Paul Heckingbottom

Coaching Sessions

Forward runs to break a defensive line

Breaking Lines

This session promotes forward runs from all positions on the pitch: runs off the ball, third man runs, one-twos to break the defensive line and also forward runs to support a forward pass.

Defending principles

Defending

This session is all about building the defensive role of every position when out of possession. It starts with individuals defending in 1v1 and 3v2 situations and builds all the way through the units to whole team defending when out of possession. I like this session because all the problems posed to players are realistic to game situations.

Defending as a team

Defending

The aim of this session is to prevent the opposition from playing through your team’s midfield and then to regain the ball by controlling where opponents play.

Biography

After calling time on a long playing career as a defender, Paul Heckingbottom opted to gain an academic understanding of his sport by completing a master’s degree in sports coaching at Leeds Beckett University.

Beginning his coaching career with Barnsley’s development squad, Heckingbottom enjoyed two spells as caretaker manager of the club. During the latter spell, he guided Barnsley to victory in the final of the Football League Trophy and achieved promotion to the Championship in the League One play-off final. This success led to him being appointed manager on a permanent basis.

He led Barnsley to a ninth place finish in the Championship in his first full season in charge and he subsequently enjoyed spells as manager of Leeds United in the EFL Championship and Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

After initially joining Sheffield United as lead coach of the U23s in 2020, he spent a period as interim manager of the club before eventually being given the top job in November 2021.

The following season he led the Blades to promotion to the Premier League.

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.

Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779

We use cookies so we can provide you with the best online experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on the banner to find out more.

Cookie Settings

Login