Systems/Formations of Play Date 6th June 2016 Systems/Formations of Play Butch Fazal – FA County Coach Developer Bedfordshire

Workshop outcomes Looking at the strengths and weaknesses of different formations Transition from 7-9-11a-side football and impact on different formations The importance of rotating players for developmental purposes and adjusting to new systems of play Using small sided games to develop tactical understanding transference into match day

Scotland with six, in a 2–2–6 formation The first international game, Scotland against England on 30 November 1872 England played with seven or eight forwards in a 1–1–8 or 1–2–7 formation Scotland with six, in a 2–2–6 formation Score?? 0-0!! In the football matches of the 19th century, defensive football was not played, and the line-ups reflected the all-attacking nature of these games. In the first international game, Scotland against England on 30 November 1872, England played with seven or eight forwards in a 1–1–8 or 1–2–7 formation, and Scotland with six, in a 2–2–6 formation. For England, one player would remain in defence, picking up loose balls, and one or two players would hang around midfield and kick the ball upfield for the other players to chase. The English style of play at the time was all about individual excellence and English players were renowned for their dribbling skills. Players would attempt to take the ball forward as far as possible and only when they could proceed no further, would they kick it ahead for someone else to chase. Scotland surprised England by actually passing the ball among players. The Scottish outfield players were organised into pairs and each player would always attempt to pass the ball to his assigned partner. Ironically, with so much attention given to attacking play, the game ended in a 0–0 draw.

Task Some questions to consider………….. What is a system / formation of play? What do you currently use within your coaching or teams? What will it look like going forward with your team as you move through the formats of the game? Why?

The formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football.

5v5 – 7v7 Increase in 2 players Smaller space-to larger space Retreat line

7v7 – 9v9 Increase in 2 players Increase in pitch size Retreat line removed Offside introduced

9v9 – 11v11 Increase by 2 players Larger playing area Offside Greater physical demands

Task Get into your age groups into your playing formats 4 tables 5v5 7v7 9v9 11v11 How many formations can you make? consider Requirements of the position Profile of the player Potential Strengths & Weaknesses of your team

Observation task I require 22 players in total Play 5 a side 10 mins each game

Observation task Observers identify the strengths and weaknesses of each format Amount of touches Select a player Look to change the formations of the teams Require coaches who will run the teams

Observation feedback Groups to report back Touches on the ball Positions Players Did the change in formation impact on the game?

Youth development review “A 10 YEAR OLD CHILD IS NOT HALF A 20 YEAR OLD AND THEY NEED A GAME AND FORMAT THAT REPLICATES THEIR STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT”

Helping with Transition Knowing the changes that occur, what challenges might your players face and what might their needs be across the 4 corners ? Technical Psychological Social Physical More decisions, more space width/depth, teamwork, units of play, timings of run, positions?, resilience, motivation, confidence, external pressures (particularly at 11v11), listening, co-operation, negotiation, awareness, rules of the game, pass back, free kicks, formations, subs, equal playing time, squad size Practical task – each group to discuss one particular corner – have lead in questions to prompt discussion

Plan – Do - Review What will it look like going forward with your team as you move through the formats of the game? Why?

Workshop outcomes Looking at the strengths and weaknesses of different formations Transition from 7-9-11a-side football and impact on different formations The importance of rotating players for developmental purposes and adjusting to new systems of play Using small sided games to develop tactical understanding transference into match day

Contacts Abdul.fazal@thefa.com

Bedfordshire County FA Match Day management 13th July 2016 Bedfordshire County FA 6.30-9.30 Thank you for your attendance have a safe journey home.