competitions, are always more fun
03 MAKE USE OF ROLL-ON, ROLL-OFF
Most youth and some senior leagues
will allow roll-on roll-off substitutions. In cold
sessions or simply due to rotation - players can
still feel demoralised by sitting on the sidelines.
So it can be a good idea to put a positive
and engaging than simply jogging up and down and wet weather, this is a great opportunity spin on it, especially for younger players. Even
in a straight line. to keep all players warm, active and involved, professional clubs keep their squad players
so try to make use of them at fairly regular involved - when they first joined the FA
02 SET THE PLAYERS TASKS
Depending on the age of your players,
it can be a good idea to set a few tasks or
intervals, without interrupting your team’s flow.
Your substitutes could even act as time-keepers
to keep them occupied and allow you to
Women’s Championship, London City Lionesses
referred to substitutes as ‘game-changers’. Or
perhaps your non-starters could be ‘impact
challenges to help keep them watching and concentrate on the game. players’? Either way, keep them feeling valued.
WomensSoccerCoaching.com Issue 001 WOMEN’S SOCCER COACHING 17You can also read
