On 16 May, Nigel Worthington, Northern Ireland National team manager delivered a session "Passing and Finishing” at the FDC working with Thorpe Rovers U14 County Cup Winners squad on the state of the art "Wembley” pitch.
He started with his "Tiggi” warm-up which involved the players moving the ball around by hand from one zone to another to prevent being tagged and being” IT". The game was fast moving with no time for standing still and looked a lot of fun to the audience and got the players prepared for Nigel’s' high tempo approach to the rest of the exercises.
The next segment was a passing exercise in a triangle shape with the ball fizzing around with a mix of diagonal and line passing with progressions bringing in one-twos, round the corners and one touch, trying to replicate game tempo and game moments.
Nigel then moved on to a finishing exercise bringing in the passing requirements of the previous exercise, requiring ideally a one touch shot to hit the target. Key aspects were combo play and timed crossover runs with follow shooting opportunities if the goalie made a save and parried the ball out. Again Nigel was looking to re-create the tempo and game relativity of match situations and the boys worked hard to meet those requirements.
The final exercise was the Diamond shooting game with the players set up in such a way to encourage lots of shots on goal. The conditions were changed by Nigel from time to time to vary the shooting opportunities and the decisions the players were required to make. The Thorpe players entered the session wholeheartedly and I' m sure enjoyed the occasion enormously.
After the exercises Nigel was available for a question and answer session and provided an often extremely humorous insight into the professional game to conclude a superb evening for the 70 or so local coaches present.
John Revell, Chairman
Matthew Wright - Skills and Drills, 29 March 2010
Matthew Wright, Skills Development Coach, NCFC Academy, presented a Skills and Drills session to approximately 70 local coaches working with the Academy U9 squad. Matthew opened with a dynamic warm-up in a small area working with a ball. He progressed this to a tag game attacking "gates" to wrong foot defenders using a variety of moves that he demonstrated for the players.
The second group of exercises involved working in 2s and 3s to demonstrate control skills and passing in a more pressurised environment. These involved body-shape and movement awareness with Matthew gently reinforcing key points throughout. These exercises were again worked in small tight areas with the players ultimately making their own decisions on which action they took.
The third group of exercises called "the Skills Corridor" involved the players working in a bigger area dribbling end to end performing various foot touches and turns and moves as the exercise progressed. Matthew added players passing balls across the corridor to create more skilful play, looking around and generally needing to demonstrate greater awareness and decision-making. The final 2 exercises were shooting drills involving passing build-up play all at a high tempo hopefully re-creating moments of match-play.
A thoroughly entertaining and absorbing evening with the U9 players being a credit to their coaches, and Matthew presenting some most interesting exercises with great clarity. A copy of Matthew’s session can be downloaded from the right of the screen and if anyone would like any further information please contact Matthew directly at matthew.wright@ncfc-canaries.co.uk.
John Revell, Chairman
Neil Adams - Playing Forward Through Midfield, 22 February 2010
With an audience of around 100 local coaches, Neil working with NCFC Academy U15 players producing an interesting, informative and entertaining session.
It was nicely structured, starting with a warm-up in lanes with players moving the ball from end to end through a centre player moving into space and turning to move the ball forward with players interchanging from end to end with a number of options demonstrated by Neil.
The next session; taking the topic forward, involved all the players more in team shape moving a ball from each end (defender to striker) through midfield "bouncing" the ball off players at pace and tempo, again with a variety of structured options demonstrated by Neil. He then moved into an opposed 2 team practise structured into zones creating options to retain the ball, pass though midfield into a forward player for shot at goal.
The 3 foregoing exercises allowed Neil to explain technical aspects to get the best in various situations by advising on body-shape, movement, support angles and quality of passing and control. The final session was a more open SSG with the players asked to maintain the shape and content requirements of the previous exercises, but play using their own creativity and initiative.
Neil concluded the evening by inviting questions and making himself available to chat with individual coaches which was much appreciated. In essence another great session suitable for all age groups from Neil, who is a good supporter of the Norfolk Football Coaches Association.
John Revell, Chairman
Darran Lovell - Basic and Advanced Goalkeeping Drills , 31 January 2010
Working with young NCFC Academy goalkeepers Darran set up a range of exercises and drills to demonstrate technical requirements in the key areas of speed and agility footwork, handling from various serves, diving, handling and diving, 1v1 striker against goalkeeper, shot stopping inc angles, movement and positioning.
