Sweeper is Too Far Back

"Discipline (staying within tasks) and continuous communication with each other inevitably lead to team-building."4 Louis van Gaal

In diagram 1 the orange #3 has stayed next to his own goal while his team mates are deep inside the attacking third. From this position he cannot offer them any real support . They are left to play 3v4. If the orange team does pass the ball back to the number 3 the attack will slow down. When the ball has to travel 20 yards back it has to travel 20 yards again just to get to where it started, in essence making a 40 yard pass. Space equals time and time favors the defense. Furthermore, should the blue team regain possession he is too far back to apply any pressure in order to buy time for his team mates recovery. The orange #3 is effectively out of the game and cannot make any contribution to his teams efforts. From this position he cannot accomplish any of his basic tasks.

In diagram 2 the #3 has come forward. He is in a position where he can support the #8 and has an opportunity to find both #6 and #9 if he receives the ball. This is the correct distance. By coming forward he has decreased the time that any pass takes which gives the blue team a bigger problem, the orange team will enjoy a faster speed of play. Finally, if the blue team regains possession the #3 is in a better position to support his teammates defensively. It will be easier for the orange team to become compact and regain their defensive shape. This is a better distance and allows #3 to make a bigger contribution to his teams effort.

"The purpose of pressurizing is to decrease both the time and the space which an attacking player has in which to make his pass or his dribble." 9 Charles Hughes When you consider that lack of pressure on the player with the ball is one of the primary reasons that goals are scored, and that goals are plentiful in small sided games, taking a few minutes to understand pressurizing is time well spent. The following borrows heavily from Tactics and Teamwork. 9 Goal-Side "To be effective the pressurizing player should be on the goalside of the player with the ball at a distance of not more than two yards, diagram on the right. The pressurizing player should always remember that his job, wherever possible, is to keep the opposition playing in front of him and deny the opportunity for the opponent to pass the ball forward... Players who are pressurizing opponents should adopt a position which will allow them to turn quickly. It is important that the defender should turn through 90, not 180 degrees." 9 In order to achieve this the defender will need to position him/herself slightly off of the attackers direct line to goal and stand sideways on. That is, the feet should positioned so that they are not facing the ball directly, but rather the space that the defender wants the attacker to move into. In the diagram on the left the blue defender is showing the attacker to his right side. This makes the play predictable for the defender. If the attacker tries to cut behind the defender, the defender only needs to step back or turn and show the attacker into a channel on the other side. This also allows the defender to poke tackle with the foot closest to the ball, turn and block tackle with the foot farthest from the ball and if the attacker pushes the ball past the defender and tries to run onto it, the defender can easily step in front of the attacker and win the ball. These 1v1 moments are very much a cat and mouse part of the game. The attacker will try to use the ball as bait, some type of move or simply run past the defender. It's up to the defender to exercise control and restraint and wait for the correct moment and only then attempt to win the ball. The Recovery Run

"Before a player can challenge for the ball he must recover either level with the man with the ball or preferably on the goal-side of the man with the ball. It is, however a mistake to recover too far beyond the ball into a position where the ball can still be played forward." 9 By taking the path in fig. 1, number 9 will recover to a position where the blue player won't have any trouble passing the ball past him. Number 9 will have to turn and run back again. The path in fig. 2 puts number 9 closer to the blue player with the ball. Now, even if he can't win the ball he has a good chance of keeping the play in front of him. Recovery Lines "Should a player be in doubt concerning his best line of recovery he should follow the following guide. Players on a flank should follow a line towards the near post, players in central positions should follow a line towards the penalty spot. Once a players reaches a position on the goal-side of the ball the line of recovery and marking or supporting responsibilities should be reassessed. Defenders who are outnumbered should also retreat towards their goal." 9 It's also a problem in youth soccer that children don't recover far or soon enough, especially on the flanks. Often outside defenders follow an attacker who has beaten them rather than recover towards the goal. This results in their staying behind the ball, close enough for a Kodak moment, but not close enough to be of any use. Young players on the opposite side of the field often fail to recognize that there is a problem. The distance across the field removes them from any responsibility, so, they don't start running until the ball, opponent and their own goal comes into view. (This is a popular moment for coaches and parents to get involved in the game.) Recovery lines resemble a funnel. The team needs to regroup and concentrate in goal-side positions. Remember the words of Coach Kit Carson, "Head 'em off at the pass." Challenging For The Ball 1) Start fast, arrive slow. The defender must make up the distance between himself and the opponent while the ball is in flight. This is the time that the attacker doesn't have control and the defender can move in for an interception or tackle. If intercepting the pass is not likely, the defender should slow down just before getting to the attacker. 2) Intercept. When a defender is marking a player that is waiting for a pass it's best to

