Introducing the 4-5-1

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Introducing the 4-5-1

NOTE: NO PRACTICE ON SUNDAY AM!

So many things to be pleased about with last night’s 2-0 win at Fort Erie... Fort Erie is a good team, and it is tough to beat good teams twice in a season.

Above all else, the effort from our boys was top notch. The boys were very focussed last night, paid attention to the details that we have be teaching them and played a smart and tough game.

Body position in relation to where the player is on the field and to the ball was improved thanks to Coach Frank’s session with the team on Wednesday. Passes were more “Quick, Early and Accurate” as well. This all lead to having more "Time and Space" and therefore being a more comfortable group as a team on the field. It helped the team to stay composed and keep shape when we were defending against a few surges from Fort Erie. We were able to win back possession and pass our way out of trouble. Fort Erie has scored 49 goals this year and the boys held them to two shots on goal – both great saves by our Keep!

We made changes to our formation this week. Since the Strength and Conditioning nights in February I have been thinking about making our 4-3-3 more transitional, more defensive when not in possession and more attacking when in possession. We talked about it in Sherkston and slowly I have been introducing more transitional concepts and responsibilities.

Looking back we could have done it sooner (my bad) but the timing seemed right last week to make it more “formal” and give us an extra spark to finish the last month of the season. Given vacations and injury we needed to strengthen defensively. So we spent parts of our practices this week with my whiteboard and markers going over how to switch during a game to a 4-5-1 and each position's responsibilities. We went over it again before the game and they had retained it. The boys really seemed to understand and last night it showed. Playing with 5 mids we controlled the middle of the field. I give the players all the credit in the world. They worked hard and played smart soccer. They are a wonderful group.

Some Quick Facts:

· After 12 games we are the highest scoring team and share the best GA in our League

· The boys have earned shut-outs in 6 of 12 games

· In the last 4 games we are 4-0, outscoring our opponents 19-1

We can be very proud of what we are doing, but let’s keep in mind that we have to keep focussing and trying to be better at every practice and every game because next year we will be playing against stronger competition. With continued commitment from coaches, players (and parents!) our team has boundless potential!

Well done boys, and remember: "Touch The Ball Everyday"

Coach Jim

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.