Which Strengths Go Well with What Positions?
From: Gary Rue
After watching a lot of soccer matches, it is apparent to me that these skills are most utilized in the respective positions:
GKs--ability to sleep standing up when the ball is at the other end; this is matched with the ability to instantly wake up when the ball suddenly arrives at the GK's end; understands the importance of looking good in a save attempt, than actually making the save.
Center Backs--social skills used to communicate with the GK (when not sleeping) and other backs when the ball is at the other end; ability to communicate displeasure and assign blame to other teammates when the other team scores; generally have the biggest leg swings of anyone on the team and look for every opportunity to kick the ball as far as possible, regardless of opponent pressure.
Midfielders--neck flexibility to watch flighted balls from one team's defensive third to the other teams defensive third; has the stamina to run all over the field without ever being in position to receive or defend the ball.
Forwards--ability to run fast towards the opponents goal; however, lacks the physical capabilities of moving faster than average walking speed when the ball starts to move in the other direction. This internal magnetic polarization is magically reversed in the second half. Interestingly enough, any player that is assigned to play this position, automatically acquires this skill.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Movement System
Movement System (from Caitlin’s The Art of Soccer)
From: Dennis Mueller
I would suggest you use a movement system like what Caitlin encourages in his book The Art of Soccer. Namely every time one of your players has the ball, the other players should arrange themselves so there is one player back behind the ball, one player to each side and one player forward. He has lots of suggestions for where, when and why the off-ball players should move. I would avoid too much concentration on positions and talk more about support. Start with 2 v 2 keep-away with unlimited touches to help the players understand why and how movement off the ball is important. Use games with team in possession at the end of 1 minute the winner.
Defensively, teach them to immediately pressure the ball and mark the opposing players in the most dangerous positions (forward). Teach them that a couple keys to being good at defense is quickly changing from attacking to defending and to be determined. Tell them that defensively we have to make it harder for the other team.
Here is something I adopted from Caitlin's book that you may find useful.
KEY CONCEPTS: Space is used to maintain possession. Using Space is the preferred method of advancing the ball. Players can affect the distribution of space by their position, movement, passing and by beating defenders. Spreading out a defense weakens it. The more options available to the offense, the greater the defensive difficulty.
REASONS FOR MOVEMENT
Maintain Possession (Support):
Create left & right passing options
Adjust movement of square players depending on position of defender on the ball.
Move to create space when covered.
Penetration:
Move to space after passing.
Run to spaces behind defense (within offsides rule).
Movement of through players to find space where the ball can be passed.
Create new Opportunities:
All movements are useful.
Crossfield movement.
RULES OF MOVEMENT
When not to move:
If you already have space where you can receive the ball.
If you are keeping a covering defender from making an important defensive contribution.
When to move:
If above conditions aren't met.
Basic Movements:
Move to create basic passing options (right, left, through).
Sprint to space after passing
Make runs to spaces where you can receive the ball.
Move to fill spaces created when players run forward.
When covered, move to create space for others.
Move to confuse or distract defenders.
Timing of Movements:
Any movement with the expectation of receiving a pass must be coordinated with the player holding the ball.
Cycling:
Players behind or at the same level as the ball make runs forward.
Covered players in front of the ball and in the goal area make cross field runs to create space, then move to fill gaps at the back created by players running forward.
Bunching prevention:
Keep only 3 or 4 players in the vicinity of the ball (right, left, through, back).
Stay at least 10 yards apart whenever possible.
When covered near the ball, move to create space.
DRIBBLING: Dribbling is the simplest way to advance the ball. Dribbling can be an effective means of beating the defense. Dribbling can be used to setup a shot on goal, cross or pass. Good dribblers who can beat defenders create confusion in the defense.
WHEN NOT TO DRIBBLE
When a shot, cross or pass is available.
When loss of possession is dangerous.
When loss of possession is likely (unless dribbling will result in a shot on goal).
