3576 East St. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-977-9038 www.birminghamunited.com THE BUSA WAY 1
Contents: Club History ………………..………………………………………………….………3 Youth soccer Structure in the U.S…………………………………………………...3 Club Information ………………………………………………………………………4 Philosophy and Mission Statement ..……..………………………….……………..5 Club Structure ..………………………………………………….……………………5 Long Term Player Development Model……….……….…………………………...6 Development in Style of Play ……………………….……………….……………....7 Club and Team Organization ……………………………………………………..…9 Club Policies ……………..…………….…………………………………………….10 Club Guidelines………………………………………………………………………15 Risk Management……………………………………………………………………16 BUSA Style of Play…………………………………………………………………..17
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Youth Soccer in the United States (Structure): ! ! ! ! ! !
! United States Soccer Federation
OLYMPIC( DEVELOPMENT( PROGRAM(
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Club History In 2006, Birmingham United Soccer Association was formed as a result of a merger between Mountain Brook Soccer Club and American Jets Soccer Club. With over 2,100 registered members, access to over 21 soccer fields at 7 venues, and 7 full time staff members, BUSA has grown into one of the largest soccer clubs in Alabama. In 2009 BUSA became an official member of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), the highest level of youth soccer for girls in the USA.
Club Information Club Name Legal Status Affiliations
Home Office & Mailing Address Website Weather Hotline Main Competitive Training Complexes Number of Competitive Teams Training Sessions Per Week Club President Executive Director
Affiliations and Sponsors:
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Birmingham United Soccer Association – BUSA Non-Profit 501(C) 3 US Youth Soccer US Club Soccer ECNL – Elite Clubs National League Alabama Soccer Alabama FC (Tuscaloosa United & Huntsville F.C.) Rathmell Sports Park 3576 East St. Birmingham, AL 35243 Phone: 205-907-9038 Fax: 205-977-9099 www.birminghamunited.com 205-969-8729 Rathmell Sports Park – North Teams (U10 – U12 & all U13 and above) Sports Blast – South Teams (U10 – U12) Total: TBD Girls: TBD Boys: TBD U10: 2 sessions U11 – U13: 3 sessions U14 – U18: 3-4 sessions Evans Dunn Andrew Brower
Philosophy and Competitive Mission Statement BUSA is a full service soccer club whose goal is to serve all who want to play soccer within our local communities, the state of Alabama and beyond. Our goal is to teach our players the life values of hard work, determination, accountability and sportsmanship through the beautiful game of soccer.
BUSA Structure
Channels of Communications Board of Directors
Executive Director: Andrew Brower Finance Director: Cathy Thomas
ECNL Director & Girls Director of Soccer Operations: Ben Parks Asst. Girls Director: Tommy Cochran
Admin/Registrars: Ivy Duggan (Competitive) Garrett Becker (Recreational)
Boys Director of Soccer Operations: Kevin Laux South Director of Operations: Eric Ryan
Asst. Boys Director: Trey Knox
WPSL Coach Brad Mitchum
Competitive Staff Coaches
Junior Academy Director Jon Kresena
Team Managers
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Long Term Player Development Model BUSA’s Long Term Player Development Model is designed to accelerate each player’s development as they progress through the competitive program. This model is based on the physical, mental, and emotional maturity and needs for each age group.
Soccer consists of the following 4 elements: Physical Technical Coordination Speed & Speed Endurance Acceleration/Deceleration Agility Strength Endurance
Dribbling Receiving Short passing Long passing Shooting Heading Tackling 1v1 defending
Tactical
Psychosocial
Principles of Attack Principles of Defending Decision Making Systems of play
Competitiveness (effort & resiliency) Discipline (emotional and mental control) Respect (Communication) Commitment (direct correlation between ignition, commitment, and effort) *Concentration skills
These elements are developed through our Long Term Developmental Model: *The information in this table may be amended at any time at the discretion of the BUSA Director staff.
BUSA's Long Term Development Model Stage 1 Age Groups
U8 - U12 (8v8) Learning to Train Development Focus Technical Development and basic tactical understanding (decision making with and without the ball) to Training Objective create the BUSA Style of Play (See, BUSA Style of Play, pg.8)
2-3
Trainings Per Week
Elemental Focus
Stage 2 U13 & U14 Training to Compete Technical development for larger field. Tactical understanding of 1-aside soccer; Maintaining the BUSA Style of Play within a competitive framework
3
Player Evaluations
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U15 - U18 Competing to Win Transition period into playing to win; Playing to win in oldest age groups; U16 - U18, style of play reflective of ability level
3-4
Physical: Basic movement patterns and coordination; developing overall athletic ability
Physical: Advanced movement techniques; elevated endurance requirements for 11-a-side soccer
Physical: Refinements of movement techniques; Improving fitness levels for peak match performance
Technical: Fundamental skill development; small sided game skills
Technical: Refinement of techniques; skill development for 11-a-side soccer; higher level skills
Technical: Skill development through functional training
Tactical: Basic tactical concepts; Decision making in small sided game scenarios
Tactical: 11-a-side tactics intorduced and higher level thinking taught & expected. Team Tactics introduced
Tactical: Understanding and Application of team tactics to win games including playing different formations and styles of play.
Psychosocial: Respect - getting along with teammates, communicating with coaches, referees, etc.
Psychosocial: Discipline - Players learn the connection of discipline to success
Psychosocial: Competitiveness - knowing that adversity is a prelude to greatness; seeking out challenges
Discipline - Players begin learning Competitiveness - Players that details, no matter how small, continue seeing the value in are important adversity and learning how to respond to it. Competitiveness - Understanding Respect - Players continue learning role of adversity in athletics and that how to communicate with coaches, effort to overcome the adversity is teammates, referees, and what is valued. opponents.
