Meet the Rangers – the most successful soccer academy in Scotland (EXERCISES)
The reason to arguably state for the most successful soccer academy in Scotland and one of the most successful in the UK, the international camps coaches demonstrated their coaching philosophy when they visited Malta in February 2015.
As they stated, coaches delivered practices in areas such as technical development, game awareness development, tactical development and physical development through a comprehensive football curriculum and sports science program designed to meet the needs of each individual player.
In addition, training practices were held in a holistic way and met the needs of players in areas such as welfare, lifestyle and education.
Close attention was given to the attitude of players individually and within the group, as well as determination and agility during the practices. Maximum effort from every player was given as a response to the interesting, fun and challenging exercises.
Two exercises that took my attention on the first day are presented in the diagrams bellow. They were proposed to the younger age groups and kids responded well, practicing several aspects of the game.
DRIBBLING, CHANGING DIRECTION, TACKLING
In playing area 12×12 meters players are divided in two groups and positioned on the diagonal sides of the square. One group of players is with the ball each. First players from the groups are starting the action.
Player A passes the ball to player B. Player B receives the ball and attempts to dribble the ball through the gate on either his left or right side. Player A is aim to unable player A to score his goal.
After action finishes player change roles and other two players start new action.
Coaching points: Players are encouraged to change direction with the ball and dribble to the open space away from defender. When defending, players are instructed to attack player with the ball closely but not to rush on him, giving him easy opportunity to avoid his tackle.
PASSING, COMBINATION PLAY, FINISHING
Players are positioned like on the diagram. Player A starts the action by passing the ball to player B. Player B receives the ball towards player C and passes to him. Player C turns towards the goal and finish the action with the shot at goal. After they pass, players run to follow their pass to the next position to complete the rotation. Both sides work simultaneously.
In case there are no goalkeepers, after they shoot, players run at the goal to save shots.
In the video you can analyse exercise in live action.
- If you have the same coaching style, you are in line with some of the top academies in the world.
- If you are looking for some coaching material to refresh your sessions, include this drill in your practice.
- If you are experienced and have your own style you will understand the idea behind the drill and what you can achieve using it.
- The most important thing is to adopt your exercises to your team’s needs. Blindfold copying is never good, therefore, any material you find, prepare it in your way (according to age, level, space and time you have in your sessions).