posted 6th April 2024
Another day at the office... But not an ordinary day! Which is quite frankly, a normal day...
So today I was with the U12s. We hosted another local club, Semi-Professional at senior level, to add some context.
The referee did not make it unfortunately, so I was afforded the privilege of refereeing the fixture, nice!
This aside, the game was played in a decent spirit from both teams. The opposition had 8 players only for the fixture. So to ensure the game took place in 'our spirit of the game' approach, we equaled the numbers, so also played with 8 and had 5 substitutes (insert plaudits).
First situation, players profusely complaining about contact. Pulling, pushing and kicking... I allowed for advantages to be played whilst reminding players that football is in fact a semi-contact sport, (side-note - I do not blame the children, I put the responsibility squarely on what they hear and see, supported by parental guidance and 'match of the day' coaches. 'What are match of the day coaches'?, you ask... So, when I say 'match of the day coaches' I am directly referring to coaches who clearly do not have a clue... They watch the analytics of Match of the day and turn up at a field near you, having learned a new word associated to football and suddenly, sound more relevant! Back in the 90's, these MOTD coaches were an eyesore! White socks tucked into their tracksuit bottoms, polo shirt collar flicked up and bellowing out instructions with 90% of the receptive audience have no idea what he is saying!), I digress...
So, an offside was given by the home linesman, which was met by the opposing parents shouting complaints at him... First pearl of wisdom; our 10 year old goalkeeper shouts out, and I quote; 'The ref has given his decision so I don't see a point in you arguing!' Bravo...
At the interval, with all the players grouped and strategising, the most important pear of wisdom landed.
Team captain JJ stated, and I quote; 'Don't try to beat one player with multiple moves... Beat multiple players with one move'. As a self proclaimed mental acquisitive, I loved this statement and as a result, will keep it as a treasured pearl of wisdom.
I find that it works on many levels, physically, and cognitively. Football is a physical adaptation of Chess, to me. There are varying systems and ways of playing, and to be honest, just as chess pieces, each of the 10, 14, 18 or 22 players on the field of play are limited to a set of moves, or perimeters, by way of rules of the game and capabilities.
Theoretically, this statement works in many situations we negate, however, in a sporting context, I stringently relate the comment to specifically having a contiguous approach and presence of mind to be cognitively aware enough to understand the situation you are in, and selecting the simplest solution in order to deal with multiple outcomes...
Laws of contiguity should be but seconds in the thought process, so, the actions relating to the desired outcome. The only way this can happen is by presenting thematic game- related situations for the players to interact with in training in order to test as many variable as possible. This takes weeks! or, months! Not one session.
I continue to digress. However, it pays to not limit yourselves to a streamlined point of use information as inspiration can come from an array of sources! Thank you JJ