Playing Time Estimates
Stage 3
Respect - Players know/learn how to communicate with coaches, referees, each other Discipline - Players continue learning & understanding the connection of discipline to success
Approximately 50% throughout the Approximately 30% throughout the Merit based – quality of performance, season. Attitude and effort will effect season; Players must begin to value attitude, and effort all effect playing playing time their performance and learn how to time. elevate it. Attitude and effort will effect playing time 2 per year - Fall & Spring
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2 per year - Fall & Spring; Players Ongoing throughout the year; Players begin learning how to evaluate their expected to recognize quality in own performance performance.
Development in the Style of Play: For years, our country promoted the style of soccer reflected in the diagram below, and accurately described as kick and run. Here athletic superiority reigns over technical skill, tactical intelligence, and psychosocial maturity. Teaching this approach to soccer governed our soccer culture for decades and produced an athletic, but poorly skilled and tactically inept, soccer player.
The passing sequence shown below requires physical, technical, tactical, and psychosocial superiority. Psychosocial superiority – to work as a unit; attacking and defending as a team
Technical superiority – skill in passing, receiving, dribbling, crossing and finishing to move the ball, defend to get the ball back, and control the game
Physical superiority – high levels of athletic ability and fitness to perform well for 90 minutes
Tactical superiority – to read the game and make intelligent decisions both in defense and attack
Training to play this way develops players in all four of these areas, creating a complete player.
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BUSA’s style of play attempts to produce soccer that reflects the above image. To do so we must teach the game in a way that reflects the following objectives in each phase of play: Phase of the Game: Attack Objective: Create chances and score goals using several methods so we are difficult to defend Methods/Principles used: 1. Possession and penetration through the center 2. Possession and penetration trough the width 3. Shooting from distance 4. Set pieces 5. Counter attacking
Phase of the Game: Transition to Defend Objective: Create opportunities to win the ball back while organizing defensive shape behind the ball Methods/Principles used: 1. Nearest player(s) applies immediate pressure 2. Players behind the ball and away from it recover to compact, and organized defensive shape
Phase of the Game: Defending Objective: win the ball back and prevent scoring chances Methods/Principles used: 1. Pressure 2. Cover 3. Balance 4. Recovery 5. Compactness
Phase of the Game: Transition to Attack Objective: Create a goal scoring chance quickly and before the opponent can reorganize defensively Methods/Principles used: 1. Look to play forward 1st 2. Join the attack at speed 3. Look to maintain possession away from pressure if forward pass is not available
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Club and Team Organization Each BUSA team operates under the BUSA policies and guidelines set forth in this document. All Staff Coaches are responsible for making decisions related to soccer. Team Managers serve as facilitators of all team functions. Should issues arise with respect to your team, the following chain of communication must be followed: •
For logistical issues with your respective team, i.e. budget, travel, uniforms, etc. – contact your Team Manager
•
For soccer related issues, such as your child’s performance, scheduling conflicts, etc. – Contact your Coach
•
For any other club related issues, contact your Coach first. If the issue is not resolved to your liking, let your coach know you will be taking the issue to your respective program director (ECNL, Boys Program, etc.) and contact them.
•
If the issue is still unresolved, you must communicate to your program director that you will be contacting the Director of Coaching.
BUSA Channels of Communication: Email is the preferred form of communication Soccer Related Issues: (Your child’s performance, scheduling conflicts, etc.)
Contact your Team’s Coach
Logistical Issues: (Team fees, travel, uniforms, etc.)
Contact your Team Manager
Contact your Team’s Program Director
Contact the Executive Director
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BUSA COMPETITIVE PROGRAM POLICIES Policy #1: Playing Time: Playing time is mandated by the club directors based on the established Long Term Development Model. Each age group/program connects with the intent to develop players physically, technically, tactically, and psychosocially: Age Groups U9 – U12 (all 8v8 teams)
U12 (11v11)
U13 & U14
U15 – U18
Playing Time Guideline: Approximately 50% throughout the season. Poor attitude and effort will effect playing time Approximately 50% throughout the season. U13 & U14: Approximately 30 % minimum throughout the season; Poor attitude and effort will effect playing time. *Exceptions may be made for RPL teams Division 1 or higher: Merit based – quality of performance, attitude and effort all effect playing time. Division 2: Approximately 30 % minimum throughout the season; Poor attitude and effort will effect playing time.
•
• •
Purpose: Key developmental period – players need to play in order to create enjoyment of the game, ignite passion for the game, and maximize development at this age. Focus on learning to train & compete Physical maturity happening/nearing its end. Playing time minimum allows players to work through their physical adaptations;
• •
Playing time now used as a motivational tool. Players begin learning value in performance; how to elevate personal performance
•
Players continue learning connection between performance and playing time Preparation for next level (college experience)
•
Purpose: Developing passion for playing the game is one of the main objectives of the BUSA programs for younger players. As players mature, we feel it is in the best interest of each player to utilize playing time in a manner consistent with higher levels of the game (college) to increase the competitiveness of our players. Therefore, as players progress through BUSA programs, playing time may be based on a player’s skill and mastery of the game rather than a time requirement. *Parents/players with questions regarding their playing time (only their playing time may be discussed, not that of a teammate), must follow the 24 hour rule stated in policy #3. Additionally, unless the coach chooses otherwise, the player must be present for the conversation. The player will also be the main individual conversing with the coach regardless of the player’s age (parents should mostly be in the periphery of the conversation). BUSA hopes that all players learn to speak to an authority figure, like their coach, in a respectful and productive manner.
