UEFA Basic Licence 2012

Assignment One - Match Analysis

+
Assignment Two - Training Sessions

Attacking Patterns and Striker Movement

Max Rogers
maxanalysis@gmail.com

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 Contents

Title Page

Assignment One

Introduction 3

Methodology 4

Theme Selected 5

Match One v Chico State 6-7

Match Two v University of Nevada Las Vegas 8-13

Summary of Analysis 14-15

Assignment Two

Training Session Introduction 16

Training Session Components 17-23

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 Introduction
This report has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of the Scottish Football Association
UEFA Basic Licence Assignments One and Two, which are both outlined below.

Assignment One

Identify and select one team to analyse

Analyse a particular strength or weaknesses of the team (theme)

Assignment Two

Devise a training session to capitalise/improve the teams strength and weaknesses

Training session must include; Component One, Component Two and Phase of Play

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 Methodology
Team Selected for Analysis

University of California Davis Mens Team

Matches Analysed

v Chico State (18/08/2012)

v University of Nevada Las Vegas (24/08/2012)

Method of Analysis

Notational

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 Theme Selected
The theme selected was Attacking Patterns and Striker Movement. This is a key aspect of
football, as quite obviously if a team cannot initially create and then score goals they will
achieve little to no success.

Outlined below is the Moments of the Game model which identifies the four universal
game scenarios that a team will face over 90 minutes. The continuous flow indicates that
the four scenarios are always happening no matter what the teams style of play or tactical
set-up, the score of the game or what players are on the pitch etc. In order to analyse a
teams attacking patterns and striker movement, the focus is on the transition from defence
to attack and the offensive organisation game scenarios.

Defensive
Organisation

Transition
Moments Transition
from
from Attack
to Defence
of the Defence to
Game Attack

Offensive
Organisation

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 Match One v Chico State

UC Davis Chico State

18/08/2012

Stadium Aggie Soccer Field,

Davis CA

1 Kick Off 12:00pm

Conditions 850 Slight Breeze 1

Ra Martin Del Campo (55) Tyson Crim (22)

(9) SHOTS (13)

(5) ON TARGET (6)
(5) SAVES (4)
(4) CORNERS (11)
(0) OFFSIDES (5)
(7) FOULS (17)
(2) YELLOW CARDS (3)
(0) RED CARDS (0)

Match Observations

UC Davis lined up in a standard 4-4-2 formation for the duration of the match (Figure 1). The
midfield players were free to change positions although this often led to their less
technically proficient personnel in 1v1
attacking duels in the wide areas. At times
their strong and powerful right footed
central midfielder player was playing left
wing, which subsequently created a
weakness in the centre of their midfield.

When they have possession of the ball the

two centre backs try to initiate the attacks. The fullbacks
Figure 1 UC Davis 4-4-2 Formation

meanwhile do not advance forward which means their wingers remain deep and are unable

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to force their markers backward towards their own goal (Figure 2). Another problem they
had was transferring the ball from defence to midfield quickly. The attacking transition was
very poor and allowed the opponents to organise themselves defensively in a solid 4-4-1-1
formation. Zone A (Figure 3)
was seldom occupied by their
central midfield players which
was the reason for the lack of
passes from central defence to
central midfield. The two CM
remained extremely square
and neither of them exhibited
any confidence in dropping
deep and acting as a
pivot/playmaker.
Figure 2 - Deep fullbacks results in deep wingers
The other option for the
defenders was to play passes
into the strikers feet, who
could then lay passes off for
the advancing midfielders to
penetrate the opponents
defensive block. However,
there was a distinct lack of
confidence shown by the team
and although there were
opportunities to do this, the
player in possession opted for
a lower risk option. This
Figure 3 - Ball circulation in defence and poor CM movement into zone A
second option was a long ball
played into the opponents defensive channels (Figure 4). This played into the hands of the
Chico defence as their strong and tall
defenders dealt quite easily with the aerial
balls.

UC Davis got their goal from a move which

was initiated via a striker dropping deep,
receiving a pass before playing it wide,
first time, to a supporting winger.

