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BOOK BACKGROUND
The idea for this book came from feedback we received from our website, soccerpracticebooks.com.
Coaches sent us e-mails asking questions as basic as: " I have never coached full field, how do I line up my team?" or "I am playing a 3-5-2 and am concerned about my defense, any advice?"
We researched libraries and the web to see why coaches were coming to us with these questions. What we found was astonishing. There were either very in depth resources, such as entire books or videos on one system (i.e.4-4-2) or on one aspect (i.e.zonal play).
At the other end, we found very superficial information on systems of play.
What was missing was a single source of information that covered current systems of play and gave some basic information about them. Nor was there much information for coaches on what the team requirements are, what the coaching requirements are and how to adapt strategies based on game situations and the opponents.
So we set out to define the most common systems of play for full field soccer (11v11), and small sided soccer (indoor 6v6 and outdoor 8v8). Each system and it's variations are explained on a single page and a second page shows the basic line-up, typical defensive, transitional and attacking situations. This includes positions and development of plays.
This book is not meant to treat each system in great depth. Rather it is designed to give the coach a tool to firstly decide which system to pick for the team and then provide enough information to get started and adapt.
BOOK DESIGN
Each system has an introduction page that provides an overview of the system, which could be historical, philosophical, psychological or strategic in its nature.
It then describes the team requirements to play the particular system, discussing players' skill, physical fitness and mental preparation demands.
We provide coaching requirements to give an understanding of what to expect and how to go about developing the team.
Finally, we briefly discuss game strategy, strengths and vulnerabilities and how to respond to opponents in some key situations.
The second page of each system has four diagrams with accompanying instructions.
The first diagram shows a picture of the basic line up and describes responsibilities of each player.
The second, third and fourth diagrams show positional plays for defending, transitioning and attacking. Player movement and tactics are indicated.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Choosing a system of play and a game strategy is the most important and often the first decision a coach must make for the team. There are two main philosophies:
1. The coach insists on a particular system and recruits players that fit or trains available players to conform.
2. The coach evaluates the players and talent, the opposition and then picks a system that is best suited for the team available.
Both philosophies are valid. What is important is to recognize the particular situation and choose the appropriate philosophy. For example, in situations with a short pre-season and little or no recruiting, philosophy # 2 is more appropriate. On the other hand, with a long pre-season and the ability to recruit prior to training camp, philosophy # 1 is appropriate.
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Copyright Sauder Consulting Inc. 2001-2004.
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