I learned while coaching AYSO (we have to take lots of free training classes to coach AYSO) pieces of valuable information that, although I've played soccer my entire life, I didn't know the information. One of these pieces of information included off the ball movement. When on defense, the team moves toward the center of the field and pinches in the middle as to block out any possible breakthrough in front of the goal. The defense moves together, as a unit, across the area of the mouth of the goal, defending the ball, but remains tightly knit. This is the type of information that as soccer players, we just know, but when we learn about it, a different perspective emerges.
When moving from the half line toward the goal on offense, the team then makes creative wide runs and opens up the space of the field. In each direction, the off the ball movement makes all the difference in the world. On defense, it's important to keep on your toes and push the other team in the direction you want them to go (away from the goal). The team moves together and has complete awareness of where the opposition is in order to keep forwards and attacking midfielders marked. On the other side of the field, the team works together, creating space and connections in order to score. The movement up up top is quick and the team needs to meet the ball where it is, go to it, rather than waiting for it.
I learned to respect AYSO more than I ever have. Not only is that where the fun of soccer emerges, but it keeps up with all of the current trends and practices of soccer, the new rules and guidelines. The focus is beautiful and that is that everyone plays, creating an inclusive environment and welcoming to people as the United States is welcoming to people. These methods and coaching practices move the game of soccer into what we love about it. I've yet to explore the youth clubs but have just began that adventure and am looking forward to what each has to offer our children, including clubs around the world.
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