Sunday, June 24, 2012
Watching Soccer in Nashville
This post will be short and sweet. I don't usually plug places, but of you're ever watching a soccer game in Nashville, definitely check out Fleet Street Pub in Printer's Ally. I've been here for almost every Euro match and I'll definitely miss this place when I leave here.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Attacking Mindset
One thing about the sport that I didn't realize until I became older was that it is possible to play a style of soccer that allows virtually all field players to be attack-minded (though not all at the same time necessarily). It's often useful to generate attacks from different points on the field in order to expose the opposing team's tactics, formations, or assignments.
For example, sometimes, simply "switching fields," or playing a cross to the other flank, can expose that the other team has pitted their best defender on your striker. If you know that, you can see where there are holes in their defense. If you move your striker to the right, you might expose space to the left. If you move your striker deep, you might be able to see how aggressively and effectively the defense is playing the offsides trap.
This means that it is essential in today's game to have attack-minded players all over the field. Your goalkeeper should see opportunities to generate attack or maintain possession. So too should even your most defensive players. Bringing up a defender to join in the offense can create mismatches--size, speed, numbers, etc.-- or just introduce something new for the opposing team to think about and account for. For example, on the youth club level, where a team is not limited to three substitutions, having an attack-minded defender might cause the other team to switch from two strikers to a striker and a midfielder, so the midfielder can keep an eye on the lurking defender. Thus, even if your defender never touches the ball, his eye for the offense may have caused the other team to play less offensive.
Keep this in mind when you're out on the field playing next time. Even though your position might say "defense," that doesn't mean you can't sneak up and get involved in the offense, even if it's just pushing up to ask for a support pass and then play a cross to switch fields.
For example, sometimes, simply "switching fields," or playing a cross to the other flank, can expose that the other team has pitted their best defender on your striker. If you know that, you can see where there are holes in their defense. If you move your striker to the right, you might expose space to the left. If you move your striker deep, you might be able to see how aggressively and effectively the defense is playing the offsides trap.
This means that it is essential in today's game to have attack-minded players all over the field. Your goalkeeper should see opportunities to generate attack or maintain possession. So too should even your most defensive players. Bringing up a defender to join in the offense can create mismatches--size, speed, numbers, etc.-- or just introduce something new for the opposing team to think about and account for. For example, on the youth club level, where a team is not limited to three substitutions, having an attack-minded defender might cause the other team to switch from two strikers to a striker and a midfielder, so the midfielder can keep an eye on the lurking defender. Thus, even if your defender never touches the ball, his eye for the offense may have caused the other team to play less offensive.
Keep this in mind when you're out on the field playing next time. Even though your position might say "defense," that doesn't mean you can't sneak up and get involved in the offense, even if it's just pushing up to ask for a support pass and then play a cross to switch fields.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Dutch Disappointment
The Dutch were eliminated from Euro 2012 a couple days ago, and I've now watched the game twice; once emotionally, pulling for the Oranje to win, and once critically, breaking down what went wrong.
The Dutch came out strong and looked like they were ready to play. They understood their role and how their style was going to play out. The midfielders knew that they had to maintain possession because they were playing with 5-6 attack-minded players, and leaving their defense susceptible to the counter. For the first 15 minutes, the midfielders did just that. I thought Van der Vaart (VDV) and Robben played spectacularly together early on.
I was speaking with my cousin before the game and I told him what I hoped to see. I wanted Robben to take an outside shot that hit the target early in the game. That would establish him as an outside shooter, and require the defense to account for his long shot and push up their line. That would allow space for Robin van Persie (RVP) or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to make runs through the back. Robben apparently was a party to our phone call, because he did just that.