Figure 4 Striker movement deep and in the channel

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 Match Two v UNLV

UC Davis UN Las Vegas

24/08/2012

Stadium Aggie Soccer Field,

Davis CA

Kick Off 5.00pm

1 Conditions 900 Sunny

0
Alex Aguiar (85)

(11) SHOTS (7)

(4) ON TARGET (3)
(3) SAVES (4)
(3) CORNERS (2)
(0) OFFSIDES (0)
(6) FOULS (9)
(1) YELLOW CARDS (2)
(0) RED CARDS (0)

UC Davis changed their formation

for the encounter against UNLV,
moving from the 4-4-1-1 formation
to a more organised and solid 4-1-4-
1. Utilizing this formation made
them very difficult to break down as
they used a deep defensive block,
whilst the holding midfielder
restricted the space available
between the lines of defence and
midfield.

Figure 5 - UC Davis using a 4-1-4-1 formation

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First Half

Zone of Attack

In the first half the majority of UC Davis attacks

came down their right hand side. This was clearly to
exert as much pressure as possible onto the UNLV
left-back whilst also forcing their left-midfielder to
defender more than attack. They were extremely
unbalanced, as the diagram shows, which made
their attacks quite predictable.

Defensive Distribution
A1 to B1 5% A1 to C1 15%
A2 to B2 15% A2 to C2 5%
A3 to B3 25% A3 to C3 35%

Short Pass 48% Long Pass 52%

UC Davis favoured a long passing game into the

defensive channels of the opposing team. In
particular the pass in behind the UNLV left-back.

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Second Half

Zone of Attack

In the second half the majority of UC Davis attacks

originated down the left hand side of their team, the
opposite to what happened in the first half. It was
unclear as to whether this was a particular ploy to
target each individual full back over the course of
the game. Again this method of attack become
predictable and although they had a number of
shots on goal they were as a result of a defensive
error rather than a slick attacking move.

Defensive Distribution
A1 to B1 9% A1 to C1 40%
A2 to B2 5% A2 to C2 18.5%
A3 to B3 9% A3 to C3 18.5%

Short Pass 13% Long Pass 87%

UC Davis favoured a long passing game into the

defensive channels of the opposing team as was the
case in the first half. They became more direct in the
second half as they looked to score first.

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Central Midfield Contribution and Striker Movement
From the preliminary analysis conducted during the game against Chico, it was observed
that the UC Davis central midfield players were reluctant to receive and distribute passes to
assist with the attacking transitions. In order to identify their contribution during this game
there was a particular focus on their performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

of the Central Midfielders of the Striker

Successful Pass Movement

Unsuccessful Pass
Into the channel between
defenders
Successful Shot
Drop deep
Unsuccessful Shot
In behind centre backs
Successful Header Action
Unsuccessful Header
Pass/Cross
Tackles Turn/Dribble
Interceptions Shot on goal

Another key aspect of performance was the strikers movement and decision making. Above
are the Key Performance Indicators for the forward players.

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Central Midfield Contribution
21 3

First Half Actions 10

Successful Passes Successful Shots

Unsuccessful Passes Unsuccessful Shots
Successful

25% Unsuccessful
5
12

75%
10
1

Interceptions
Successful Headers
Tackles
Unsuccessful
Headers

Second Half Actions

5
41

19
1

Successful Successful Passes Successful Shots

Unsuccessful Passes Unsuccessful Shots
26% Unsuccessful
7

74% 20

2 8

Successful Headers Interceptions

Unsuccessful Tackles
Headers

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Striker Movement

First Half

Drop Deep
In Behind
31% In the Channel

56% Received the Ball

13%
4 times from 9

Action(s)
Received the Ball
Received the Ball Pass/Cross 3
4 times from 5 Dribble/Turn 2
0 times from 2
Action(s)
Action(s)
Pass/Cross 4

Second Half

Drop Deep
Received the Ball
In Behind
25%
In the Channel 3 times from 3
42%
Action(s)
Received the Ball 33% Dribble/Turn 3
1 time from 5 Received the Ball

3 times from 4
Action(s)

Action(s)
Pass/Cross 1

Pass/Cross 1
Dribble/Turn 1
Shot - 1

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Summary of Analysis
First Half

UC Davis played a very direct game in the first half with the majority of their attacks
(63%) coming down the right hand side of their team. These attacks were initiated
via long and direct passes (52%) by the defenders hoping to exploit the space in
behind the opposing full back, subsequently forcing the UNLV midfield towards their
own goal.

