Hesperia High School Boys Varsity Soccer hosted its first 2021 Mojave River League regular season match of the versus rival Oak Hills High School on Thursday, April 1, resulting in a 1-1 tie to kickoff the abbreviated season.
Oak Hills High School Soccer earned early chances in front of the Hesperia High School Soccer goal, but it wasn’t until Ryan Callaway scored the first goal of the match early in the second half that the Bulldogs were rewarded for its numerous chances on goal and tough defense. The resilient Hesperia squad ignited its urgency to get into the attack in the final minutes of the match. But it wasn’t until after regulation time and just moments before the final whistle that Hesperia’s heightened fervor for its attack rewarded, when a foul in the penalty area was rewarded by a penalty kick. Omar Oliveras finished the opportunity from the spot, leveling the score just before the final whistle blew.
OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
3-5-2 Formation
The Oak Hills High School Boys Soccer program, which is the 2020 CIF-Southern Section Division 5 champion that finished the season with 20 wins, 2 loses, and 5 ties, favors the 3-5-2 formation. Though, in reality, throughout much of the game, the formation looked more like a 1-3-4-2.
DEFENSIVE STRUCTURE
Primarily out of possession, the 1-3 defensive structure featured its Center Back (CB) as a sweeper. Its Left Center Back (LCB) and Right Center Back (RCB) were generally situated approximately 5 to 10 yards higher within 20 to 25 yards of one another. In between them, was the sole Central Defensive Midfielder (CDM or 6).
Under Offensive Counter Attacks versus the 4-3-3, the CDM marked the Striker (ST or 9). The opponent wingers were generally allowed to remain wide without a nearby mark, when the attack arrived through the center and speed was not deemed to be a threat. If the LCB or RCB were overtaken by speed on the flanks, the sweeper or CDM intercepted the winger with the ball on a diagonal run. In response, the LCB or RCB would shift inward to retain the shape, if necessary, or would remain forward of the ball, awaiting an oncoming runner or available as a quick forward outlet when possession was one.
Because the wide midfielders generally remained higher up the field, delegating the duties of defending against the opponent wingers to the LCB and RCB,
A true test of this formation would be a striker that positions himself behind the back three, making diagonal runs into the space left or right of the sweeper to receive a long ball. Furthermore, if the wide players pinched into toward their marks and also made diagonal runs behind the back three inward to also receive a long ball, it is possible an overload of the sweeper could occur.
Backs overcame this while coordinating with the CB and CDM to cover the play to the wide attacker. This works very effectively but is potentially vulnerable to diagonal inside runs of wide midfielders, which was not a threat from the opponent during this match
Nevertheless, the strength of the Oak Hills High School backline is in the strength and intelligence of the individual players, implementing this tactic with great coordination, awareness, and reading of the play.
When the opponent switched to a 4-4-2 formation midgame, marking of the two opponent strikers were generally shared between the CDM and either the LCB or RCB. On the quick counter attacks, this did not make a significant difference for the opponent’s ability to penetrate the defense.
Under a high press, the backs were equally comfortable in building the play forward, even when within 20 yards of their goal.
MIDFIELDERS
The midfielders generally consisted of a four players. The two wide players, generally stayed in line with the two central midfielders. The two wide players generally operated more like a Left Midfielder (LM) and Right Midfielder (RM) than the classic 3-5-2 Left Wing Back (LWB) and Right Wing Back (RWB), since they rarely dropped into a defensive role, marking the opponent wingers.
Both generally remind higher up the field when out of possession. Of the two, the RM tracked back with the opponent winger more often than did the LM. When in the defensive third for any duration other than a quick counter attack, both would drop in defend, generally assigning themselves to the opponent outside backs.
Midfield Buildup
Often in the wide midfielders, when there are horizontal passing outlets moving forward to receive, such as the central midfielders moving into a gap toward the attacking third; or the left or right center backs running forward into deep space for a switch along the opposite flank, the midfielders instead choose a long ball forward over the top or through the very tight opponent back line of defense. This low-percentage passing option often resulted in a loss of possession and often a counter attack.
A more composed and patient central midfielder who is less inclined to force the play forward, perhaps one with greater vision, would help to retain possession and create more chances on goal.
FORWARDS
The Forwards generally remained within five yards of the opponent back line. At times, one would drop slightly lower. Spacing of the forwards generally remained 15 yards apart. Though, there were many times when there was 30-plus yards between them, which kept the two from supporting one another effectively. Furthermore, both forwards were generally situated between the two opponent CBs and CDM, helping to eliminate many of their options to receive the ball.
