Welcome to a very special edition of Elite Soccer.

This issue tells the story of the League Managers Association and League Coaches Association’s Annual Technical Performance Masterclass, which took place at St George’s Park on April 24.

Over the course of the day, members of the two associations had access to non-stop, on-pitch coaching demonstrations and expert insights from elite managers and coaches across the professional game.

Eight unique sessions were brought to life on the pitch - and these sensational sessions are illustrated and explained in this issue of Elite Soccer.

Former Bristol City and Charlton Athletic first-team coach Jason Euell opened the day, delivering a session on creating goals and opportunities.

Paul Harsley, professional game coach developer at the English Football Association, then took to the pitch, running a session on the high press, working with the front two units in particular.

The session which followed was a nice counterpart: Chelsea FC Academy’s under-18 head coach Hassan Sulaiman looked at building from the back when playing against a high press.

Paul Heckingbottom and Stuart McCall, most recently manager and assistant manager at Sheffield United, then delivered a session which identifies and coaches the principles of their team when they are in possession.

Former Wigan Athletic manager and highly decorated player Kolo Touré ran a session on counter-pressing, drawing on his experience of successfully using the tactic as a player at Liverpool.

Marcos Abad, first-team goalkeeper coach at West Bromwich Albion, then showed everyone something between the sticks, looking at goal kicks and transition from attack to defence.

Mark Warburton, former Brentford, Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers manager, took the penultimate slot, delivering his session on reinforcing basic movement patterns for his preferred team shape.

Finally, former Leeds United, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg manager, Jesse Marsch, was up, coaching a session on his pressing principles with a focus on how he asks players not just to win the ball, but how to turn that regain into a goalscoring opportunity.

All of these sessions are explained across the pages of this issue. Each coach has also provided an introductory video, explaining the thinking behind their session. Make sure to check out the Elite Soccer website to access them. 

This issue finishes with an interview with one of the world’s leading coach educators Ben Bartlett, in which Ben explains more about his new endeavour: the Elite Soccer Coaching Award.

The Annual Technical Performance Masterclass is a day packed full of opportunities to observe, learn, reflect and network. We do hope you enjoy this insight into the day.