I have just been given this for my 3rd internal assessment - in an SSG.

Working from the front, my starting points will be either

1) Poor shot directly at oppo keeper
2) Overhit pass collected by keeper
3) Attack breaks down with ball rolling out for oppo goal kick


Working with the attackers first, I will ask

1) Nearest attacker to the ball to pressure 1st defender, give little time to turn or think for a pass
2) 2nd attacker to be stood between 1st and 2nd defender, cutting off pass possibility

3) If ball goes to oppo midfield or attack then pressure from behind, ensure backwards pass can be intercepted

The sole midfielder has to

1) Stay close to his opposite number, look for interceptions and prevent him turning
2) Follow same player back if defending deeper

The defenders will

1) Stay a yard off their man, to man mark throughout the session
2) Look to intercept, tackle, push up at all times

The keeper needs to

1) Communicate with his defenders primarily
2) Move in accordance with the position of the ball

My key points for the team as a whole will be

1) Switch on and communicate, loud and clear
2) Remember principles of 1v1 defending - chase, slow, sit, stay and show(down)
3) Don't dive in, intercept if clear possibility which doesn't put your team in any more danger



Unfortunately my faourite website www.footballcoachingcourses.com is no longer online, so I would be grateful for other experienced coaches to have a look at this and give me constructive advice?

I think I've got too many points in, but its only an internal assessment so not as vital. Its in two weeks time so I've got 2 practice sessions before then to test it out.

Cheers

Did this for first time tonight with my u14s. Took too long to get to the defence - I ran 5 minutes over because of it. Hopefully the session will run better next week.

Any experienced coaches have any more ideas/tips for this session?

You should only coach 1 team durng your SSG,
Just tell the defending team to KEEP IT REAL at the beginning,while everyone is in their starting positions
Pressure Cover & Balence just like you have

Hope this helps & Good Luck

Ps Dont forget the KEY FACTORS

Cheers.
To be honest, 7 years ago when I started coaching, the first thing I was told was 'coach one team only'
Key factors are absolutely vital to passing courses, I want to figure out 3 or 4 for the whole team if possible.
First two are - switch on,observe and concentrate, and pressure the nearest man/man with the ball

hey Ian!
when is your big final assessment day for your Level2?

No idea yet Ships, was supposed to have the final internal assesment(above) on this coming Thursday but has to be rearranged to Feb 1st(NFA problems,not mine).
Hopefully before Easter I should be able to take the external assesments but I'm in no hurry to gain it, as long as I do.

yeah theres no rush, you get longer to practice for it that way!

I suppose so, though I do feel a touch unrecognised by the FA despite my 7 years experience. But you're right, more practice, better chance.

I suppose you may feel this way, but as much as the badges and awards system is important and useful, noone on earth can buy years of experience. Thats why many (myself included) value it as being more important than a piece of paper.

An example of this: I hear Gary McAllistair is favourite for the new Coventry City job, what has he ever done in coaching? Iain Dowie and Bryan Robson are further down the list and both have notbale achievements in coaching with Palace and West Brom respectively. If Macca gets the job it will be purely because of his playing experience and his time with Coventry.

Experience is everything, Its why are Ancelotti, Ferguson and Capello are considered some of the finest managers in world football. Also its why Dario Gradi, a manager of a small team like Crewe, is held in such high regard. Not because of his coaching badges or regularly filling trophy cabinets!