Movement...and Counter Movement

Wow, has it really been two years since I last did this?

Last post was published April 13, 2014. During that time, I really wanted to have "guest" coaches on this blog to provide something different from what I was able to do so at the time. I still want this to happen, and hopefully I can find some willing colleagues in my new environment in Des Moines, Iowa.

In the last two years, much has happened. I feel that I have developed so much as a coach, but have also stagnated for periods during this time. I am very optimistic about the changes that have happened for my family (and thus my career) in the past four months or so, and I am excited to continue my development as a soccer coach in the right direction.

I've been thinking about this for some time and watched a video tonight that compelled me to write this. At the highest levels of the game, not only do we see movement of individual players, but also counter movement. Additionally, we see movement as a result of individual movement.

I realize that I am using the word "movement" excessively, but bear with me. There are many layers to work with here.

First, movement into space by an individual player is often to receive the ball or present a passing option. However, a direct movement from point A to point B is easily read and often results in the nearest defender following that player to eliminate him (or her) as a passing option.

It is here where we see a separation from average and good players. An average player will simply run in a straight line toward where he wishes to receive the ball next. However, a good player will often utilize a "counter-movement" (such as checking away and then coming back, or checking to and running into space behind) to lose the defender and create space, no matter how little, to receive the ball with time to turn or take an additional touch if needed.

On top of that, a great player will read his teammate's movement, and quickly provide an additional supporting option for where the ball will be once passed to the initial player, often with a counter-movement of his own.

As the late, great Johan Cruyff said, "What is speed? The sports press often confuses speed with insight. See, if I start running slightly earlier than someone else, I seem faster."

The trick is how to teach players how to read and understand the game at that speed.