Gents,
much better performance against Bankstown. It was a team effort and in the end, the margin should have been greater.
Let's not get too carried away, as I think that is one good result after a very bad one.
I spoke to all of you about how as a group of players I once coached. I hope that you now understand that each of you have a role to play in a season. I told you of my experience in seeing a group that became a team. They picked up two runner up and two champion's medals after deciding collectivelly to train hard and be open and honest in their efforts. Not one player let the others down. They stuck together and pushed each other toward success.
This is what I envisiage for us.
On a similar note, here is an example of a player who sat and waited for his opportunity....
He was on the bench for 25 games in a row and finally this weekend had his debut. It was against Bayern Munich and he contributed to the victory. It was a victory that will now win them the championship and you can see how everyone recognised that by hugging the player at the end of the match. The player is the Australian goalkeeper Mitch Langerak.
Please pay attention to:
1. The final pass for the first Borrusia goal, perfect forward angle
2. How the nplayers break forward at pace and the balls is PASSED out quickly
3. The quality of the header for Borrusia's third (Mitch, Jason, Joshua, Phil)
4. Every player congratulating a "bench warmer" who has contributed toward a vital win. Every result counts and every effort should be recognised
We have a couple of tough weeks coming up. Let's do our honest best.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
What are we doing wrong? There's no "i" in TEAM!
I have spent the last week trying to work out exactly why a group of sixteen good players are not producing results.
I thought it was shape. Wrong.
Fitness. Possibly
Hunger. I hope not.
Then finally it dawned on me.... We are not yet a team. We are a collection ofplayers who don't yet work together for a common purpose.
It is most evident at training and during matches when players have the ball at their feet. We fail to pass quickly and trust that our teammate will do what is required. We would rather carry the ball too far and lose it rather than pass it.
It is our failing and one we must address immeditely.
If you think I'm wrong, I welcome you to show me using the matches taped so far. I have concluded that you all take too many touches in areas of the park where first time balls and a "two touch" approach would be better.
It's evident that on the rare occasion that we play fast passes, we look dangerous and even score. Look at the goal v Wolves. It was a quick wall pass, first time cross and goal.
Please view the goal on this clip from the 1m50s mark. I have written about it before and we need to really study and see how many players dribble. The answer is none. NOT ONE PLAYER TAKES MORE THAN THREE TOUCHES!
We are not argentina, but we are better than what we displayed last week.
I thought it was shape. Wrong.
Fitness. Possibly
Hunger. I hope not.
Then finally it dawned on me.... We are not yet a team. We are a collection ofplayers who don't yet work together for a common purpose.
It is most evident at training and during matches when players have the ball at their feet. We fail to pass quickly and trust that our teammate will do what is required. We would rather carry the ball too far and lose it rather than pass it.
It is our failing and one we must address immeditely.
If you think I'm wrong, I welcome you to show me using the matches taped so far. I have concluded that you all take too many touches in areas of the park where first time balls and a "two touch" approach would be better.
It's evident that on the rare occasion that we play fast passes, we look dangerous and even score. Look at the goal v Wolves. It was a quick wall pass, first time cross and goal.
Please view the goal on this clip from the 1m50s mark. I have written about it before and we need to really study and see how many players dribble. The answer is none. NOT ONE PLAYER TAKES MORE THAN THREE TOUCHES!
We are not argentina, but we are better than what we displayed last week.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Videos vs Wolves: A Nightmare!
Game v Wolves - First Goal in 16 images
Guys,
here are the stills from the first goal.
I want each of you to look at the progression and the lack of movement/marking on our part compared with the opposition.
We were as effective as a cone when it came to defending and after you view the videos, I want all of you to give me an honest appraisal of your individual efforts.
You have been caught out as lazy, ball-watching players!
NOTE: If the look small, press<+> to view the images larger
here are the stills from the first goal.
I want each of you to look at the progression and the lack of movement/marking on our part compared with the opposition.
We were as effective as a cone when it came to defending and after you view the videos, I want all of you to give me an honest appraisal of your individual efforts.
