" As long as humanity exists something new will come along - otherwise football dies ! "




Arigo Sacchi

THE GAME IN THE FUTURE !

WHY ?




►The next generation of coaches in world
football.
►The game is evolvingdaily.
►Coaching from, and for today is "out-dated."
►Prepare your players for the future demands
of the game.
►Reflection and projection are vital ingredients
of progress

The Future Game.




► Recent athletic and technical-tactical changes.




► Present tactics utilised at the highest levels.




► The future player's needs !




► Projected demands of the game in the future.




► Implications for teachers and coaches.

ATHLETIC & PHYSIOLOGICAL






CHANGES

" In ten years,the game will have moved on.It will
be played at a higher pace with more ingenious
tactics."
Petr Cech ( Chelsea FC 2007 )




" Players have to react faster.Every moment, every
action happens faster.Think faster,act faster - this
is the football of the future."
Valeri Lobanowsky - Kiev 1996 )

1990 -2008 Athletic Factors

13 Km per
game is
now
normal.



►►

Increased distances covered in ALL positions.
Increased distancescovered at high speed.
Increased speed and power - ( higher intensity.)



50% more than 1965 !

Game is played at quicker pace - (ball & player speeds.)
Number of sprints per game in Premiership has doubled since 2002.
Average number of high intensity activities has almost doubled since 2002.
Change in player body-type to muscular mesomorph.
Higher levels of body strength are now required.

►►►►►

Increased resistance to injury now more apparent.
Diet, nutritional understanding has improved significantly. Pre - hab sessions now incorporated.
Recovery & regeneration strategies greatly enhanced.
Larger player pools and nationalities / ethnicities.

2 - 3 km @ high intensity



Increased number and use of substitutes.

0.6 km sprinting per game
30 - 40 per game


2007 -8 Athletic Output 8.4Flaminis 5 mile
v M,boro
ARSENAL FC.
1. Covered most distance at > 7 metres per sec.
2. Fabregas - 350m highest intensity running in 30 mins.
3. Arsenal were in 10th place for overall distance covered.
4. Arsenal had 10 players in the top 60 players for 20 m speed. 5. Fabregas regularly covered 13 km 300 + m in games.
6. Defenders cover similar distance at high speed but less
overall distance than attackers and wide players.
7. Thierry Henry was second fastest player over 20 metres.
(Collins John, fastest in Premiership.)
8 Thomas Rosicky covered most distance on game by game
average at high intensity than any other player.

Future Physical "shifts ?"
Billy
Beane !
All physical attributes will continue to be enhanced.
Training will be to fulfil genetic potential.
Genetic screening will become more important in recruitment.* *
Statistics (Sabermetrics) to judge a players effectiveness.
(Lobanovski - Kiev)





Physique will further impact on Talent I.D. Power and speed will be major attributes.
All players will be "well-developed" physically.

A players EVERY
Action !

Positions will need unique and specific training programmes:
e.g. MF-endurance.
CF / CB-speed, acceleration, deceleration, agility. ► Players will sustain higher work capacity & intensity longer.
Explosiveness ( Vertically and Laterally ) will be paramount.
Agility will be essential.
Life-style will be a significant and stellar factor in performance
success.
15 - 20% increases
in distance covered by 2025 ?

TECHNICAL - TACTICAL














Changes in the game.

Modern Tactical innovations ?



11 "technical players".
GK now employs feet x7 more than hands !
"Technically effective" defenders in possession.
The "modern full back ". - Clichy, Evra, Cole, Abidal, Zambrotta, Boswinga etc
Increased positional interchanges / rotations ? Eg No:9,10,8,7,11
"Anchor" MF player (s) now more prominent.
More "wrong footers" playing in wide positions.
More teams building and attacking centrally.
More teams passing into and inside the penalty area to produce strikes .
More teams defending "later".
More counter-attacking teams ?
Prominence of central supply areas (Zone 14)
Multi-purpose wide player. Expanded systemic

► Semi-positions !
► Withdrawn striker ( " Shadow striker ".)
► " Lone Central Striker "



and tactical


variety.