The other thing I wanted Robben to do was to use his options, or "use what you see" as I like to say. Robben is a left-footed player who plays on the right wing. As a result, he has a tendency to cut inside and create plays that way. If the defense plays a high line, he can play a cutting striker. If the defense lays off, he can take the shot or lay it off to the attacking midfielder, usually Wesley Sneider, but in this case it was VDV, to take the shot. That's how the Dutch scored--Robben brought the ball inside, met a defender, played the ball off to VDV who fired a shot in far post. It was a play of beauty.
What happened after that was tragic. Portugal began to dominate possession. The Dutch central defense played dumb balls, leaving Gregory van der Wiel and the young Jetro Willems to overwork themselves to generate any attack or possession. VDV failed to come deep enough to help the Dutch hold the ball, and the Dutch failed to put together more than five passes in the attacking third.
The display was not Total Soccer. The formation was too structured, and players did not put in the effort to make runs to open themselves up to passes. Not once did Sneider and VDV switch spots to see if Sneider would have more success generating an attack or holding the ball and creating space. Even though Sneider naturally plays as an attacking midfielder, he never requested a switch to see what he could do in that role.
In the second half, Coach van Marwijk switched Robben to the left wing. That's when the Dutch attack became predictable. You no longer had the threat of Robben cutting inside for a shot, and thus the Portugese defense could play a lower line and prevent the two big-bodied strikers (Huntelaar and RVP) from making runs to goal. Huntelaar excels near the goal--he cannot come out to the 18 with his back to the goal and make a play. RVP can, but when he did he either misplayed the ball, had a bad touch, or was forced to shoot with his weak foot.
Had the Dutch maintained proper movement, including constantly switching Sneider and VDV between attacking midfield and the left wing, I think the Dutch would have had much more success. What I explain to people is that even though a defender might be paired with an opposing position, putting a different player in that position requires the defender to react differently. For example, Sneider and VDV are much different players. VDV is a threat to shoot on target with either foot from anywhere inside 30-35 yards. Sneider is more of a creative playmaker who would rather play a through ball to a breaking striker. Therefore, VDV is a player that can force a defense to play a higher line. If the defense becomes tired, they may be slow to get back to their lower line. When that happens, VDV can play a square ball to Sneider, who can find the through ball to Huntelaar or RVP. That is a simple way to create space by using the different talents of players who can play the same position.
Alas, that didn't happen. Had the Dutch played structured, but defensive, they might have been OK. But instead, they played structured but let 30+ yards between their attacking players and the defense. That was too much space, and Portugal exposed it.
It's back to the drawing board for van Marwijk. Maybe he'll listen to some of Cruijff's criticism and return to more free-flowing play.
The Dutch came out strong and looked like they were ready to play. They understood their role and how their style was going to play out. The midfielders knew that they had to maintain possession because they were playing with 5-6 attack-minded players, and leaving their defense susceptible to the counter. For the first 15 minutes, the midfielders did just that. I thought Van der Vaart (VDV) and Robben played spectacularly together early on.
I was speaking with my cousin before the game and I told him what I hoped to see. I wanted Robben to take an outside shot that hit the target early in the game. That would establish him as an outside shooter, and require the defense to account for his long shot and push up their line. That would allow space for Robin van Persie (RVP) or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to make runs through the back. Robben apparently was a party to our phone call, because he did just that.
The other thing I wanted Robben to do was to use his options, or "use what you see" as I like to say. Robben is a left-footed player who plays on the right wing. As a result, he has a tendency to cut inside and create plays that way. If the defense plays a high line, he can play a cutting striker. If the defense lays off, he can take the shot or lay it off to the attacking midfielder, usually Wesley Sneider, but in this case it was VDV, to take the shot. That's how the Dutch scored--Robben brought the ball inside, met a defender, played the ball off to VDV who fired a shot in far post. It was a play of beauty.
What happened after that was tragic. Portugal began to dominate possession. The Dutch central defense played dumb balls, leaving Gregory van der Wiel and the young Jetro Willems to overwork themselves to generate any attack or possession. VDV failed to come deep enough to help the Dutch hold the ball, and the Dutch failed to put together more than five passes in the attacking third.