intercept the ball. This way the attacker gets no touch. The defender will need anticipate the situation and move into the line of flight of the ball before the attacker does. 3) Tackle. If an interception isn't possible than tackling is the next option. The defender should consider an immediate tackle if; he has a free supporting player in a good position; he arrives at the same time that the ball does; the pass is poor and gives the attacker problems; the attacker has poor control; the defender can totally dominate the attacker. These decisions must be made in a matter of seconds in a dynamic situation and the defender must be careful not to commit a foul. (5v2 is a good game to teach defenders how to pick the correct moment when to go into a tackle.) 4) Force the attacker inside or outside. There are times to force attackers into the center of the field, i.e. the winger wants the full back to play the ball into the center. And there are times to force the attackers down the line. In these situations it's important that the individual decisions are in agreement with the overall team plan. This is the same thing as reducing the passing angles. 5) Prevent them from turning. If the attacker has controlled the ball and is facing his own goal then the defender needs to be close enough to prevent him from turning. An attacker facing his own goal is much less of a threat than one facing yours. Also, turning with a defender right behind you is a very difficult task. The ball is often put the ball up for grabs. 6) Stay on your feet. Going to ground is a last resort, desperate measures for desperate times. 7) Launch a counter attack. The moment of winning the ball can present a golden opportunity for a counter attack. The opponents can be spread out supporting the attack and several may have moved ahead of the ball. The defense maybe in no position to stop a quick strike. 8) If you can't win the ball, control the situation. Finally, if the defender has done everything properly but cannot arrive in time to intercept and a clean tackle is not possible, then he should contain the attacker and show him into the least dangerous space. Team Pressurizing There are two basic philosophies for team pressurizing, high and low pressure. The first is found in the playmaking style and is marked by an aggressive, force the error approach. The second is more useful in counter attacking play where time favors the defense and mistakes by the attackers are are guided and encouraged. Teams that allow themselves to get stretched from end to end or side to side will have a hard time pressuring their opponents. When the opponents regain possession teams need to get compact and establish their defensive shape. The following will help team pressurizing:

1) Staying within the plan. One of the first things that a team needs to do is to before they take the field is to decide generally how they want to play. While this can become involved at the minimum teams should have an idea how they will defend as a team. How far up field will the team defend? What will everyone's role be when the opponents regain possession? How will the lines react to each other and the individuals in the lines? Without a plan it's every man for himself, a sure way to disunity and disaster. 2) By the back players pushing up. This includes the goal keeper. Teams at the higher levels now flood the midfield. Playing with a sweeper ten yards behind the backs is "so 70's" and obsolete. Back defenders that fail to rapidly push up allow big gaps between themselves and the midfield. 3) By the top players dropping back. The days when the forwards were all glory and no work are long gone. The forwards represent the first line of defense as well as the last line of attack. Teams that play with three forwards can pressurize much deeper than a team that plays with two. 4) By shifting across the field. The entire team will need to shift across the field to counter the opponents threats. This helps to minimize the space between players in each line. It's normal to find the right back in the center of the field when the ball is on the left flank. Vital moment when the ball changes hands "As soon as the ball is lost all players in a team must think in terms of defending and should work hard immediately to win the ball... Pressurizing should start the moment the ball is lost. It is at this moment, when the ball changes hands, that some players lose their concentration. Football, like most games, is a game of mistakes and a primary cause of mistakes is lack of concentration." 9

Midfielder is Too Far Forward

"Football is a game you play with your brains. You have to be in the right place at the right moment, not too early, not too late."2 Johan Cruyff

In diagram 1 the blue #4 is caught upfield when the orange #3 passes out to the #8. One of #4's basic tasks is to neutralize his immediate opponent. He cannot do this from this position. Now the blue team is faced with the problem of who should pressure the #8. The #4 and #7 are on the wrong side of the ball. If the #2 or #5 move over they will leave their own immediate opponent unmarked. The number #4 is too far from his proper position which keeps him from doing his job which in turn puts the burden on his teammates.

In diagram 2 the blue #4 is in the correct position. He can pressure his immediate opponent or support the #7. Each player can concentrate on his own job. This leads to a higher level of confidence and communication. It eliminates calls like "somebody mark up" or "I have two men over here."

