NEW YORK STATE WEST YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION nyswysa.org COACHES ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP February 9th 2002 Glen Buckley State Director of Coaching

FORMATIONS, FORMATIONS TO SWEEP OR NOT TO SWEEP THAT IS THE QUESTION?

Realize and understand a simple fact “Formations do not win games, players do”

MOST POPULAR FORMATIONS ARE LETS TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THESE ARE GENERALLY FORMULATED...

GK

THE SWEEPER SYSTEM Factors that would suit the sweeper system Markers would prefer…….

A. Opponents where they can see them and the ball, preferably in front of them,with backs to goal. B. Opponents who make no attempts to attack the spaces behind them - with and without the ball. C. To be goalside of opponents and have the chance to intercept D. Opponents who are static and wait for passes to arrive E. To operate in areas and in roles where they are defensively effective F. To have the security of the sweeper behind

THE SWEEPER WOULD PREFER... A. To remain in a “free” role B. For play to remain central, and for markers to track runners C. Not to leave his position behind the markers D. Slow and predictable build up play E. Crosses to be delivered to the near post area F. Passes made behind defence and to the sides that he can easilly read or intercept G. In possession, to have the time and freedom to choose to pass or carry the ball as required H. To have the opponents keep possession in front of his defence

CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR THE SWEEPER SYSTEM Problems are likely to be caused if…..

1. Forward players continually work to lose their markers, and try to threaten the space behind them 2. Forward players take up BLIND SIDE positions when the ball is in flank positions 3. Forwards combine with each other either in possession of the ball, or runs off the ball. Try to pull defenders out of their familiar defending areas for others to attack 4. Forward players push defenders back toward their own goal, and so no cover is available from the sweeper. 5. Midfield players make forward runs with and without the ball 6. Midfield or defenders break through onto markers, especially in wide blind side positions 7. Your team has the ability to change the point of attack from defensive numbers to more spacious areas 8. Quick combination play in the attacking third

9. Crosses are delivered that eliminate the sweepers near post/side position and the goalkeeper. 10. Fast counter attacks before defence has the chance to organize

MATCH STRATEGY A teams plan of campaign revealing its aims and approach to the game. A joint production between players and coach that seeks to establish the way the team will handle all situations that arise in a match

SYSTEM The deployment of players on the field with which the team tries to implement and impose it’s strategy TACTICS Individual and collective manoeuvres used to defeat opponents so as to make the strategical aims possible

POSITIVE STRATEGIES To score as many goals as possible To score but to concede as few goals as possible To press the play into opponents half of the field To dominate and control midfield areas To withdraw and counter attack To control possession To control play by outnumbering opponents wherever the ball is DEFENSIVE STRATEGY To regain possession before ball leaves Attacking 1/3rd Mark all opponents tightly in our defensive 1/2, and track runs behind and through our defensive line To encourage the opponents to come forward in order to regain possession and counter attack

FACTORS AFFECTING STRATEGY Strengths, weaknesses of own team technically, tactically, athletically and psychologically. Injuries. Ability of players at your disposal Match preperations Coach philosophy and beliefs Current form Venue of game, home or away or neutral Condition of playing surface Climatic conditions OPPONENTS Strength - weaknesses - tactics Current form Coach

GAME PLAN How we plan and intend to exert control over the technical and tactical events that occur during the game, in order to influence strategies to our advantage. 1. The anticipated system, tactics and strategies of the opposition 2. What you think your players are capable of and can deliver 3. Identifiable “events” that you can influence 4. Rehearsal 5. Recognition and understanding of anticipated events in game 6. A degree of flexibility 7. Plan for the anticipated events 8. Contingency plans for both the unexpected and secondary events