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Fundamental Soccer

Ask the Coach

Ever have a question about coaching and you didn't have anyone to ask?  Well, now you can.  E-mail your question and the answer will be posted here on the web.  Please e-mail Ask the Coach.

Practice Routine

Wall Pass

Wall Pass

Wall Pass

I just had a quick question on the wall pass relating to the flow.  Some things seem confusing to me and I've tried to figure it out from Karl's book.  I would be very appreciative if you could help. 

Regards,

Patrick

Question 1:  In the flow I see 1+1 and 1v1 before half-time. 

That is correct!  You should play 1+1 and 1v1 at every practice and before half-time.

Where would I introduce the theme for the wall pass? 

Step 1- Begin the Practice

Give two explanations and demonstrations.  First, in less than sixty seconds, give an explanation/demonstration of what the wall pass includes.

1.       How the defender is faced with a 2 on 1 situation.

2.       How the 1st Attacker goes . . . (buzz word- APE)

 -Attacks the Defender and commits him to the ball.

 -Passes the ball to 2nd Attacker and

 -Explodes past the Defender opposite of the pass.

3.       How the 2nd Attacker helps through . . .(buzz word- SOS)

 -Sideways on

 -One touches the ball in front of 1st Attacker and behind the Defender

 -Sprint to support 1st Attackers actions

Second, give a detailed explanation/demonstration on the role of the 1st Attacker during the wall pass:

1.       Going straight at the Defender

2.       Approaching at a controlled pace

Build 1st Attackers confidence by showing them they can maintain ball possession.  Build 1st Attackers confidence by teaching them a fake/feint to beat the opponent.

Step 2- During the Figure 8 Warm-up, focus on the fakes/feints the 1st Attacker can use to maintain ball possession when attacking the Defender.  Build the 1st Attackers ball handling confidence.

Step 3- During the 1+1 make sure the Defender cooperates and allows the 1st Attacker to be successful in approaching her and when possible to beat her with a fake/feint.  Build 1st Attackers confidence in taking on a Defender by starting the action with the "serve."  Remember the PLUS in 1+1 stands for: Players Learn Using Stoppages.  Stop the 1st Attacker and help her when she does not Attack the Defender properly.

Step 4- During the 1v1 observe the natural tendencies of the 1st Attacker when she is faced by a competitive Defender.  Write down notes to remind yourself as to which 1st Attackers tend to shy away from taking on the Defender.  Remember the VS in the 1vs1 stands fro the Coach being verbally silent.

Step 5- During half-time, give a detailed explanation/demonstration on the role of the 2nd Attacker during the wall pass:

1.    Sprint to a position even with the Defender (avoid being off-side) and turn sideways to 1st Attacker.

2.    One touch the ball behind the Defender and in front of the teammate who just passed the ball.

3.    Sprint in support of the 1st Attackers action(s).

Step 6- Cooperative Small Sided Games should be a 2+1 game.  During this game the Defender cooperates to the point where the two Attackers are successful at doing a wall pass.  Using the serve will give you the proper environment where learning the wall pass can be accomplished.  Remember the PLUS in 1+1 stands for: Players Learn Using Stoppages.  Stop and help them when necessary.

The Competitive Small Sided Games would also be 2v1 games.  During this game the Defender is asked to be Actively disrupt the 2 Attackers attempts to do the wall pass.  Begin the game with the serve to assure at least one competitive attempt at doing a wall pass.  Remember the VS in the 1vs1 stands fro the Coach being verbally silent.  Take notes for future reference.

Step 7- During the Cooperative Scrimmage, teach the players when a wall pass opportunity can be developed or when the opportunity has been missed.  You must teach them when/where to accomplish a wall pass through proper stoppages.

Step 8- During the Cool-down you may want to approach individuals with comments about their strengths and weaknesses (check your notes) on carrying out the wall pass.

Step 9- End the Practice by giving general comments on strengths and weaknesses noticed during this wall pass session and give them hints on what they can do at home (homework) to get better at carrying out the wall pass at future practices or the next game.

Would I use three players instead of 1+1 and then play 1+2 and 1v2. 

See the explanation given above.  However, we need to get on the same page when referring to our formula:

1+1- means that One Attacker is Cooperating with One Defender

1v1- means that One Attacker is Competing with One Defender

1+2- means that One Attacker is Cooperating with Two Defenders

1v2- means that One Attacker is Competing with Two Defenders

2+1- means that Two Attackers are Cooperating with One Defender

2v1- means that Two Attackers are Competing with Two Defenders

You would, therefore, be using the 2+1 and 2v1 Small Sided Games to improve the wall pass.

The fundamentals book says always use 1+1, 1v1 etc.  The book does not mention 1+2.

The FUNdamental books have been written to help the individual in Attack and Defense and future publications will focus on combination Attacking and Defending.

Question 2:  If 1+2 is a small-sided game after half-time, where would I introduce the wall pass theme?

Let's first turn our formula around to read 2+1 so that we have 2 Attackers working with 1 Defender.  And then reread the above ‘flow chart' for the answer on when to introduce the wall pass theme.

Would I just concentrate on good passing in the 1+1?

If you feel that your players are poor in the passing department then YES you would use ‘the SERVE' in the 1+1 segment to improve your players passing technique.  However, you would begin with more focus on the passing of the ball during your demonstration/explanation.  Followed by partner passing/stretching during the Figure 8 warm-up and leading into ‘the SERVE' in the 1+1 and 1vs.1.

