[John PranjicParticipant]

If you’re looking to get your outside backs to overlap or to create overloads on the wings… you are going to have a difficult time having your CB/DCM at the top of that diamond you’re describing. I would recommend using the CB/DCM as a pivot behind the two OBs with the goalie as another safety outlet. It does put more responsibility on the two mids to move in and out of the space.

If you’re really worried about getting the keeper involved what you’re better off doing is getting your GK, CB, and OB into positions that create 3v1 triangles when necessary to play out of tight spots at the back and maintain possession instead of opting for a long ball out of pressure.

What you ultimately want to create is 2v1 on the wings and get that OB hauling ass up the sideline. You don’t want to be left stranded with just one at the back in the event the other teams shuts you down and counters with quick dribbling or a long ball (two most likely situations).

What you’re describing would be more of a 2-3-1 in my opinion. I don’t think that’s the right route to go and doesn’t transition to the next level appropriately…….. but thats just my opinion 🙂

• This reply was modified 10 years, 11 months ago by  John Pranjic.

[John PranjicParticipant]

In your back 3- operate the same way, just minus one center back. The field at that age SHOULD be more narrow and the lone CB shouldn’t have TOO much space to cover himself. He’ll want to drop back just a little bit to give himself some depth and create the proper passing angles for swinging the ball. You don’t want your OB’s playing square balls to your CB. Then, you’re risking getting picked off by their forwards and it’s off to the races.

When you’re swinging the ball from side to side, as soon as the CB turns to play one way, that outside back gets wide and high (same as what is presented in the eBook). The outside back behind the play then tucks in and shifts over with CB (just as they would if there were 4 in the back line). One of your mids has to act as a holder, or they both have to learn and rotate in and out of the space and share that role. Your GK should definitely be getting involved and get comfortable moving side to side with the play. He will always be the outlet when there is too much pressure

 

[John PranjicParticipant]

Finally- a place that allows more than 140 characters!!!!!

My name is John Pranjic. I’m 26 years old. I’ve been a reader and commenter on 3four3 since the very beginning. And it’s been life changing!

I currently coach a high school girls team. This is my third season in charge of the program. I was privileged to coach the majority of my girls year round on a club team for a couple of years. So what you see on the field is actually a lot more work than just the 3 month high school season each year. Before coaching the girls, I coached the boys team at the same high school for 2 years and also worked 2 years as an assistant coach there as well. I also played for and graduated from the same high school! 🙂

I’ve also coached at Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo for their Men’s Club. I’ve worked as an individual/small group trainer and also a personal trainer at a local gym. I’ve coached at various camps and led sessions for groups of coaches. All great experiences!

I have the minimum certifications that allow me coach youth soccer in California, but I’ve picked up the majority of what I know by teaching myself. I’ve spent hours and hours researching and watching games and training sessions and listening to interviews. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences with you guys and learning more from Gary, Brian, and everyone else!

Let’s stay connected!

Follow me on Twitter: @thatcroatianguy

Follow me on YouTube: thatcroatianguy

 

 

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