Policy #2: No coaching is permitted by a parent, guardian, or spectator: 10 THE BUSA WAY
Training and Games are time devoted to the player’s improvement. Each BUSA coach facilitates this development. The coach is the only individual permitted to communicate verbally and nonverbally in an instructional manner to players who are engaged in training and games. Comments pertaining to your child’s effort are the only permissible comments from parents, guardians or spectators. Purpose: Comments that inform a player what to do distract players from the game, confuses them in a moment they need to be thinking clearly, and negatively affects their ability to develop as independent thinkers on the soccer field. BUSA Coaches are responsible for instructing players during training and games. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the effects that negative comments have on a player (your child and/or another person’s child) before, during, and after training and games. Players of all ages are learning how to play the game – they are not masters at it. Unnecessary pressure on players to perform at a particular level is unhealthy and can be counter-productive. Coaches are permitted to take the following action if a parent or parents are seen/heard coaching during games and training: 1. The coach will always remind players that they are to listen only to the coach and not to remarks from the sideline made by parents and spectators. This will ensure that players are not distracted and will eliminate any confusion by the player 2. The coach may substitute the player whose parent(s) are coaching from the sidelines. Policy #3: 24 Hour Communication Rule: Communication with your coach(s) about issues related to a game is not allowed within the 24 hours following the respective game. It is inconvenient to attempt conversations immediately before, during, and after a training session. Most coaches have back-to-back training sessions and need to move to the next training session immediately. Please be considerate of this fact when attempting to speak with a coach. Correct protocol to discuss issues with your child (and only your child) are as follows: 1. Contact the coach with respect to the 24-hour rule, via email or phone call to set up a meeting. Face-to-face meetings are the preferred method but phone calls will suffice. 2. Setup a time (and place) to meet in a public setting. The BUSA conference room is available – check with Jim Jeter, Facilities Director to schedule a meeting. 3. Discuss the issues at hand remembering that the coach can only discuss your child with you. 4. The coach will document in a minutes format, the content of the meeting. 5. If the issue relates specifically to playing time, please see Policy #1. 6. It is preferable to have your child present at the time of the meeting if possible. Purpose: Emotions can be volatile during and after games. This policy exists to give coaches and parents a time period to “cool off” and have a meaningful discussion Policy #4: Communication to referees is not permitted.
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Parents are not allowed to communicate with referees. Referees hold a position of authority and need to be respected. Coaches are the only individuals allowed to communicate with referees and are tasked with doing so in a respectful manner. Purpose: Poor refereeing is unfortunately a part of the game at every level in every country in the world. BUSA Players need to learn how to overcome the adversity of poor officiating just like every other adverse part of playing the game. Disagreeing with referees shows players that it is okay to question authority in a loud, aggressive, and public manner, which is something BUSA does not condone. Also, verbal and/or physical assault of a referee is a violation of Alabama Law and could result in prosecution. Policy #5: Playing Up Age Groups: Occasionally players may be assigned to a team, which is in an older age group than the respective player’s current age. These players are assigned to these teams based on the Director of Coaching and Coaching Staff’s collaboration and subsequent belief that this player will be an impact player on the older team. Other special circumstances may occur, which result in players being assigned to an older age group team. The Director of Coaching makes all final decisions regarding playing up an age group. As we are affiliated with Alabama Soccer Association, these decisions may require the approval of the Alabama Soccer Association Executive Director. Purpose: A player’s “soccer age” is the term used to describe a player’s technical, tactical, psychosocial and athletic abilities in comparison to players of the same chronological age. Typically, a player’s “soccer age” is +/- 2 years from their chronological age. In order to facilitate development at the most ideal rate, some players may need to be challenged at a greater level than that of their chronological age group. Policy #6: Club Fee payments must be made in a timely manner. Failure to arrange payment results in suspension of all BUSA team activities including training, games, and other team events. Club fees pay for and cover the following items: 1. Qualified Coaching and soccer expertise 2. Use of BUSA facilities at BUSA approved team functions – training, games, etc. 3. Registration fees & Administrative functions of the club 4. Soccer equipment, Athletic Trainers (When available), Purpose: BUSA is a 501©-3 Non-profit organization requiring the payment of all fees in a timely manner to properly function as a business. Payment of fees has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on playing time. Minimum playing time standards are set by the club with respect to program objectives, which are further determined by developmental goals set forth in the Long Term Player Development Model. *Team fees are separate from Club fees. Contact your Team Manager with questions regarding team fees. Contact Cathy Thomas, BUSA Director of Finance with questions about Club fees: cathy@birminghamunited.com Policy #7: Guest Playing 12 THE BUSA WAY
Players wishing to guest play outside of BUSA must gain permission from their respective team coach and program director. Proper protocol states that the D.o.C. of the team the BUSA player wishes to guest play with should contact the BUSA D.o.C. Purpose: ASA and US Club rules may impact the ability of a BUSA member to participate as a guest player with another club. Informing your program director/D.o.C. of your desire to guest play will prevent you or the club from breaking any rules. Olympic Development Program, ID2, and U.S. National Training Centers are opportunities for players to be seen by regional and national scouts for entrance into the U.S. National Team Scouting & Training System. Players must contact their coach when issues arise with respect to these events as they may take precedence over club events. Policy #8: Transferring intra-club: BUSA reserves the right to move players within teams throughout the year as the Directors Staff deems necessary. Movement of players during the seasonal year is a decision warranting significant consideration of numerous factors. Purpose: Occasionally a player may need to move up or down a team to better facilitate their individual development. Policy #9: Tryout Policy: Tryouts are the process by which BUSA Directors and Staff coaches decide upon the appropriate placement of an individual to accelerate their development. Development only happens when a player is forced to perform at the edge of their abilities where the competition is neither too easy nor too difficult. Placing a child on a team that is too high above their ability would put this child in position to experience failure too often and would be irresponsible of the club. BUSA holds both Formal Tryouts and informal trials and evaluations. Formal Tryouts occur on dates as indicated by Alabama Soccer Association. Informal trials and evaluations occur throughout the year for special situations and circumstances such as a player who is unable to attend tryouts or is injured at the time of tryouts. Alabama Soccer Association mandates official Tryout dates. Once a player and parent signs the official commitment form from ASA or ECNL form this player is tied to the respective team for the seasonal year indicated on the commitment form. A player who is not contracted/tied to a team may tryout at any other date throughout the year Policy #10: Parent coaching their child’s team It is a general rule that parents are not allowed to coach their own child’s team in the competitive program. Exceptions may be made at younger age groups based on staffing issues that best suit the organization. Purpose: Parent coaching can cause a conflict of interest within the respective team’s environment. Policy #11: Open Training Policy Any child wishing to get additional training outside of their respective team may do so via this Open Training Policy by contacting their coach and respective program director to find the most THE BUSA WAY 13
appropriate team to train with. This training is in addition to the training scheduled by a player’s respective team.p Purpose: According to a 2009 United States Soccer Federation study, American kids on average spend 2/3rd less time playing soccer than kids in traditionally strong soccer countries. Considering the 10,000 hour rule, which states that world class expertise is the product of an average of 10,000 hours of the right type of training (Deliberate or Deep Practice), it is easy to see where the USA falls short in producing World class soccer players. Therefore, BUSA has an open training policy. Policy #12: Respect the Club BUSA is a non-profit organization whose goal is to teach our players the life values of hard work, determination, accountability and sportsmanship while promoting soccer in Birmingham, the state of Alabama, and the U.S. Any behavior or action that reflects poorly upon the organization may result in temporary or indefinite suspension from club activities.
