U12 Game Reflection (2.5.22)

On Saturday we played against a decent side where we ended up drawing 2-2. It wasn't the best game from us but we showed a lot of heart and played until the end. I've always said that attitude and positivity is the basic building block, we need this to build everything else. We had that today.

Challenges I set forth this game:

1) Play with the GK - decent amount of this

2) Trickery and Mobility from the Throw-Ins - sloppy throw-ins, we still don't have the thought of getting it away from the pressure zone

3) Establish the Attacking Shape - lack of support from the CM's to support the wingers.

Key Items to Address:

(1) Beat the High/Man-to-Man Press

In the first half we struggled to establish true width. Our forward lacked mobility and was slow to shift to the sides to support our build-up. Our opponent played in the same set-up as us which allowed them to go man-for-man during our build-up. Playing around the press proved difficult as (1) we didn't have good width (2) the touches we took were negative (3) our forward lack mobility to move to the ball-side and provide a deep pass option (4) the wing-backs failed to make runs into space if the mark was tight.

(2) Compact Shape to Guide the Play Around

Defensively we were disorganized and failed to remain compact. We left a lot of gaps through the middle and we were played through rather easily. This allowed their wing players to receive the ball uncontested and would drive our center-back who was forced out into comfortable locations. We have to prioritize passes that occur in-front of pass and around instead of through us. A photo of our wingbacks positioning below:

Instead this is how we have to position ourselves:

Creating our line of four, guiding the play to the outside and keeping the play in-front of us is critical.

Next week

On Wednesday we will begin to work on the sub-sub-principles of block organization, shifting to pressure zone and triggers to press. We will emphasize the individual and small group (2-3 player) dynamics.

On Thursday we'll shift to our sub-principles building up from the back and work these principles at the collective level - we will want to emphasize the thru / long pass into targeted areas.