Coach's Corner

PASSING

Passing, and more precisely, smart passing is the heart and soul of soccer!   Passing is what allows us to keep possession of the ball, move it up the field and create scoring chances in the other team’s end.  In order to be able to carry out any tactical plan during a game – short of kicking and chasing – we need to become very comfortable with this skill

Here are a few points smart passing which may help you in your game:

1. Necessity/Need to

   
   Like with everything else, there should be a need to make the particular pass!  This may be to get out of pressure, to send the striker on a break-away, or to allow a better positioned teammate to carry out the attack.  Too often we pass when there is no need to do so, creating a problem for a teammate, or worse yet, losing possession.
   
   
2. Accuracy
   This one, I am sure, is obvious to everyone.  We all know the consequences of inaccurate passes.  On the other hand, accurate passes can be your “best offensive weapon”.  Short passes will generally be more accurate than longer ones.  Some situations will call for a pass to the feet, while others will require a pass into your teammate movement.  Regardless of the situation the accuracy of the direction is critical.  In order to play an accurate pass, you have to be aware of what is going on around you.  The responsibility for the pass lies with you - the passer.  Assume that responsibility.  Don’t just kick it because you think that your teammate just might happen to be where you are aiming.  The lack of responsibility for the pass is one of the most common mistakes.
   
   
3. Pace/Weight
   Weaker passes take longer to reach the target and give your opponents more time to react, while harder passes are more difficult for your teammate to control.  Attempt to find the optimum weight of the pass given the situation and the skill level of your teammate.  A pass to the feet should generally be as hard as possible within your teammate’s ability to receive it.  A pass into the movement has to be properly weighted given its direction and the direction and speed of your teammate.  As you can see, this can be quite tricky at times, but don’t worry, keep trying – there is no other way to learn.
   
   
4. Timing
   We can understand how this can be critical.  We have all seen these ”perfectly-timed” passes that caused so many problems for the opponents.  Sometimes, we take too long to pass and the opportunity is lost.  Other times, we are too impatient and pass before our teammate has a chance top get in position.  The only way to learn the proper timing is through game situations. Good communication between the passer and receiver is essential.  REMEMBER, it is the receiver who in most cases initiates the pass, so listen to and watch for cues from your teammates.
   
   
5. Disguise/Deceit
   Always try to disguise your intentions from the opponents while you are able to communicate them to your teammates.  You can disguise the direction of the pass by for example looking the other way or positioning your body a certain way while you pass.  These are advanced skills, which require extensive practicing with your teammates to avoid confusion when they are executed in the game.  However, being able to ‘con’ the opponents out of position can be a powerful offensive weapon.

INDIVIDUAL TACTICAL RULES

The difference between ‘Defense’ and ‘Offense’ is the ball possession.  That is, if we have the ball, then we all participate in Offense and when we loose the ball possession we are all on Defense.   Therefore, the individual tactical rules listed below apply to every player on the team (except maybe the goaltender).

On Offense, the main objective is to try to maintain the possession of the ball and generate scoring chances

On Defense, the main objective is to contain the threat from the opposing team and win the ball back as soon as possible

Knowing, understanding, and internalizing the individual tactical rules listed below will improve your game and make you a more effective and successful player.

Offense (Attack)

1.   Always act in a way that helps maintaining possession of the ball, BUT whenever possible, take advantage of the scoring opportunities (with a shot, cross, header, or a pass).

2.   The player in possession of the ball should always have at least two options for a pass (building of a triangle).

3.   Near the ball, always provide support to the player in possession of the ball by being available ball-side, i.e., in free position with no chance for the pass to be interfered with or intercepted by the opponent (no chance for the opponent to touch the ball).

4.   In general, always move towards the ball.

5.   If and whenever possible, strive to find (determine) the best passing option before you receive the ball.  Always stay focused, look around, and constantly re-assess the situation.

6.   Have courage and willingness to take risks in and around the opposing team’s penalty area and beat the opponent in a 1 vs. 1 situations with feints and deeks.  Courage and willingness to take risks are a necessary part of attack.

Defense

1.   Always hold and maintain the goal-side position on your opponent (the inside line), i.e. place yourself between the opponent and your own goal. 

2.   Always try to interfere with or disrupt the opponent before, or at the latest, while she/he receives the ball. If you are late and she/he gets the ball, DO NOT jump in.

3.   When you challenge the opponent in possession of the ball, always look at the ball and tempt her/him to make the first step.

4.   Always focus on and mark, or challenge the most “goal-dangerous” player on the opposing team.

5.   Safety goes before risk on defence.

You have to learn these rules for offensive and defensive play and should know them if you get asked!