Great game yesterday, if we only look at our performance. Incomprehensible the final score, 1-1. But that is why soccer is the most thrilling game ever. The structure of this sport, with the defensive phase overcoming the attacking phase of the opponent in 98% of cases as an average. makes the definite score more unpredictable than other sports, e.g. basketball, American football, hockey, volleyball, etc.
Well, 3 posts and more than 7 clear chances vs 2 goal opportunities for Dallas Kicks, should have caused the game to end in a different way. However, at this age the most important thing is to compete well, to do something extra in every game, grow as a soccer player and to add something to your team and individual soccer backpack.
What did we add yesterday to our teaching/learning process?
1. More agressiveness in the 50/50 balls
It was a shame that the referee did not have enough background and knowledge of the game of soccer to distinguish legal duels ( e.g. shoulder to shoulder or shielding the ball with your hips and legs, etc). As a result, the game was absolutely broken up. Lots of innecesary interruptions.
2. Defensive corners set pieces
We implemented a mixed marking (GK + 4 zonal marking players inside and one the top of the box + 3 individual markings also inside the box + 2 players ready for counterattacking and short plays). In upcoming posts I will breakdown the characteristics of each one.
The proof is in the pudding...
3. More Give and Go´s, Wall passes or One- twos
Mainly in the creation zone (middle third). Nevertheless, I am still waiting for one of those in between my 10-9, 8-9, 11-9, etc. in zones 13, 14 or 15 in order to break up their 4 back line and commit in a One-on-one with the keeper. I mean, some like below, enjoy!... ; D
What do we need to improve regarding yesterday´s game?
1. I am still waiting for my goal poacher
When the ball is in the penalty box the goal poacher comes alive. She scores goals in anyway she can. Her reading of the game allows her to get in exactly the right place to make the most of every chance. Speed of mind and body in the penalty area is the key to the goal poacher´s art. Be first to the crosses, through balls and rebounds.
When 04 White find this player (probably is growing inside one of you) we will start winning 4-0, 5-0, etc. Life will be easier and the sunshine will be amazing (Sarcastic Mode on).
Ladies and gentlemen, ntroducing "Miss Everything I Touch Goes Back to the Net".
2. Diagonal runs in attack
The modern forward is fit, fast and ever alert. She has to be. During every game she makes countless runs but gets the ball only a small percentage of the time. Diagonal runs are one of the most clever ploys in the game. The striker moves across the field in front of the defense to stay onside, taking her marking with her. Then, with perfect timing, she darts forward diagonally. As the ball is played into space, she meets it with a speedy run.
3. Finishing into the far post. Finishing with Accuracy
Yesterday we had 3 or 4 clear chances from wide of the goal that we missed because we did not pick the correct shooting technique. As a reference, most of the time you do not need power to finish a goal opportunity, you just need to open your hips and with inside your foot place the ball low and far from the goalie...let´s say to the far post!
Overall, great game.
- Which of these tips are you going to focus on over the next few weeks?
- What else did you think you did well during the game individually? And as a team?
- What other suggestions do you have for how you can improve your individual performance?
How about the overall team´s performance?
Buenas noches, munchkins. I am so proud of EACH and EVERY one of you!
Coach Pablo.
