MENU

LOGIN

SUBSCRIBE

Login

Mick McCarthy

Coaching Sessions

Forward play

Attacking

This session is all about understanding forward patterns of play. It’s a session that encourages team play in order to create plenty of goal scoring opportunities, whether these are from shots directly on target or from creating second phase chances such as rebounds. It also encourages players to make well-timed runs and good movement into the penalty box to meet crosses into areas such as the second six-yard box.

Defending against a narrow attack

Out of Possession

This session is focused on finding a solution for the defensive problems caused by playing against a narrow attacking front four.

Defending - individual, unit and team

Defending

This session is a straight competition between defenders and attackers. It takes the principles of defending as individuals, in units and as a team, whilst also encouraging forwards and midfielders to engage, thus making it as realistic as possible for defenders.

Solid defending

Defending

Use this session to create a positive mindset to defending – it makes teams hard to beat and teaches players not to concede cheap goals.

Attacking and defending in counter-attack situations

Attacking

Examine the principles behind attacking and defending counter-attack situations quickly – It’s important to practise this because counter-attacks occur regularly in matches, so both defence and attack need to be prepared.

Possession, progression and penetration

In Possession

Get your players establishing positive habits in possession. This high-tempo session takes the form of a training circuit followed by a number of progressive games.

Playing off the front men

Attacking

Get your team playing off the front men to get in behind the opposition’s defence. Also, help develop possession to create good opportunities to play into either of the two strikers up front

Biography

As a tough-tackling central defender, Mick McCarthy made over 500 league appearances and earned 57 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

He began his coaching career in 1992 as player-manager of Second Division Millwall and he took the club to the play-offs in 1994. Appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland in 1996, he led the national team to the 2002 World Cup and famously held Spain to a second round draw, only losing out in a penalty shootout.

As manager of Sunderland he achieved promotion to the Premier League as champions in 2005 and he was voted LMA Championship Manager of the Year. He subsequently spent five years in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he completely rebuilt the team and achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2009 as champions. In recognition of this feat, he picked up his second LMA Championship Manager of the Year award.

He spent five years as manager of Ipswich Town and enjoyed a second stint in charge of the Republic of Ireland, before joining Cypriot club APOEL in November 2020.

Since 2010 Elite Soccer has given subscribers exclusive insight into the training ground practices of the world’s best coaches. Published in partnership with the League Managers Association we have unparalleled access to the leading lights in the English leagues, as well as a host of international managers.

Elite Soccer exclusively features sessions written by the coaches themselves. There are no observed sessions and no sessions “in the style of”, just first-hand advice delivered direct to you from the coach.

Login

Mick McCarthy

Coaching Sessions

Forward play

Defending against a narrow attack

Defending - individual, unit and team

Solid defending

Attacking and defending in counter-attack situations

Possession, progression and penetration

Playing off the front men

Biography

More from us

© 2024 Elite Soccer

Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779