Bays United Fury - U14 Gold Boys

BAYS FURY 5 - SAANICH FUSION 0

Mathew, back from injury, steps over the ball while attacking Fusion

Another great game by the boys this past weekend. The boys continued to show great intuition on the field and all of them have taken instructions well. Our defence continued to show resilience and determination and have continued to join the attack when needed. Our strikers continue to be a threat and our wingers are much more settled into the concept of being wide on the field. I do have to say though that for me, our center mid was much more effective in this game and I cannot write this post without giving them the props they deserve. Well done Justin and Koby.

Although the score matters, at this stage of the season it is how we are playing that matters most. The tenacity and ability to play as a team is what we need to cement down, not individual plays. Hence, the 5-0 score was appropriate but what was most telling was the fact that the amount of Turn-Overs is down, that our possession time has increased and that our ability to get the ball back from the opposition has improved. Well done fellas.

Jonathan sends a long pass to the strikers

Since we have come to the end of round 2, in this post I will focus on what the boys have been doing well and what we need to improve on as a team ~ I am focusing on the TEAM rather than each player.

Where we NEED to Improve

COMMUNICATION: Although it is better, we are still lacking a strong understanding of communication on the field. You see, communication is not just who talks or how loud one talks. It is when and what is said that matters. Thus, having a player tell another after a mistake is done "come on man" is not helpful. Just the same, calling someone's name without providing direction (like "I'm on your right") or providing help ("you got time") is not helpful at all either. So instead of saying "Tyler, Tyler, TYLER!", we must aim at helping Tyler by telling him (and all your teammates) what he can do and how you can help.

Screaming at your player because you want the ball does not help either - sometimes they have better options than you. Remember too that yelling at someone with no help places undue pressure on him from his own player (God knows Darcy and I already place enough pressure on them). So be positive and helpful when you are on the field.

Thomas mounts another attack after skipping past the Fusion defender

DECISION MAKING: We need to be better at making decisions when attacking and defending. When attacking, holding on to the ball for too long reduces the element of surprise which wrecks havoc on the opposition. The faster we move the ball, the less time our opposition has to set up to defend against us. When defending, it is crucial that we do not just follow the ball. Each player has to remember what your role is AND most of all, who that player is checking. Boys, take a look around you. By doing that, you will improve your defensive positioning substantially. I guarantee it.

Tyler takes the space on the wing supported by Gabriel and Koby

OFFSIDES: I do not mind when a player is called offside and it is tight (refs make bad calls too). But when players get called offside and it is clear that they are a few feet offside, it shows a lack of understanding of their role and demonstrates that they are so focused on the ball and scoring that they are not paying attention to their position. We must focus on ensuring that we know where we are before the ball is kicked. It is true that many players walk a fine line between being offside and putting pressure on the opposition. But let's be more disciplined about this: in the end, if we get called offside, it is the team that loses a chance, not you.

Finn looks to do a one touch pass to his teammates

MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL: When I was a kid in El Salvador, I had an Argentinian coach who would always say to us "You do the most running when you are not on the ball not when you have it". Yes, it is true that seeing Messi or Ronaldo go at defenders at full speed while dribbling through one, two or more players is beautiful. But let's be realistic: how often do you think that happens? And perhaps more importantly, have you seen how much more often they just pass the ball and make runs off the ball? You see, it is the ability to exploit spaces in the middle of the field that creates a perfect team. So, this means that we cannot rely on Koby, Justin, Gabriel and others to just "go go go". What we need is for players to move constantly so that whoever has the ball has at least two options for passing. Once in the box, well, that is another story. But for now, keep in mind that moving into spaces is a key factor in this game. We are doing it, but we need to do so ALL the time.

Justin heads the ball breaking up another attack by Fusion

FINISHING: I know most of you will say "how can you bring this up when we have the most goals in the league?" Well, it is not so much the goals we got that matter but the amount of chances we have missed that worry me. We must be more clinical. Missing one-on-ones, free kicks and most of all CORNER KICKS, have become a bit too common. These should be goals, period. Why? First because we have to quality to finish. But more importantly because when we hit teams that are as good as we are, the difference may be marked by that one chance we get ~ if we fail on that, we may fail during the whole game.

Robbie tries a shot while in space

Where we HAVE Improved

POSITIONING: I have seen more of you follow instructions. Our wingers have been much better in the last few weeks. I specify our wings because with the likes of fast runners like Marcel, Tyler and Gabriel, we are doing a disservice to the team if they cannot use their speed. But the key is to have them in positions where they can exploit space and use their speed. This is why I am happy to see them sticking wide on the field. Even if they do not get the ball, other teams are going to be so worried about them that they will inevitably open up the field for our team to use. Well done wingers (Mathew, Hamish and Ben included). Our center defenders and midfielders have been much better at understanding their role and why they need to hold positions, even when they have the energy to push into the box. Last, our forwards have been very good at running diagonals and creating space for us to put the ball into. It is good to see us doing this.

Marcel settles and makes a pass to a teammate

RETRIEVING THE BALL BACK: It was only a month ago when I remember having a chat with the boys where I said "we are too soft". Well, I have to say that things are looking up. The "just jockey" move has to be executed but the reality remains that hard challenges win games. When we are in the middle or up the field from our net, we must go hard. Plain and simple. In my view, we have become better at this. Our wingers are returning to defend and get the ball back. Our forwards are forechecking more and even if they do not get the ball in their feet, they cause throw-ins in our favor. Overall, it is our new-found mentality to get possession back that has marked a difference in the team and I cannot be prouder to see it unfold.

HARDER CHALLENGES: I saw it against Lakehill and I also saw it this past weekend against Saanich ~ we are using our body more and getting "stuck in" more. This is a must. You see boys, no matter how technical you are, if you are not strong enough to challenge for the ball, your game will be reduced by 50%. Just like if you are very skillful but get winded after two sprints. Now, let me be clear: this does NOT mean hurt players. I do not and will not accept any such play ~ we must play fair. What you must do is go hard for the BALL, not the player. Lately, I have seen many of you push more, fight more and most importantly, not give up. This attitude will take you far and most of all, will serve the team well. Excellent work!

Hamish goes past a defender and works hard to push forward

TEAM ATTITUDE: I see more camaraderie in the team. I see more of you laughing together and chatting more. Keep it up ~ a team is only as strong as the bond that unites its players. Yes, we all love the game, but if we are friends, our team will go even farther.

PRACTICES: I see more focused players in practices ~ this is key. You cannot expect to play well in a game when in practice you do not listen, give it only half of your effort and see no purpose on them. I want to commend you and encourage you in working hard. Practice like you would play in a game. I am happy to see this happening.

Conclusion

We are in the thick of it. This team has what it takes ~ but even with the skill we got, we cannot sit back and think that because we have a ton of goals we are the best. Not at all: the best teams are those who never know they are the best but believe that with work they can be the best.

So lets' keep working.

To ALL the Parents, thank you again. Whether you agree with me or not, I do hope that you continue to trust my approach and that your son is coming home happy to be in this team. They are part of something special. I am privileged to witness it first hand.