This direct approach was further highlighted through the stats of the three central
midfielders. They only attempted 31 passes (21 successful) which indicated that they
were being bypassed during the attacking transition and were not involved in
recycling and circulating the ball.

The most common movement made by the lone striker in the first half was to drop
deep into space between the lines of defence and midfield (56%). The direct
approach taken by the defenders didnt match this movement as they only played
the ball into the striker 4 times from 9 runs. Although the success rate for receiving
balls in the channel was high (4 times from 5) it often resulted in UC Davis losing
possession of the ball. If they had used the deep run from the striker as a platform to
build attacks they may have been able to work their way higher up the field whilst
keeping possession.

Second Half

The approach in the second half became more direct than in the first half overall.
They attacked most prominently down the left hand side (72%). There was an
increase in the directness of the attacks as this time 87% of the passes from defence
were direct towards the striker.

UC Daviss midfield trio had a greater involvement in the game as they attempted 60
passes (41 successful), although again they preferred not to initiate the attacking
moves. Instead they worked harder to retain possession of the ball before laying
passes off to the fullbacks or central defenders to find the striker with a long ball.
They did provide greater attacking threat with a total of 6 shots.

The opposite occurred in the second half in relation to the runs being made by the
striker. The most common run was into the channel between defenders (42%)

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 although the ball was only received here 1 time from 5. The success rate after
dropping deep was 3 from 3 100%.

Overall, using the analysis from both games, it is clear that UC Davis favour a direct attacking
approach which involves as little risk as possible with regards to losing possession during
long build up play in their defensive/midfield thirds.

They possess a selection of forward players capable of producing a variety of runs in order
to find space and pose a threat to the opposition; however the support to these players and
the predictable approach taken by the team in their attacking transition makes them almost
void. The midfielders carried the greatest attacking threat as they were responsible for 9 of
the 11 shots on goal.

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Assignment Two Training Session
The objective of the training session is attacking patterns and striker movement, with a
focus on creating two attacking patterns for the team to use whilst also creating greater
cohesion amongst the side during these attacks so everyone understands their role.

The session is made up of four areas which are outlined below.

Warm-Up

A themed warm-up relating to attacking play and striker movement combined with
dynamic stretches, off the ball movement and plenty of ball contact.

Component One

The first component provides a basic introduction to the two attacking options. The
first one involves a striker dropping deep acting as a false nine, whilst the second
option involves an overlap from a full back to push the midfield up the pitch.

Component Two

The second component uses the specific moves in a small sided game (8v8), with two
teams attempting to complete them. Game conditions can be utilised to encourage
the players to use the movements introduced via Component One.

Phase of Play

The Phase of Play is the most game like situation with an attacking overload (10v6)
to encourage success in the attacking phase. When an opportunity arises to use an
attacking pattern, but is missed, play is stopped and rewound to complete the play.

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Warm-Up

Possession Boxes with Target Player

Key
Four boxes are filled with three players plus one target player
fulfilling the role of a striker. Each box also has one ball.
Dimensions 40x40
Play starts with the groups passing the ball around their square Yellow Target Player
in any sequence with all players constantly moving around the Grey Player
area. Duration 10 minutes
2 mins instruction
On the coachs call, the players transfer their ball clockwise 8 mins work
around the square aiming for the yellow target player who has
two options drop deep to the edge of square or make a run
towards the back of the square to receive a longer pass.
When a player isnt in
possession of the ball they
must perform a dynamic
movement or stretch.