1990 - 2008 (Game changes ! )
More teams regularly keep possession more often.
► More teams keep possession with longer passing20% more

sequences.

than 2002

► More passing and receiving situations are evident.
► More goals scored from prolonged, passing sequences. ► More passes are now played below head height.
► More runs with the ball are made. Prozone
► More goals are scored from central approaches.
► More teams are regaining possession deeper and
Counter Attacking quicker.

► Offsides now occu rd eep er. occur deeper OTHmproved playingTsCHANGES: ER SIGNIFICAN

a) I

urfaces.

► Tempo changes more marked.b) Ball speed increase.
c)Improved footwear.
d) Time keeping efficiency. e)Larger squads and player rotation.

PREMIERSHIP POSSESSION
FACTORS
Per game average Team passing totals Nov: 2008-09


Chelsea 496
Arsenal 442

Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool
West Ham United
Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion
Fulham
Sunderland
Newcastle United
Portsmouth
Blackburn rovers
Everton
Middlesbrough Wigan Athletic
Hull City
Aston Villa
Bolton Wanderers
Stoke City

431 341 399 355 352 333 325 314 299 294 288 287 266 253 236 232 190 175

Champions League Representatives










Premiership average 314


PREMIERSHIP POSSESSION

FACTORS

Champions League
Representatives

Average Total Pass completion % Nov: 2008-09


Chelsea 87.7%

Arsenal
Manchester United

86.5% 85.2%

AVERAGE SHOTS per GAME

Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool
Newcastle United West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion
Manchester City
Sunderland Portsmouth
Wigan Athletic Middlesbrough
Everton Fulham
Blackburn Rovers
Aston Villa
Hull City
Bolton Wanderers
Stoke City

84.2% 83.7% 82.9% 82.8% 82.1% 82.1% 81.3% 81.3% 80.0% 80.0% 79.2% 78.7% 78.7% 77.3% 76.6% 74.3% 71.5%

Chelsea
Arsenal
Manchester Utd
Liverpool
Wigan Athletic
Spurs
Manchester City
West Brom
Middlesbrough
Bolton W
West Ham Utd
Portsmouth
Fulham
Stoke City

20.5 (6.5)
18.8 (6.5) 17.9 (6.4) 16.9 (4.8) 14.9 (4.7) 14.3 (4.3) 14.2 (5.5) 13.9 (4.4) 13.9 (3.7) 13.9 (4.2) 13.4 (3.9) 12.9 (4.3) 12.9 (4.1)
8.5 (2.9)


Ball Possession - Match Averages
Passes per game.


SPAIN
HOLLAND
ITALY
FRANCE
PORTUGAL GERMANY
RUSSIA
CROATIA
TURKEY GREECE
AUSTRIA POLAND
ROMANIA SWITZ'LD
SWEDEN CZECH R


- 569 - 541 - 501 - 488 - 487 - 474 - 453 - 450 - 449 - 448 - 447 - 438 - 433 - 409 - 393 - 379



Xavi (Spain) v Germany


62 passes made
94 % pass completion !






Xavi - overall Tournament passing.
316 passes made
90% pass completion !






Senna (SPAIN)
2 matches - 111 passes made.
90 % pass completion !


Ball Possession - Pass Completion
Averages per game.


SPAIN
GERMANY
RUSSIA TURKEY
HOLLAND
ITALY
PORTUGAL
CROATIA
FRANCE GREECE POLAND
ROMANIA AUSTRIA CZECH R SWEDEN


- 81.3% - 76.3% - 74.2% - 70.4% - 78.5% - 76.0% - 76.0%
- 72.0% - 77.7% - 74.6% - 74.6% - 73.3% - 73.0% - 69.6% - 69.3%



Spain were superior to all teams
in medium range passing completion %




Spain were superior to all teams
in long passing completion %



Spain made more long and medium range passes than
any other teams





Greece and Holland were the only teams

SWITZL'D - 68.6% superior to Spain in short range pass completion

Longer passing sequences leading to goals.

Champions League Semi - Finalists




Average no: passes per goal- 4.6
42% goals in free play from 5 passes or
more.
AC Milan- 47 %
Manchester United - 47% From 5 or more passes
Chelsea FC - 50%
Liverpool FC- 25%





More goals now scored from longer passing sequences.