WHEN TO DRIBBLE
To Goal:
To advance the ball across open space (no defender nearby).
To go for a shot.
To beat one defender.
To create new opportunities.
Back:
To maintain possession.
To draw out the defense.
Crossfield:
When there is no space forward
When the defender cannot be beaten one-on one.
To get easier shot on goal.
To change field of play.
To confuse defenders (and draw them to make space behind them).
When it is necessary to maintain possession.
HOW TO DRIBBLE
Dribble with "Heads-Up" to see approaching situations.
Dribbling is easier when moving slowly.
Avoid dribbling in crowds.
Use fakes to confuse opponents.
From: Dennis Mueller
I would suggest you use a movement system like what Caitlin encourages in his book The Art of Soccer. Namely every time one of your players has the ball, the other players should arrange themselves so there is one player back behind the ball, one player to each side and one player forward. He has lots of suggestions for where, when and why the off-ball players should move. I would avoid too much concentration on positions and talk more about support. Start with 2 v 2 keep-away with unlimited touches to help the players understand why and how movement off the ball is important. Use games with team in possession at the end of 1 minute the winner.
Defensively, teach them to immediately pressure the ball and mark the opposing players in the most dangerous positions (forward). Teach them that a couple keys to being good at defense is quickly changing from attacking to defending and to be determined. Tell them that defensively we have to make it harder for the other team.
Here is something I adopted from Caitlin's book that you may find useful.
KEY CONCEPTS: Space is used to maintain possession. Using Space is the preferred method of advancing the ball. Players can affect the distribution of space by their position, movement, passing and by beating defenders. Spreading out a defense weakens it. The more options available to the offense, the greater the defensive difficulty.
REASONS FOR MOVEMENT
Maintain Possession (Support):
Create left & right passing options
Adjust movement of square players depending on position of defender on the ball.
Move to create space when covered.
Penetration:
Move to space after passing.
Run to spaces behind defense (within offsides rule).
Movement of through players to find space where the ball can be passed.
Create new Opportunities:
All movements are useful.
Crossfield movement.
RULES OF MOVEMENT
When not to move:
If you already have space where you can receive the ball.
If you are keeping a covering defender from making an important defensive contribution.
When to move:
If above conditions aren't met.
Basic Movements:
Move to create basic passing options (right, left, through).
Sprint to space after passing
Make runs to spaces where you can receive the ball.
Move to fill spaces created when players run forward.
When covered, move to create space for others.
Move to confuse or distract defenders.
Timing of Movements:
Any movement with the expectation of receiving a pass must be coordinated with the player holding the ball.
Cycling:
Players behind or at the same level as the ball make runs forward.
Covered players in front of the ball and in the goal area make cross field runs to create space, then move to fill gaps at the back created by players running forward.
Bunching prevention:
Keep only 3 or 4 players in the vicinity of the ball (right, left, through, back).
Stay at least 10 yards apart whenever possible.
When covered near the ball, move to create space.
DRIBBLING: Dribbling is the simplest way to advance the ball. Dribbling can be an effective means of beating the defense. Dribbling can be used to setup a shot on goal, cross or pass. Good dribblers who can beat defenders create confusion in the defense.
WHEN NOT TO DRIBBLE
When a shot, cross or pass is available.
When loss of possession is dangerous.
When loss of possession is likely (unless dribbling will result in a shot on goal).
WHEN TO DRIBBLE
To Goal:
To advance the ball across open space (no defender nearby).
To go for a shot.
To beat one defender.
To create new opportunities.
Back:
To maintain possession.
To draw out the defense.
Crossfield:
When there is no space forward
When the defender cannot be beaten one-on one.
To get easier shot on goal.
To change field of play.
To confuse defenders (and draw them to make space behind them).
When it is necessary to maintain possession.
HOW TO DRIBBLE
Dribble with "Heads-Up" to see approaching situations.
Dribbling is easier when moving slowly.
Avoid dribbling in crowds.
Use fakes to confuse opponents.
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