Practice, Practice, Practice.

Experts have done research into what makes a person world class at what they do. Are they born with the talent or is it something anyone can achieve?

Sports stars such as, Beckham, Federer, Murray, Tiger Woods, Gerrard, Messi, and Bale, have one common trait. They all have is the desire to practice and improve every day. The researches have found that to get to a world class level it takes 10,000 hours of quality practice. Thats Quality practice not just practice.

Now, I am not suggesting we try and put 10,000 hours in, but improvements will be made by training well as often as possible. Make sure you try to perfect your technique and knowledge of the game through good quality practice as often as possible.

Who knows where it might take you!! Alex Ferguson used to say that David Beckham was the first on the training ground and the last off it.

You might not remember this game but England needed to get a draw against Greece to qualify for the world cup finals or they were out. This was the last game in the qualifiers. At least a draw or they were out. Watch the video to see what happened.

Top attacking players - Looking forward to seeing this guy play for Spurs this year. Erik Lamela

How to play at center forward

How to play striker

How to play as a winger

How to play attacking midfielder

Attackers are the first line of defence

Moving to receive the ball.

This drill will be a common drill used in training and warm ups before matches so make sure your familiar with it.

Key points

1. The two players without the ball should be along the line that the ball is on creating a V shape or triangle.
2. Players should face inwards to watch play at all times. Use a side ways movement to achieve this not a running motion.
3. A maximum of two touches should be used.
4. Allow the defender to come closer to you before passing the ball. This will mean the opponent has less time and a greater distance to run to close the next player down.

Brilliant explanation of the 4-3-3 formation and how to play it. Great Video!

Use your mouse to pause the video and read the captions he's put on. I love this video. Simple but very informative.

Lots of information on team formations.

Hi Everyone,

This video is jammed packed with information on team formations and there advantages and disadvantages against other formations. What I would like you to notice from the video is:

1. Every player is involved in defending.
2. The side of the pitch that the ball is on is crowded with players.
3. The opposite side to the ball is left free.
4. The defence always has an extra player than the attacking team.
5. The defenders stay close together to deny the opponents time and space to pass.

It doesn't matter what formation we decide to use these principles apply in every case.

One of the best coaching points I have ever heard. A must watch for every player.

Listen to this coach talk to these players about the importance of everyone in the team closing the ball down.



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Have a look around before you get the ball.

This video shows you how the Barcelona players know where they are going to pass before they get the ball. It then shows you how Messi uses his body to pretend he is going one way and then goes the other.




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Make attacking runs

Watch this video for advice on making runs into the channels.

Attackers are the first line of defence

How defend has a team