High knees, ankle flicks, lunges,

side steps, lateral shifts,
hamstring extensions, opening
the groins and skipping.

Progression
After the first four minutes of work a playmaker is introduced in each group of four who is only
allowed to pass the ball to the next box.

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Component One

Key
False 9 Striker Movement

Dimensions of full field

The aim of the first movement is to link play via a striker
P1 Pass One
dropping deep into the space between the lines of the
M1 Movement One
opponents defence and midfield.

CM M1 Duration 10 minutes
The move starts when the centre midfielder makes a 2 mins instruction
dummy run towards the centre back to create space for the 8 mins work
striker. After doing so the midfielder turns sharply as the
ball travels past.

ST M1
The trigger for the strikers movement deep is when the central midfielder has stopped their run
deep.

CB P1
The centre back then plays the ball forward into towards the feet of the striker who sets the ball up
for the central midfielder.

LM M2
The left midfielder then bursts into life, having kept up with play, and begins their run forward in
behind the full back as the striker touches the ball.

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CM P2
The centre mid plays a driven ball in behind the full back before continuing a run into the box along
with the strikers.

Coaching Points

Movements performed at game pace with a particular focus on the timing.

Quality passing at all times. Restart move if there is a poor pass.
Players must be aware of team mates movements and act accordingly to support
play.
When CM drops deep ensure they angle their run to allow a pass to be played
forward.
ST lays the ball off with one touch for the CM to strike first time.
LM must start out on the touchline to create width and space between defenders.

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Full Back Overlap

CB P1
The centre back starts the move by playing the ball out wide to the full back.

CM M2
As the ball reaches the full back the central midfielder drops at an angle to receive a pass
from the full back (RB P2).

RB M2
Having knocked the ball infield the full back then makes a forward run, overlapping the right
midfielder.

RM M3
To create space for the overlapping run the right midfielder is required to make a run infield
before asking for a dummy pass from the central midfielder.

CM P3
The ball is then played out wide from the middle of the field for the full back to run onto.
Both strikers then attack the box and receive a cross from out wide (ST M4 and RB P4).

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Coaching Points

Quality passing at all times. If the move breaks down restart from the beginning.
Movements performed at game pace. Very intense and sharp.
Timing of the runs must be accurate in order to create the required space.
Runs always made with an angle.
Strikers vary run into the box to make space. One goes near post, one hangs at the
edge.
When crossing aim for a specific area rather than trying to find a player.

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Component Two

Key
Both teams adopt a 2-3-2 formation in order to
perform the moves covered in Component One. Dimensions Half of full field
Duration 10 minutes
The field is set-up with two 2 mins instruction
channels, split into three 8 mins work
sections, on either side.
Players are free to move in and out of the channel. However, if the full
back enters the channel the midfielder must be at least one box ahead
of them. This is to encourage the wide midfielders to remain high up
the field and in support of attacks.

When initiating the full back overlap move this is not important as the
wide midfielder is required to cut infield to create the space out wide,
meaning that they are vacating the channel.

Coaching Points

Perform moves when the opportunity arises; maintain quick game like tempo at all
times.
Improvisation is also a key component of attacking, be expressive and creative.

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Phase of Play

Key
The attacking team, in grey, line-up in a 3-3-2 formation
and the yellow defending team line-up with a 4-1-1 Dimensions full field
formation creating a 9v7 overload in favour of the Yellow Defenders
attacking team. Grey Attackers
Duration 15 minutes
The ball always starts from the attacking teams 3 mins instruction
goalkeeper while the position of the defence, yellow team, 12 mins work
is always reset to a realistic position before play is restarted after a goal. If the defending
team gain possession of the ball their aim is to play the ball forward to their striker to hold it
up.

Coaching Points

Encourage the use of movements from previous two components. If an opportunity

is missed play is taken back and corrections made.
Players are also encouraged to be creative and make their own decisions when
attacking, e.g. using the wide midfielder to cross the ball instead of the full back.
Tempo must be game equivalent.

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