Striker is Too Far Back

"Each training session is a form of communication. The drills themselves are not so important, it is a question of what you do with them."4 Louis van Gaal

In this diagram the #9 has come too far back. He has killed the space between himself and the #3. The numbers 4 and 5 are able to mark their opponents tighter because their covering defender, #2 is closer. They can even see #9 so his movements will not present them with much of a problem. This has made the field much smaller for the orange team, an objective for the blues. It also places greater technical demands on the orange team, they have far less space to use. With this position if the #3 passes to either of the midfielders the #9's position eliminates the other midfielder as an option for a pass. The orange teams shape is essentially a triangle, not a good shape for 4 players. One of #9's basic tasks is to stretch the opponents, with this position he fails to do this and makes life for his team more difficult and easier for his opponents.

In diagram 2 the #9 has pushed deeper into the opponents half. From this position; the blue midfielders can only wonder what he is up to, a pass from the #3 to one of his midfielders leaves the other midfielder as a target, there is space behind the blue midfield for the #9 to receive a pass, the blue team has more space to defend and they cannot support one another as easily. The distance and angle of the #9 is better. The orange team has more options while the blue team has greater problems.

Midfielder is Too Close and at the Wrong Angle

"I often stop the practice games and challenge the players to think about the soccer problems they are facing."4 Louis van Gaal

In diagram 1 both of the orange midfielders have come into the center of the field. This helps the blue team, they can support each other and they have a smaller area to defend. The blue #7 is free to press the orange #3 closely because the #6 has buried himself. The orange midfield has also closed the channel between the numbers 3 and 9, in effect putting a human wall between them. These positions, while a triangle, are incorrect. The orange team is faced with a significant soccer problem in trying to work the ball out of the back.

In diagram 2 both of the orange midfielders have taken wider positions. The angle and distance in this case makes it harder for the defenders, they have much more space to cover and cannot support each other as easily. It also opens the channel between the #3 and the #9. These positions are in keeping with the players tasks in this moment and help to simplify the situation facing the #3.

3v3 Bad Shape Improper Tasks "It's simple mathematics, pure mathematics..." 3 Barry Hulshoff

One situation in 3v3 commonly occurs and illustrates how poor shape effects other players, making their own tasks much more difficult. In the diagram at right the blue team is in possession and bringing the ball out from their own goal. The orange team has adopted the shape of a triangle, however, the number 8 has dropped back deep to protect his goal, in effect becoming a sweeper behind number's 3 & 9. This means that the blue number 2 is unmarked and can either directly attack the orange number 8 by carrying the ball between the 3 & 9 or combine with either the blue number 4 or 7, creating a 2v1 against the orange defender. If the blue number 2 carries the attack directly to the orange number 8, then the numbers 3 and 9 must make a decision. "Do I leave my opponent and deal with number 2, or stay and let him go past me?" This problem is compounded because both players are thinking the same thing. If they react to number 2's dribble, they let their player go who can then find open space to receive a pass. If they stay, this creates a 1v1 directly in front of their own goal. Or the blue number 2 can elect to move towards one of his teammates creating a 2v1. Either way, the blue team has an advantage, and the initiative, because the orange number 8 has elected to defend from a deep position. This puts an added burden onto his teammates. In this diagram the orange team is still in a triangle but the number 8 has moved up to directly confront the blue number 2. This gives the number 2 an immediate problem as he tries to bring the ball out. If he takes on the number 8 and loses then it's likely to cost the blue team a goal so it's much harder for the him to carry the ball. Also, since he now has an immediate opponent this makes it much more difficult for the blue team to create a 2v1. Furthermore, by positioning slightly to the side, the number 8 has made the passing angle between the number 2 and 7 much more difficult. This frees up the orange 3 who can move closer to the center of the field covering the space behind the number 8. The difference in these two situations highlights not only how bad shape can make effective team play more difficult, but also how important effective communication is. Young players might hear "3 players need to be in a triangle. When the opponents

have the ball you have to protect your goal" and then conclude that the situation in the first diagram is reasonable. They can play like this for quite a while, simply passing the blame for mistakes by addressing the problem from the narrow and vague instructions. Correct coaching can help by pointing out the differences in both situations.

