For soccer fans in Montreal, the Impact started their training camp last week and with a new coach, a few mainstay players having gone, all eyes on how the new coach will deploy his team. What formation, who will play where etc.
I thought about posting something fairly basic for new coaches about how to go about deciding which players or types of players might make the best fit for the different positions. For me, this is really where great coaches make their mark. Each coach might have different qualities that he or she seeks for specific positions but a really great coach can sometimes change a players position and the end result is that the players becomes even more effective and dangerous in the new role. Initially placing players in positions, in order to prepare for games, is when coaches start applying their “art” to soccer. There are many factors involved, including which formation to use, but often it comes down to how the coach feels about what combination of players will accomplish the best outcome. The decision on a formation may be based on the types and skill levels of the players, or it can simply be the system with which the coach is most comfortable. In either case, it comes down to knowing the abilities and the temperaments of the players themselves. At the most basic level, the coach is going to need goalkeepers, back defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each of these positions carry with them a certain skill set. Goalkeepers need to first be good with their hands and should have a desire to play the position. Back defenders need to first know how to mark and track an opponent and how to get and stay “goal-side” (between the opponent and the goal). Midfielders need to first understand that they are needed on both offense and defense and should like to run. Forwards need to first demonstrate the ability to score and to have an attacking mind-set. Of course there are some situation and tactical considerations that coaches will take in consideration when planning out the team. Who do they defend a lead, chase a game when down, play direct or play possession, press high or sit back. Before making any decisions regarding positions, the coach should evaluate his players. This can be done informally, by simply watching how the players perform, or formally, by setting up a system of notes. Some of the tools available to coaches include: – Observe: make a point of looking specifically at each player individually – Test: set up drills to evaluate how well players can perform certain skills – Experiment: see which players interact better with others –Ask the players: talk with each player to see if they have a preference –Independent review: obtain the assistance of a knowledgeable outside observer –Scrimmage results: move players around during scrimmages –Awareness: determine if players understand the changes they need to make in their play when they are in different parts of the field –Success: monitor players’ achievement and enjoyment There are a number of classic generalizations which may be applied to placing players in positions. These are: Goalkeeper: tall, lanky, shows no fear, wants to play there, good eye-hand coordination, a leader, vocal (good communication); has ability to punt and/or throw. Years ago, coaches might tend to put the least mobile or athletic player in nets at a young age but in fact, it requires someone with a very special athletic ability. Defenders – understand “goal-side,” want to get in the way (willing to go in for the tackle); ability to recover; generally the ability to hit longer passes or clearances. In the modern game of wingbacks or attacking lateral defenders, stamina and pace are important. Central defender– leader, vocal (good communication), understands and can implement “support in defense” (knows to run and cover for a defender who has been beaten) Midfield – overall skills, overall fitness (endurance), really likes to run; grasps getting forward and getting back (wide midfielders and traditional wings – ability to cross) Forwards/strikers: goalscorers, aggressive, desire to put the ball in the back of the net; low shot, quick, “selfish;” demonstrate running to space to receive a pass. Then aside from player traits, there are positional considerations to think about. Center of field (backs, midfielders and forwards) – ability to play in space (contrast – players who have problems in space and need the “comfort” of the sideline) Speed on wings – fastest players, both on offense and defense, to the outsides Naturally left-footed (both on offense and defense) – on the left side. Strength up the middle – strongest, all-around-skilled players, at center back, central midfield, and center striker Central midfield or in some cases the so-called #10, “best” player, the players through whom most coaches want to play through and ensure they are able to get the most touches on the ball. Once you as a coach are comfortable with the evaluation of the players:
Coaches must also note that placing players in positions exists in the larger context of program objectives, while trying to be competitive in games. Especially at the youth level, such considerations as equal playing time, equal exposure to different positions, and proper player development, must be factored in to the placement decisions. For example, four different goalkeepers may be used in games with each being rewarded with time in the field. Also, it’s simply a fact that all players are not created equal. Coaches are forced to draw conclusions, and make decisions, about real children. A playing-time chart can be developed to ensure equality and less-skilled (or tentative) players may be “hidden” at right back or at left-wing. Coaches must also remember that they may never know who is going to be the “late-bloomer.” This is a very basic summary of filling positions with players but when looked at looked closely, I am pretty sure that these will be the foundation of how most teams are put together to one degree or other. Happy coaching !
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AuthorAfter many years of coaching at various levels and with different teams, I thought I would share some of my experiences and thoughts about coaching. Archives
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