Minimal touch passing leading to goals.

One touch play.


64 goals in free play scored by the semi finalists.
299 individual player possessionsin scoring the goals.
38% of all these possessions were 1 touch.

30% of all these possessions were 2 touch. 14% of all these possessions were 3 touch.

68%

48% of all possession contacts in the build up to
goalscoring by Manchester United ,were 1 touch.




The significance of 1 and 2 touches
in the build up.

Entering the penalty area.

ZONE 14




How and when to
best enter this area ?

WC 2002
-most important

area for goal assists.
Euro 2004
49% entries into box from zone 14
1998 WC & Euro 2000
CHELSEA 2005 / 6 ?
50% France goals

ZONE 14




10 Premier League Games




Teams on average had 30 possessions per game in Z 14



26% possessions in Z14 resulted in a strike at goal.



73 % of all goals scored came via a possession in Z 14

How and
when to
best enter this area ?




30 % of all possessions in Z 14 produced a goal.



An attempt at goal occurred every 4 possessions in Z 14


A goal occurred for every 31 possessions in Z 14



Playing from Z 14 into the penalty area produced more attempts at goal and goals than passes played from elsewhere.

The significance of






Counter Attacking.

COUNTER ATTACK








"Every time we made a mistake,
Juventus were at us like a
flash".









Alex Ferguson

COUNTER ATTACK
"Transitions have become crucial.When the
opponent is organised defensively,it is very difficult to score.
The moment the opponent loses the ball
can be the time to exploit the
opportunity of someone being out of position.
Similarly when we lose the ball we must react
immediately.In training I sometimes practice
keeping a minimum of five players behind the ball
so that when we lose it we can keep a good
defensive shape."
J Mourinho.

Jurgen Klinsmann











" I want players that can attack opponents before they are set - win the ball and attack in a fast break mode.
We need players who have all these skills by
the age of 19."

CHELSEA FC.(2005-06.)
Counter Attacking Play.
42% of open play goals from fast Counter Attacks
originating from outside the attacking ¼.

33% from the defending ¼ regains.
38% from the defending MF ¼ regains.
29% from the attacking MF ¼ regains. 81% penetrated centrally for the strike. 38% scored in under 10 secs.

71% from DF1/2

52% of counter attacks involved a long pass. (40y+)
53% of counter attack goals involved 3 passes or less.
44% of Chelsea's goals in free play originated from
slower build ups.

CHELSEA FC Premiership Champions 2005 - 2006.




Implications for practice design !




71 %


81%

Entries
from CA's !



67%

EURO 2004
48% goals from CA's








53% of CA's involved 3 or less passes.
38% of CA's scored in under 10 seconds.

CRUCIAL TACTICAL SPACES

The exploitation
of space between
tactical lines.
2008







9












Where will the next
tactical spaces be
located ?


Screening player to protect the spaces
between MF & Back 4 and create from there.

ATTACKING CENTRALLY

OVERLOADING CENTRAL MIDFIELD AREAS - Tottenham
Hotspur Chimbonda
Lennon



Dawson


Keane Zokora




Berbatov
Jenas
King







Malbranque
Lee
5 in the MF box !

OVERLOADING CENTRAL MIDFIELD AREAS - Argentina

U 20

















9













10





7



























11












4






















8

2








5












6




5 in the MF box. 3

OVERLOADING CENTRAL MIDFIELD AREAS
Spain Euro 2008
2 Ramos
7


5








9





10

Iniesta




Villa



4


Senna

Puyol









Casillas

Torres











5 in the MF box.






Silva


11






Xavi





8




6
Marchena






3 Capdavia


WRONG FOOTED WIDE PLAYERS !

