NEWFIELD HIGHLANDERS SOCCER
Coach's Corner - tips on playing
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TALE OF TWO TOWNS:
Highlanders,
Our scrimmage opportunities at Spencer-Van Etten have been somewhat frustrating to me. First of all, Spencer has a first class soccer facility in its own backyard. Secondly, there are an abundance of S-VE players who regularly show up for Monday and Wednesday training sessions. I see the same Spencer-Van Etten lads week after week, and they push each other to be better players.
I have often advertised the Spencer scrimmages as one of the most valuable developmental experiences that we have available to us. Where else can we go to get high level competition for free? Next fall's Newfield Varsity Soccer Team has been poorly represented at these sessions, (tonight - Scott, Kent, Chris). Now that I think of it, all of our Spring League practices have been poorly attended, (I do understand the problem of conflicting activities, and I appreciate being notified when conflicts occur).
I knew it would be challenging to coach soccer in Newfield, but I was confident that Newfield's lads would be no different than any other soccer players I have coached. I was certain that Newfield's players would develop a passion for the game, and that a substantial level of dedication would ensue. I cannot accept the status quo of Newfield Soccer and neither should you.
One of my jobs as coach is to get the most out of my players. If I sometimes seem overdemanding, I'm doing what's best for the team. Please evaluate your own performance to determine whether or not you are doing what's necessary to meet your own highest expectations.
Lastly, next year's seniors - Ben, Addison, Michael, Scott, Ben, Cody and Kent - need to embrace their roles as next fall's team leaders. Take ownership of the Highlanders and dedicate yourselves to excellence. Good on ya, Mr. H.
Assertiveness
has been a theme of mine since I began coaching at Newfield, and it will continue to be. We expect our players to be devoted family members, socially conscious school and community citizens, focused students and decent individuals off the field. On the field, successful soccer players must be mentally and physically tough, decisive, aggressive and determined, (within the rules and respecting one's opponents). Competitive sports create an environment where dominance is rewarded and meekness is exploited. Ben Friedlander is not a skilled field player, but his attitude and demeanor allow him to succeed beyond his skill level - he's simply fearless!
The missing piece!
Few if any Newfield lads have attended soccer camps in recent years. There's
nothing that can push player development like immersing oneself in soccer
for 8 to 12 hours a day at a camp. They are pretty expensive, but if you
can afford it, your soccer ability will benefit.
Cornell's Soccer Academy is excellent - July 19-23 - $499 resident, $399 commuter - www.athletics.cornell.edu/
Hartwick Soccer Camp - Tim Hoskins went to this one a few years back - July 5-9, July 11-15 - $495 resident - www.hartwick.edu/sportscamps.xml
Houghton College Soccer Camp - perhaps the best value I've found - 2 hours away - July 26-31, Aug. 2-7 - $385 resident - www.houghton.edu/sports/camps/soccercamp.htm
There are hundreds more nationwide along with specialty camps for goalkeeping - just google to find them. The soccer fund will provide a $50 scholarship to any Newfield boy who attends a soccer camp this summer, (just contact me).
Burn Out!
Most of the Newfield kids I've been working with didn't play enough soccer
when they were younger to develop the skills that they need as varsity players.
We've been playing catch-up, and I will continue to provide opportunities
for that to happen. However, soccer must be fun, and too much of anything
can have a negative effect. When and if soccer becomes drudgery, back off
for a while. We need enthusiastic players, not kids who are just going through
the motions.
May 4:
PLAYING WITH VARIED EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
Soccer is a thinking game, and I believe that players should to be left alone to make their own decisions, (for the most part), during games. Unfortunately, skill deficiencies interfere with that process because if a player can't control the ball, the decisions he makes are irrelevant. We'll continue to focus on technique during our Newfield practice sessions.
My biggest concern is having 11 players who are equally involved so that teamwork can flourish. This is a difficult objective because we have players of diverse abilities. The solution is twofold. Our more experienced players must expect competence from our rookies and they must provide encouragement. Our less experienced players must understand that if they don't perform with confidence that it will adversely affect the team.
Here's the dilemma: If a player lacks experience, he needs to have the ball to improve. If that same player demonstrates a lack of confidence, he will receive the ball less from teammates, and he will put himself in fewer situations where he is likely to receive the ball.
Any player who receives a ball with ample time and space has an easier task, (than a player who is tightly marked). The best way for a player to gain confidence in his ability, is to obtain separation from defenders by making deceptive and strong runs. Getting "open" creates opportunities for improvement. The worst thing an insecure player can do is to stay hidden.