The 90 minute session was a high tempo period with over 80 coaches in attendance thoroughly enjoying the evening and it was pleasing to see so many coaches interested in finding out how to improve the goalkeepers at their clubs.
John Revell, Chairman
Dick Bate, The FA's Head of Elite Coaching - Moving the Game Forward, 28 September 2009
A superbly delivered session, from one of the highest regarded Coach Educators in the Country. Close to 100 coaches were in attendance for a session focusing on how the game has developed over the past 10 years and where we need to develop further as nation in the future.
Dick began by delivering a thought provoking PowerPoint presentation (downloadable on the right) before moving onto delivering sessions that concentrated on developing player's first touch and passing techniques.
An excellent session, enjoyed by all in attendance.
Mark Garfoot - Pre-season training for youths: a holistic approach to an old favourite, 17 August 2009
Around 70 people attended this session delivered by Norwich City’s first team and academy sports scientists Mark Garfoot and Pete Sharp.
The session was aimed at educating coaches about the importance of motor control movements such as balance, co-ordination, weight bearing control, agility and reaction time and the importance of trying to incorporate these into sessions. The session also provided a detailed insight as to what age players develop certain physical qualities and when players typically reach their optimum in a certain physical attribute.
Both Mark and Pete then put a group of academy players through their paces with various different sessions, working on their fundamental movements. Things such as hopping, jumping, twisting, turning, sidestepping and lunging were practiced with the benefits explained in detail.
The session culminated with 2 small sided games being delivered to show all the different fundamental movements required throughout these games. The session was very informative and gave the watching coaches new ideas as well as valuable information about young players development and what is needed for them to maximise their potential.
To find out more about the session, please see the handout from the evening, which is attached to the right.
Football in the Community - Basic Drills and Sessions for children aged 6 to 12 years of age – 19 April 2009
To kick off our new membership year, four senior members of Football in the Community team including FITC Director Ian Thornton demonstrated a variety of drills to enable players to practice and improve their techniques and skills in a competitive and fun way.
To find out more about the session, please see the handout from the evening, which is attached to the right.
Ian Crook - Norwich City First Team Coach - 'The Principles Of Changing The Point Of Attack' - 8 March 2009
A hugely successful session, with local coaches flocking to see the former Carrow Road playing hero in action on the coaching field.
Click here to read our exclusive interview with Ian.
Stuart Pearce – England U21 Coach – ‘The Holding Midfield Player’ – 16 January 2009
The biggest session of the year and arguably the most high profile delivery in the Association’s history.
Stuart wowed attendees with his presentation & delivery, before taking part in an open Q&A session.
Click here to read our exclusive interview with Stuart.
Glenn Roeder - Norwich City First Team Manager – 1 December 2008
A fantastic attendance, with over 100 members present to see the Carrow Road chief in action on the coaching pitch.
Click here to read our exclusive interview with Glenn.
Lee Clark - Norwich City Assistant Manager – 6 October 2008
Norwich City FC’s Academy organised a session with former Newcastle & Fulham star Lee Clark. The evening was opened up to members of the Norfolk Football Coaches Association to allow coaches the opportunity to gain valuable ideas from the man in the Number 2 seat at Carrow Road.
Peter Sturgess - FA National Coach for 5-11 year olds
‘Developing technique & decision making’ – 11 August 2008
Another well attended evening with over 60 members present to observe a superb session delivered by Peter Sturgess, FA National Coach for 5-11 year olds.
Dereham Town Youth Under-8’s & 9’s supplied the legs for the practical session, for which the Norfolk Football Coaches Association committee was keen to extend their thanks.
Peter’s manner with the young players was excellent, which created a sense of ease that allowed them to participate and learn whilst having great fun at the same time!
To find out more about Peter’s session, please see the handout from the evening, which is attached to the right.
Dave Carolan, Colchester United FC Sports Scientist -
Speed, Strength and Agility – 20 July 2008
Dave Carolan returned to deliver another fantastic session for some 60 members of the Norfolk Football Coaches Association.
Over the course of the evening Dave covered varying exercises, movements and drills for local coaches to deliver to support the development of players speed, strength and agility. With those in attendance actively participating throughout, the evening had something of a light hearted feel!
