The Dutch Game

What we call The Dutch Game is a simple three team possession game with continuous play. A neutral player may be used.  1 v 1 v 1 + 1N or 3 v 1 is the simplest form of the game. With a squad of 18 it can be played 6 v 6 v 6 or 12 v 6.  The Dutch Game is typically used as a warm up activity and played in a grid sized appropriate for the players ages and abilities.  Everyone knows and uses some variations of this game.  What I will address today is some of the coaching points that can be made while using the game.



Attacking Play

* Encourage players to play with their heels to the borders of the grid as much as possible. This will allow the player to have eyes on the game at all times.

* Young or inexperienced players will tend to gravitate towards the corners while keeping their bodies open to the field.  This is a major no-no as the borders of the grid then act as extra defenders.  Players should remain with backs along the sides of the grid as much as possible.

* Ball movement is predicated on player movement. If you want the ball, you must move in a purposeful manner that demands a pass be made to you. Be in the passer's vision early - before the passer-to-be's first touch on the ball.

* Each and every time the ball moves, supporting players need to adjust their positioning.

* If the ball carrier / passer is under pressure, teammates must move toward him to provide proper passing angles and be in his vision as the passer's head will be down to the ball.

* If the passer is not under pressure, teammates must provide proper passing angles while not cluttering the space around the passer.

* Be back-footed players. That is, encourage players to receive the ball across their body to keep their bodies open to as much of the grid as possible,

* If using the game to reinforce specific passing technique such as the push pass be diligent on demanding toes up / heel down / strike with the ankle bone / follow through.

* With older age groups and or more advanced skill levels the emphasis should be on problem solving over specific techniques.

* Communication:  Pass along information after passing the ball. Give a pass. Give information.  Remember that you become the receiver's eyes when his go down to receive the ball.

* Combination passing.  Dependent on the size of the grid in use, various passing combinations can be worked on within the game. Stress knowing and recognizing the cues for combination passing.

Defending Play

* Defending as a pack

* Organize on the pressure defender

* Pressure defender should seek to make play predictable.

* Support defenders must communicate. "Force right (or left)" to help the pressure defender make play predictable.

* Support defenders should be in the passing lanes

* Do not allow the big switch of field.  Do not allow the attackers to "split" the defensive shape with a through ball.

* Upon winning the ball, emphasize Safe Pass to secure possession.


A couple of additional thoughts about the Dutch Game.

* Try playing this game in a circle instead of a grid.  The Circle Game is an on steroids version of the Dutch Game.  Keep it in simple Dutch Game form when starting out.

* The high school program where I learn the Dutch Game became very adept at possessing the ball but not so skilled at scoring the ball.  To remedy this I recommend variations of the Dutch Game that award points for playing side to side (switching the field) and utilizing depth (drop passes) and penetration (target play).  

* Variations to The Dutch Game are only limited by the extent of your imagination. Tweak and adjust the basic format to address specific areas of play.