SPARTANS TIE OPPONENTS

BETTER PERFORMANCE, BUT STILL NOT TUNED

Baron Says:
"Always learn from what worked and didn't work. If you're not learning, you're wasting your time. Even in playing we must gather something from the frolic."

POST GAME SUMMARY
We played a tight defensive game for most of the game. Near the end of the game we started to lose our discipline and got very sloppy. Playing 49 minutes of great defensive football doesn't mean a damn if we lose in the 50th.

I am very pleased with the shots on net, the set ups, and the attempts. Chris alone had 10 headers alone on net. The rebound from Abe, pocketed by Scott was more of what we need to do to carry this team to the next level.

GAME PLANS: VELOCITY
We have our work cut out for us in our next game. We're playing a hungry opponent. They have something to prove...and so do we.

The 3-3-0 applies.

We're sticking with the centre positions playing primarily defensive and play makers. Keep in mind that when THEY have the ball, we assume the defensive...EVERYONE.

I'm tired of seeing fatigued men on the field. If you can't run back or at least jog on the defense, get your ass off the pitch. You're not helping anyone by denying us an active player. Even if the ball gets to you, do you actually believe that you can run? Get smart...get into TEAM PLAY.

We will attack through the wingers...which doesn't mean that the CM or CD can't participate. Just be smart. We're erring on the side of caution here.

When the play is coming down the left side, the right wingers need to get involved in the play. It's an obvious statement that isn't being done. Move to the centre. Move to the left side. Become an option for the pass. Be ready for a rebound. In this model we have four attackers. If we can't get quality shots away with four attackers, we need to adjust and improve. Don't think that there's an imaginary line at centre and you can't cross it.

The CM is now one of our most vital roles. You need to move around for the pass, set up the play. Chase the ball carrier and harass them while your team mates cover their man. Short shifts is all you can handle. Don't overestimate your stamina.

STATS:
Scott (1G)

NET:
Ross (Tie)

Man of the Match
TBD

COACH's CORNER

LAST GAME SHOWED GREATER EFFORT FROM THE TEAM

The Baron Says:
Apart from the first five minutes and a momentary lapse in the second half, we played a strong game. We need to nut up for the first few minutes. Play hard, determined and don't give into weakness.

POST GAME SUMMARY : JANUARY 20th
First five minutes many of us didn't stick with the game plan. We decided to NOT cover the man. The first two goals were unforgivable! Just sloppy. Embarrassing. Stupid. Let's clean this up next game...shall we?

We had some good chances. We almost cracked the double digits in shots ON NET. Abe had a beauty that dribbled along the ground. Kyle had two great cracks that the tender was hard pressed to save.

The third goal was just a lapse of judgement. The easiest way to get out of a jam is to kick the ball out of bounds. No one will criticize you for that action. Better they get a kick in than a kick it into the twine!

OUR GAME PLAN: THE REDS
Last time we played the Reds, they had little offense against us. It was the first game that Ross really wasn't tested that often.

BUT...never underestimate your opponent. We will win...but we play to run up the score and get the team work going. Nothing installs confidence more than a massacre against an opponent.

Formation: 3-3-0

I'm going to change things around!

The middle men in the formation: the Centre Back and the Centre Midfielder will now act as defenders. The CM will work with the CB to ensure that if the defenders are away, we're covered in the back end. On the attack, they will act as conduits for the attack. Ball retention. If you have no shot or easy pass, the Middle Men will act as that. Pass back, move and get the ball back.

The side positions (Left Defender, Left Midfielder, Right Defender, Right Midfielder) will become special teams. On the offense, they will work together. So if the Left Midfielder goes up the field, the Left Defender should be around to help him out. But each team must be mindful that the second we lose possession, we must move back to covering their men and stopping the easy pass.

Again, I want shots on net. Try to mix it up. Determine quickly if the goalie likes to hold the ball. Low shots are often horrid for trained goalies. Ask Ross which shots he hates against him and which he prefers. Most goalies will have the same opinion.

A change of pace on this one: the Defenders will take the shots into the game. That includes free kicks. Remember that we can try the tap and shoot process. Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Use the opportunities to pass to an open man for the shot. To lob it into the 18 for a header. Most of all, make use of your fellow wing man or the Middle Men to get the ball into a position for a shot on net.

Subbing: I noted that some of you were playing tired. Depending on the type of subbing we're doing, I don't want any man to be out on the field for more than 3-4 minutes. If we're playing man for man subs, the man off the field will take time. On the fourth minute (be reasonable), you call your man off. If your sub calls you off, please don't be a chump and ignore him. Nothing kills team spirit more than ignoring your sub. If anything, just tell him next play.

Positioning during play: I want each man to be part of the play...or have the potential to be part of the play. This means that on set pieces we move about...don't stand like fools beside the opposing player hoping for a date. If the play is coming up the left side, the right side guys need to move to the centre and be ready for a pass or rebound. We had a few missed chances because guys were out on the side and not in the play.

Lastly...and I saw some good work from our midfielders on this one last game. While on the defense, mark your man. I saw Abe and Jeremy in one instance mark the men standing by the 18 during a goal kick. That's smart playing. It deprives the goalie of an easy send off. If all his men are marked, he needs to boot it and hope for the best. Even if you do the "sneaky Pete" where you hold off a few metres from your mark. Tyler and Scott have used this in the past to grab the ball in transit and move up the field. Smart playing creates smart results.

STUFF TO WORK ON:

ALWAYS GO AFTER THE MAN! The CB and CM will worry about who has the ball and work against that person.

PLAY HARD. Go for the loose ball. Challenge for the ball. Did you know that almost 80% of the time we get that ball when we challenge for it? Are you afraid of a little body to body action? Just play as a sportsman, and don't have the intention to cause injury. If someone falls, the whistle is called, go back and give your apologies.

COMMUNICATE! Let someone know that they have the option to pass to you. On their kick ins, call around to see who has which man. No talkie equals mistakes. Mistakes lead to goals against us.

NO MORE SH!TTY FIRST MINUTE GOALS.