Passing Game 5v2

"There is no ideal technique: how a player kicks the ball with his instep will always depend on the options available to him, his position on the field, and the position of his teammates and opponents." 1
Coaching Soccer

Variations of this game play an important part in the KNVB's methods to develop composed, building up play. The numbers might be 5v2, 6v2 or 6v3. The object for the orange team is to complete 5 to 10 passes without the blue team touching the ball. The object for the blues is to win the ball and dribble it outside of the area. First team to three points wins. By changing the numbers and dimensions of the field the game can be made harder or easier for the attackers. Technique. All passing skills, receiving, screening and short dribbles. Insight. Does the team in possession slow the game down when necessary? Is the correct pass selected? Are the distance and angles of the supporting players correct? Do the defenders read the correct moment to go on for a tackle? Note, the attackers should NOT get themselves stuck in the corners. Children maysee that as creating the most space, but they don't see how it reduces the angle that you can play the ball through. Communication. Do the attackers let the ball do the work? Do they read when they are not the target? Do they create decoys? Do the defenders work together? Without proper goals this game lacks direction so it isn't soccer. It is a realistic picture for a team that wants to hold onto the ball. Perhaps they are two goals up with five minutes left or composed possession is a part of their build up. It poses real soccer problems and requires TIC solutions. Both teams have an objective, both can win or lose. This game involves enough elements to be soccer like.

Click on the image to see some scenes about 5v2 from the "Street Soccer" DVD in a Real Time video.

Hands on soccer drill for young goalkeepers

Soccer coaching tips and drills to get your goalie saving a goal using their hands, not their feet. Any shot that is travelling towards a goalkeepers legs at pace is difficult to deal with. Young goalkeepers, in particular, have problems with these and often opt for kicking the ball away, or end up with the ball hitting, or even worse, going through their legs into the goal. Goalkeeping tips 1. You want to give goalkeepers a reliable alternative to saving difficult shots that are driven straight at the legs. 2. Train your goalie to minimise mistakes and rebound opportunities for opposition strikers. Goalkeepers need to be on their toes for the whole of this soccer training drill. Set up the soccer drill Set up a 15-yard square. You need a goal and two goalkeepers. One goalkeeper works and the other serves.

The server must initially just pass the ball straight to the goalkeeper`s feet. As the goalkeeper warms up, develop the soccer drill so that the server begins to shoot at the goalkeepers legs with force. Encourage your goalkeeper to step "into line /down the line" of the shot. Bend knees to form a "k" shape with legs, leaning into the direction of ball. Scoop ball with both hands into chest.

Drop on top of ball to cover the ball and prevent it spilling from the hands and creating rebounds. After each save in the soccer coaching drill, the goalkeeper becomes the server for the goalkeeper at the opposite end.

Drill B. Defending the High Cross and Clearing In this soccer drill, have your goalkeeper in the goal against two attackers. Two players with multiple balls stand on the wings to cross high balls into the box. Two other players are 25m down field in a marked off target area (cones will do). The goalkeeper attacks the high ball, wins it in the air and immediately turns and throws it downfield in the opposite direction from which the cross came. This switches the field and catches the attackers still charging at the goal.

Soccer coaching tips to help goalies read penalties

Seventy per cent of the penalty kicks at the last World Cup went to the opposite side of the foot the kicker took the penalty with. If professionals make that choice, then how much more likely are young players to do so? Use the following soccer coaching tips to get goalies prepared for penalties. Key soccer coaching tip: right-footed kickers shoot to their left, the keepers right, and vice versa. 1. Get your goalkeeper to read the shot Tell your players to watch the penalty-takers eyes and body shape. Before young players shoot they often look at the corner they are going to hit the ball. As well as watching the body language, a goalie must also watch the players approach. A very wide approach often indicates the shooter is going towards the opposite corner. A straight-on approach gives fewer clues. Get your players to watch the plant foot. The ball often goes where the plant foot points. And then the hips. The ball goes where the hips point. A push pass shot will require the hips to open up in the direction the ball is going. Even the head. If junior penalty takers often drop their heads low and have a big pull-back of the leg expect a cross-body shot. If the head stays up hes going for the opposite corner.

Key soccer coaching tip: dont react too soon. Use the clues to predict where the ball might go but wait a split second to be sure it really is going there. 2. Junior penalties are often poorly hit Many penalties, especially at the youth level, are poorly taken, either weakly hit or right down the middle. Often the goalkeeper can easily make the save if they just wait and simply react to the shot. Click here for a fun game to develop the skills of your talented penalty-takers.

Soccer coaching tips to get your goalie in position

Getting a goalkeeper for your team is bad enough, but getting one who can change positions in relation to the game is very difficult. These soccer coaching tips will help get him thinking about positioning and how to help the defenders. Coaching reminders The thing you must get across to your goalkeeper, and remind him of constantly during the game, is to focus on the position of the ball in relation to the goal, even when it's at the other end of the pitch You must also think about the team you are playing and talk about his positions at half time. Young attackers will often try to get the ball as close to goal as possible so your goalkeeper needs to be off his line more. If the team has a big kicker, your goalkeeper must watch out for high shots over his head.

