Before the pandemic, many soccer coaches were convinced that a specific ‘System of Play’ was the secret recipe that would guarantee victory and success. Are you still one of them?
If you are a ‘Systems-Supporter,’ then you may want to heed the advice of some very successful coaches who believe that soccer cannot be evaluated along mathematical lines because:
- Reactions and patterns of behavior cannot be calculated.
- Unpredictable conflicts which the players must come to term with including physical and mental maturation.
- Uncertainty of human behavior must allow “FREE” decision-making.
- There is a need for “FREE” creativity, ‘FREE’ genius to display itself, and a FREEdom of responsibility.
Surely you have read books of the fancy systems that brought fame and glory to teams in the past. Yet, experienced coaches know there was more to the system than just the numbers. Charles Hughes stated, “There is no system which will overcome inaccurate passing or shooting.” Dettmar Cramer once eloquently said, “Physical fitness, perfect technique, and general tactics in attack and defense are the first steps on the road to success.”
Some have even suggested that the word “System” is too rigid and should be replaced with FRAMEWORK! Soccer-Framework roughly defined: Giving basic structure to cover the depth/width of the field and distributing the tasks according to each player’s unique weaknesses and strength.
Soccer-Framework at work:
- Look at each individual’s strengths and place the player where the strength is most helpful.
- Use stronger players where they can control the flow of the game.
- Place players in a position where they feel most comfortable, and the tasks suit them.
- Don’t juggle around figures but rather an attitude, willingness, and ability of the players.
- Program your players properly in advance and avoid changing tactics that you have not practiced.
- The game and the opponent will dictate the framework you should use.
Simplifying Soccer:
- Play CAUTIOUSLY and without errors inside the DEFENDING 1/3.
(RED-ZONE)
- Take CHANCES and increase speed-of-play inside the MID-1/3.
(YELLOW ZONE)
- Take RISKS both in Attack & Defense inside the ATTACKING 1/3.
(GREEN ZONE)
Illustration from, ‘FUNdamental SOCCER – TACTICS’ the book includes more excellent details
Final Notes: Thank you for Reading this article and Sharing it with your soccer community. Your Komments on this subject are requested and very much appreciated!
Your FUNdamental,
Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)
