Whats covered in Coaching the 4-2-3-1

Coaching the 4-2-3-1 features was filmed at the Nebraska WORLD CLASS COACHING International Coaching Seminar. The sessions have been edited into 12 separate videos that highlight specific aspects of coaching the 4-2-3-1. The first coaching session focuses on tactics whereas the second provides practical drills for counterattacking and transitions. Coaching the 4-2-3-1 Attacking Part 1 Developing play from the back three ways using the 4-2-1 of the 4-2-3-1 Harrison begins the session by explaining how the 4-2-3-1 enables three ways for attacks to be built from the back. Using Real Madrid as his blueprint, Harrison demonstrates how to spread the defensive players out wide when in attack, how to practice changing shape to get the ball out and how to get the ball up the pitch quickly. Part 2 Working in the midfield area with 6, 8 & 10 as a lop-sided triangle In this video, Harrison highlights the importance of positioning and how the opposition could try to counter a lop-sided triangle utilizing a 3v3 exercise. Part 3 Attacking between the opponents back four and midfield area focusing on the diamond of support and including the fullbacks One of the 4-2-3-1s great advantages is that the weight of numbers can force opposition defenses to fall back early and leave space for the offensive central midfield. This video demonstrates a possession drill for training players to get in the right positions, in particular the fullbacks that will need to be involved in attacks to swamp the oppositions defense. Part 4 An attacking phase of play playing in front of the opponents back four Real Madrids Cristiano Ronaldo is renowned for his silky ball skills and for always working the opposition defenders. This video demonstrates how to work the wide player to disrupt the oppositions back four by creating 2v1 situations. Part 5 An attacking phase of play playing in front of the opponents back four with fullbacks added In this video Harrison demonstrates how to create good positions around the box for feeding the ball to the central forward. This includes harnessing fullbacks for added flexibility and less predictability and exploiting space with triangles of support. Part 6 11v0 shadow play to teach four distinct phases of play The final attacking video summaries the different phases that a 4-2-3-1 enables and how teams can smoothly transition into a 4-3-3.

Harrison with the National Championships he won while the Academy Director at Al Ain, one of the top pro clubs in the Middle East. Coaching the 4-2-3-1 Counter-Attacking and Transition Part 1 Quick passing and attacking with width with the positional shape of 4-23-1 The second series of videos moves away from tactics to focus on drills for developing rapid play. The first drill can be used as a warm-up session in which the focus is on getting the ball to the striker quickly through swift counter attacking. Players will also learn how to spread wide and take advantage of the additional numbers in attack. Part 2 Solo running with the ball from midfield Real Madrids Ronaldo is again used as the perfect example for how midfielders in the 4-2-3-1 can pick the ball up from deep. This drill aims to train players to run with the ball out wide. Harrison adds two more defenders to create a 4v4 situation to demonstrate how the numbers can be changed to suit the level of your players and how much you want to push them. Part 3 5v5 to 5v2 counter attacking Players must maintain possession in this drill in a tighter area. The ball is played from the middle to speed up the rotation from attack to defense, in a drill that is as much a test of stamina as it is technique. Part 4 Quick transition attacks The whole pitch is now used with the emphasis on distribution to the wide players in a 4-2-3-1 to enable fast counter attacks. Harrison imposes a two touch limit, which can be adjusted to suit the level of your own players. Part 5 Direct attacking from back to front and regain possession in the attacking third Players now need to drop further back to begin the counter attack. This approach replicates Barcelonas high pressing game where they always try to win the ball higher up the pitch and in dangerous attacking positions. Part 6 Organize the 4-2-3-1 shape to 3-1-3-3 or 2-3-2-3 One of the biggest benefits of the 4-2-3-1 is its flexibility. Harrison finishes the session by highlighting how the number six can be utilized to rapidly change the teams shape along with fullbacks pushing up the pitch and wide players tucking in