2
7
Wide Attacker Driving Infield



8Defenders problems ?
1
5




9


10
4
6





11










3



Messi Henry
Ronaldinho
Ronaldo Young A Robben


INCREASED PLAYING ADAPTABILITY

MOVEMENT AND INTER-CHANGE


"How can you talk about 'total football' if your players don't understand the game
from every point of view ?
You have to be able to read each situation not only
from your position but from that of your
colleagues. Each pass of the ball by your team, or
by the opposition, changes the situation."
Johan Cruyff

"Flexible Forwards"

Connotations of
Holland 1974




" We work together in training on combining with each
other and it has really paid off.
We don't have one player who just stays up the front and
stands there.We all like to move around and always try to make it difficult for defenders.
I think we realise where the space is on the pitch,so when
you see a team - mate running into one area,you just run
a different way !
Part of it is instinct, you naturally run towards a space where
you can be a threat to the defence."



Wayne Rooney talking about himself, Ronaldo and Tevez

Adult
forward player



(Lone
strikers)






44 yd Width ?

Any player ,anywhere.

TheThe ""Lon HolleLone"" ? and 1974
StrikerStriker









FLEXIBLE FORWARDS

LONE STRIKER

European Cup Final



" Sammy, you mark their playmaker.




OK boss who is it ?




I don't know - the one whose got the ball ! "







Bob Paisley to Sammy Lee in the tunnel before the
game !

TOTAL FOOTBALL ?




































MIDFIELD PLAYER INVOLVEMENT

FULL BACK

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE GAME











1.


2.


3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

CHANGES - SUMMARY
SPEED
Distances covered and covered at increased speed
have increased significantly.
The number of sprints & high intensity activities in a
game has increased significantly.
The speed & number of direction changes - agility Speed of players covering the ground - sprints.
The speed of the ball travelling between players. The speed of tactical decision-making.
The speed of reacting to events during the game. The speed of technical implementation.











1.


2.


3. 4.


5.


6.


7. 8.

CHANGES SUMMARY
TECHNICAL
Technical excellence seen as the solution to the game's
challenges.
Expanded technical range in more players. (
More can do more with more applied ! )
Personal ball retention skills are vastly improved.
Wider range of assured and varied first touch skills at speed
and under pressure
The ability to play 1 touch football accurately at pace is
essential.
More craft ,deception and unexpected now displayed in
performance.
"New" techniques now being employed - GK, "studs".
ALL players / positions are expected to be technically
competent and assured - some outstandingly so.


CHANGES SUMMARY
TACTICAL



1.
2. 3.


4.
5.


6.
7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12. 13.


14.
15.



Now a shorter passing "possession - based" game.
More teams playing expansively using width and length of the pitch.
Longer and more frequent passing sequences employing minimal touches as a tactic.
Varied tempo football.
More tactical variations - eg. Wide forward, no: 10. "wrong footed wide
players."
The ability to play accurately into, inside and through congested areas. An increase in the central approach penetrations into the penalty box. More variation in the entries into, and playing within the penalty area. The " holding " MF player (s) as a vital tactical concept.
Defensive "blocks" are set up quickly with teams defending later. Positional inter-change and fluidity is more apparent.
The changing roles and requirements of positions eg No: 9,FB's, W's etc Teams winning games employing a variety of playing modes eg CA and
"building".
The implementation of counter-attack as a tactical priority. More consideration given to zonal defending at set plays.













1. 2. 3. 4.

CHANGES SUMMARY
SYSTEMIC



The system as a framework - not a format.
Interchangeable players in fluid systems. Flexibility ahead of the centre-backs.
Continuous and sustained movement within
the systemic framework.

5. The "holding" MF player position a
necessity !
6. Zonal back 4 is still the preference.

MODERN SYSTEMIC VARIETY






4-4-2






4-2-4






4-3- 3






4-5-1






4-4-1-1






4-1-4-1









4-3-2-1









4-1-2-3








4-2-3-1








4-1-3-2








5-3-2







4-6-0








5-2-3







3-4-1-2









5-2-2-1







3 -5-2








3-4-3






3-1-3-3


DISAPPEARING !


Persistent and un-educated use of the long pass and 2nd ball mentality.
Midfield "architects." ?
Rigid adherence to schema football eg 4 4 2
Devotion to regaining the ball as early as possible. Players with sub-standard athletic qualities. Players with limited technical abilities. One-paced football .


FUTURE CHALLENGES AND NECESSITIES ?