Forwards regularly failed to receive the pass, as their primary movement was running forward away from the ball. Most often the ball was played long and over the back line. Though, there were times the ball was played through. Nevertheless, the play generally resulted in dispossession. At times when the ball was played over between 20 to 35 yards out, either the goalkeeper intercepted the pass or the ball crossed the goal line, also resulting in a loss of possession.
Retaining Possession & Creating Chances on Goal
- Check in for the ball, playing the ball to an oncoming runner or through to a diagonal runner.
- Run across the back line and through.
- Faked forward and instead run under the outside back to receive the ball played up the line.
The forwards, even when coordinating with the wide players, had difficulty winning the ball during a high press. Much of this was due in part to the intensity of execution. Though, some of this was due to the awareness of the forwards to adequately close down the passing lanes.
After losing the ball in 1v1 situations, the forwards generally lacked urgency to win the ball back. During 1v1 defensive situations, the forwards appeared to lack the determination, intensity, and effort. Instead, the responsibility was left to the midfielders or the back line, when under a quick counter attack via long ball.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THROW-INS
Most throw-ins resulted in a loss of possession. This was primarily due to a lack of movement. This resulted in forcing the throw-in forward. Though, there were a few times when the ball was played back. With the amount of throw-ins that occurred during the game, and the loss of possessions that resulted, a throw in pattern should be instituted into the Oak Hills game.
GENERAL PLAYERS
- Players, especially the forwards, must check in more often and do so with intensity, in a wholehearted effort to loose their marks. Furthermore, a quick faint forward prior to the check in would help to loose their mark. Often, on the rare occasion of checking in, the mark was directly on the back of the player due to the casual nature of the check in. Because of this, dispossession was occasionally a result.
- Work on harder, more confident passes, especially with both feet.
PLAYERS
- Chris, Ruben, Fidel must shoot when within 25 to 30 yards of goal.
- Most players must pass the ball
- Bryce played well. Could do well as a striker or as a RM/RWB. He holds the ball well and finishes well. His interplay with Ruben reveals his potential, particularly when combining play with a player who can pass and move. But he must become more aggressive, play quicker, and be consistent.
- Martin must work on distributing high-percentage passes, as a considerable amount results in lost possession. He should work on stronger, more accurate passes. When defending, he must commit to winning the ball and be much more aggressive. The pressure he provides rarely dispossess and rarely influences the play significantly.
TRAINING NOTE
Consider training the forwards to make diagonal runs, running across the face of the back line; work on exposing any potential weaknesses of the otherwise strong defense. Also, to futureproof the back line in the event of game day absences of the starting defenders, ensure there are subs in the CB, LCB, RCB, and CDM roles, ensuring these subs understand the strength of the defensive tactics. Consequently
SCENARIO: 1V1 DEFENDING
PRINCIPLE: Defend the goal first and the pass second. Drop behind the ball. Slow down the counter attack, allowing your team to retain defensive composure during the quick transition. Force the low percentage pass in an effort to dispossess the opponent. Prefer a back pass or lateral pass over forward movement behind your defensive lines.
APPLICATION: If 1A would have dropped behind the ball to slow the advance of 2A, 2B could have become a relatively low-percentage of success passing option. Though, 1B would have likely intercepted it. Even if the pass was not intercepted, by the time 2B received the pass, 1C would have had the opportunity to drop behind 2B and either disposed 2B or forced the pass back, at which point a high press could be initiated.
SCENARIO: 4v8 LONG BALL DISPOSSESSION
PRINCIPLE: Build the play rather than go long into the penalty area. Going long and over the top, when the back line is at or very near the 18-yard mark, often resulted in a loss of possession.
APPLICATION: 1A (LCB) dribbled the ball past the opponent RW. Rather than continue dribbling forward and becoming stranded with no passing outlets, 1A successfully initiated a technically difficult lateral pass to 1B. Immediately following pass, 1A initiated run 1A2 into space to support 1B. As such, the play resulted in an 4v8 situation, with Hesperia having a significant numerical advantage.
As a result, 1C has two movement options. Movement 1C1 into space provides passing options forward, potentially dragging his mark forward to create space to the right to enable 1B to switch the point of attack to the open right flank. Movement 1C2 works to support 1B, while potentially drawing his mark away from a potential passing lane to 1D, which could ultimately open a passing option that enables 1D to go directly to goal.
Ideally, 1D should drop back into the passing lane. This would enable him to receive the ball. But it would show him to be less of a threat for a forward run. As a result, 2A would be less inclined to notice 1D and less inclined to draw closer. Furthermore, it would require 2B to move laterally toward him rather than continue a run forward to defend high. This is especially the case if 1D sells the play of the short pass rather than the long. Either way with this movement, 1D would then create a passing option short with space in front of him to run or create space to run into with less pressure when going to goal.
