BPO translates to ‘ball possession opposition’. This term my group is working on what to do when we don’t have the ball and how to win it back as effectively as possible. This is a difficult phase of the game to focus on when, after three terms, we have been working on how best to keep the ball.
The football highlights shown on TV are all about having the ball and scoring, or at least attempting to score. Developing techniques of disciplined defensive fundamentals is a difficult task to say the least, especially to a young group of attack minded players. Selling the idea that there are times where we need to collectively and patiently work to win the ball back, has become a major task for me.
Giving kids new challenges can be difficult and defending is one challenge that involves maturity and commitment. These days maturity and commitment are rarely associated with kids who find it easier to click the “Play Again” button without much consequence. Persistence is one thing that can be associated with coaching, which is why I was pleased, but not surprised, when I started to see some of the players beginning to apply what they’ve learnt in some of the games we’ve played this week.
Satisfaction in seeing changes in how kids apply what they’ve learnt on the training pitch is such a great part of coaching. Obviously we’d like to see the changes occur immediately but in reality everyone applies what they’ve learnt in varying degrees. Some players get it straight away, some take a while, but as long as they are learning new elements of the game, we as coaches are doing our job.
Collectively the group has a fair way to go in applying themselves at the main moment of BPO in football. The fact that we are seeing some differences in how individuals defend now gives us the opportunity to coach defensive team principles. During this term I’ll revisit our progress and hopefully share some knowledge on “parking the bus” IFS style.
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