It is obviously not an easy task to replicate a player like Tommy Rogic. He seems to have it all. Physical presence, deceptive speed, tactical nous (thanks to Arnie), vision and most importantly silky skills which allow him to skip past an opponent with apparent ease. As an opposition coach, there is no tactical answer to beating an opponent, apart from possibly making sure he doesn’t make it through to half time. So why, if it is so important (and not to mention entertaining) do we not spend more time teaching and encouraging this one aspect of an individual’s game?
In my own experience, I was never shown effectively how to beat an opponent in a 1 v 1 situation. This has become increasingly apparent since watching Andre put the year 5 and 6 students through their paces over the past couple of weeks. I was certainly never given the opportunity to constantly practise the stepover, the scissors or a simple drop the shoulder technique in a competitive but not result-driven environment. Although I do remember a couple of ‘coerver’ sessions with Alan Bourke on the back field of Pluim Park many years ago.
A competitive training and game environment is a must to get the best developmental results. Development is only hindered when results become the main focus. I’m sure many coaches this season have yelled at their striker for trying to take on a defender and losing out. I’m sure there are players who have called out things like “stop hogging it” to fellow team mates. The word HOG was used extensively when I was growing up and passing was always the coach’s preferred option when coming up against a defender. I am scared to think of how many great HOGS we have lost to the game because of the constant abuse and lack of encouragement from coaches and team mates. Heaven forbid an attacker actually trying to take on two defenders.
With my own junior development in mind, it is no wonder that as I got older, I only possessed two options in a 1 v 1 situation: 1) the ‘cut back’, after faking a pass, cross or shot and 2) a 1-2 pass using another team mate, and that’s it! Now, at the age of 38 years and just finishing my final season with Lake Macquarie in the NBN state league, I decided it was time to put my thoughts into action. With a few games to go, finals out of reach and relegation not an issue, I decided that with the pressure off I would try to teach myself how to perform the scissors in a 1 v 1 real game situation to create room for a cross or shot. I was playing my normal wide left attacking role so I knew I was going to get my chances. I, and most of my previous coaches, have always regarded the scissors as a bit of a fancy move for fancy players, which certainly wasn’t me. Anyway, after a slow start, I couldn’t believe that it was actually working. As the minutes and games went on, I was not only getting success but I also felt I had added another string to my bow. My confidence grew and I was having fun. Watch out over 35’s!
I would love to chat to Tommy about his own junior and youth development one day. If I ever get that chance, I’m sure he would tell me, that it involved hours and hours of purposeful practice, encouragement from those around him and plenty of mistakes along the way.
“If you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world.” – Neil Gaiman, English author.
Browny
Megan Cusack says
How refreshing to read that it is ok to be a ‘hog’ – something Connor got pulled off the field for this year in his team. Thanks Damien for an inspiring post!