COACH's CORNER

ANOTHER LOSS, BUT A BETTER SHOWING

The Baron Says:
We're here to have a good time. To shoot the ball about, have a run and hopefully win. Two out of three ain't bad.

GAME ANALYSIS

2-0 at the half. It's been a while since we considered this a good effort. But it was.
The first goal was a lapse. It was a good goal that caught us all off guard.
The second goal was an error. The Centre Back should always be the last man. Ready to delay or stop rushes.
The third goal was another error. But at that point, with two minutes left, it really didn't matter.

What mattered was that we took our shots, didn't dilly dally with the ball, and played a good game. There's lots to improve, and each man should look to applying those lessons learned in the game Sunday.

OUR PLAN THIS SUNDAY

3-3-0.

Defense:
The Centre Back must act like the sweeper, the last man, the super defender...he's gotta do it all. Use his gut to bring in the troops and get the ball back out there. The Left and Right Defenders need to roll up with the attack, and cover their man during the opposing team's attack. Simple. Be vigilant. Box your mark with a close cover from behind. No one likes a close cover.

Mid-Fielders:
The Centre Mid-Fielder needs to cover the middle. Be the wall. Be the director of the attack. Chase after the opposing ball holder to shake them from a clear and precise shot. The Left and Right Mid-Fielders need to use common sense in the attack. Pass. Dribble, but don't sacrifice a goal by carrying the ball too long. Look for the shot first. Failing that, the pass. Rebounds should be expected. Be ready for them!

All:
Notice that most players will cough up the ball on a good challenge. We need to get it into our heads that body to body challenges are good. Shoulder to shoulder. Don't wimp out. Don't play dirty...but don't be afraid to use your body to win balls and bring them to a scoring position.

Keep it simple. Don't look for the super star finish. Go for the goal however you can.

Move about. You're not good for a pass if you have a shadow.

Remember: Defenders should take the kicks, unless the Captain says otherwise. I want our attackers to be able to be ready in force! Accept the header, the loose ball, etc. Don't expect the ball to come to you...you move to the ball!

Goal kicks can be short passes, or long balls. The same for any kick. Try the tap and shoot on the indirect kick.

Subbing:
We'll go again with open subbing. Guys...know your position on the list. I want quicker subs. Someone yells defence, I want someone ready on field. Fast subbing is how we'll do it. Don't take a position you can't play, but don't be afraid to assume a position you haven't played. If you can't handle it, sub off. That's good team playing!

NEW YEAR's COACH's CORNER

IT WAS AN UNBELIEVABLY AWFUL EXPERIENCE FOR THE TEAM!

The Baron says:
Was it too much Turkey? Too much drinking New Year's Day? Whatever it might have been, it led to the worst game the Spartans have ever played on the field.

ANALYSIS:

One shot on net.
Three shots at net (that were close enough to count as a shot)

We were continuosly outnumbered while defending...and our offense was no where to be seen.

We were all confused about the jersey issue. Needless to say I won't play another game under those conditions.

THIS WEEKEND's GAME:

Our game plan remains with the 3-3-0.

Offense: your job this game will be to generate shots on net.  Our focus will be to shoot ANYWHERE! That means from half, from the sides outside the 18, from the middle of a tackle. The REBOUND will be all important...be sure you're in a position to pick up a loose ball and pocket it in the twine!

Defenders: as always, your job will be to ensure that the loose ball or attacker doesn't have an easy time. Cover any opposing players to make a passer think twice. Cover him so you can see him.

Centre Mid-Fielder: you have a tough job. Get the attack going. Participate in the  attack. Then work with the Centre Back to ensure that you have someone chasing after the ball and keeping the opposing team guessing and honest.

Centre Back: the most important part of the defense. You're the sweeper, the man who directs it all. If you keep your mouth closed, you aren't doing the job.

Defenders will always take the kick-ins and free kicks. The offense should move around the net, trying to be a target for the pass, or pick up the rebound.

Free kicks with scoring potential. These should be taken by a defender, with an offensive player near for a kick into the net. The defender will tap the ball, and the next player attempt to kick it in. Both players should agree on the play just prior to the kick off.

When our opponents have the ball, everyone needs to get back to defense. If you can't make it, yell for a sub. You're out of play anyways, and maybe some fresh legs can make a difference.

When our Goalkeeper goes to throw or kick the ball, please be smart and get open. Look at the goalie IF you want the ball, and be ready for it. Ross is wasting kicks because he has NO ONE in which to pass. And that's sad. This should be a set piece play. Ross to a clear offensive player to the net.

IF you have the ball, please don't attempt to dribble it like a Euro star into the 18 for a goal. It most likely AIN'T gonna happen. Keep the plays simple! Either pass or shoot.

There are a few of you who have trouble subbing. If I need to, I'll implement line changes. Four minute shifts, regardless of what's going on. You have been warned.

SUMMARY:
This should be nothing new for us. This is how we should be playing. When you guys work the system like it should, we win. When you decide to go it on your own, we get killed.

Chrome were not better than us. They are a bottom side team. Jerseys aside, we should have collected our third win. Instead, we looked foolish and idiotic.

And when we played in such a deplorable manner, we had a few chirps against our own players both on and off the field. This will NOT be tolerated. Don't tell your fellow mate how they should have had that particular play. Don't yell out their short comings.

Finally...if you need to speak with me, follow me out after the game, or email me for a meeting. I will listen to everyone. Anders is also open to hearing issues and bringing them to my attention.

Time to MAN up and get a respectable game going Sunday!