Question 3:  My final question is what is the difference between 1+2 and 2+1.

1+2 is One Attacker cooperating with 2 Defenders. 

2+1 is Two Attacker cooperating with 1 Defender.

Is it that 1+2 means one server to a receiver.

We have established that the 1^st number is the number of Attackers as in this case 1.  The second number is the number of Defenders as in this case 2.

The ‘Server' is the player with the ball who goes through ‘the SERVE' environment and eventually Pushes/Peeks/Passes the ball and becomes either a cooperative or competitive Defender.

The ‘Receiver' is the player that mirrors the Server through ‘the SERVE' pattern and becomes either a cooperative or competitive 1^st Attacker after receiving the ball.

If you would like more detailed explanation on the Server and Receivers function in Combination ‘SERVING' ask me for future publication.

Then 2+1 is one player (server) and a teammate serve to a receiver in the figure 8.

The figure 8 is terminology which is used only when talking about the Warm-up portion of our practice.  I believe you are referring to ‘the SERVE' when asking this question?  Let me know if you need further clarification on this note?

However, in your question we would have 2 Attackers + 1 Defender cooperating to do the wall pass correctly.  We could have the Defender ‘SERVE' the ball which is recommended.  Or one of the Attackers could 'SERVE' the ball to the partner to begin the action which is to result in a successful wall pass.

Hopefully your questions and my response will stimulate a new area of communication among CYSA coaches. 

Thank you for your detailed questions!

Karl Dewazien

CYSA State Coaching Director

Practice Routine

Practice Routine

Hello, I am coaching an under six coed team and was looking for some ideas on various games that we can play for the kids that pertain to soccer.  Can you help?

Thanks,

Shane Warner

Shane,

You have been given the title of 'Soccer Coach' and your job is to teach the children how to play the game of soccer.  Rather than looking for various games, teach them our game- soccer.  The CYSA Coaching school program suggests that you put ACTION into your practice sessions.

Activity must be one of your main goals when dealing with young players.  You must understand that players come to practice to play SOCCER.  Therefore, any activity that does not involve playing soccer may become disruptive.

Clarify your practice session rules and expectations through individual and team discussions.  That is, have the team decide what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior.  It's actually fun to have them vote on their own practice session rules.  Then, you must act firmly, fairly, consistently and matter of factly when their actions go against their own established rules.

Teach less!  When players and balls are moving, soccer learning is taking place.  When players and balls stop moving, soccer learning stops!  Ask yourself "does it happen in the game (i.e. drills)"?  If the answer is YES, then do it in practice.  If the answer is NO, then don't do it in practice.  Remember, they come to you to play SOCCER!

Interest in playing soccer needs to be developed.  You may be faced with players who are not interested in playing our wonderful game and you must adjust accordingly.  Give appropriate attention to the disinterested players but not at the expense of the rest of the team.  Then, make the practices so much FUN that the disinterested player may want to join.  Remember that when you are working with your players you must be helpful, understanding and as patient as you are with your own children when they are learning other skills in life.

Organize the practice session in such a manner that it becomes apparent it is a rehearsal for the game day routine.  This can only be accomplished through a consistent, sequential routine that allows your players to learn what is expected.  It is wise to avoid variety.  If they are introduced to something different at each practice session this will lead to some confusion, and confusion can lead to disinterest.

No Laps.  No Lines.  No Lectures!  Running around the field may be considered punishment.  They already know how to stand in a line.  It is a fact that their attention span is less than 15 seconds.  You must create a practice environment that minimizes listening/lecture time and maximizes touches with the ball and playing time.  In other words, allow them to play the game of soccer which forces them to make decisions and learn on their own.  Allow them to experiment and fail their way to success!

To put ACTION into your practice, use the CYSA Nine Step Practice Routine.

The CYSA Nine Step Practice Routine

Before each practice: Establish a Theme (what they will learn).  Socialize and play a FUN game (i.e. Simon Says).

Step 1. Begin Practice

            Give a demonstration/explanation of your Theme.

Step 2. Warm-Up

            Use the Figure 8 Stretch Routine and apply your Theme between the stretches.

Step 3. One + One - Two players with one ball (cooperative play)

            Players - focus on learning the Theme.

            Coach - help only those who need help.

Step 4. One vs. One (competitive play)

            Players - test the Theme vs. one opponent at a time.

            Coach - observe & take notes!

Step 5. Practice Half-Time Routine

            Another demonstration/explanation of the Theme if necessary.

Step 6. Play Small Sided Game(s)

            Cooperative:

                      Players - focus on learning the Theme vs. more opponents.

                      Coach - help only those who need help.

            Competitive:

                      Players - test the Theme vs. more opponents.

                      Coach - observe & take notes!

Step 7. Play Scrimmage

            Cooperative:

                      Players - focus on learning the Theme vs. opposing team.

                      Coach - help only those who need help.

            Competitive:

                      Players - test the Theme vs. opposing team.

                      Coach - observe & take notes!

Step 8. Cool-Down (stretch)

Step 9. End Practice

Review, compliment and assign homework.

Your next personal ACTION should be to attend a CYSA Coaching Course, where we will further develop your confidence and youth coaching abilities!  You may want to check out our list of upcoming Coaching Courses.

Karl Dewazien

CYSA State Coaching Director