You have been caught out as lazy, ball-watching players!
NOTE: If the look small, press
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Pass - Two Players Working
Over the last couple of weeks, we have worked on passing.
It's been emphasized that the pass has to be accurate and in the stride of the receiver.
Also, the receiver has to make the run at the correct time. Too early and it's alerted the defender. Too late and he will not reach it.
Here's a masterclass on passing and running to receive. Please look at both parts as they are equally important.
It's been emphasized that the pass has to be accurate and in the stride of the receiver.
Also, the receiver has to make the run at the correct time. Too early and it's alerted the defender. Too late and he will not reach it.
Here's a masterclass on passing and running to receive. Please look at both parts as they are equally important.
If You Play In My Midfield
It's no secret that the midfielders I chose have to have certain qualities which help the whole team. They must be able to move quickly and sustain it for the majority of the match. This is the engine room of the team and if we get it right, we will do well.
Here's a few tips about how to approach your position:
PLAYMAKING THE XAVI WAY
Performance technical coach Alfred Galustian explains, frame by frame, exactly what makes Barça and Spain’s midfield maestro Xavi the world’s finest midfielders
1. Touch direction
This demonstrates why Xavi is, in my opinion, the best playmaker in the world. It shows that his first touch takes the ball away from the
opposition; this is called touch direction. Most people think the key to first touch is distance (how close the ball stays to your foot on receiving it). I think first touch is more about the right direction. His body shape and touch has put the ball into an area where the opposition can’t get it.
2. Fend off the opposition
Now it’s all about protecting the ball. Against Honduras, he uses his arms to put distance between the ball, Chavez and Palacios. He’s not trying to foul them but simply fend them off. Also, he accelerates over one step. I call this ‘football speed’: the ability to get away from your marker over five yards. It might not sound impressive, but it can make all the difference when combined with touch direction in a crowded midfield.
3. Alter the angle of attack
This is an example of shielding the ball by changing direction, something Xavi is the best in the world at. Changing direction isn’t just about changing the angle of your attack, it is often used to retain possession. The other thing is that he’s looking up. All the best players ‘sneak a look’. This doesn’t mean you have to get your head up, but simply lifting your eyes for a millisecond can be enough to make you aware of what’s on.
4. The killer pass
Having seen what’s on he can now play the killer pass. And there’s no-one better at playing a killer pass – a pass that creates a goal chance – than Xavi. A sequence of touch direction, shielding the ball, acceleration, change of direction and killer pass. That what Xavi and playmaking football is all about.
Here's a few tips about how to approach your position:
PLAYMAKING THE XAVI WAY
Performance technical coach Alfred Galustian explains, frame by frame, exactly what makes Barça and Spain’s midfield maestro Xavi the world’s finest midfielders
This demonstrates why Xavi is, in my opinion, the best playmaker in the world. It shows that his first touch takes the ball away from the
opposition; this is called touch direction. Most people think the key to first touch is distance (how close the ball stays to your foot on receiving it). I think first touch is more about the right direction. His body shape and touch has put the ball into an area where the opposition can’t get it.
2. Fend off the opposition
Now it’s all about protecting the ball. Against Honduras, he uses his arms to put distance between the ball, Chavez and Palacios. He’s not trying to foul them but simply fend them off. Also, he accelerates over one step. I call this ‘football speed’: the ability to get away from your marker over five yards. It might not sound impressive, but it can make all the difference when combined with touch direction in a crowded midfield.
3. Alter the angle of attack
This is an example of shielding the ball by changing direction, something Xavi is the best in the world at. Changing direction isn’t just about changing the angle of your attack, it is often used to retain possession. The other thing is that he’s looking up. All the best players ‘sneak a look’. This doesn’t mean you have to get your head up, but simply lifting your eyes for a millisecond can be enough to make you aware of what’s on.
