33rd Post

Relegation looming large, sixth straight loss
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Score 9-5
Con (2), Alvin, Dylan, Noid (1)

Leaders: Alvin (22), Pov, Dylmah, Con (4), Mainland, Noid, Dave (2), Damo, Nesa, Ilia (1); Someguy (4)

Mission debrief: - we can only win if we defend
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positives:
-superb goal from Con, he also played some good link up play. but read below to see our role in the team.
-a lot of heart from Noid, but read below to see the role you must play to fit into the overall dynamics of the team. Goes for all.
-there is no doubt that every member of the team tries their best and has the best intentions

negatives:
-lack of team dynamics
-look up and continue the play, dont just get annoyed and turn your back when i make a shit throw. i know its shit, you dont need to tell me.
-must talk it up. communicate.

offence:
-scoring not an issue
-never will be an issue

defence:
-Nesa should have played on hindsight to anchor the back
-need an anchor player with defence experience at the back
-the key to anchoring is to jockey (be on your toes and 'shuffle' along with the opposing player, commit only when you are sure 100% that he has lost the ball. don't let them trick you)
-hassling in the opposing half not only wastes energy but it puts yourself out of position making other players work twice as hard to cover the space opened up from the unsuccessful commitment. Its all well to do it once or twice to catch them unaware but if the opposition is quality there is no point whatsoever.
-the key to a good Krew defence is that everyone is there and we can play the trademark sliding-zone D, that draws the opposing team into our half and then we can counter quickly and efficiently with Al plus one. (plus 1.5 on the big field as that 0.5 plays a lingering support role in between the counter attack and anchor. (Damo epitomizes the perfect 0.5 player)
-essentially the defence formation should be close to a triangle

-wots worked in the past? if we show that we all defend and leave Al lingering at the half way line, even if we have minimal scoring opportunities we end up winning. why? because our defence has forced them to get out of position and allowed Al to pass the last man. Ilia has been his only challenge. Once the flood gates open, they become anxious and play catch up.. making our counter more and more effective. Other attacking opportunities involve running the play through Al.. but once again its the 1.5 players that do it and they must be prepared to defend at any point in time.

-when the opportunity arises at Con's park, I will answer any queries and provide learning opportunity to defend and play your position.

midfield:
-whilst the anchor player theoretically holds up the opposing attack, the midfielders need to slide back to help. On the small field, there is no out-and-out striker as all three players are required to defend on the narrow strip.
-its easy to get caught up in an attacking play, but if it happens too often you have to start asking yourself are you pushing too far up and not coming back quickly enough?

goalkeeping:
-a horrible display from 'Steve Harper!'.
-its also a case of Mr Watson's rule in some situations
-need to level up...

other points?:
-so why is Al allowed to linger at the half and not really defend? because its more effective to have him keeping the opposing team on their toes than waste him doing a defensive job that either one of us should be able to do. comments encouraged.

comments strongly encouraged.
yes i have considered our injury problems in this debrief, but its good to remind ourselves wot needs to be done. Patience my young grasshoppers.... Defence is the paramount building block to a successful attack.