As 1A continues run, there are now two movement options, 1A2 to receive a direct pass or 1A3 to receive a pass over the top and go directly to goal. 1B Player Body Orientation (Player Body Shape) is committed away from 1A and therefore does not see the higher percentage passing option that is developing.
1C remains static but still has options to support via 1C1 or 1C2. 1D remains static, potentially awaiting long ball. His potential mark, 2B, remains running to mark him. If the ball is played long over the top, 2B will easily have the momentum to overtake 1D, who remains standing still, placing himself at a disadvantage to 2B.
As expected, 1B plays the ball long to 1D, who is just beginning to move, as is 2A, who has read the play.
1A is in a decent position to receive a short pass into the packet via 1A2. 1A also has a long ball over the top 1A3 option, which is off to the side of the goal, further away from the goalkeeper’s interception. Also, the 1A4 option would be a supporting run to receive the ball from 1E, enabling 1A to potentially go direct to goal.
1E would be an option to easily retain possession and initiate an attack on the flank, if 1C had moved via 1C2, dropping in behind 1B to receive the ball. Nevertheless, 1C displays no movement and thusly provides no options on the right but to play long. 1C making the 1C1 run would have likely pulled the defender away from 1B. Because the lack of movement, the long ball is nearly blocked by that same defender.
Because the long ball was played so close to the penalty area, in fact played into the penalty area, the ball was highly susceptible to being intercepted by the GK or going over the goal line. The play resulted in a goal kick.
Even if 1D was to have received the ball, because of his lack of movement, 2A and 2B were there to pressure and defend goal side.
SCENARIO: DEFENDING 1V1 & AS A TEAM
PRINCIPLE:
1V1: Control the hips, control the player. Connect to the hips, and even a blind player can accurately anticipate the movement. Physically connect and shield the attacker from forward movement.
DEFEND AS A TEAM: Hope for the best. But prepare for the worse when within the defensive third. Drop back and defend.
The overall defensive shape of 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F is great. The situation is a 4v6 in favor of Oak Hills High School.
Player 1A must defend goal side, as he does by approaching the player on the goal line side. Though, especially within this part of the field, 1A must also extend his far side hand (left hand) around the far side (left back or preferably left hip) of 2A, preventing him from turning on 1A and going to goal. Just outside the penalty area, 1A has the opportunity to be very aggressive without incurring a penalty kick. Unfortunately, 2A has actually lured 1A too far to the right, leaving 2A open to turn left, especially since 1A does not have have his hand on 2A’s hips, enabling him to shield or slow 2A from progress toward the goal.
At this point, 1B must immediately move 1B1 to drop behind 2B, closing down the passing lane, which would allow 2B to receive a pass and go directly to goal with little to no pressure.
2A turned on 1A and can now easily pass to 2B into space for a shot on goal, ideally a shot on the undefended far post. There is just enough time and space for success, if that run and pass is made, since 1B is not goal side and on the opposite side of the potential passing lane.
1F makes the move to close down the far side passing option that 1E is marking and is also moving into position to overload the area and eliminate passing and shooting options.
1B remains relatively static. If 1B would have moved goal side of his mark earlier in the play, he could have intercepted the long touch from 2A at this time. Still, he remains out of the play and is remains defensively ineffective.
Meanwhile, 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F remain highly active in their defensive roles of this play.
1B remains relatively static on the touchline side of 2B, who is also goal side. At this point, 1B could have already intercepted the ball. But he could have also created a 2v1 situation, which would have eliminated 2A’s ability to move across the mouth of the goal and eliminated any a shot.
Following 2A’s shot, which was deflected from the block of 1A, 1B finds himself on the far side of the goal, behind 2B, and further away from where he should have been to take possession of the deflected shot. Again, he remains relatively static.
Seeing the loose ball and no defenders nearby, 1C steps forward to challenge 2A for the ball.
At this point, 1C had just fouled 2A, sending 2A to the ground and ultimately giving away the game-winning penalty. While 1C showed extraordinary initiative to challenge 2A for the ball, it lacked composure and was excessive enough to cause a penalty.
With improved defending technique, 1A might have prevented the situation. Though, it would not likely been as a result of any defensive assistance provided by 1B. In fact, the entire game-changing situation could have been avoided altogether, if 1B took the slight defensive action of moving approximately 2 to 3 yards goal side of his mark, where 1B could have:
- Easily intercepted the long touch of 2A.
- Delayed or stopped the lateral advance of 2A toward the mouth of the goal by creating a 2v1 situation.
- Easily intercepted the deflected shot on goal.
- Challenged 2A, as 1B was much closer to the deflected ball than 1C.