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BUSA COMPETITIVE PROGRAM GUIDELINES: Uniform Guidelines: All players must wear the BUSA Training Kit for all practices unless instructed otherwise by their respective coach (Teams may do a favorite jersey day). Shin guards must be worn with socks pulled up over the shin guards. All players must wear the approved BUSA Game Uniform for all games. Coaches and/or managers will direct each team as to which uniform color to wear for each game. Players should always bring both full uniforms to each game in the event that a uniform switch is necessary. Equipment: Players must bring the following equipment to each training session and game: 1. Soccer shoes – turf, firm ground (cleats) or soft ground (screw in cleats) 2. Shin Guards 3. Water/Gatorade 4. Soccer Ball – properly inflated! 5. BUSA Backpack Punctuality to training and games: Players must attend all team training sessions and must arrive to training on time, unless an agreement has been reached between the player and coach before hand. If a parent or player knows they will be late to a session or game, they must contact their coach in a timely manner to allow the coach to alter training plans as necessary. Players must arrive to games at the time each coach requires (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled kickoff time). Tardiness to games may result in forfeiture of playing time. Travel Protocol: For games that are out of town, BUSA requests all members of a respective team stay at the same hotel. All members of a team are encouraged to participate in team events such as meals, movies, et cetera, which may be setup by the coach or manager. On trips where travel exceeds a reasonable amount, all team members will be required to stay at the same hotel and participate in team events. Individual Player Responsibility Players must take personal responsibility for their development as a soccer player. Players wanting to achieve significant and ambitious goals in soccer must accept that they are primarily responsible for the accomplishment of these goals. BUSA serves as a facilitator in the process of achieving individual goals using our Long-Term Soccer Development Model and coaching expertise.
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BUSA RISK MANAGEMENT Lightning Policy and Procedures The potential for lightning to strike is considerable given BUSA’s location in the Southeast. AS such, BUSA has the following procedures in place to deal with the threat of lightning: 1. Weather Watchers, those with the authority to remove participants from a field of play in the event inclement weather is spotted, are as follows: Certified Athletic Trainers, whose services are paid for by BUSA, and all BUSA Staff including but not limited to Staff Coaches and Director Staff. 2. If lighting is spotted, the Weather Watcher will signal to clear the fields. In the event that fields must be cleared, all players and spectators must seek shelter in a roofed building or their car. No one should remain outside in an area where shelter is available. 3. The Weather Watcher(s) will determine when it is safe to return to play and signal as such (30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike). Bullying Policy and Procedures BUSA will not allow bullying or hazing of any kind to take place. Directors and Staff Coaches will handle any incidents of bullying if they occur in a timely manner. Occasionally, incidents occur that coaches are unaware of. In the event that your child experiences an occurrence of bullying and brings it to your attention, bring this matter to the attention of the coach immediately. The coach will then address the issue by discussing the issue with the involved players and parents, if necessary. The coach will notify the D.o.C. of all allegations. If the allegation is credible the players involved will be warned that a second incident of bullying is grounds for suspension from the team or dismissal. Parents of all parties involved will be notified of the incidence and of any resolution by the coach. Concussion Policy & Procedures: Concussion awareness has recently become a more important aspect of Risk Management. If a player experiences any of the following symptoms after a head injury, the player may have a concussion: .
Dizziness Confusion Vision Problems Nausea
Headache Balance Issues Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to noise
If an Athletic Trainer or coach notices any of the above symptoms in a player, this player will be required to sit out from competition until evaluated by a medical professional. Alabama State Law now states that an athlete who is thought to have a concussion must be evaluated and released by a physician before returning to play.
