Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Counter Attacking and Soccer Fundamentals

Warriors, I was just browsing through the net for soccer tips and tactics and came across this video. Splendid finishing, slick quick passes and brilliant off-the-ball runs. Thought it would benefit us.

http://www.soccer-training-info.com/the_counter_attack.asp


SOCCER FUNDAMENTALS

General

  • Keep high concentration at all times.
  • Stay fit - endurance and strength.
  • Be positive and play your best.
  • Have realistic expectations of teammates.
  • Communicate on the field (don't scream or blame each other).
  • Have the ability to combine with players.
  • Show creativity and vision.
  • Play the way you're facing (play simple).

Defensively

  • Be aware at all times.
  • Play smart and anticipate.
  • Always get behind the ball on defense.
  • Stay on the goal side when defending.
  • When challenged, make the play predictable so your teammate can anticipate the next pass or play.
  • To make a player commit, take a quick step forward and quickly back off using your body to block the run. Not obstructing the player but anticipating the play.
  • When faced with a two on one: buy time until help arrives (concede space a bit of space, don't dive in); take away the pass and force the ball in one direction.
  • Always recover centrally (toward the penalty spot).
  • Always find a free player and mark-up.

Offensively

  • Keep it simple.
  • Have vision of the entire field.
  • Play the ball back when options are limited or dangerous.
  • Always look around before collecting a pass.
  • Have a first time pass in mind before collecting the ball.
  • Be calm with the ball.
  • Always be in position to support teammates.
  • Give options to player with the ball (check in and check out asking for the ball).
  • Keep your elbows up and use your body to protect and shield the ball.
  • Take on players in offensive third of the field.
  • Dribble toward defender until he leaves his mark then pass or beat him.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Friendly at Fuhua Secondary


7 June 2009 @ Fuhua Secondary~ 3pm
Yung Ho Rangers 2 - KKZ 4 (1-3)


This was the second week in a row where KKZ had met a previous opponent. But the last time these two teams met, just 7 weeks ago, the scoreline was an emphatic 10-0 to KKZ over their opponents who then were fondly named AC Mungent Lan. This time however, their opponents had a much more dignified name, and a determined attitude to the game to right their humiliation.

To say they had chosen the wrong time, would be an understatement. KKZ had an entire full team plus 5 substitutes in the locker room of Fuhua Sec by 2 pm, with 2 more on the way. The team talk lasted a full half an hour, with topics ranging from commitment, to tactics to individual play and team plays being discussed in detail by Haresh and the other members of the senior management.

And the first 10 mins of the match showed that it worked wonders. KKZ started with Manjo in goal, to replace HariBhai who had volleyball commitments. Neshta returned for his last match till, the league ends, to partner Gabriel Achu Tan and ADF Jraj in Defence. AcidTongue Ganesh made a long awaited return to the KKZ fold as he and Thina played as wingbacks. Seelan partnered HariBoy in the DM positions while Haresh and Yasin were the AMs. Barati was given the responsibility of the lone forward as his loving parents watched on the magic their son was about to unfold.

The first 10 mins of the match, in Gabriel's words were the most classic KKZ had ever played. The team moved forward and defended as one. Balls were won all over the pitch, and the team passed the ball around so confidently, that the margin of victory was expected to be even bigger than the previous encounter. However, the opponents were no easy meat this time around, and they shocked the entire Fuhua pitch into silence as a hopeful cross was deflected into the net by Jraj to give Yung Ho the lead.

But then again, this was a new-look KKZ. One that knows not to kancheong after conceding. One that is beginning to believe that if you work on your possession, the goals will come. And that was how the goals came. A good passing movement saw Barati being released on the right with his adoring parents watching. And boy didn't he disappoint, as he weaved pass two players and cut the ball back to Haresh who made no mistake as he pushed the ball past a defender and swivelled a shot into the net to gain the equaliser. With the confidence gained, KKZ began sweeping forward as another flowing move saw Haresh latch on to a ball, beat a defender and pass to Barati, who squared the ball to Dinzonesh who took a ferocious shot. The keeper could only manage to parry it away to Barati who made no mistake as his shot hit the roof of the net, 2-1 to KKZ. There was to be no reprieve for Yung Ho, who to their credit did string together a few good passes and made a few good tackles. One such interception of Hari's attempted through-ball, however found its way to Haresh's feet who made no mistake once again, as he gave KKZ a deserved 3-1 lead.

