U12 Game Reflection (1.22.22)

On Saturday we had our second winter season game. We lost the game 7-2 but there was positives to draw from, as well as many areas of improvement that we need to continue to refine. Not to make excuses either but the team has still not played a game at full squad, nor do I believe we have cracked the strongest line-up or positions for each player. We also are failing to properly warm-up as players are arriving just in time for kickoff. Would this have made a huge difference? Probably not but its about building the right habits and helping the players get in the right mindset before the game. I have been lenient here because the players are still returning and the cold plays a factor. But we need to establish this rhythm of game days again.

Possession Phase

Our build-up from the back was decent, we made a few good switches especially in the second half but the players still seem a bit rushed when on the ball. We are reading the game a bit slowly and thus fail to create passing options early or make decisions quickly.

I also clearly see that we seem to have forgotten how to play with the GK. This is a major flag. We used to be able to retain possession when facing our goal but now our first instinct is to kick it out of bounds, force a blind turn into the oncoming forward who is pressuring or blindly swing and clear the ball forward. We need to remember who we are and what we do best. It is critical that we design a practice that puts this back into habit.

In the offensive third we definitely create chance: we scored two goals and if we would have finished better probably could have converted at least two-three more goals. Our players are natural scorers, we do this well - we can continue to refine but this will come back as we continue playing.

Transition to Recover

I think our tactical concentration level (which is still low) impacted our ability to be fierce on the transition. We are slow to react to losses and didn't show the conviction we normally do to recover the ball. We even had instances where we allowed the player to turn instead of pressuring him. The attitude of Pressuring needs to be re-instilled.

Recovery Phase

We are mixed here. Some player show aggressiveness and ability to make tackles while others seem to shy away from it, almost as if it is not their role. We need unity in the recovery phase, we all must play a part.

Transition to Possession

We are quick to break forward and have players that can play good passes into space. I would say we naturally do this form of transition well - we can still look to adopt more of a "transition to possess" instead of always counter-attack.

Set-pieces

Our throw-ins are abysmal. Very poor. The players are still struggling to understand how to retain the ball from a throw-in. This needs to be addressed urgently.

We defended corners again a bit better but still needs to improve more.

Attitude

For me the attitude was generally good, better then last week. We have to continue to build that up from here. I think what helps is the positivity that I show as well, no need to make the players feel bad. This will just make it worse. Attitude is the most important. A good attitude is a good foundation, a good foundation is the key to building a strong structure.

System of Play

I attempted to play with 2 center mids in the second half and I believe it gave us more balance and opportunity to retain the ball in the midfield. This something I am going to trial in next week's game.

Next Training

- 6+2GKv4 (8v4) with two goals end-to end game -- in order to encourage playing with GK and pressing instantly to win the ball

- Technical activation that includes throw-in and switch of play

- Video showing them: passes to GK and throw-in plays