Soccer Parents Guide: Watch A Game Like A Coach

As a Soccer Parent in our vibrant youth soccer scene, understanding the game from a coach’s perspective can significantly enhance the soccer journey for both you and your child. This guide seeks to bridge that understanding by introducing a method named S.C.a.N.

Spacing, Connections, and Nuance. By embracing this method, you’ll learn to view soccer games through a tactical lens. The aim is to produce a more supportive environment for young players. Less telling on the ball. More understanding around the ball.

Introduction to S.C.a.N – An “Eyes Off” Method of ObservingSoccer

The ‘eyes off’ approach is about focusing on the broader game dynamics rather than merely following the ball. This method unveils a world of strategic decision-making that forms the backbone of every soccer match, helping you appreciate the complexities coaches navigate during games.

Spacing: The Foundation of Tactical Awareness

Spacing is fundamental to maintaining a strong formation on the field. The right distance between players aids in keeping the ball within our team and minimizes the effort needed to find open spaces to move the ball. As the ball moves from side to side, the entire team should shift accordingly, ensuring that there isn’t more than 40 yards between the last and first player both vertically and horizontally on the field. Individuals should not be more than 10-12 yards away from each other within those spaces.

A crucial aspect of spacing is the involvement of the goalkeeper. Instead of goalkeeper remaining near the goal line, encouraging the goalkeeper to come out of the area and support defenders enhances the connectivity of the team.

By being brave and moving in tandem with the game flow, the goalkeeper becomes an additional asset, for example in your 6v6 games at AYSO, instead of the keeper standing in a small goal, encourage them to be an outfielder with gloves. Now we can move from having a 5v5 game with goalkeepers to making the play essentially a 6 vs 5 scenario.

Formations are merely starting structures; the essence is in maintaining support around the ball as the game unfolds…

Connections: Building Team Synergy

Connections are about establishing relationships between players on the field. utilizing the spacing to offer height, width, and depth in support. The interplay of connections can be visualized through lots of triangles and diamonds among players, which is a hallmark of a well-coordinated team.

The principle of connections extends beyond mere player positioning; it’s about understanding the dynamics of the game and ensuring players are never isolated. Good connections facilitate keeping the ball within the team, creating more scoring opportunities, and transitioning smoothly from defense to offense.

Improving connections can be achieved through small-sided games with specific conditions, as outlined in our ebook. These games help players work on their teamwork and understand the importance of supporting each other on the field.

Nuance: The Art of Tactical Flexibility

Nuance is about the subtle adjustments in strategy based on the unique strengths of individual players or the challenges posed by opponents

Real-world examples like the tactical usage of Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku at Man City, or Messi’s observational strategy, illustrate the importance of nuance in soccer strategy. Being aware a coach may have asked a player to take on a specific role or responsibility for the team is important to understand. Just because it looks wrong, does not mean it isn’t right or what has been asked of the player.

Conclusion: Embracing the S.C.a.N Method

To start our S.C.a.N, it’s essential to begin from the back and work forward, keeping the ‘eyes off the ball’ mentality. This lens unveils the tactical finesse of soccer, fostering a richer understanding and a more supportive environment for our young players.

Dive deeper into coaching insights on our Coaches Hub.