The display was not Total Soccer. The formation was too structured, and players did not put in the effort to make runs to open themselves up to passes. Not once did Sneider and VDV switch spots to see if Sneider would have more success generating an attack or holding the ball and creating space. Even though Sneider naturally plays as an attacking midfielder, he never requested a switch to see what he could do in that role.
In the second half, Coach van Marwijk switched Robben to the left wing. That's when the Dutch attack became predictable. You no longer had the threat of Robben cutting inside for a shot, and thus the Portugese defense could play a lower line and prevent the two big-bodied strikers (Huntelaar and RVP) from making runs to goal. Huntelaar excels near the goal--he cannot come out to the 18 with his back to the goal and make a play. RVP can, but when he did he either misplayed the ball, had a bad touch, or was forced to shoot with his weak foot.
Had the Dutch maintained proper movement, including constantly switching Sneider and VDV between attacking midfield and the left wing, I think the Dutch would have had much more success. What I explain to people is that even though a defender might be paired with an opposing position, putting a different player in that position requires the defender to react differently. For example, Sneider and VDV are much different players. VDV is a threat to shoot on target with either foot from anywhere inside 30-35 yards. Sneider is more of a creative playmaker who would rather play a through ball to a breaking striker. Therefore, VDV is a player that can force a defense to play a higher line. If the defense becomes tired, they may be slow to get back to their lower line. When that happens, VDV can play a square ball to Sneider, who can find the through ball to Huntelaar or RVP. That is a simple way to create space by using the different talents of players who can play the same position.
Alas, that didn't happen. Had the Dutch played structured, but defensive, they might have been OK. But instead, they played structured but let 30+ yards between their attacking players and the defense. That was too much space, and Portugal exposed it.
It's back to the drawing board for van Marwijk. Maybe he'll listen to some of Cruijff's criticism and return to more free-flowing play.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Obtaining license
As I stated in the Introduction, I am currently in the process of obtaining my coaching license. In Michigan, that means doing an online coaching manual, and then attending courses corresponding with the category license you wish. So, for example, I have completed the online coaching module, and passed my background check; my next step is to start with the E license. Therefore, I will need to attend an E coaching class to obtain my E license. After that, I can get my D license, etc.
It used to be that if one had extensive playing experience, the State would waive the E license requirement. However, they've recently discovered that playing experience doesn't teach you other things necessary for coaching youth soccer--like how to deal with youth players. The E license, from what I understand, focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the sport, including things such as how long practices should run, basic first aid, etc.
I was unable to take any of the summer E license courses, but plan to obtain my E license this Fall. From there, I will obtain my D license, which is where you can really begin to coach at a competitive youth level. I'll be sure to update you all on the process and answer questions if you are interested in obtaining your own coaching license once I learn more.
That's all for now.
It used to be that if one had extensive playing experience, the State would waive the E license requirement. However, they've recently discovered that playing experience doesn't teach you other things necessary for coaching youth soccer--like how to deal with youth players. The E license, from what I understand, focuses on teaching the fundamentals of the sport, including things such as how long practices should run, basic first aid, etc.
I was unable to take any of the summer E license courses, but plan to obtain my E license this Fall. From there, I will obtain my D license, which is where you can really begin to coach at a competitive youth level. I'll be sure to update you all on the process and answer questions if you are interested in obtaining your own coaching license once I learn more.
That's all for now.
Introduction
So this is my new blog. Hopefully I can maintain this one better than a few of my previous attempts to document my thoughts online. However, I have never blogged about something I am so passionate about, so hopefully this new topic will allow me to keep frequent updates.
I'd like to welcome everyone to Total Soccer Coach. The title comes from my soccer philosophy that I've developed after over 20 years of playing the sport--Total Soccer. Total Soccer was pioneered by Johan Cruijff (a.k.a. Cruyff) and is basically the way Barcelona plays today. Total Soccer is a free flowing, creative style that allows for all ten field players to be attack-minded. Traditional Total Soccer ("TS") formations are 4-3-3 and 3-4-3.
