Category: Coaching
Type: Philosophy
ASK HARKESY - JUNE 2000
1) The Role of the Sweeper.
The Sweeper is usually the last defensive player. He/She is very important to the team because from their position, they can see the entire field and where players from both teams are positioned. The Sweeper is the last defender that steps in to "sweep" away any danger. He/she can choose where to be on the field to best offer cover and support as the last line of defense. The sweeper can also move forward on dangerous runs to bring another option into the attack.
2) How to create more aggressive players?
This is hard to answer because players have different personalities. It all depends on the player. It comes from within. We would like all players to be aggressive and assertive on defense and offense. There is however, one drill that comes to mind. Setting up one on one situations on the field and letting the player take the ball and directly run to the goal while the defender shadows and backs up. Always end with a shot. This will force the player to make a decision quickly and go to goal. Instead of hesitating and slowing down.
3) Incorporating a new formation in to a team.
Adapting to a new formation will get better with each training session. Remember that it is a slow process. First you need to make sure that the players understand their roles. Communication is very important. It is not easy. Understanding team shape and transition will be accomplished with repetition. The players need to know how to fill in spaces and where they need to be in relation to the ball and their opponents. Don't ever force a formation on a team. You need to have the right players for whichever formation you choose, 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. Experimenting with each formation with enable you to see which one your team is most comfortable playing.
4) Maintaining Shape.
Setting up practice games may be the simplest way to get this done. Start by organizing your team. Have the remaining players with the ball moving around to different attacking areas of the field. Blow a whistle to stop the play and have each player freeze to correct their positioning. Make sure that the players are in good supporting positions as they go forward to attack and move back to defend. They need to be disciplined and stay in their positions. For instance, a left midfielder shouldn't be drifting to the center of the field or too wide left if it will leave a weakness on the field. Work on this throughout training by stopping the game at different times and areas of the field. Have patience.
5) Working on the offside trap.
Start with four defenders and a keeper. You can add two central midfielders in to the equation as well. The keeper has the ball and starts to build out from the back. The attacking team of six to eight players, win the ball and play forward quickly. The defense needs to try and set a line and step out of the back before the ball is played. As you can tell this is hard to explain, easier to demonstrate on the field. Continue this while varying the attacks and service of the attacking players. The defense needs to communicate and keep a constant eye on each other in order to step up to draw the attackers offside. Each player needs to anticipate when the ball will be passed though to a front-runner trying to get behind the defense. This must be worked on continuously over time. Remember, with everything that you work on, practice makes perfect. Stick together and have patience.
Good Luck to everyone and continue to support soccer. Especially the New England Revolution.
Keep Kicking,
Harkesy
Submitted by: Harkesy
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