4. The killer pass
Having seen what’s on he can now play the killer pass. And there’s no-one better at playing a killer pass – a pass that creates a goal chance – than Xavi. A sequence of touch direction, shielding the ball, acceleration, change of direction and killer pass. That what Xavi and playmaking football is all about.
Shooting - Jermain Defoe's Six Step Guide
Here's what one of the best in England does to keep scoring goals:
DEFOE’S six-step GUIDE TO striking
From positional awareness to fooling the goalkeeper, the lethal Spurs and England frontman shares his goalscoring tips with FourFourTwo
1 Aim
Set your sights low
“The most important thing is to hit the target: that’s what [Ian] Wrighty’s always telling me. What makes it much harder for the keeper, though, is if you aim for the bottom corners – which is something I practise in training every day. When practising, I make sure the ball’s fizzing about at match speed and then shoot. This makes it more realistic; like you’re in a game. It trains you to be a split-second quicker, which is crucial.”
2 Deception
Wrong-foot the keeper
“One of the best things you can do to beat the keeper is get your shot in early. It sounds simple but every keeper, just before he dives, will jump on the
spot to set themselves. If you can get a shot in quickly, he won’t have time to set himself before the ball’s in the net. Another trick I have is if I’m standing in the middle of the goal, I’ll shift the ball one way and shoot the other because if I can move right and shoot left in one movement, the keeper will be wrong-footed and I’ll hopefully have a goal.”
3 Beat the trap
Stay the right side of the defence
“One of the keys to staying onside is having good movement and dragging defenders out of position. Centre-backs don’t like having to come deep or go
out wide; if you can move them by getting in behind it should be easier as they’re not in a straight back-line anymore. The other thing is to know your
team-mates. When Tom [Huddlestone] gets the ball, I know he might be looking to put me through in positions other players might not. If he’s on the ball, I’m ready to run in behind.”
4 One-on-one
With just the keeper to beat...
“You’ve got to be confident and stay calm. If you’re not, you might take a touch you wouldn’t normally or rush your shot. In terms of what you can do, you
might want to give the keeper the eyes (look one way and play it another). What I try to do, though, is wait for him to make a move. This way, if he starts
coming out to close you down or dives at your feet, you can react and take it around him or chip him. But to do that you need to stay calm and confident.”
5 Convert a cross
Stay prepared
“It’s all about timing: that was key to my goal against Slovenia at the World Cup. You need to get into the right part of the box as the ball’s coming in.
To do this, again, you need to know your player. For example, I know that Aaron Lennon likes to hit it across the front post. So, it’s my job to get there. In
the past I’ve said to him: “If you find the near post and I’m not there, hammer me!” It’s my mistake. Also, try to stand behind the defender just before the cross arrives. When the Slovenian defender looked back to see where I was, I was gone.”
6 Hold it up
Keep the defenders on your back
“This is about strength and getting your body in front of the defender. Sometimes I might try and pull a player’s shirt a little bit or bully the defender
so he knows I’m there. When getting a flick-on I might try and pin the defender back (by pushing back into the his chest) and try to back up. That puts a little space between the defender and the ball and gives me time to find a pass or try and turn.”
88%
DID YOU KNOW?
For all his work outside the box, 88 per cent of Defoe’s Prem goals before the
new season were scored inside the area. This is the case for all professional football.
DEFOE’S six-step GUIDE TO striking
From positional awareness to fooling the goalkeeper, the lethal Spurs and England frontman shares his goalscoring tips with FourFourTwo
1 Aim
Set your sights low
“The most important thing is to hit the target: that’s what [Ian] Wrighty’s always telling me. What makes it much harder for the keeper, though, is if you aim for the bottom corners – which is something I practise in training every day. When practising, I make sure the ball’s fizzing about at match speed and then shoot. This makes it more realistic; like you’re in a game. It trains you to be a split-second quicker, which is crucial.”
2 Deception
Wrong-foot the keeper
“One of the best things you can do to beat the keeper is get your shot in early. It sounds simple but every keeper, just before he dives, will jump on the
spot to set themselves. If you can get a shot in quickly, he won’t have time to set himself before the ball’s in the net. Another trick I have is if I’m standing in the middle of the goal, I’ll shift the ball one way and shoot the other because if I can move right and shoot left in one movement, the keeper will be wrong-footed and I’ll hopefully have a goal.”
