IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ADOPTING A HIGH BACK FOUR
Andy Scott BRENTFORD
Andy Scott is regarded as one of the game’s most promising young managers.
After climbing into the hotseat at Brentford in January 2008 - having previously filled the roles of assistant manager and caretaker manager - Scott turned around the west London club’s fortunes, leading them to the League Two title in 2008/09. And last season Brentford confounded the pundits to finish in a very respective ninth-place in League One.
That his Brentford players are renowned for displaying such battling spirit is little surprise given how Scott had to rebuild a life in football after his playing days were abruptly ended while at Leyton Orient in 2004. The then 31-year-old was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder which restricts blood flow due to a thickening of heart muscles.
Previous to that, the Epsom-born striker had played for Sutton United, Sheffield United, Bury and Oxford United.
Andy recently attributed his npower League One Manager of the Month Award for October to the club’s fine defensive displays over the month, which saw them lose only one of seven matches.
What are the key things to look for technically/ tactically?
Positioning and the back four working in unison high up the pitch are the most important parts of this session. The ability to work as a group and as a tight unit is essential in countering the attacking threat.
Defenders should be looking all the time to dispossess and make interceptions, whilst also influencing their opponents’ movements by directing attackers towards the flanks or away from areas where fellow defenders are caught out of position.
How doI progress the session?
Progress this to a 6v6 game scenario, adding two defensive midfielders. Also add a three man 20-yard target zone in front of the halfway line.
If defenders win possession, their job is to find any target player. If the ball reaches one, that player then becomes an attacker, restarting towards goal in what is now a 7v5 situation. If a pass to the target zone is inter- cepted, quick reorgani- sation of the defensive line is called for.
When the ball goes dead, the coach reserves. Play for 5-6 minutes, switching teams around when time elapses. This game can be progressed to 11v11.
www.elitesoccercoaching.net 1 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Adding midfielders creates a tight passinggame
2 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Possession is won, and the aim is to work the ball to a player in the target zone
3 KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
A completed pass frees the target zone player to drive forward as an attacker in a 7v5 overload
Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 63
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