Manchester Youth Soccer League: Tactics

A constant headache to youth coaches is seeing their players wander all over the field - usually with the soccer ball not too far away. The soccer ball does have a hypnotic affect - players just want to be
"where the action is". As kids get older they miraculously spread out because the ball travels greater distances with more powerful kicks. Nature takes its course.

However, it's still easy to get disoriented on the pitch (field) without some kind of GPS. The goal posts provides an easy reference for players.

Right click on soccer field (below) and "open link in new window".

This example shows 8 players including the goalie. The field has been divided into 3 zones.

LEFT ZONE - From left goal post (blue flag looking forward) to the near sidelines
CENTER ZONE - Between the goal posts (blue flags forward - red flags behind)
RIGHT ZONE - From the right goal post (blue flag looking forward) to the near sidelines

Notice - the players have moved into a double diamond attacking shape (center mid has the ball). Actually, there are 3 diamonds in this attacking formation. The third diamond figure is not in this illustration. Where would it be placed - what players would be a part of it?

Here is how the GOAL POST GPS works.

Offense

Left back and left striker should stay in the left zone until the ball goes into the other 2 zones. Then they can slide into the middle zone.
Left and right midfielders should stay in the right zone until the ball goes into the other 2 zones. Then they can slide into the middle zone.
Center Midfielder should stay in the center zone between the goal posts. However, if the ball is near either sidelines, she can slide laterally halfway between the center of the goal and the sidelines. Remember, the center midfielder is our playmaker - the only player who is part of both diamonds. If she strays too far, our attacking team shape disappears. Result, total chaos.

Defense

When the other team has the ball, attacking team shape does not exist while zone discipline is still important. Defenders (backs and midfielders) must mark up goal side (see glossary in right margin). The strikers mark up on our opponents defensive backs to prevent back passes.

Of course the soccer ball rarely travels in a straight line up and down the field. Therefore, players must be flexible. For example, if you are the closest player on your team to the ball, you must go to the ball wherever it is. This is just one of numerous examples.