IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PREPARING THE BACK FOUR
How doI progress the session?
OwenCoyle BOLTON WANDERERS
Owen Coyle jumped into the Bolton Wanderers hot seat in January of this year having performed heroics in taking Burnley up to the Barclays Premier League for the first time.
Promoted via the play- offs, and having made it to the semi-final of the Carling Cup in the same season, Coyle’s purist footballing traditions sat comfortably with the Lancashire club’s passionate following, and he made short shrift of budget limitations which meant he called upon just 23 players in the club’s marathon 61-game promotion season.
Having negotiated wins over Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal in the aforementioned Carling Cup run, plus Manchester United and Everton in the early months of Burnley’s Barclays Premier League debut, the former Bolton and Republic of Ireland striker’s managerial pedigree continued to rise. His switch to the Reebok Stadium saw him return to the club he had gained promotion with as a player back in 1995.
He also turned out for Dumbarton, Clydebank, and Airdrieonians (later Airdrie), amongst others, amassing 249 goals in 669 appearances.
If defenders are increasingly winning the ball, they need to be encouraged to take it to halfway, keeping possession. If they are intercepted though, the game remains live. Repetition of this session allows players to build confidence and gain a clear understanding of their role.
How would you put this into a game situation?
Add more players, for example 7v5 or 8v6, building up to 11v11 when working on full team shape.
What are the key things to look out for technically/ tactically?
We’re looking at the relationship of the back four, and within that, the movement and positioning of the full-backs, plus each player’s recovery position. We need to make sure that every defensive player is clear in their role and their decision- making. We will look as well for each defender’s ability to delay the progress of the opposition when not in possession, so allowing time for fellow defenders to retreat.
1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
To progress, keep the game live when defenders win possession
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Defenders encouraged to take the ball forward to halfway
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
If possession is lost, defenders must track back, or attempt to hold up play while other covering defenders regroup
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