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Introduction
The BUSA Style of Play
The purpose of a youth soccer club in the U.S. is twofold: to serve its players and serve the game. In serving both the players and the game, the next question a club must ask is “What is the club trying to achieve through its service to its players and the game?” Does the club merely want to be an organization that survives, year in and year out; that struggles month-to-month to pay its bills and stay afloat, and produces mediocre players and teams at best? Or… Does the club strive for more than survival and look to the perception of success that comes with winning tournaments, state cups, and other championships? Does it utilize these illusions to mask the ineptitude or unwillingness within the club’s leadership to make a more meaningful impact in the game? Or does the club want more than tangible success? Does the club want to make a significant imprint upon the game of soccer in this country? The clubs who strive for significance, who want to change the game for the better and who persevere in doing so will achieve long-term sustainability within youth soccer in this country. Making a significant impact on the game requires a clear vision of how the game is taught and played, how players are developed and lastly, yet possibly most importantly, how the inner workings of the club is run. All soccer clubs, businesses, and professional organizations operate with a set of values. These values are behaviors that consistently occur within the day-to-day operations of the organization and ultimately create the organization’s culture. Many organizations involuntarily create an unhealthy culture due to a lack of vision of who and what the company stands for and wants to be. The companies who operate in this way achieve the aforementioned illusion of success that comes from winning trophies, but lack the sustainability to survive in the long-term. Our Core Values come from years of research into the character traits of athletes and other prominent figures throughout history. When behaviors connected with these traits are exhibited on a consistent basis they become habits. Habits reveal character, which in turn dictate a person’s ability to positively influence society. From the list of qualities successful people and companies live out daily we have combined, classified, and established the following three Core Values: 1. Respect 2. Discipline 3. Competitiveness RESPECT – the game, our teammates, coaches, parents, referees, and opponents Respect – a feeling of understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc. and should be treated in an appropriate way. Giving people respect empowers them with a belief in their own self-worth. This belief enables people to aspire to and accomplish feats they would otherwise not attempt. Moreover, people want to be lead. They want to be part of THE BUSA WAY 17
something special and feel as though they matter. Practicing and teaching respect produces a socially cohesive group built upon the feeling that every individual matters. This in turn enables those in positions of authority to lead. DISCIPLINE – to do the little things correctly, all the time; Play our style of soccer – what we do in training Discipline – a way of behaving that shows a willingness to obey rules, orders, or a set of standards; Training that corrects, molds or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. “Life is the fruit of discipline, or the lack of it,” (Matthew Kelly). Discipline means doing things correctly over and over again. From organization protocol and policy to how our players pass the ball – practicing discipline become the habits that ultimately reveal who we are as an organization and as people. When an club creates organizational habits that
COMPETITIVENESS – to strive and persevere in the pursuit of a goal (to WIN!) Competitiveness – the degree of willingness to strive and persevere in pursuit of a goal There seems to be a misunderstanding of what it means to be competitive. People think that because they hate to lose, they are fierce competitors. No one likes to lose, but this does not make you a competitor. Competitiveness is really about overcoming the challenges faced along the way. Adversity is a prelude to greatness!
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Our style expands on the principles put forth in the U.S. Soccer Curriculum and incorporates resources from worldrenowned clubs and countries with years of success within the youth levels of the game and beyond. To effectively play the style of play outlined in this manual, one must have a solid understanding of the principles of the game, phases of play, and the tactical strategies that result in success. The 4 phases of play are: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Attack (creating chances and scoring goals) Transition to Defense (recovery) Defending (winning the ball back and preventing chances) Transition to Attack (counter-attacking)
The game flows through these phases at a very quick pace. So quick, in fact, that implementing a style of play requires consistently demanding training sessions with activities and game that create moments for each phase to receive attention. In creating these training sessions, we must also make sure that we as coaches are on the same page regarding our understanding of the game and the language we use to teach it.
Areas of the Field: It is important to understand how to describe things to players with relation to the field of play. We will use the following terms to represent areas of the field: The field is divided into thirds as follows:
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The field also divides into corridors or channels:
Left Flank
Left Channel
Central Channel
Right Channel
Right Flank
It is important to understand how the field can be divided in these ways. For example, playing a pass vertically down a channel in an attempt to penetrate in behind an opponent’s back line tends to be easier to intercept as the angle is typically in favor of the defender or goalkeeper.
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System of Play: 4-3-3 Our base formation will be a 4-3-3. The numbers “4” – “3” – “3” indicate the number of players we will have in each “line” of the formation. These players have similar tasks, and are grouped together for simplicity when referencing formations. It is important not to get too caught up in the number of players in any one line as this WILL change throughout the course of the game. In any one moment our formation could look different than the base 4-3-3 depending on who has gone forward to join the attack. Also, from a defensive standpoint, our formation could reflect a 4-5-1 or a 5-4-1 depending upon the movement of players within the lines. As a rule, we will play with four at the back. This will allow for pressure, cover, and balance along with an additional free player at all times. We will play with three central midfielders (either one defensive and 2 attacking or the opposite) to achieve numerical superiority in the central areas of the field. Three forwards will provide consistent width and a central player to occupy the opponent’s center defenders.
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Benefits of the 4-3-3 Formation/System Ø Strength in the Spine: The 4-3-3 formation gives us numbers and flexibility in the central areas of the team, frequently referred to as the “spine” of the team.
It is imperative that players in the “spine” are strong players in all aspects (physically, technically, tactically, and psychosocially). Our system of play allows us the flexibility to have strength in numbers in all three thirds of the field as the Defensive Midfielder can drop into the defensive line to make a back five and the attacking midfielders can step forward t make an attacking line of 5 players. Ø Natural width & 2v1s: The outside forwards provide “natural” width, which will be a key component of our tactics. The outside backs can join the attack to make 2v1s in the attacking third of the field. The two ways our outside backs can join are as follows:
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One Outside Back Joins the Attack – Remaining 3 defenders shift laterally to leave 3 at the back. This provides an overload to one side of the field while maintaining superiority in numbers in the center of midfield. We are exposed on the weak side in midfield, but should be able to recover defensively if necessary. This is the more cautious of the two approaches to having the outside back join the attack.
Both Outside Backs Join the Attack – Center backs step a bit higher and wider while the defensive midfielder stays to make a back three. This provides width via two players on each side of the field. We are exposed in the center of midfield with only two of the three players remaining. This is a more aggressive approach, which should only be utilized if we have the majority of possession and feel confident of stopping our opponents counter attacks efficiently.
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Ø Defensive compactness & quick recovery to shape When we lose the ball, the system allows for a quick recovery to a compact shape in the defensive third. Players can simply recovery straight to goal to make a shape that is difficult to penetrate through.
