My Point of View

Here are some thoughts, observations and suggestions I have from many hours of soccer play.
Many of these are obvious but I will state anyway.

I observed a game from above and found it enlightening. I recommend everyone do so.

In no particular order;

1. Goalie

The goalie animation is ineffective. By the time the action takes place
the ball has gone past.

I think it is better to abandon the goalie animation, as it is,
and use the regular movements.

I have suggested to Max Flyer that the goalie animation have perhaps
a one-meter 'sticky zone' around and above the goalie.

In the meantime I think it would be good to have an 'outer goalie' to
defend the outer rectangle.
( 'penalty box'? I'm not sure of the correct name )

His task would be to keep attackers out of the box.
He should stay in or near it at all times and not let anyone
take a shot from inside the box or get past him.

( I know, easier said than done, but this is what he should train for. )


2. Defenders

Don't chase the ball.

If an attacker gets past you and is occupied by another defender,
go to a new position in the attackers likely path.

If the attacker gets past all the defenders he will only have the goalie to deal with.
One attacker vs the goalie is almost always going to score.

If an attacker has two defenders on him, stay back between the ball and the goal,
or near opposing players in the open to guard against a pass or free ball.
Use your discretion.


3. Attackers

Scoring 1 vs 1 against the goalie is easy.
Scoring against the goalie and one defender is not difficult.
Scoring against the goalie and two defenders is harder but still not overly difficult.
Scoring against the goalie and three defenders is difficult.

If an attacker has three defenders chasing him that means that there
are team mates that are unguarded and have a better chance of scoring.

I noticed big clear areas when three or four defenders are chasing the ball.
I suggest having a player loiter in these areas ready to receive long passes
and perhaps running the ball all the way in with less opposition.

I think we should practice passing to the center of the field or open areas
when this situation occers. Perhaps even deliberately running to a corner
of the field to draw defenders away from our loitering players then
passing the ball to them.

Also, I think that one of our attackers should stay back, ready to receive passes
when we are on the defensive.


4. No short passes near our goal.

They are too easily missed and intercepted giving the opponant an easy goal.


5. Don't forget who your team mates are.

If your team mate has the ball don't take it from him. Give him space.
Sometimes it happens in the heat of action but be aware.


That's all for now, more later.