Coaching a Game Changing Pass – The Yaya Toure Way
Yaya Toure – The Midfield Machine
Finding a midfield player that can defend, attack and create opportunities isn’t easy. However, Manchester City have found this player in Yaya Toure. He can play the holding midfield role, where he distributes the ball over distance or with short connecting passes. He also has the ability to make runs into the box and score goals. This weekend he opened Newcastle up with one magical pass. Check out the Free session below and let me know what you think?
Yaya Toure – Game Changing Pass – Part #1
Giving someone like Yaya Toure time and space can be very dangerous. Newcastle sit off Yaya, which gives him time to snap his head up and look for players making runs. Note the poor position of Cheik Tiote, he should be more central preventing any passes going in behind.
Key Coaching Points:
- Put more pressure on the ball, dont allow the midfield (Yaya) player to lift his/her head.
- Defensive positioning needs to be central, which will force the play out wide and not through dangerous seams.
Yaya Toure – Game Changing Pass – Part #2
The pass from Yaya Toure was magical. However, the Newcastle defender is caught watching the ball and not tracking his marker (Nasri). Check out Cheik Tiote positioning again, very poor. Anyone that questions Nasri’s position, the second smaller box shows his perfect timing…he just managed to stay onside.
Key Coaching Points:
- If the midfield fail to provide pressure, defensive players need to drop off and make the space in behind compact.
- Defensive positioning from the full-back was poor. When defending make sure you can always see the ball and the player.
Yaya Toure – Game Changing Pass – Part #3
Nasri runs on to the ball and drives at the Newcastle goal keeper, making him commit. He plays a reserve pass into the pass of Aguero who’s following and isn’t being tracked.
Key Coaching Points:
- When clean through and attacking the goal 1v1, always drive at the goal keeper making them commit.
- Be aware of the movement around you, always sneak a peek when driving with the ball at your foot.
Yaya Toure – Game Changing Pass – Part #4
Aguero finishes from ten yards out to make it 1-0, direct play, but very effective.
FREE Session – Teaching the Game Changing Pass
Brief Description: The game is 4v4 with two end zones. You score by combining with an another team mate, or one of your teammates receiving a pass in the attacking zone. Make sure the players have a choice. It’s a simple game, but it also provides tons of coaching points. Good luck!
Game Conditions:
- The game is 20 minutes long.
- You can’t stand in the end zone for longer than 5 seconds.
- Progression – Attack the opposite side every time you score. Helps develop concentration and game awareness.
Have you seen the New Academy Soccer Coach Session Template? Click on the banner to find out more information.
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Great post Ricky and thanks for adding the session to help develop that killer pass.
Cheers Tyler, that was some pass from the big man.
Hope all is well.
Love your posts and analysis!!!!! Good work!
Thank you Sean, I loved this pass from Yaya, great coaching moments here.
How did you find my blog?