*Teams are not required to play in a 4-3-3. It is a suggested formation based on the above principles
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Part I: BUSA Style of Play Attacking Phase:
Phase of Play #1: ATTACK Objective: Create chances and score goals using several methods so we are difficult to defend
Methods used: • Build possession and penetration through the center • Build possession and penetration through the width • Shooting from distance • Set pieces • Counter attacking (Phase 2a)
Key Attacking Tactics 1. Build Out of the Back 2. Use Midfielders to Influence Play 3. Utilize Width 4. 1v1s & Combination Play in Attacking 3rd 5. Diagonal Long Passes Attacking Principles: Penetration – to get in behind defenders; 1v1s and through combinations Width – Support right & left to spread opponents out, create diagonal long passing & crossing opportunities Depth – Support centrally to stretch opponents, and provide outlet from pressure Movement off the ball – to create space, numbers up, penetrate, & causeconfusion/indecision in defenders Speed of Play – speed of thought & moving the ball quickly to unbalance defenses Switching the Point of Attack – to unbalance defenses and create 2v1s Reading the Game – having awareness, recognizing cues, thinking ahead, & making wise decision
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The goal in the Attacking phase is to create chances and score goals. We want to be proficient in doing so using several methods so if our opponent is good at defending one method, we can utilize another to score. This also prepares our players to adapt to numerous other styles they may see as the move on to higher levels of the game. Attacking principles:
1. Reading the Game – Having awareness, recognizing cues, thinking ahead and making wise decisions 2. Penetration – movement of the ball to eliminate defenders and get in behind a defensive line through the dribble, pass & movement off the ball
3. Support – positioning and movement to offer a pass to a teammate. Good Support provides width and depth 4. Width – positioning and movement (left and right) into wide areas of the field to spread opponents out 5. Depth – positioning and movement (centrally) to stretch opponents and provide an outlet from pressure
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6. Movement off the ball – movement of players without the ball to support, penetrate, and create space
Movement off the ball to create numbers up scenarios:
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7. Combination play – the use of one or more teammates in passing sequences to penetrate or possess the ball
8. Switching the Point of Attack – moving the ball from one side of the field to the other to create an imbalance in the defense’s shape 9.
9. Speed of Play – quick thinking and movement of the ball through passing or dribbling to create an advantage for the attack 28 THE BUSA WAY
Attacking Phase Tactics
The BUSA style of play should reflect teams teaching the following attacking tactics. Tactic #1: Build out of the Back – to bring opponents forward, out of our attacking third, and to create space to penetrate into behind them. 3 methods to initiate buildup based on what makes the most sense (how opponents are defending) 1. Play to central players: Center Backs & Defensive Midfielder(s) 2. Play to wide players: Outside Backs & Outside Midfielders 3. Play long central ball to a compact shape with aim of winning 50/50 battle and the knockdown to gain possession. The objective is to advance the ball toward our goal to players facing the goal or to a forward in an advanced position ready to receive the ball. Quick Movement of the ball is imperative – From width to central area to width to central area, etc. probing for the “right” forward pass – a pass to a player in space or into an area with numbers up. Tactic #2: Use Midfielders to Influence Play – to get our creative players on the ball facing goal in central areas so we can attack down the center or either side in the width. 4 methods based on what makes the most sense (how opponents are defending): a. Playing from the back through the Central Midfielders who can play to the forward b. Playing to Central Midfielders who combine with other Central Midfielders to penetrate c. Playing to wide players who play forward or to the Central Midfielders who can play forward d. Playing from the back to the Forwards back to the Central Midfielders who can play forward Tactic #3: Utilize Width – to stretch opponents, create space to penetrate into, create numbers up, and crossing opportunities a. Outside midfielders and backs spread as wide as possible b. Look for 1v1s, 2v1s, and 3v2s to exploit c. Look for the Early Cross or End-line Cross (most effective crosses to create chances) Tactic #4: 1v1s & Combination Play in Attacking 3rd - to eliminate defenders, causing imbalance in defensive shape a. Penetrate centrally via forwards & midfielders running forward. b. Penetrate out wide via forwards and outside backs coming forward Will also keep opponent’s honest (do we dribble or pass) and create long distance shots Tactic #5: Diagonal Long Passes - To attack opponent’s “weak” side quickly a. Wide player look for diagonal runs into the center of the field when ball is on opposite side b. Player in possession looks to play long diagonal ball over defender’s head on opposite side
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Central Tactics of our Attack A. Building out of the back
We want to build our attacks from the back. The purpose of building from the back is to draw our opponents out of their defensive 3rd and open up space in behind their defensive line to penetrate into. Striving to play this way demands that we be technically skillful and tactically aware, which results in us becoming better overall soccer players. We will use the following ways to initiate our build-up from the back:
Build-up from the back option #1:
From the goalkeeper to a center back or the defensive midfielder via short passes when opponent has set a low line of pressure:
The above diagram shows the starting positions of each player from a goal kick or whenever the goalkeeper is able to collect possession of the ball. If our opponents draw a low line of pressure, Building out of the Back, Option #1 should be taken by the Goalkeeper. He or she should play to either center back or the defensive midfielder to begin the build up.
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Build-up from the back option #2:
From the goalkeeper to an outside back or outside midfielder – longer diagonal passes, when the opponent has stepped to mark our CBs and DM.
Should our opponents choose to step to prevent a short pass to the center back or defensive midfielder, the goalkeeper should look to Building out of the Back, Option #2 and play an outside back or outside midfielder.
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Build-up from the back option #3:
From the Goalkeeper to the forward line when the opponent has stepped to mark everyone in our defensive half.
Should our opponents choose to step their starting positions as shown in an effort to prevent us from playing out of the back, the goalkeeper should choose to play Building Out of the Back, Option #3. He or she “waves” the team forward into a compact shape as shown. The goalkeeper then plays a longer pass to a central target where we look to win the 50/50 and the knockdowns. Once we establish possession through any of the three methods to build out of the back, the next step is to advance the ball through the midfield third of the field. We will do this through three methods, which we will discuss next.
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B. Getting the CMs to influence play Central Midfield is a very difficult position to play yet is vital to the success of any team. The game happens in 360 degrees around these players so they must have exceptional awareness of what is around them at all times. To successfully create attacks we must win the midfield battle in possession. We will utilize three methods to get our central midfielders on the ball-facing goal: 1. Short passes to center midfielders who have peeled off of their defenders to receive the ball facing goal:
2. Short passes on angles to center midfielders in triangular shapes
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Passes to wide midfielders then to the central midfielders:
3.
Longer passes to the forwards then back to the central midfielders who are now facing goal.
