The coach's corner

A word from Thomas:

Trainwrecks, well done. From my unique vantage point in the back, I beheld the most team-like outing from our squad of the entire season. Because to a person we had such an exceptional game and managed to do so many things right, I’d like to touch upon a few things that I thought worked especially well so you can all visualize doing them going into the season’s final match.

There is absolutely no doubt that if you play like you did last night, you will win the season’s final match. Remember that one mark of a champion is consistency!

1. We played 360 degree soccer, playing backwards as well as forwards. The use of drop passes was notable.
2. We let the ball do the work, staying in relative positions on offense so that we kept the field open so we could make key passes to each other. We also moved the ball quickly and set team mates up for opportunities.
3. The passing was excellent, with the right amount of accuracy, touch, pace and timing to be highly effective. Lots of good crosses out well in front of the goalie, where it’s dangerous.
4. We pushed forward and collapsed the field. Additionally, we supported each other by moving towards our team mates to support them. Pass, then move…
5. We controlled the middle of the field. Halfbacks played both offense and defense. Fantastic.
6. Our defense was solid and did what it needed to do. Attacking or judiciously giving ground as the occasion called for. We played as a flexible unit (and Alex was amazing!).
7. We played with calm, cool, collected poise. People took the time to look up and make quality passes.
8. We attacked free balls aggressively. This is so important! That really helped us gain an advantage at key points in the match.
9. Lastly, we managed to get off a number of shots. Good or bad, some of them were the type of shots that we haven’t been taking previously. Making a shot happen even when the conditions aren’t perfect lead to goals. Continue to take them when decent opportunities arise.

The only thing that I think we could still work on as a team is to communicate more on the field. Some people talk, most don’t. It helps to communicate, whether verbally or by physically.

I hope you all play your hearts out against the Meerkats. I have not the slightest doubt that we are the better team!