Positional tips:
As easy as 1-2-3 If the ball is in the attacking third of the pitch, the keeper should be in the front third of their penalty area If the balls in the middle third, the keeper should stand in the middle third of their penalty area If the balls in the defending third, the keeper should position themselves a little distance from their goal-line. Sweep it up Why are these soccer coaching tips important? Because as well as making saves, a goalkeepers job is to provide support for the defence. The space between the keeper and defenders should be small enough to make it tricky for opponents to play a ball into it without either the keeper or defenders getting there first. A good position also means the goalkeeper is available to receive a backpass from a team mate under pressure.

Click here for more soccer coaching tips to help your goalkeeper learn about positioning.

Soccer drill to coach players to defend as a unit

In this soccer coaching drill we look at developing a team's ability to defend as a unit. What you tell your players the drill is about: Working hard together to win possession. Pressing, supporting and covering as a team unit.

What you tell your players to do: Demonstrate a positive, aggressive but controlled attitude. Remember and apply the work on individual pressing. Observe the opponents' positions and your team mates. Keep compact as a unit. Cover spaces as well as players. Seize the opportunity to challenge correctly for the ball.

What to shout in the soccer (football) drill: Press quickly. Keep together and work as a unit. Get tighter and close the gap. Stay on your feet. Dont dive in. Win it!

What to look for in this soccer drill: Slow reactions and movement. Gaps between players. Lack of positive mental attitude. Failure to intercept or challenge when there is a chance. Rash challenges, fouls, going to ground.

Lack of communication and specific information.

What to think about: Are your players working smart or just hard? Are they applying the lessons learned in marking and covering? Think about rotating tired players, as done well this is a hard soccer drill. Drinks and rest pauses are advisable. Relax the eight pass rule in the game after a while and it will be less frantic. Think about letting them defend deep as a team and counter attack. Applaud all goals and good attempts deriving from good defending skills. What you get your players to do: Stage 1: Use an area approx 30m x 20m. Three players stand outside the area at both ends. Three other players from each team stand in the middle third. The coach plays a ball into one end and the players at that end step into the grid to receive. Now they must make 3/4/5 passes before they can pass into the other team at the far end. When they do they get a point and their team-mates in the middle can now pressurise the opponents who are receiving the ball. Each successful long pass gets a point. Rotate the players in the middle.

Develop the soccer drill When the ball is played in by the soccer coach, one white player can move into the attacking third. His team-mates must now make 4/5/6 passes in the other two thirds before passing to him to get a point. All the grey players now work as a team to intercept before the final pass can be made. If they do, it is their turn in possession, if not, whites retain the ball and start again. How would I put these soccer drill skills into a game situation? Play 5 v 5 on a 30m by 45m area with goals. Divide the pitch into thirds. The goalkeeper in possession must distribute in his defending third. A team making eight passes gets a goal. A normal goal also counts. This encourages the defenders to hunt as a pack and try to win the ball back early. They must work as a team. Click here for a competitive team game to make defending fun. 64 Small-Sided Soccer Games is a valuable tool for any soccer (football) coaches who would like to vary their training sessions and keep their players keen. Click here to order a copy.

Competitive team games to make defending fun

In every soccer training session, incorporate some competitive team games to make the principles of defending fun and motivate your young team. Giving defenders a proper structure and the correct tactical approach will make their role as a defender much more rewarding and will save your team lots of goals.The best way to do this is by introducing the theme of defense with competitive, fun team games and soccer training drills. A good soccer coaching tip is to not tell your players that they are working on a defending drill some young players will not respond well to that scenario. Instead, encourage them by telling them that they can win the games by using good defending skills. Your players will work extremely hard at defending in order to beat the other player and win points for their team. Remind them of the proper skills and dont let them commit fouls it should be fun but not too rough.

Setting up the games Mark out two 10 x 10 yard areas. Pick two teams of five players. Number the players 1 to 5. Number 1 from each team must go into the other teams area. Game 1 stop the other team making 20 passes: The team of four pass one ball around the area. The defender must continuously try to stop them completing passes. The first team to complete 20 passes is the winner. Game 2 tackle all four attackers: Each of the attackers dribbles around the area with a ball. The defender must tackle or dispossess them quicker than the defender in the other area. Game 3 knock all four balls off the cones: the attackers must each defend a ball balanced on a cone by using good ballshielding skills. The defender must knock the four balls off the cone quicker than the other defender. The team is awarded one point for each game they win.