The idea for this blog comes from my current situation. I am in the process of obtaining my coaching license so I can begin my lifelong dream of coaching youth soccer. I am seeking coaching openings in Southeast Michigan, and would like to coach at a competitive level. Between my playing experience and my ability to teach things I enjoy, I think I can get a lot done with youth soccer.
I am also conscious of the fact that my tactical philosophy may very well change depending on the players available to me, the way my coaching allows players to develop, and other things. I grew up playing for teams that employed 4-4-2, 4-2-1-2, 4-3-3, and 3-5-2 formations.
Based on my experience, it is difficult to play with three defenders in today's game. It puts a lot of pressure on outside midfielders, and, in my opinion, decreases the amount of creativity in the midfield. However, I don't think that teams should overcompensate by playing a flat four defense and relying on the attacking six to maintain possession and create the attacking chances.
I plan to focus on the 4-3-3 formation, where one of the defenders doubles as a defensive midfielder, and the three midfielders' shape will be altered depending on which defender is most attack-minded. For example, a 4-3-3 can easily attack similar to a standard 3-4-3 if one of the center backs is the attack-minded one. Plays can start through the middle, and wingers can maintain width to stretch the defense. However, if the outside backs are the ones who are attack-minded, as is usually the case, beginning an attack out of a 4-3-3 allows you to keep three defenders back and leaves your team less susceptible to the counter-attack. This would likely mean that attacks would start on the flanks, rather than through the middle, and one of the midfielders would have to understand his defensive role.
I am excited to see how my ideas pan out and how my notions of proper soccer will change moving forward. Check back in and feel free to chime in on any ideas you might have.
I'd like to welcome everyone to Total Soccer Coach. The title comes from my soccer philosophy that I've developed after over 20 years of playing the sport--Total Soccer. Total Soccer was pioneered by Johan Cruijff (a.k.a. Cruyff) and is basically the way Barcelona plays today. Total Soccer is a free flowing, creative style that allows for all ten field players to be attack-minded. Traditional Total Soccer ("TS") formations are 4-3-3 and 3-4-3.
The idea for this blog comes from my current situation. I am in the process of obtaining my coaching license so I can begin my lifelong dream of coaching youth soccer. I am seeking coaching openings in Southeast Michigan, and would like to coach at a competitive level. Between my playing experience and my ability to teach things I enjoy, I think I can get a lot done with youth soccer.
I am also conscious of the fact that my tactical philosophy may very well change depending on the players available to me, the way my coaching allows players to develop, and other things. I grew up playing for teams that employed 4-4-2, 4-2-1-2, 4-3-3, and 3-5-2 formations.
Based on my experience, it is difficult to play with three defenders in today's game. It puts a lot of pressure on outside midfielders, and, in my opinion, decreases the amount of creativity in the midfield. However, I don't think that teams should overcompensate by playing a flat four defense and relying on the attacking six to maintain possession and create the attacking chances.
I plan to focus on the 4-3-3 formation, where one of the defenders doubles as a defensive midfielder, and the three midfielders' shape will be altered depending on which defender is most attack-minded. For example, a 4-3-3 can easily attack similar to a standard 3-4-3 if one of the center backs is the attack-minded one. Plays can start through the middle, and wingers can maintain width to stretch the defense. However, if the outside backs are the ones who are attack-minded, as is usually the case, beginning an attack out of a 4-3-3 allows you to keep three defenders back and leaves your team less susceptible to the counter-attack. This would likely mean that attacks would start on the flanks, rather than through the middle, and one of the midfielders would have to understand his defensive role.
I am excited to see how my ideas pan out and how my notions of proper soccer will change moving forward. Check back in and feel free to chime in on any ideas you might have.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)