3 Beat the trap
Stay the right side of the defence
“One of the keys to staying onside is having good movement and dragging defenders out of position. Centre-backs don’t like having to come deep or go
out wide; if you can move them by getting in behind it should be easier as they’re not in a straight back-line anymore. The other thing is to know your
team-mates. When Tom [Huddlestone] gets the ball, I know he might be looking to put me through in positions other players might not. If he’s on the ball, I’m ready to run in behind.”
4 One-on-one
With just the keeper to beat...
“You’ve got to be confident and stay calm. If you’re not, you might take a touch you wouldn’t normally or rush your shot. In terms of what you can do, you
might want to give the keeper the eyes (look one way and play it another). What I try to do, though, is wait for him to make a move. This way, if he starts
coming out to close you down or dives at your feet, you can react and take it around him or chip him. But to do that you need to stay calm and confident.”
5 Convert a cross
Stay prepared
“It’s all about timing: that was key to my goal against Slovenia at the World Cup. You need to get into the right part of the box as the ball’s coming in.
To do this, again, you need to know your player. For example, I know that Aaron Lennon likes to hit it across the front post. So, it’s my job to get there. In
the past I’ve said to him: “If you find the near post and I’m not there, hammer me!” It’s my mistake. Also, try to stand behind the defender just before the cross arrives. When the Slovenian defender looked back to see where I was, I was gone.”
6 Hold it up
Keep the defenders on your back
“This is about strength and getting your body in front of the defender. Sometimes I might try and pull a player’s shirt a little bit or bully the defender
so he knows I’m there. When getting a flick-on I might try and pin the defender back (by pushing back into the his chest) and try to back up. That puts a little space between the defender and the ball and gives me time to find a pass or try and turn.”
88%
DID YOU KNOW?
For all his work outside the box, 88 per cent of Defoe’s Prem goals before the
new season were scored inside the area. This is the case for all professional football.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Flexibility is Key
On many occassions I have stressed the need for you to play a few positions and be flexible as players.
This serves two main purposes:
1. Increases the likelyhood of getting game time
2. Makes the team more flexible when tactics need to be overhauled
Read this article on how Arsenal overcame Everton with just a couple of changes: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/02/02/arsenal-2-1-everton-tactics/
As you can see, players have to be able to change during a match in order for the team to get results.
Can you play in a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2?
The short answer is yes because they are very similar when you really look at them. We in fact, change shape during the match to suit what we are trying to achieve but we have to be able to read what the opposition is doing in order to stop them from achieving.
This serves two main purposes:
1. Increases the likelyhood of getting game time
2. Makes the team more flexible when tactics need to be overhauled
Read this article on how Arsenal overcame Everton with just a couple of changes: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/02/02/arsenal-2-1-everton-tactics/
As you can see, players have to be able to change during a match in order for the team to get results.
Can you play in a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2?
The short answer is yes because they are very similar when you really look at them. We in fact, change shape during the match to suit what we are trying to achieve but we have to be able to read what the opposition is doing in order to stop them from achieving.
One Step Forward - v Bonnyrig Feb 13, 2011
I like the confirmation that our team gave me yesterday. We have taken one step forward in becoming a formidable team. One step of many.
You confirmed that you are reading my posts and more importantly, you are understanding the objectives of our training sessions.
We pressed and suffocated as a team on many occassions and their frustrations and tactics showed that we were on top for many periods of the match.
Mistakes were still made and will always be made. Never forget that. Our recovery runs and fast transitions helped in minimising the effect of any mistake. Every time you sprint back to help cover, we looked good and usually won the ball back.
One fact remains, we didn't win the match and this is something that over the coming weeks, we will hopefully rectify.
