Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
I think it could work to play 3-5-2, but what I find with my u16's is if i designate one of my midfielders to play deeper, and protect the three, then they don't want to do it and would much prefer play in an attacking position. Also I think you need your midfielders to be fit, and be able to support the defence, and if you play without wing-backs and the opposition are strong in wide areas this could also be a problem. The midfield battle in many youth and professional games can dictate a games result, but the game is won and lost through attacking, and defending so if the three in defence are strong, good players then definately the 5 in midfield is very important, and could be a tactic to win many games.
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I do play a specific defensive midfielder. His role is to break down the opposition midfield play, not always with tackles, but by pre-empting the attack, and also to generate our attacks. It requires an intelligent player able to read the game well, and also possess a good touch to instigate our attacks quickly. Although predominantly a defensive role, I stress this is a key role in the team, and I have no problems filling this position from my squad.
I also play both wing backs, again I stress to my players that I cannot have everything in terms of attack and defence. The general rule is, wingbacks go forward when we have the ball, and back towards our goal when they have the ball. This may sound obvious, but it is a good starting point when explaining to the players their roles. As their experience grows they begin to problem solve for themselves.
I regard myself as being from the development school of coaching, and therefore I am interested in how to improve all my players. This means that I am actually not that interested in the result of the match. I know this sounds like sacrilege, but as I have said in other posts, I believe that the results will look after themselves if I improve my players.