Whether we like it or not, soccer at the U14 level is more competitive than the recreational “gurus” want to admit. At this level many are on the verge of High School soccer and the foundation for a solid High School player must be established.
At the U14 level, some of you are exposed for the first time to the 11 v 11 concept of soccer. Following are descriptions of my expectations for the positions on the field. Please read them and re-read them so you know what is expected when you play the respective positions
NO team wins games without cohesion (unity). Team players who try to degrade other team members either on or off the field create a hostile environment creating friction and defeat. Team players, on the other hand, who are cohesive, supportive and communicative, make up winning combinations. Regardless of the score, this team walks off the field at the end of a game with pride and a real sense of team accomplishment.
Hans Willemse
GK - Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is responsible for the area surrounding the goal. That includes the directing of fullbacks and other defenders. The goalkeeper is also responsible for the proper distribution of the ball once he/she has control of it.
The keeper must always be cognizant of the protection area at the goal. This includes the 1:1 ratio between the imaginary triangle formed between the posts and the ball's possible offensive trajectory.
When a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, the keeper stands 3/4 distance from the near post (the post nearest the ball), and directs defenders to the proper positions.
The keeper takes control and is a leader, NOT a bossy individual.
FB - Fullback
With the 4-1-3-2 formation, there are four fullbacks: ORFB-the Outside Right Fullback, IRFB- the Inside Right Fullback, ILFB- the Inside Right Fullback, and ORFB- the Outside Right Fullback.
The Fullbacks are the last, or third defensive line for an attacking opponent (the forward and midfield lines are the first and second defending lines).
Fullbacks must work together as a shifting and sagging unit to prevent opponent penetration.
Two defenders should always approach an offensive player with the ball, especially when in our own half of the field. The first priority is to slow or stop the opponent, then force him/her towards the touchline so that the danger of a shot on goal or fatal pass (one that another opponent can easily score) is reduced or eliminated.
When two of the Fullbacks shift to defend an opponent with the ball, the other defenders must ensure that no holes are left in the defense. This means that the midfielders, in particular the Rear Center Midfielder shift and sag into the void.
Once control of the ball is safely acquired, distribution by the fullbacks is next. This doesn't mean that the Fullback merely boots the ball away from the penalty area.
Distribution must be done such that our team retains the ball. It may be a simple forward space pass to a midfielder or a lofted ball to the forward line.
Fullbacks must be careful not to pass or move a ball across the goal area, but rather keep the movement forward when possible.
As the keeper is not allowed to handle a ball that is passed back by a teammate, if a ball is passed back to the keeper, it must be done with the clear intention that the keeper can redistribute the ball easily with the feet.
MF- Midfielder
With the 4-1-3-2 formation there will be four Midfielders; one in the rear of the midfield line and three in the front of the midfield line.
Midfielders control the flow of the game. All eleven players on the field are always on either offense or defense, depending on which team has the ball. For the Midfielders, this is most critical to realize. If a ball goes past the Midfielders, a potential score against our team is possible. If distribution from the midfield to the forwards is botched, the opponent regains possession of the ball.
The Rear Center Midfielder (RrCMF) is basically a stopper for the Midfield. That player must stop any ball the opponent places in the mid area. Once stopped and controlled, proper distribution becomes paramount.
The Forward Center Midfielder (FCMF) has the responsibility of ball placement in the most strategically advantageous place for our team to score. The FCMF is additionally responsible for backing the forwards as they drive the ball to the opponent's goal. It is easy for the FCMF to assume a forward position in the heat of the game, but that will allow a wide open area in the midfield. The FCMF must have mental and physical control of the game. While the forwards are in an attack mode, the FCMF is also in the attack mode as the rear point of the attack triangle. Once the attack shifts into defense, the FCMF MUST retreat quickly into the defensive mode. It is this reason that FCMFs must have more stamina than almost any other player. He/she has very little recovery time during a game.
The Right and Left Midfielders (RMF and LMF) are responsible for the slowing and consequent winning of an opponent's ball as they come up the field towards our goal. The RMF and LMF must ensure that the opposing player is forced towards the touchline, so that little freedom is left for the opponent, i.e., we must be in control of what happens to the ball.
FWD- Forward
Whether it is a 4-1-3-2 formation, a 4-4-2, a 5-2-1-2 or whatever formation, if the last number is a 2, the basic responsibilities for the Forwards are the same. They must work extremely close together to score goals. While the Midfielders have the job of providing the initial forward pressure by distribution to the front, either through possession dribbles or smart and accurate passing, the Forwards must create the opportunity for it.
The ultimate for the Forwards is to help to put, or put the ball in the back of the opposition's net. The responsibility is to put themselves in a position to make it possible to receive proper balls forwarded by the rest of the team.
The Forward must pay close attention to the open spaces the opposition creates, either by their lack of experience or choice, when having to make defending decisions.
For a team to function at its peak, Forwards as well as all other players must work together towards two common goals: scoring and preventing scores against us. Forwards must communicate both verbally and physically to make this happen. Once team players know what another will most likely do or expect, the game becomes a symphony of plays rather than a ragtag of kicked and missed balls.
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