As we progress our sessions to focus on other facets of our game, I need you all to continue working hard on:
1. Passing accuracy
2. Speed of transition
3. Communicating better
4. taking the better option
5. Working hard when the opposition has the ball
If you continue those ponits, I can then introduce our next challenges:
1. Options in the attacking third
2. Delivery of ball in attack
3. Shooting
4. Set Plays
I need you all to continue the progress or we will be stuck doing the same things week after week.
What did we do wrong?
Although we did better, some mistakes were made which we must rectify:
1. When we are going forward at pace, look to offload and receive quickly (especially against slow teams like Bonnyrig)
2. Don't be afraid to hold the ball and take players on in attack but make your decisions quickly
3. Head over the ball when shooting
4. Don't slow play down to look for options, you should know before you receive what is available
5. Don't dive in and get goal-side quickly. This will stop players who dive. for free kicks
If you want personal feedback, see me before training.
Thanks and let's keep working.
You confirmed that you are reading my posts and more importantly, you are understanding the objectives of our training sessions.
We pressed and suffocated as a team on many occassions and their frustrations and tactics showed that we were on top for many periods of the match.
Mistakes were still made and will always be made. Never forget that. Our recovery runs and fast transitions helped in minimising the effect of any mistake. Every time you sprint back to help cover, we looked good and usually won the ball back.
One fact remains, we didn't win the match and this is something that over the coming weeks, we will hopefully rectify.
As we progress our sessions to focus on other facets of our game, I need you all to continue working hard on:
1. Passing accuracy
2. Speed of transition
3. Communicating better
4. taking the better option
5. Working hard when the opposition has the ball
If you continue those ponits, I can then introduce our next challenges:
1. Options in the attacking third
2. Delivery of ball in attack
3. Shooting
4. Set Plays
I need you all to continue the progress or we will be stuck doing the same things week after week.
What did we do wrong?
Although we did better, some mistakes were made which we must rectify:
1. When we are going forward at pace, look to offload and receive quickly (especially against slow teams like Bonnyrig)
2. Don't be afraid to hold the ball and take players on in attack but make your decisions quickly
3. Head over the ball when shooting
4. Don't slow play down to look for options, you should know before you receive what is available
5. Don't dive in and get goal-side quickly. This will stop players who dive. for free kicks
If you want personal feedback, see me before training.
Thanks and let's keep working.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Messi Does It - and so should the Rockdale players
Guys, we have spent the majority of our time learning to work as a team during the most important part of the match - the transition.
It's especially a dangerous time because it's the best opportunity to attack quickly (if you won the ball) or get the ball back quickly (if you just lost it).
Players who drop their heads or complain rather than working hard a what all coaches dislike and I am no different. I keep telling you that how you react when a mistake is made is very important.
View this link which compares Ronaldo with Messi.
Both players are fantastic but what I really want you to see is how hard they work in defense. Especially Messi running back to help when the ball is lost.
http://media.smh.com.au/sport/sports-hq/lionel-messi-v-cristiano-ronaldo-2175115.html
It's especially a dangerous time because it's the best opportunity to attack quickly (if you won the ball) or get the ball back quickly (if you just lost it).
Players who drop their heads or complain rather than working hard a what all coaches dislike and I am no different. I keep telling you that how you react when a mistake is made is very important.
View this link which compares Ronaldo with Messi.
Both players are fantastic but what I really want you to see is how hard they work in defense. Especially Messi running back to help when the ball is lost.
http://media.smh.com.au/sport/sports-hq/lionel-messi-v-cristiano-ronaldo-2175115.html
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Video of match v Sutherland - Updated
Here are the three part video files from Sunday's match v Sutherland. (the total 32 minutes)
If you study them carefully, you will see what I mean when it comes to the points raised in earlier posts.
1. We are too slow in the transition to both defend and attack
2. Our passing is too often inaccuarate
3. Lack of communication allows opposition playersers to "ghost" into dangerous positions
4. Poor options are taken and they cost us goals
5. we do not work hard enough or fast enough when not in pocession in order to win the ball back quickly
In our defense, sutherland were no better than we were. Thus we can certainly match or beat teams like this.