May 3:
WALLS
1. Arguing with the referee regarding free kicks only hurts our team by disrupting or delaying the team's defensive focus.
2. A 1-man wall, (often a forward), should be quickly established on all, (distant), free kicks in line between the ball and the goal to block the direct forward ground route and possibly to delay the taking of the kick.
3. On free kicks in the middle third we need to respond quickly with equal numbers around the ball, we need to establish our line of defense quickly (generally not deeper than the 18), we need to mark players ahead of the ball and we need to be vigilant about not allowing opponents to receive passes behind the line of defense.
4. The Golden Rule in the back third is: "Don't give away unnecessary (stupid) free kicks!"
5. Kicks of 30 or more yards from the goal don't need a wall, but they do need even numbers to defend against the players on the ball. Multiple player walls needn't be established outside the penalty area - our keeper should be able to defend the goal from a 28 yard shot.
6. We defend with all 11 players when a wall is deemed necessary.
7. The goalkeeper determines how many players will be needed in the wall (maximum of 5).
8. The wall protects a direct attack to the near post. Wall participants will be decided upon ahead of time.
9. An out player sets the first man by aligning the near post over the first man's inside shoulder, (in line with the ball), so that the outside of his body provides some protection against a swerved shot. After aligning the wall, the out player assumes a defensive task. The player who aligns the wall must work fast and be cautious about being in a position of encroachment (yellow card).
10. Other wall players close tightly with the first man. Ideally the tallest man is on the post, the next tallest is next to him and so on.
11. One hand can be used to protect the groin and the other hand grasps the outside seams of the shorts of the player next to him to pull him close. The chin is pulled in and the chin is angled down..
12. After the kick is taken the wall moves, en bloc, towards the ball - when a direct shot is not taken.
13. A (brave) bullet man is positioned between the far post and the ball to provide immediate pressure on any short passing situations.
14. The line of defense should be established even with the wall.
15. The vital areas on both sides of the wall should be defended and opposing players in dangerous positions should be marked.
16. Wide free kicks taken from within 10 yards of the goal line can be played like corner kicks - it's the goalkeeper's decision.
17. All players should be especially alert and vigilant on all restart situations.
18. Indirect kick less than 10 yards from goal - everyone lines up across the goal line with tallest players near the posts and the keeper in an effective position in relationship to the ball (near the center). The keeper does his best to narrow the angle as the ball is kicked. All must be brave.
April 23:
When players run with the ball (dribble) early and often several things happen.
They frequently run into trouble in the defending and middle thirds, they
have their heads down so they fail to see the field, (and they hinder team
play) and they advance the onset of fatigue.
Better team play will evolve with more time spent together. We need to get contributions from 11 players offensively and defensively. Our more skilled players need to spread the ball around more - there can be no cliques. Our developing players, (all are really in this category), need to show better by getting separation from defenders and establishing optimal passing angles. If the player with the ball can't find you or if your positioning doesn't offer a tactical advantage, you're not likely to receive a pass.
On the other hand, it's great to have players with advanced offensive skill. It's comforting to know that we have excellent goal scoring potential.
Our defenders had their hands full with some very deceptive, speedy and quick forwards. Individually, we need to do a better job in breaking down and reacting without overcommiting. As the ball approaches the 18 yard line, we must be confident, determined and tough when we go in to win the ball. Collectively, we need to be more conscious of providing coverage for each other. It's an ideal learning situation.
FINISHING
*Simply pass the ball by the goalkeeper - "shoot calm".
Shoot low toward the far post.
When you have an opportunity to shoot, take responsibility and do it.
Follow up your shot for a possible rebound, (be a "what if player").
Shoot early, (early shots can catch the goalkeeper off guard).
One touch shots are lethal near goal especially off crossed balls.
Use your "soccer radar" on early shots, (you don't have to look at the goal first).
If you have one man to beat, take him on and shoot.
Attack defenders toward the goal, (don't allow defenders to turn you to the outside).
DEFENDING TWO OPPONENTS
Occasionally a defender is faced with the task of defending two opponents who are attacking his goal. There is more than one solution to this dilemma, but the team needs to be on the same page. I will outline what I think is the best strategy.
