In this Coaching Clinic filmed exclusively for Coaches’ Voice Academy, Northampton Town manager Chris Hogg explains the key principles behind progressing the ball into the final third.

Appointed at Northampton in May 2026, Hogg has more than a decade of coaching experience behind him. He built his reputation as an assistant at MK Dons, Oxford United, Bristol City and Norwich City, having spent five years in academy coaching at Ipswich Town and Newcastle United.

In this Coaching Clinic, he uses the Coaches’ Voice tactics board to demonstrate eight interconnected principles related to progressing into the final third. He begins with the processes he wants players to work through in possession, before moving into the structural work of shifting from a 4-2-3-1 into a 3-2 or 3-1 base, to overload the first line and open central combinations. He then explains how his teams recognise pressure to find the free player, play against a low block by using width to shift the opposition – as well as controlling the second ball – and progress from wide areas. His Clinic closes with consideration of aggressive counter-pressing and managing regains.

It is a thorough and insightful breakdown of a topic Hogg has spent years developing his thinking on, and practice of. We hope you enjoy it!

Please also click below to access the accompanying PDF.