COACH'S CORNER

THIS WEEK: WHAT WE TAKE AWAY FROM DEFEATS

The Baron Says:

Winning is great. Losing sucks. But we learn more from losing than winning.

ON LAST NIGHT'S GAME:

There was a lot of improvement out there on the field.

- we did more close passing.
- we did more covering of opposing players.
- communication was acceptable

There were lots of weaknesses that only a stronger team could exploit. By getting drubbed, we can actually see what went wrong and improve.

- we didn't clear the ball in times of emergency
- we weren't covering opponents on the rebound
- we spent too much time chasing them over the field

What we should be doing:
1. Our entire team should be converging on their attackers. Covering players, chasing players who move into better positions (i.e. covering your man). Communicating so that if you see a man open, you let people know who's being covered. Covering the area of the pass. etc.
2. We can't chase them or the ball inside their half when we don't have a clear chance to get the ball. It opens us up by creating holes. We need to let those balls go, and stick with real chances.
3. Preserve the defence at all times of attack. When we're on the defensive, every man MUST get back and participate, or be ready to participate. When we have control, we can move it forward. Kick the ball out to gain time if you must.
4. Don't be afraid to challenge for the ball. Go shoulder to shoulder. Bump into your opponent. Keep fighting for the ball. Remember to keep it clean, but don't be afraid to get a little dirty.
5. No cherry pickers. We're not playing that style. If you're not covering a man, you're not helping.
6. Concentrating on set pieces to get our moments; free kicks, out of bounds kicks, goal kicks, corner kicks. There's enough of those to get goals. If, during normal play, you have a chance, take it!
7. Go with your gut. This might give you an opportunity to ignore the above rules. But I want each of you to trust yourself. Don't second guess your motives. Act with them.

Next Game:
We stick with the 3-3-0.

It's a team we haven't played against. So I advise more caution to defense until we "feel out" that team.

More smart playing. Be a participant, not an observer.

STATS:
Ross