I would encourage the defender to delay the attack as much as possible, to stay goalside and not overcommit, ( the attackers will want to attack with speed so as not to allow other defenders to recover). The defender should try, through positioning and the manner he closes down on the ball, not to allow the first attacker to pass the ball to his mate. Then he should attempt to force the first attacker to shoot from as wide an angle as possible. By doing this the keeper only has to worry about the man with the ball, and he can work on cutting off the shooter's angle. Predictability is a goalkeepers friend!
MARKING OTHER PLAYERS
Players must take responsibility for marking opposing players - without that, there is lack of pressure on the ball. We need to develop the discipline to mark up, and to insist that your mates do the same. An organizing leader, (central defender and /or goalkeeper )makes this task much easier.
THINK AHEAD!
Before a player receives the ball, he/she must know what his/her options are. Doing what's necessary to secure the ball should be automatic, (being soft and relaxed bringing the ball in, first touch away from pressure, being deceptive prior to reception, shielding the ball, etc.). If a player doesn't consider his/her options early, he/she will have fewer of them and in many cases will lose possession of the ball.
Going through the following progression might be helpful. Look to go to goal first by either dribbling or passing to an open teammate - this would pay the biggest dividend. If that option isn't "on", look long to find an available target close to goal. If that option isn't available, look for the next furthest player downfield. Each step in this process should take you to the next furthest player. If going forward isn't possible look to make a supportive pass, but again, look long first when playing backwards.
Unfortunately, too many players look to the nearest players first, and are never able to get their heads back up to see what is downfield. As the ball gets closer, getting one's head up becomes even more difficult because you have to focus on the ball to secure it.
I am not advocating just kicking the ball downfield as far as you can. Instead you should look to pass the ball to the teammate with the greatest opportunity to score or create scoring opportunities. See the field and look long first if you want to be a great player.
ASKING FOR THE BALL
If your team is on offense and you want the ball, there are 3 basic ways to ask for it. The first way is to call for it verbally, but in this case, specific and concise information is helpful. One should say, "Kent, look square", or "Jacob, back", etc. The player with the ball must realize that the information given is for that immediate time, not 5 seconds later. Late passes are often intercepted.
The second way to ask for the ball is non verbal. Making a hard run into space is telling your mate that you see something available and you are willing to work to exploit that advantage. "Running to ask" is not effective if the man with the ball is closed down and can't see the run.
Eye contact is the third way to communicate that you want the ball, but once again, your teammate needs to be unpressured. Probably the best way to ask for the ball is to combine the 3 methods. Improving this kind of communication will foster better teamwork.
BETTER DEFENSE
We are capable of keeping opponents' scores low, even against the better teams. We need to be more disciplined, determined and methodical about defense.
We begin to play defense as a team, as soon as our opponent gains possession. A player who loses possession on a takeaway should immediately try to regain possession, (immediate chase). Other teammates should fall back and towards the center of the field - like a funnel - finding their marks and supporting each other.
The main reason goals are scored is from LACK OF PRESSURE ON THE BALL.
You should be close enough to your mark to possibly intercept a pass, to challenge the ball as it is received, to prevent your opponent from turning or to force your opponent to be a ball watcher, (force his head down by closing down and applying pressure).
To prevent an opponent from turning:
Close down as the ball is travelling, (to your opponent).
Break down, (lower your body), adopt a sideways on stance and
move to within touching distance, (but watch the ball).
Don't let your opponent open up space.
Be patient, stay engaged and if your opponent attempts to turn,
tackle the ball as it is exposed on the half turn.
To force an opponent's head down when he is already turned:
Close down as the ball is travelling.
Check your speed and move in more slowly as the ball is
received.
Break down and approach in a sideways on fashion.
Establish a position about 2 yards from the ball, (more or
less depending on factors such as speed and quickness).
Be patient, stay goalside and tackle only when certain of winning
the ball.
We should understand the concepts of 1st defender and 2nd defender.
The first defender pressures the player with the ball to prevent penetration and to delay the attack, (to allow the defense to organize). If the 1st attacker dives in without winning the ball, he puts his team in peril.
If we add another attacker, (2nd attacker), and another defender, (2nd defender) the dynamics change. If the 2nd defender marks the 2nd attacker close, the 1st defender is still basically left alone, and if the 1st attacker beats him, he can go straight to goal. However if the 2nd defender steps back and toward the 1st defender, he is able to provide coverage while also marking his own player. In this way the 2nd defender can challenge the 1st attacker if he beats the 1st defender, or he can close down on the 2nd attacker if the 1st attacker passes the ball to him.
Good on ya,
Coach Habecker