Section Meeting Coaching Workshop Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Think about this: Coaches spend a great deal of time working on their player’s technical ability. Coaches should understand that tactical play is just as critical in player development as is technical ability. That means what?… 2

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making All coaches must teach their players: To play off the ball… 3

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making All training must be small sided 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 maybe 6v6. Why? Players who have played short-sided games have a greater understanding of what playing off the ball means. Short-sided play allows children to play. Young soccer players need special consideration… 4

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Why small sided training: Concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity is essential. By changing an activity just a little bit it changes the requirements of runs off the ball. Short –sided play is an exceptional tool for player discovery. Short –sided play gives players immediate feedback on good runs on the ball as well as poor play off the ball… 5

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Every training session a coach conducts must be about decisions on and off the ball. Playing off the ball is all about decisions - The ball The player Their teammate The opponent The goal The time… 6

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Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Every player must have a full (age appropriate) understanding of the “Principles of Play” and the coach must incorporate the principles of play into every training session… 8

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making “Principles of Play” Attacking Principles Penetration Depth Width Mobility Creativity Defending Principles Delay Depth Concentration Balance Composure 9

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Players must have an understanding of the roles required of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd support. Players become more effective off the ball if they have a true understanding of their roles and responsibilities on and off the ball… 10

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making First Attacker: Penetrate with the ball Get the ball quickly to the back of the defense by: Dribbling Passing Shooting… 11

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Second Attacker: Support first Attacker (depth) Prepare to defend See all near ball Prepare to switch with third Attacker (mobility) Draw Defender away from the middle (width)… 12

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Third Attacker: Defeat principles of defense by: Rotating with second attacker (mobility) Working to create numbers (mobility/creativity) Working to create space (mobility/creativity) Creating defensive confusion (mobility/creativity)… 13

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making First Defender: Delay the attack Establish appropriate marking distance Tackle the ball when supported Deny space Protect the goal… 14

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Second Defender: Support first defender Prepare to become first defender Deny dangerous pass Reduce good shooting angles Watch first attacker and the ball… 15

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Third Defender: Create balance Defend where attack may appear Mark attacker Restrict space Regain ball possession… 16

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Activities for training players to play on and off the ball: Recognize: Play off the ball Playing off the ball decisions Which “Principles of Play” are involved How to include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd support or both attacking and defending play… 18

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Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Points to remember: 1v1 provides no off the ball training But, keep in mind, that all players should try to create 1v1 play You must train 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5 or 6v6… 24

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Summary: What playing off the ball is What playing off the ball should look like How to train players to play off the ball… 25

Off the Ball Movement and Decision Making Any questions? Thank you! 26