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.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Backing Off Coaching 3 v 3 from Coach Dan Grunfeld
Coaches:
On the 3v3 tournament strategies: To assess the value (to the players) of coaching; and in an effort to support one of the last remaining bastions of soccer FUN and of “figuring it out for one’s self,” too many of you coaches are way off base! Back off! Let the kids figure it out for themselves! Are you confident enough (as a coach) to sideline a portion of your ego for just a few brief 3v3 games? Hell, the original posting was about a bunch of 10-year olds, wasn’t it? And look at the extent to which super soccer coaching science has evolved (or deteriorated).
The origin of today’s Summit Sports 3v3 tournament series (originally Cramer Sports, then Triple Crown 3v3 Shootout) was a festive Saturday & Sunday, in the park, with friends and family, hamburgers & hotdogs, skills contests, popcorn, Tony-the-Tiger (Kelloggs was among the first national sponsors) and Chiquita bananas, watermelons and cold drinks, resulting in 3v3 FUN SOCCER. OK, there were winners and losers - but more often than not, a group of four players was self-directed. Not “coached” but sometimes parent-supported and assisted. And guess what? The players did just fine! And they played, sometimes observed, eventually they figured it out for themselves - what works, what doesn’t. Most of all, they had so much fun they kept coming back for more, and more, and more. Even those who didn’t win, experienced enough fun to keep coming back.
Why ratchet up the coaching? Keep in mind we adults can really screw things up for kids who are out for a good time. When, where, and how do we let them grow by leaving enough slack to allow them to experience their errors, then better themselves by making the necessary adjustments? It’s called Learning! And it doesn’t always need an egotistical (must win) adult to make it happen. And when the kids do figure it out, the lessons may become more valued achievements than anything you can Coach into them.
So take a break from coaching, bring an aluminum lounger to the park, enjoy your time as a parent. Cheer them on, make friends from among those on the other sideline. Demonstrate to your kids the fact we’re all part of the human family which sometimes gets together to enjoy soccer just for the fun of it.
On the 3v3 tournament strategies: To assess the value (to the players) of coaching; and in an effort to support one of the last remaining bastions of soccer FUN and of “figuring it out for one’s self,” too many of you coaches are way off base! Back off! Let the kids figure it out for themselves! Are you confident enough (as a coach) to sideline a portion of your ego for just a few brief 3v3 games? Hell, the original posting was about a bunch of 10-year olds, wasn’t it? And look at the extent to which super soccer coaching science has evolved (or deteriorated).
The origin of today’s Summit Sports 3v3 tournament series (originally Cramer Sports, then Triple Crown 3v3 Shootout) was a festive Saturday & Sunday, in the park, with friends and family, hamburgers & hotdogs, skills contests, popcorn, Tony-the-Tiger (Kelloggs was among the first national sponsors) and Chiquita bananas, watermelons and cold drinks, resulting in 3v3 FUN SOCCER. OK, there were winners and losers - but more often than not, a group of four players was self-directed. Not “coached” but sometimes parent-supported and assisted. And guess what? The players did just fine! And they played, sometimes observed, eventually they figured it out for themselves - what works, what doesn’t. Most of all, they had so much fun they kept coming back for more, and more, and more. Even those who didn’t win, experienced enough fun to keep coming back.
Why ratchet up the coaching? Keep in mind we adults can really screw things up for kids who are out for a good time. When, where, and how do we let them grow by leaving enough slack to allow them to experience their errors, then better themselves by making the necessary adjustments? It’s called Learning! And it doesn’t always need an egotistical (must win) adult to make it happen. And when the kids do figure it out, the lessons may become more valued achievements than anything you can Coach into them.
So take a break from coaching, bring an aluminum lounger to the park, enjoy your time as a parent. Cheer them on, make friends from among those on the other sideline. Demonstrate to your kids the fact we’re all part of the human family which sometimes gets together to enjoy soccer just for the fun of it.
More 3v3 Tactics - From Coach Karl Keller
1. Get a pair of small goals or PUGGs and lay out a field with the exact dimensions. Practice at least 3 times before you go. Practice 3- touch, and 2-touch only. Practice runs.
