- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : Talking Tactics

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Talking Tactics - Defense

Hi guys, below is the hand-out we went over last night on our Defensive Fundamentals. Make sure you understand all of it and if you have any questions, ask me any time... Not only will be the most fit team, we will also be the smartest team!

Coach Jim

SOCCER DEFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS (from Coach Jim March 5/12)

Ø The Player closest to the ball challenges, your team-mates then support behind you

Ø Knees Bent , Lean Forward, keep your balance

Ø Jockey side-to-side, quick feet, on toes

Ø Challenge Attacker but do NOT charge full steam at the attacker– attacker will be able to blow past you

Ø On an angle – do NOT square up on Attacker – you will get nutmeg-ed and not be able to turn

Ø Be patient – wait for Attacker to make move and then time your move to threaten the ball

Ø Use the Sideline as your partner – steer Attackers out-of-bounds

Ø Keep your Eye on the Ball

Ø If/when you get beat (it will happen from time-to-time) make a quick Recovery Run to get between the Attacker on our Goal -“GOAL SIDE”

Ø Block shots

KEY WORDS COACH JIM WILL USE DURING A GAME

“Immediate Pressure”

Ø try to win the ball back - try to stop forward progress of Attacker - delay the Attacker

“Support”

Ø MOVE to help defend around the ball

Ø Follow Attackers running into dangerous spaces and challenge for every ball

“Balance”

Ø 1^st defender (closet to the ball) provides Immediate Pressure, slows down the Attacker

Ø 2^nd defender then provides Cover or back-up for the 1^st defender and cuts off angles/passing lane .

Ø The 3rd defender provides Balance - the 3rd and other defenders cover deep and attacking spaces which may be used by the opponent to switch their point of attack, for example, by playing to the opposite wing.

“Compact”

Ø Keep your shape - do not be drawn out of your Balanced shape. Together, 1^st and 2^nd defenders squeeze the attack into a tight, difficult or crowded space and the 3^rd and 4^th defenders Balance the defense

“Recovery Run”

Ø When defending, if you get beat by an Attacker, make a Recovery Run straight to the net to defend the Goal – get between the Attacker and our Goal

“Goal Side”

Ø Between the Ball & the Net. When defending or marking a player, always line up goal side to your opponent. This means getting between him and the goal. Never let the Attacker make a run around the back of you toward goal, especially to collect a ball delivered by his teammate. If a ball is kicked behind your defensive line, it is important that you are first to the ball.

PLAYER ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1) MENTAL ATTITUDE/APTITUDE FOR THE GAME & TEAM PLAY

i. Commitment to Game – The player exhibits good Team Player attitude. He is confident in his abilities and doesn’t second guess himself. The player is coachable/respectful at all times. He shows up for practices, listens, makes progress, shows good competitive sportsmanship and applies lessons well. Shows a desire to play soccer for the love of the game. Focused at games and practices. Eager to learn because he is aware of his own strengths and weaknesses. Always makes best effort. Rarely late. Player has courage and plays with urgency, willing to sacrifice.

ii. Game Sense – The player understands the tactical side of the game. Player understands the principles of attacking and defending, and rules of the game. Aware of situational play, transitions well between attack and defend mode, can make fast decisions and makes a positive difference in most plays with his teammates. Communicates with team-mates. Knows when to be “selfish” and knows when to be “unselfish”. Can “shake-off” mistakes.

iii. Positioning/Spatial – A player’s ability to read the game as it develops and to position themselves in the most advantageous area from which to support their team effectively. The player moves to space. The player understands their position and his position on the field. Understands the format the team is playing. Adjusts his play to support those around his and usually makes the BEST choice during play. Player is always moving.

2) SKILL CATEGORIES

i. Dribbling/Ball Control - Player’s ability to move the ball quickly, while under complete control combining pace, deception, and skill. Using both feet, inside and outside, under control, under pressure. Composed manner, shielding and seldom losing possession. Attacks opponent straight-on, makes opponent commit. Player works towards achieving 100 juggles/kick-ups using both feet (including inside/outside of feet), thighs, head and chest.

ii. Passing/Serving/Crossing – To accurately pass the ball at the correct pace to a teammate. Proper passing/receiving technique, passes to feet of teammate and to space, can keep the ball on the ground and lofted as needed. Uses both feet and all parts of the feet. Anticipates opportunities/plays for team-mates. Communicates with team-mates.

iii. Receiving/First Touch – Shows for the ball and receives cleanly. Eyes on the ball, body behind the ball. Checks away. Uses either foot to trap the ball. Uses their body effectively to trap air balls. Does not wait for the ball, runs to the ball to receive it and always moves to open space to minimize a challenge.

iv. Shooting/Striking – The ability to strike on goal with a variety of techniques from differing ranges and angles, with composure, showing the touch to score goals. The ability to drive long passes from goal and corner kicks. Proper shooting technique, on goal, off passes and volleys. Head down and eyes on the ball

v. First to Ball/Winning the ball – The “smarts” and ability to get to the ball with efficient and fast movements in all areas on the field. Winning possession of the ball, shows courage. Overall speed with the ball. Overall speed without the ball. Quickness & reaction time.

vi. Fitness – Overall endurance, ability to work hard the entire practice session and in games. Athletic abilities of running, quick change of pace and direction (agility), leaping, and strength on and off the ball. Game fitness.

vi. Defensive Technique – Understands transition to defense. Demonstrates ability to contain attackers and knows when to challenge (tackle). Understands Goal Side. Communicates with team-mates. Wins the ball under control (not just clearing). Provides defensive support to team mates.