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C. Utilization of the width
We want to utilize the full width of the field as often as possible when in possession. Using the full width of the field has numerous advantages: 1. It can spread out the opponent’s back line and create space to penetrate into:
And create passing lanes to penetrate into:
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2. It can create 1v1s and 2v1’s in dangerous areas:
This helps get our dangerous attacking personalities on the ball facing the goal, which is a common tactic of elite players like Messi and Ronaldo. They go wide to get the ball facing goal! 3. It creates crossing opportunities, like the early cross and end-line cross (the most difficult for defenders to handle): The Early Cross: The End-line cross:
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D. 1v1s & Combination Play in Attacking 3rd
1v1s & Combination play (1-2s and overlaps) are the most common and successful methods to eliminate opponents and cause an imbalance in an opponent’s defensive shape. 1. Look to penetrate centrally via forwards & midfielders running through.
2. Look to penetrate out wide via forwards and outside backs coming forward.
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E. Diagonal long passes (short pass, short pass, short pass, Long Penetrating pass)
Using a short, short, (short), long passing pattern is an effective way of penetrating in behind a defensive line:
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BUSA Style of Play - Transition to Defense Phase:
Phase of Play #2: Transition to Defense
Objective: Create opportunities to win the ball back while we organize our defensive shape behind the balll
Methods used: • High Line of Pressure or Low Line of Pressure • Nearest player(s) apply immediate pressure to disrupt opponents & create turnovers • Players in defensive line organize a compact shape
Key Defending Principles and Tactics: 1. Nearest player Presses opponent in possesion 2. 2nd nearest player Covers and looks to double team 3. 3rd nearest player Balances and blocks escape 4. Remaining players Recover goal-side and get compact 5. Read the game to be aware of roles and transition quickly
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In this phase, our shape and Movement off the ball as a team should generally reflect the following images:
Transition to defense in the Attacking 3rd:
Opportunities:
1. Win the ball back in our attacking 3rd while the opponent has just expended energy to win the ball (and is therefore susceptible to mistakes) and has possibly locked their vision onto the ball instead of options to escape. 2. Opponents could be in poor defensive shape as they look to begin their counter attack.
Threats:
1. If played out, opponent may counter with the possibility of numbers up although they have a long way to go to get to goal. 2. If our Defensive Line is caught unaware, a long pass can easily play them out.
Key Principles:
1. Immediate press by nearest player (forward). 2nd & 3rd nearest players block escape by squeezing to the ball and marking nearest opponents out of game. 2. Defensive line read the game to step and intercept a pass or drop to compact shape (organize). 3. Goalkeeper play high off of line to read the game for long passes over our defensive line.
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Transition to Defense in Middle 3rd:
Opportunities:
1. Win the ball back in the middle 3rd while the opponent has just expended energy to win the ball (and is therefore susceptible to mistakes) and has possibly locked their vision onto the ball instead of options to escape. 2. Opponents could be in poor defensive shape as they look to begin their counter attack and there is space in behind them to attack.
Threats:
1. If played out, opponent may counter with the probability of numbers up and a shorter distance to go to goal. 2. If our Defensive Line is caught unaware, a short pass can easily play them out.
Key Principles:
1. Defensive line drop into compact central shape while Midfielders press to delay opponent’s attack. 2. Force play wide, away from goal to allow defensive organization in central areas. 3. Goalkeeper read the game for quick penetrating passes in behind our defensive line.
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Transition to Defense in our Defensive 3rd:
Opportunities:
1. Opportunities are limited when transitioning to defense in the Defensive 3rd.
Threats:
1. If our Defensive Line is caught unaware, a short pass can easily play them out. 2. If played out, the opponent will likely create a scoring chance.
Key Principles:
1. Defensive line drop into compact central shape while Midfielders Sprint to recover to a goal side position of the ball. 2. Goalkeeper read the game for quick penetrating passes in behind our defensive line.
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BUSA Style of Play - Defending Phase:
Phase of Play #3: DEFEND Objective: Win the ball back and prevent scoring chances by our opponents
Methods used: • Press our opponents as often but as sensibly as possible in the middle & attacking 3rds (High Line of Pressure or Low Line of Pressure) • Defensive line drops to organize a compact shape in defensive 3rd
Key Defending Principles: 1. Pressure - Physical effort intented to disrupt opponent's decision making & create turnovers 2. Cover - Support of teammate(s) to create turnovers 3. Balance - Support of teammate(s) to block dangerous space and maintain shape 4. Recovery - getting behind the ball as quickly as possible 5. Compactness - organizing our shape to eliminate space in central areas * Set Pieces - delay quick free kick and organize quickly behind the ball
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Defending Principles:
1. Pressure (Press) – individual (1st defender) or collective action of player(s) who defends with intensity the player in possession of the ball
2. Cover – (2nd defender) support of a teammate in defensive position with the following purposes: a. Help 1st defender should he or she get beat 1v1 b. Deny penetrating pass (splitting pass) through appropriate angle of support c. Track 2nd attacker & become 1st defender should the ball get passed.
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3. Balance – (3rd defender) support of the 3rd closest teammate in defensive position with the following purposes: a. Cover dangerous space and deny penetrating pass (splitting pass) through wide angle play b. Track 3rd attacker and become 1st defender should the ball get passed.
4. Recovery – intense movement to get behind the ball and goal side;
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5. Compactness – positioning of players close together behind the ball with the intent on making penetration in central areas difficult
6. Marking – watching over an opponent closely (touch tight) with the purpose of reducing their chances of participating in the attack 7. Tracking – being aware of the movement of an attacking player and adjusting one’s position to prevent that player from penetrating in behind.