FUTURE NECESSITIES


The capability to Counter-attack instantly at optimum speed.
The capability to "build" a goal with patience, precision &
penetration.
The ability to play accurately and at pace in congested areas. The attributes to play a possession-based game. The ability to play varied-tempo football.
The capability to break down the defensive "block."
The ability to play, inter-playminimal touch football at speed. The necessity for an assured and varied first touch at speed. The ability to retain ball possession on a personal and team
basis.
The ability to master space and time - making skills.
The necessity for deception and the un-expected when
appropriate.
Winning games without possession % advantage. The capability to defend the counter attack.
The capability to defend deep with patience,discipline and
certainty for prolonged periods.
The capability to defend effectively against team movement.


FUTURE ATTACKING SKILL
" THE 4 R's "

Anticipated technical requirements for the future ?

Future Attacking Skills ?
Pass,inter-pass and
Release Skills. exchange passes at speed
1. Passes with speed (Fast-passes.)


Passes on the move at speed, with spin and drag. (Off a run.) Release the ball with minimal back lift.
Disguised. ( hidden passes ! )
Delivered with spin and drag. (Vertical ,horizontal.) Subtlety and sensitivity.
1 touch excellence withboth surface and height variety. Can play early and deliberately late.
Unorthodoxy , unusual , unexpected release skills.
Fast , efficient orthodoxy as the alternative and norm.
Release skills from unorthodox body positions and shapes.
Ability to operate at varied passing speed. ( AC Milan v Man Utd )

"TIMING"

"VARIETY"


"FEEL"

"RANGE"

"CUNNING"


Future Attacking Skills ?VARIETY
Receiving skills.
"Tight" and "soft" first touch in the tight.
Assured , accurate first touch on the move at speed.
Receive and accurately re-direct fast passes (1 touch)
"CCleevveerr"receiving skills-( 1 touch - 0 touch.)
"Collect" the ball at varied speeds / heights.
Late , fast first touch. (no clues.)
"Dummy" before and on contact as aapppprroopprriaattee.
Unexpected , unorthodox touch - any surface.

9. Turns,Turns,Turns ! (Late & fast/ Fast and early
)

"FEEL"

UNUSUAL

AT SPEED

ON THE MOVE


Any surface , any time , any speed,anywhere !

Future Attacking Skills ?

Ruunnnniinnggwith the bbaallll..
Into space to make ground (Past & across
opponents.)
At space to move / attract an opponent.
At an opponent to confront and "fix" him.
Counter-aattttaacckk mmeennttaalittyy! (at oopptimmuummssppeeeedd.))
Feints on the run.
"Release" with sensitivity on the run at speed.
Evade , avoid and eliminate opponents with a dribble
( with / without momentum.)


Increased foot and lower limb speedrequired.


Future Attacking Skills ?
Retaining Skills
1. "Body-work" in possession / on receiving.

2. Body around ball. 3. Ball around body.

Ball Manipulation skills in the tight.

4. Opening up a new angle.
5. Playing "off the screen" in the tight.
6. Deliberate " bodywork " to neutralise pressure. 7. Playing with opponents on your back.
8. Quick feet and deceit in retaining possession. 9. Variety of turns with accompanying deception.

FUTURE DEFENDING REQUIREMENTS ?


The 5th "R" - Regain Possession.

FUTURE FOOTBALL
WILL BE :

FASTER.- ball speed between players,playermovement,
decision making,technicalimplementation.
UNORTHODOX.- un-expected,unusual skills will be necessary.
VARIED.- game tempo,technique requirements,game styles
INTELLIGENT.- individual,team-tactical decision making.
DISGUISED.- deceit to beat the block and stubborn defenders.
POSSESSION BASED.- ball retention,precision and incision with
possession.
INVENTIVE.- more "solo" players and "mavericks" will flourish.
UNIVERSALITY - will be paramount - all must play as necessary.
INSTANCY - will be crucial. (NOW is the time.)
ATHLETICISM. - Significantly enhanced.

Defending Implications.


