the Everton way

Everton Football Club has raised over £45m (over $90m US dollars) from the sale of Academy produced players.

Everton Way shows how the Everton Academy staff coach boys up to Premiership standard with the objective of seeing them play in the top flight.

Coaches at all levels can learn how they get the best from their players and players can learn how to develop on their own.

Subjects covered include recruitment techniques, technical coaching and fitness, physiotherapy, sports psychology and education & welfare.

Their secret is in the detail. Everton Way uses video clips, audio commentary, editorial walkthroughs, diagrams, tactical advice and coaching tips to reveal their proven techniques.

The extracts below give you a taste of what to expect if you decide to subscribe to the Everton Way.

Please note that the video clips used on this site are lower quality than the video clips on Everton Way which are streamed at 300kpbs and use Windows Media Player for optimum viewing quality. 

Low hurdles - Double spaced

It is important for our players to have quick feet during a match and the double-spaced hurdles are designed to develop the players' footwork.

We want to see good sideways movement without crossing the feet. It is important to move quickly and stay light on the feet to maintain good technique.

Key points

• Maintain balance and a good body position.

• Keep the feet light.

• Use quick movements.

• Explode into a sprint after the final hurdle.

• Vary number of hurdles.

• 3-4 repetitions.

• Distance - 2 lengths of hurdle between hurdles

Running with the ball

When running with the ball, it is important to push the ball out of the feet so to pick up a good pace. Be careful not to push the ball too far so to lose control of the ball.

Notice how the player on the ball is using the laces of the boot to push the ball out in front.

He is also willing to use his left and right feet to correct the direction of the ball.

Key points

• Awareness

• Look down on contact with the ball

• Instep contact

• Push the ball out of your feet

• Ability to use both feet

• Avoid breaking your stride

Introduction to a passive opponent

Confidence on the ball is very important throughout the ages.

From an early age, we want the players to perform different techniques and moves as well as being composed on the ball.

In this semi-passive skill drill, the player on the ball is asked to perform an outside hook and a step over before taking a shot on goal.

Key points

• Check shoulders

• Technique

• Turn away from defender

• Timing

3v1 pass and support practice

This drill is a thinking practice that works the players on and off the ball to create angles of support. 

Good angles of support take the supporting player outside the leg range of the defender. The pass must be made outside the passive defender's leg range to avoid interception.

This is a 3v1 pass and support drill to develop supporting angles. The drill includes a passive defender.

Key points

• Angle and distance of support

• Timing of pass

• Accuracy and weight of pass

• Disguise