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8. Line of Pressure/Confrontation
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In this phase, our shape and Movement off the ball as a team should generally reflect the following images: Defending Down the Right:
Defending Down the Left:
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Defending Down the Center
We must defend with Pressure, Cover, and Balance. If possible, the DM should look to double team the ball as can and. Our wide forwards can drop to help defend the opponent’s wide players. Our CF should stay high to begin the transition into a counter attack as soon as we win the ball
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BUSA Style of Play - Transition to Attack Phase:
Phase of Play #4: Transition to ATTACK
Objective: Create a goal scoring chance before the opponent can organize defensively
Methods used: • Look to play forward 1st • Join the attack with speed & numbers
Key Tactical Principles: 1. Forwards read the game, anticipate transitions and move to space early to offer outlet 2. Attack the spaces the opponent has vacated (usually wide where outside backs have gone forward) 3. Movement off the ball to get numbers into attack quickly 4. Progress to buildup (phase 1) when counter attack loses momentum, usually after 2 consecutive square or negative passes
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Transition from Defense to Attack:
The opponents Left Back has pushed forward and their back line has not shifted to cover space. When we win the ball, our CF, #9 should look to run into this space. We must look to pass to him quickly, then join the attack at speed by running into the other spaces as shown.
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Terminology All BUSA Coaches must use these terms. Using the same terminology will help everyone be on the same page and help us teach out players more efficiently and effectively. Coaches may use other words to help the players come to a better understanding of these concepts, but every explanation must be geared towards educating the players on what these terms and concepts mean.
Attacking Play Width – movement and positioning of attacking players to wide areas in order to create space and attacking options. Depth (Length) – movement and positioning of attacking players into advanced or forward positions to create space and attacking options. Attacking shape – positioning of players in such a way to create as much space as possible for opponents to defend. Includes spreading players deep up the field (depth) and as wide as possible (width) as well as having simple, short, and obvious passing options right, left, and center for each position on the field. Support/option – a passing option; offering oneself as a passing option. Angle of Support – the angle of a supporting player in relation to the player in possession and the nearest opponent. Distance of Support – the distance of a supporting player in relation to the player in possession. Movement off the ball – movement of players without the ball to create passing options, create space, set up opponents, and to create goal scoring chances. Creating space – positioning or movement of players into space to create good passing options, open up passing options for teammates, or create indecision and confusion within defenders. Penetration – getting in behind the defensive line to create chances and score goals. Can be done on the dribble or with a pass. Through pass – pass played toward a teammate’s run into space behind opponents in an attempt to create a chance to cross or finish. Diagonal Run – run made by a forward player across the field in a diagonal direction to unbalance the opponent’s defensive shape. Combination Play – the use of one or more teammates in passing sequences to “play out” or beat opponents. Give and Go/Wall Pass –combination between two players to beat an opponent where the player in possession passes to their teammate, runs past the opponent and immediately gets the ball back. Overlap – movement of a teammate from behind the player in possession of the ball, around him and to a forward position in order to create a passing opportunity or advantage for the team. Three-man combo – combination involving three players where two play quick short passes with a third/fourth pass finding a third player who is making a run to the blind side of the immediate play. Square – directional term referring to a line that goes from one sideline to the other and is parallel to the end lines. Generally used in passing the ball. Speed of play – quick movement of the ball through passing or dribbling to create an advantage for the attacking team over the defending team by reducing the time available to organize the defense. Counter Attack – fast and effective movement of the ball into a goal-scoring opportunity after gaining possession of the ball. Playing out from the back – the collective action of moving the ball from the defensive third to advanced areas.
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Defensive Concepts and Terminology These are the words we will use to communicate and be on the same page! Defensive Shape – the organization of our team’s players in relation to the opponent, your teammates, the goal, and the position of the ball on the field. i.e. pressure, cover and balance. Organize – term used ONLY by coaches to communicate to players to apply defensive principles acting as a one unit to win the ball back and prevent scoring chances. NOT used by players as it is too vague and communication from players needs to be specific! Starting position – the position a player is in the moment possession is lost or gained. Dangerous Space – any space on the field an opponent may want to use to advance the ball and/or score a goal. Central space in the middle and our defensive third is the most dangerous space. Pressure/Press – term used to tell your teammate to apply pressure to the player in possession or about to be in possession of the ball with maximum intensity aiming to disrupt the decision making of the player on the ball. Cover – 2nd defender; Supporting player for the pressing defender; has 3 roles: 1) either step in to become the 1st defender, should your teammate get beat 1v1 or double team if appropriate; 2) cover dangerous space [take away splitting pass]. 3) track the 2nd attacker (nearest supporting player for opponent in possession). Balance – 3rd defender; has 2 roles: 1) cover dangerous space; 2) track nearest opponent. Recover, Recovery Run – run a player makes at speed toward their own goal when the ball has played them out in defending. Delay – to use the correct defensive stance, proper angles and proper distance of pressure to prevent the opponent from advancing the ball. This allows the covering and balancing players to organize appropriately so we can win the ball back! Step – term signifying that a player or the team as a whole needs to sprint out of the defensive third of the field or indicating that pressure needs to be applied to the player with the ball. “Step Left” (or right) – how we will communicate among players defensively to tell each other to step to the left or right. Drop – how we communicate to withdraw towards our goal. Can be directional as in “drop left,” drop right,” or “drop central.” Can be used in reference to the entire team to withdraw the pressurizing line, a group of players (as in the back line must drop prior to a long pass), or individual players (to withdraw a forward who is pressing at an inappropriate time). Hold – to stop the movement of a player, group of players or entire team. Generally used to prevent players from applying pressure outside the shape of the team or dropping behind a specific defensive offside line. Left/Right shoulder – how we communicate to each other that a player is to your left/right that you need to be aware of or mark. Angle of Support – angle of covering defender in relation to the first defender Distance of Support – distance of covering defender in relation to the first defender Lock it in – signifies that we want to trap the opponent in the area the ball is in. Wherever the ball is at this moment becomes our pressurizing line and all players must be in unison. Frequently used when opponents have throw-ins deep in their defending third. Marking – to closely watch over an opponent from a goal-side position. To be individually responsible for a specific player in defense. Should always be said with specific information, not just a blanket statement! EX: “Ashley, mark # 10!” Squeeze – to urgently eliminate the opponents space to play within our collective defending team shape. Can also be used to close space between players as to double team. Switch/Pass on – signifies that you want to switch marks with a teammate. Tracking – Term used when it is necessary for an individual player to continue with a marked player until a switch can occur with another defender.
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