What does that look like?

Can you play with your 'eyes up'?

Not literally all the time, but it's a brain game. If you are aware and can connect with your team mates after a bit of skill or while you are on the run, that makes the difference!

Better Teams Move the Ball Faster

Literally this time, the ball moves faster! If we can move it quick enough, it's impossible to defend. That means need to keep pushing the tekkers, first touch, zip on the passes to feet and the movements to support play. Creating the angles we need with the passes and the movements. Need to relax on the ball and trust our teammates, working with and for them. Nothing helps team mates more than talking.

Bang it in the Back of the Net

We always remember special goals and social media goes daft about them. Nothing wrong with enjoying them, will always be an odd one. The goals that win games or competitions are usually much simpler and have a higher conversion rate though- in and around 6 yard box 1 in 3 is realistic.

Control the Space- They go Round us not Through us

Controlling the central space forces teams to use the wide areas where we have the touchlines to help. We want to make the areas of the pitch where the opponents can play as small and as busy as possible. To control the central space in the defensive third, we want to keep the back 4 in tact, with midfielders filling in when needed. We want to protect the spaces between the back 4, preferring the ball outside the full back into the wide area. We want to stop crosses in the wide area and we must track runners and position to reduce cut back options.

Physicality & Concentration

At least 90% of the game is decided by physicality, intensity and desire.

We must compete with our body between the ball and the opponent every time- win then secure the ball. If we can get any contact on the opponent, teammates can double up.