Longer defending phases of play.
More defensive decisions and directional changes per game.
More directional changes to make at high speedduring a game.
"Last second" changes of decision,direction and action.
Increased demand for mobility range in lower body especially.
Increased demand for agility, acceleration and deceleration
attributes.
Increased demand for lower limb and foot speed.
Increased demand for rapid changes in stride cadence.
Quicker reaction and defensive activity in response to unorthodoxy
and speed.
Excellence in defending alone in counter attack situations.(ie at
speed some 30-40 yds from goal.) moving backwards ,sideways etc
Increased demand to defend against quick interplay near to goal.
Defensive intelligence ( "knowing") and ability to read and respond
to events will be paramount.

Modern and Future Defending Skills


Defend the "feints" & directional changes. Read the Game
Defending & recovering when off-balance !
1 v 1 dominance. ( ALL skills) - pressing,interception,spoil etc
Defending the "counter attack" (individually).

Defend opponents "inter-changes ".
Fast "shifts" & turns in the "tight".

Anticipate


Increased foot and lower limb speed to match quicker player & ball
speed.
Quicker acceleration / deceleration and speed !
Quick changes of running cadence & directional changes.
Body work under pressure
Calculate ball speed, flight and spin quickly.
READY the body


All ball playing requirements !

and head !

Awareness ?

"INSTANT"decision-making


FUTURE TACTICAL CHALLENGES ?

FUTURE TACTICAL CHALLENGES
Unlock "the defensive block."
Cleverness in every respect in the final 25 yds.
Entering the scoring areas with precision,deception and versatility. Fast attacking play - Counter attack at optimum pace and precision.
"Building a goal" - quickly (direct & minimal touches) and slowly
(longer time frame.)
Capability to play with varied game styles and tempos. Effectiveness in reduced and congested areas.
Nurture and intelligently employ the "maverick " attacker. Producing "universal " players and teams.
Defending deep for long periods with certainty and "assuredness". Preparing for and defending against the Counter Attack. Surviving and winning an "open" game.
Controlling possessionso controlling games to advantage. (Managing
+ive &- ive momentum.)
Simplicity,speed,fluency,efficiency


POSSESSION


Unorthodox,imaginative creativity.

THE FUTURE PLAYER !

" Many fail because they are inhibited under pressure." A Wenger.


Must possess an extended technical range.
Must be capable of operating technically and tactically at
optimum speed.
Must be tactically literate in a number of positions and roles .
Must be capablein 1 v 1 under pressure. (Att & Dfd.)
Must possess an assured and expansive range of first touches on
the ball.
Must possess an ability to manipulate and retain the ball
skilfully, at paceand under pressure where appropriate.

7. Possess the awareness and ability to operate in congested areas. 8. Have both an individualistic and corporate playing mentality. 9. Understand individual and team tactical objectives. 10. Have speed,agility and power.

With the capability to operate at varied game tempo's
and essentially at optimum speed !

THE FUTURE PLAYER SKILLS

► Give and take "instant" fast-passes.
► An enhanced range of passing skills.
► Ability to play "minimal touch " passes.
► An assured "tight and soft first touch" on the ball.
► Ability to subdue and secure the ball to retain it
under pressure.
► Possess "certain" basics and assured unorthodoxy. ► Ability to deceive as and when appropriate.

THE FUTURE PLAYER SKILLS

► Give and take "instant" fast-passes.
► An enhanced range of passing skills.
► Ability to play "minimal touch " passes.
► An assured "tight and soft first touch" on the ball.
► Ability to subdue and secure the ball to retain it
under pressure.
► Possess "certain" basics and assured unorthodoxy. ► Ability to deceive as and when appropriate.

IMPLICATIONS FOR


TEACHERS OF THE GAME

JORGE VALDANO


" teachers of the game have disappeared from
training programmes to be replaced by
coaches with a style that is too academic
with a scientific basis to support their theories.
If there is no freedom there is no creativity."


Jorge Valdano, Sporting Director -
Real Madrid 2005 .

Implications for the Coach


► Study the game developments taking place at the
highest levels - daily !
► Study outside the sport - be a " lifetime - seeker."
► Identify and prioritise technical,tactical challenges in
the future.
► Understand and become a "master teacher / coach" . ► Coach for instancy,speed,certainty,un-orthodoxy. ► Become a master of communication.
► Develop a clarity of playing values and philosophy. ► Be a " different thinker ".

END