2. 1-2 formation with sweeper and 2 forwards.
3. On offense, one forward at corner strongside, one at top of goal. Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, 10-12 yds support. Bunching equals losing.
4. Identify weakest player on other team. Give carte blanche to all your guys to beat off dribble. But better see passing elsewhere.
5. Teach three easy runs. First is scissors run where corner and top of goal forward switch sides. When it works, defenders bump into each other and one guy springs free. Easiest.
Second occurs if ball is won at half way line. Ball played into space at strongside corner, forward runs on. Somewhat easy.
Third is ball into top of box forward who lays off to sweeper running to weakside corner space. Corner forward rotates back to sweeper position. Hardest.
6. Shoot, shoot, shoot -- keep the ball low.
7. In offensive half, always hard to the ball. In defensive half, contain. (See 8)
8. On defense, the name of the game is (a) man mark goalside and (b) contain, contain, contain. With the small field, a missed tackle more often than not means a goal. So better to give up ground while keeping goalside than lunging and leaving a wide open angle. Your opponents have also been told to shoot shoot shoot, so keeping position may lead to a poor shot selection if you're between him and the goal.
2. 1-2 formation with sweeper and 2 forwards.
3. On offense, one forward at corner strongside, one at top of goal. Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, 10-12 yds support. Bunching equals losing.
4. Identify weakest player on other team. Give carte blanche to all your guys to beat off dribble. But better see passing elsewhere.
5. Teach three easy runs. First is scissors run where corner and top of goal forward switch sides. When it works, defenders bump into each other and one guy springs free. Easiest.
Second occurs if ball is won at half way line. Ball played into space at strongside corner, forward runs on. Somewhat easy.
Third is ball into top of box forward who lays off to sweeper running to weakside corner space. Corner forward rotates back to sweeper position. Hardest.
6. Shoot, shoot, shoot -- keep the ball low.
7. In offensive half, always hard to the ball. In defensive half, contain. (See 8)
8. On defense, the name of the game is (a) man mark goalside and (b) contain, contain, contain. With the small field, a missed tackle more often than not means a goal. So better to give up ground while keeping goalside than lunging and leaving a wide open angle. Your opponents have also been told to shoot shoot shoot, so keeping position may lead to a poor shot selection if you're between him and the goal.
3 v 3 Tactics from Coach Joel Wheeler
1. We play man-to-man on the wingers with the sweeper playing second defender. If their winger drops the ball back to the sweeper our defender will follow the ball to apply pressure and the sweeper will move up to take her mark.
2. Penalty kicks are taken from midfield. Rarely called during a game but will be the tiebreaker after a 3 minute sudden death overtime in the semi-final or championship game.
3. Transition is the key work. Your sweeper needs to be able to deliver a diagonal through ball to either winger. On the other hand your players have to understand that upon loss of possession they have to recover IMMEDIATELY and get goalside of their marks. When our wingers encounter pressure they turn and drop pass to the sweeper and then make a run to the near post for the give and go. If opposing sweeper starts to favor ball side too much sweeper will send diagonal through ball to opposite winger.
4. Our set pieces are pretty extensive so here goes. Most important inbound is your goal kick. You must avoid turnovers in front of your goal. We run both a wide and a narrow formation. Goal kicks are taken anywhere from the end line. We set the ball about 10 feet outside the goal posts. We stack both wingers in front of the ball. Sweeper is four steps behind the ball. Wingers move on sweeper movement. Near side winger breaks straight to the sideline and sweeper passes 45 degree angle to the sideline. With the proper timing winger and ball meet just short of sideline. Off side winger steps forward and turns to get goalside of ball as it rolls on the ground. This puts her in immediate position to play defense in case bad pass or winger loss of possession. Sweeper steps into field and becomes second defender to offside winger. On wide formations on side winger lines on the sideline and draws her mark as close to your goal line as possible. This sets up a through ball to the sideline behind the mark. Rule is if winger is closely marked pass to space, if winger is loosely marked pass to feet. This rule always applies during the game also. Offside winger on wide formation has same resonsibility.
