There is nothing in sports more satisfying to a coach than seeing a team grow before your eyes.

All the long hours spent on the camp circuit are worthwhile when I see a team come together and grow as one. This was the case this past week as I watched the Lima Senior Spartans play summer league games after having had the pleasure of working with them in a camp setting at the end of June.  I had actually watched the Spartans play a summer league game before camp started to get a feel for where the team was. I spoke with head coach Mitch Monfort about what he wanted to work on during camp. From these observations and discussions I put a plan together for camp.  The camp went well and I was eager to see the players in live game situations.

I was not disappointed in what I saw and as the evening wore on became pleasantly surprised at the growth taking place before my very eyes. Disciplined defense complimented by versatility on the attack is what I preach and teach. Over the course of a doubleheader one evening last week this is exactly what I observed.  The first match was against the Lima Central Catholic entry in summer league play. The defense was stout and the attack effective albeit a little too direct at times. However, I really do not have a problem with direct play if this is what the defense is giving us.  The Spartans found an advantage and exploited it to a rather easy victory.  The problem I do have with direct play is when it becomes a teams attacking identity.

Versatility is the key when attacking.

In the second match the Spartans faced a veteran team from Continental that was physically big, deep and fairly well talented. The challenge for Lima Senior in this match would be markedly different than the one Lima Central Catholic presented in the first match of the evening. An added degree of difficulty would be in evidence as the Spartans would play their second match of the evening against a rested opponent. These are the type of challenges that should be embraced during the preseason months as they help prepare a team for obstacles they will encounter when their regular season starts.

About midway through a scoreless first half the Spartans began finding a rhythm with their attack.  It had become evident to them the direct attack that had worked so very well against LCC in the first match was not going to generate the same type of results in the second match against Continental.  What I became very excited about was the collective problem solving ability the team displayed in recognizing the need to change their attacking philosophy to meet the new challenge presented by a different opponent.

In the second half of the match against Continental the Spartans had a 10-12 minute stretch that saw them play in a manner worthy of soccer being called the beautiful game. There was patience and poise on display as the team moved the ball side to side, backward and forward forcing their opponents defense to continually move and shift until seams opened through which to attack. And attack the Spartans did with pace! 

As I sat in the stands watching this display I couldn't help but smile.  The problem solving ability on display coupled with the use of technical, tactical, physical and psychological tools the team is developing were on display. By no means was it a finished product. There is certainly much to work on, but they laid a foundation on which to build.  Over the course of 3 hours on a summer evening a noticeable display of improvement played out before our eyes. A good start.  Definitely a satisfying moment yet that satisfaction can be but a fleeting moment as there is much work to be done if the team is to be satisfied with its performance four months from now at the end of their season.

Next Play!

Soccer is a game you play with your brain.

 

Johan Cruyff

 

Soccer is indeed a game played with your brain. It's all about the problems the game presents and the decisions made to solve those problems. In-game problems are usually presented by opponents, but referees and even the environment can also pose problems to be solved. These problems constantly present themselves to individuals, small groups of players and entire teams throughout the course of a game.

 

Physical mistakes will be made.          Mental mistakes will be made.

 

There is no disputing that mistakes will be made. In fact, a lot of mistakes will be made. That's not really the issue here. No, what we are concerned with is the reaction to a mistake.

 

Once a mistake is made it becomes part of history.

 

This is a fact. Nothing can be done for the last play when the mistake was made. The only viable option is to look to the next play. To state it another way, the last play is no longer something you can control, but the next play is. 

 

The game does not allow for compounding your mistakes by hanging your head and muttering "my bad."  If you take that route you will find yourself in the exact same place your mistake has come to rest - the past. The game will leave you behind. 

 

The wiser course of action is to keep moving with the game. Move on to the next play because that's where the action is taking place. That's where you need to be in mind, body and spirit. Do not delay in getting there for that would only perpetuate the cycle of negativity. Stay in the game. Stay in the moment. Stay out of the past. Keep your focus on the Next Play!

 

 

The best immediate reaction to a mistake is no reaction.

Stay in the game. Stay in the moment.

 

 - this is a sign of maturity in your game.