| As a soccer coach, there is nothing more rewarding | | | | from the outset. You can decide to slow things down |
| than seeing your team win - when all those hours of | | | | by moving slowly for free kicks and throw ins- |
| practice come real on the pitch. But no matter how | | | | conversely you can increase the tempo of the match |
| meticulous your soccer coaching, there is always the | | | | by moving into position for set pieces before the |
| chance that your players might not perform on the | | | | opposition arrive, shouting calls to unnerve the other |
| day, so here is a guide to help you and your team | | | | players. Another way of changing the rhythm can be |
| ensure that maximum potential is realised, and getting | | | | done through passing moves; keep possession tight |
| the right result from the match - a victory for your | | | | to slow down the pace, or kick long with your |
| side! | | | | forwards in position to hurry the attack. |
| First: make sure that your players have the | | | | Fifth: Use 'gamebreakers'. This is another thing you |
| necessary mental and physical preparation. Get them | | | | can practice with your players in soccer drills, ensuring |
| in a competitive spirit, by convincing each player to | | | | your best players can quickly break down the |
| work harder than their opposite number in the game. | | | | opposition's defence, disorganising their tactics, and |
| This will improve their confidence. Make sure that | | | | pulling off surprise changes of pace or attacking |
| they get plenty of sleep before match days. | | | | direction. Opposition teams naturally try and focus on |
| Second: Don't give away team secrets to the | | | | stopping your best players; it will be harder for them |
| opposition! Make sure that your warm-ups and | | | | to do that if your gamebreakers creatively use |
| tactical talks are given without being seen or heard | | | | positioning and passing to confuse the opposition. |
| by the opposing team. Keep your tactical talks for | | | | Sixth: Be patient! Be confident in your plan, even if |
| the pitch, not the dressing room. | | | | things to go as initially hoped. Get your players to be |
| Third: Try to ensure that your players are | | | | constantly attentive to the plan, and use attrition to |
| comfortable with the first few plays of the match, | | | | force possession from your opponents. Nominate |
| things like the first corner, the first attacking move, | | | | two or three players, including your captain, to be in |
| and marking opposition players. You can sort these | | | | charge of making on-field decisions and execution of |
| out in prepared soccer drills during practice sessions, | | | | the plan. |
| but it is vital that your team makes a solid, confident | | | | Seventh: And finally, be aware of the referee and |
| start in the game. Make sure that they are calm, to | | | | the kind of match they want to play. Your players |
| avoid giving unnecessary free kicks away. Mentally | | | | will have to learn to compromise, and often show |
| rehearsing these manoeuvres with your players | | | | humility when decisions don't go their way. However, |
| beforehand is a good way to ensure a bright start to | | | | it will pay off in the long term and referees tend to |
| the game. | | | | favour those teams who don't bully or harass, but |
| Fourth: Your players will be more comfortable and | | | | try and play the game in a fair spirit. |
| confident if they can set the pace of the match | | | | |