5. Kickoffs can go in any direction. We put fastest winger wide (either side). The other winger takes the kickoff and drops the ball to the sweeper. She plays diagonal through ball to wide winger making a curved run to the near post. Off side winger after taking the kickoff makes run to far post. Winger receiving the through ball goes directly to near post for the shot or crosses to other winger if sweeper steps out to pressure (a basic two on one). We score at least once a game on the kickoff sometimes with only two or three touches.
6. Corners and sidelines. We play quickly before the other team has a chance to mark. Basic drop pass to the sweeper the winger who made the inbound then running to near post. Offside winger gets wide to other side in case give and go is not there then the sweeper will switch fields. On the corner we line up offside winger on the opposite side of the box straddling the top corner. When the winger inbounds to sweeper, she runs along the goal line for the return pass. She then crosses through the box. Offside winger waits for the ball to cross through the goal box and then taps ball in the side. We try to bait the other teams sweeper to step into the goal box. Sometimes the corner will just be a cross through the box. If the sweeper is closely marked on a corner or any kick-in from the sideline, the sweeper draws her marks back and toward the sideline to set up a through ball. The sweeper breaks toward the space she has just created for the inbound pass.
2. Penalty kicks are taken from midfield. Rarely called during a game but will be the tiebreaker after a 3 minute sudden death overtime in the semi-final or championship game.
3. Transition is the key work. Your sweeper needs to be able to deliver a diagonal through ball to either winger. On the other hand your players have to understand that upon loss of possession they have to recover IMMEDIATELY and get goalside of their marks. When our wingers encounter pressure they turn and drop pass to the sweeper and then make a run to the near post for the give and go. If opposing sweeper starts to favor ball side too much sweeper will send diagonal through ball to opposite winger.
4. Our set pieces are pretty extensive so here goes. Most important inbound is your goal kick. You must avoid turnovers in front of your goal. We run both a wide and a narrow formation. Goal kicks are taken anywhere from the end line. We set the ball about 10 feet outside the goal posts. We stack both wingers in front of the ball. Sweeper is four steps behind the ball. Wingers move on sweeper movement. Near side winger breaks straight to the sideline and sweeper passes 45 degree angle to the sideline. With the proper timing winger and ball meet just short of sideline. Off side winger steps forward and turns to get goalside of ball as it rolls on the ground. This puts her in immediate position to play defense in case bad pass or winger loss of possession. Sweeper steps into field and becomes second defender to offside winger. On wide formations on side winger lines on the sideline and draws her mark as close to your goal line as possible. This sets up a through ball to the sideline behind the mark. Rule is if winger is closely marked pass to space, if winger is loosely marked pass to feet. This rule always applies during the game also. Offside winger on wide formation has same resonsibility.
5. Kickoffs can go in any direction. We put fastest winger wide (either side). The other winger takes the kickoff and drops the ball to the sweeper. She plays diagonal through ball to wide winger making a curved run to the near post. Off side winger after taking the kickoff makes run to far post. Winger receiving the through ball goes directly to near post for the shot or crosses to other winger if sweeper steps out to pressure (a basic two on one). We score at least once a game on the kickoff sometimes with only two or three touches.
6. Corners and sidelines. We play quickly before the other team has a chance to mark. Basic drop pass to the sweeper the winger who made the inbound then running to near post. Offside winger gets wide to other side in case give and go is not there then the sweeper will switch fields. On the corner we line up offside winger on the opposite side of the box straddling the top corner. When the winger inbounds to sweeper, she runs along the goal line for the return pass. She then crosses through the box. Offside winger waits for the ball to cross through the goal box and then taps ball in the side. We try to bait the other teams sweeper to step into the goal box. Sometimes the corner will just be a cross through the box. If the sweeper is closely marked on a corner or any kick-in from the sideline, the sweeper draws her marks back and toward the sideline to set up a through ball. The sweeper breaks toward the space she has just created for the inbound pass.
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