The Changes in Football

Possession Development (Notes taken by James Beeston at an FA Coaches seminar held at West Bromwich Albion FC in 2010) Game changes from 1990-2009 More teams regularly keep possession more often. More teams keep possession with longer passing sequences. More passing and receiving situations are evident. More goals are scored from prolonged, passing sequences. More passes are now played below head height. More runs with the ball are made. More goals are scored from central approaches. More teams are regaining possession deeper and counter attacking quicker. Offside now occur deeper. Tempo changes are more marked.

Other significant changes: Improved playing surfaces. Ball speed increases. Improved footwear. Time keeping efficiency. Larger squads and player rotation. Future Football Faster - ball speed between players, player movement, decision making, technical implementation. 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, patience 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. Athleticism - significantly enhanced.

Passing types Tactical use of Possession. Defending half build up passing, searching, changing play, playing through.

Midfield possession and progressing play out of midfield. Attacking third passing - speed, subtlety, precision, variety. Retain possession whilst searching - usually in midfield or back. Counter-attack passing - release and receive at optimum speed employing any surface. Free-flow passing sequence (Arsenal). Congested area - possession. Tempo changes - why, when, how?

Difference between good passers (Lampard), and great passers (Scholes) Consistency, accuracy, range, variety, applications, disguise, unexpected, skilled and accurate risk-takers, deliver the damaging pass, deliver passes others cannot, deliver passes under pressure or space, time, contact, under any circumstance. Passing Imperatives Awareness - of circumstances. Appreciation - of what, why and how (consideration/calculation). Variety - of release skills - ground, aerial, body). Accuracy & Timing - delayed, instancy. Range - distance, judgement, capability, accuracy. Applications - feel, force, flight-spin. Disguise.

Possession Skills Teaching - Having understood space, time and positioning. Capability to operate with instancy on demand. Much extended range in passing skills and art of passing. Assured, deceptive, varied and tighter first touch of the ball. Ability to play minimal touch football at high speed. Ability to operate quickly, cleverly and accurately in congested areas. Disguise and deceit embedded in early stages of skill learning. Ability to manipulate and protect the ball. Expansion in the capability to utilize all body surfaces as required. Ability to eliminate an opponent alone or in combination with others. Advanced understanding of the implementation and results or individual and coordinated movement. Ability to play and know why and how to operate at varying tempos.

Passing Ranging the pass and reading the defence, defenders. Delivering the ball with any surface over varied distances. With little discernible address/backlift to the delivery.

Disguised passes off any surface as required. With appropriate additions (Spin, drag, drive etc.). Instant delivery, early and 1 touch, or after holding the ball.