Study these videos to see what we can improve on and what I am trying to teach you at training.
If you study them carefully, you will see what I mean when it comes to the points raised in earlier posts.
1. We are too slow in the transition to both defend and attack
2. Our passing is too often inaccuarate
3. Lack of communication allows opposition playersers to "ghost" into dangerous positions
4. Poor options are taken and they cost us goals
5. we do not work hard enough or fast enough when not in pocession in order to win the ball back quickly
In our defense, sutherland were no better than we were. Thus we can certainly match or beat teams like this.
Study these videos to see what we can improve on and what I am trying to teach you at training.
Depth of Squad - Good News
Another positive point that came out of the match v Sutherland is the fact that our squad has depth.
It didn't matter which players were on the park because we continually matched the opposition and never looked totally dominated.
It was good to see that all players in our squad are working well enough together to make substitutions seamless.
Now the question you will ask is: "What do I have to do to start the match?"
My answer is quite straightforward:
1. Learn to play 3 positions (this will open you up for selection)
2. Turn up on time
3. Give 100% at training and when on the park
4. Prepare for the match the night before by eating well and having a good night's sleep
I as a coach can tell when players are below par. Sometimes it's due to injury but most often it's an outside factor (friends, school, attitude).
If you perform to satisfaction, you will achieve and have my respect.
It didn't matter which players were on the park because we continually matched the opposition and never looked totally dominated.
It was good to see that all players in our squad are working well enough together to make substitutions seamless.
Now the question you will ask is: "What do I have to do to start the match?"
My answer is quite straightforward:
1. Learn to play 3 positions (this will open you up for selection)
2. Turn up on time
3. Give 100% at training and when on the park
4. Prepare for the match the night before by eating well and having a good night's sleep
I as a coach can tell when players are below par. Sometimes it's due to injury but most often it's an outside factor (friends, school, attitude).
If you perform to satisfaction, you will achieve and have my respect.
Monday, February 7, 2011
We Control The Outcome
I'm not prophetic or claim to know everything but when I hand out instructions or predict opposition tactics, I expect the players to listen and do as I say.
I'm not looking at the match v Sutherland in a negative light because if we should learn anything from that match, it's that we can match anyone, anytime, anywhere.
It's exactly as I said before the match. We control the result by deciding if we:
1. hold pocession
2. pass accurately
3. transition quickly
4. we work hard when we don't have the ball
I had the benefit of watching 32 minutes of video from the match and it's evident that the four points are what we have to concentrate on. Especially points 3 and 4.
You will be able to study the video soon but my take on it is this:
1. Two goals were scored directly from us giving pocession away
2. Lack of communication costs us badly
3. Ball watching and not making fast recovery runs are costing us
4. We had good chances to score more goals (as they did) and overall we were up for it for most of the match
Just to remind you how costly ball watching and stupid mistakes can cost you, please look at this goal. One mistake and a match is lost.... The defender left the one man who could score because he was ball watching.
Always track the runners and pick up players quickly otherwise the match is lost.
I'm not looking at the match v Sutherland in a negative light because if we should learn anything from that match, it's that we can match anyone, anytime, anywhere.
It's exactly as I said before the match. We control the result by deciding if we:
1. hold pocession
2. pass accurately
3. transition quickly
4. we work hard when we don't have the ball
I had the benefit of watching 32 minutes of video from the match and it's evident that the four points are what we have to concentrate on. Especially points 3 and 4.
You will be able to study the video soon but my take on it is this:
1. Two goals were scored directly from us giving pocession away
2. Lack of communication costs us badly
3. Ball watching and not making fast recovery runs are costing us
4. We had good chances to score more goals (as they did) and overall we were up for it for most of the match
Just to remind you how costly ball watching and stupid mistakes can cost you, please look at this goal. One mistake and a match is lost.... The defender left the one man who could score because he was ball watching.
Always track the runners and pick up players quickly otherwise the match is lost.
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