Norfolk Football Coaches Association would like to thank Dave, firstly for delivering a superb session at what is a very busy following his new employment at Colchester United FC, and secondly for his ongoing support of the Association.
Please find attached three handouts supplied by Dave, providing key information on the points covered during the session, including additional information on body weight exercises.
Steve Rutter, FA Coach Education Manager - ‘Techniques for the 21st Century’ – 18 May 2008
This being the first session for 2008/09 membership year, the Association was pleased to be able to provide such a high profile individual within football nationally with Steve Rutter, FA Coach Education Manager being present to deliver a session to the 50+ members present.
The session concentrated on looking at the techniques required at the top level particularly looking at the technique of running with the ball and exploiting space at any given moment.
The Association would like thank Jex Rangers FC for supplying the players for the evening with their U13 & 14 teams doing the club proud.
Darran Lovell – Norfolk County FA Goalkeeping Tutor – 15 March 2008
The final session of the 2007/2008 membership year was delivered by Football in the Community’s Darran Lovell.
Darran, Norfolk County FA’s goalkeeping tutor, delivered a session on basic and advanced goalkeeping drills to 80 local coaches. The sessions covered aspects of goalkeeping from basic handling drills to shot stopping, dealing with crosses and kicking.
All in attendance received a handout, which detailed the various drills delivered into their technical elements and how they can be implemented on the training pitch.
The session proved to be a great way to round up a packed year for the Norfolk Football Coaches Association.
Dean Rastrick - Norwich City Assistant Academy Manager ‘Drills and Exercises to improving Passing, Receiving, Shooting and Dribbling’ – 26 November 2007
An excellently attend evening saw 112 coaches attend to watch Dean Rastrick, supported by Academy Coaches Neil Adams and Darren Bloodworth. The presentation covered drills and exercises suitable for coaches of youth players of varying capabilities, which with adjustments could be adapted to challenge and develop both elite players and older age groups including adults.
Coach Development Day – 2 September 2007
60 members attended the Coach Development Day hosted by Ian Thornton (FITC Director) and Gavin Lemmon (NCFA County Development Manager) at Norwich City Football Club. The timetable of events included a theory workshop, themed coaching sessions relating to football positions and styles of play, fun games, and finishing sessions involving the goalkeeping.
The development day deliverers were as follows: Norfolk FA’s Shaun Howes (Full Backs), FITC’s Gavin Coe (Brazil – ball & you on the move), Ian Thornton (Target Man), Gavin Lemmon (Fox in the Box & finishing exercises), Peter Brown (Fun Games) and FITC’s Darran Lovell (Goalkeeping).
John Allpress - National FA Player Development Coach
‘Let the players play’ – 14 May 2007
Another excellently attended evening with over 90 members present to observe a theory and practical session delivered by John Allpress on how to coach to the player’s advantage. Taverham Youth FC’s under 12s supplied the legs for the practical session and the Norfolk Football Coaches Association committee would like to thank the club for supporting this session. This session has continued the excellent start to this year's membership programme with many more sessions in the pipe line to be delivered throughout the membership year (April 07 – March 08).
Martin Hunter - Norwich City First Team Coach
Shooting and Finishing - 15 April 2007
The first session of the new membership year was delivered by Norwich City’s first team coach Martin Hunter. Over 120 local coaches watched an excellently delivered session on shooting and finishing. With sessions delivered from basic level to advanced, all the coaches present picked up something relevant to their coaching needs. Martin also provided excellent handouts to all present which can be downloaded on the right hand side. This session has the got Norfolk Football Coaches Association off to a fantastic start to its membership year.....
Football in the Community
Basic Drills - 25 February 2007
The experienced Football in the Community team demonstrated a variety of drills to enable players to practice and improve their techniques and skills in a competitive and fun way. Again this session was well attended by over 80 members and non-members.
Click on the link on the right to download the FITC handout.
Dave Williams - Norwich City FC Youth Team Coach
Conditioned Small Sided Games - 26 November 2006
An excellent turn out of over 100 members watched a variety of small sided games demonstrated by Academy players.
Click on the link on the right to download Dave William' s handout.
Dave Carolan – Norwich City FC Sports Scientist
Speed & Power - October 1 2006
Dave Carolan delivered once again for the Norfolk Football Coaches Association another very informative and learning workshop to the 40 members present.
Please note these events a free to NFCA Members and £5 to Non Members.