That led the way to substitutions, and Bala who had already replaced Seelan, and who was having a splendid half, and Dinzonesh who earlier replaced the injured Ganesh was joined by EL Fazail, Ghazali, Vinnie and Nayee. The remainder of the half, saw KKZ fully grip the game with splendid passing and switching of play, but unlucky finishing saw it not adding on to the lead.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Yung Ho team, take on a KKZ team that is still unable to shake off its second half curse. Players were out of position all over the field, passing movements in the first half had led way to longballs in search of the killer pass, and the defence was shaky and non-coordinated. Except for the calm presence of Prem who had come in for Achu, the defence found itself disorganised. One such moment, found Jraj completely off-guard, and Yung Ho capitalised to reduce the lead to 3-2.

However, that was the only realistic chance they had in the second half, and KKZ mounted chance after chance and spurned a few more, with slackness in the last third. If Yung Ho, were harboring any hopes of a comeback, they were put to rest when El Fazail, showed his importance yet again, by finishing off a smart corner by Bala, to restore the two goal lead. And that was how the game ended, 4-2 to KKZ.

Statistically, this game was a disaster, considering that the opponents were beaten 10-0 before with a weaker squad. However in the overall scheme of things, the mgmt saw this match as a success. The win was recorded, objectives set before the game were achieved with players playing with a purpose, and the team harmony and morale was at a new high. Special credit must once again be given to the wingbacks Thina and Dinzonesh for an effective performance and also to Ghaz who made true of his promise to be a different player. On the whole it was a game to remember for the KKZ faithful. KKZ can now look forward to a new dawn, but will this be yet another false dawn? Only the footballing gods can tell..

KAMIKAZE!!!

Players: Manjo, Jayaraj, Achu, Neshta, Ganesh, Thina, Seelan, HariBoy, Haresh, Yasin, Barati, Bala, Dinesh, Ghaz, Vinnie, Fazail, Nayee

Goals: Haresh (2), Barati, El Fazail

M.O.M: Bala, (Tough competition for this week between Barati who scored one and made one, and Bala. But Bala wins the award for this week with a spectacular performance all across the pitch, making calculated tackles and spreading the play with efficient effective passing. To deliver such a performance after the criticism and controversy over the previous week, deserves applauds and that he gets. Well Done.)

Monday, June 01, 2009

Friendly at Siglap Secondary

31 May 2009 @ Siglap Secondary~ 3pm
KKZ 3 EastBoyz FC 3 (2-1)


The last time, these two teams met in 2007 off the pitch controversy and fiery tempers overshadowed the footballing brilliance and the score ended 3-0 to KKZ in an otherwise evenly placed match. This time however, football overshadowed everything else, but the fiery atmosphere still prevailed. Kamikaze managed to head down to Siglap sec with a surprising 14-man squad despite not having the Eastboyz in their roster.

HariBhai of Tekka Volleyball Fc made only his second ever appearance for KKZ, starting in goal. He was protected by a 3-man defence comprising of former Captain Gabriel Achu Tan, ADF Jraj and Sgt Suresh Boyee. The 2 DMs were Bala and HariBoy with Barathi being played in a more defensive flying wingback role with Dinzonesh who himself was making his 1st appearance in KKZ colours. Haresh and Mandai Kong were the attacking mids supporting lone striker El Fazail. Nayee, newcomer Navin and Thina who impressed in his first game were all on the subs bench. However due to another case of bastarding by the organisers, the match wif Eastboyz took a drastic change as there was no referee. Upstepped Nayee to referee the match. One way he could protect himself was refereeing duties that he would share with 4 others.

The game itself started in a high tempo with KKZ enjoying fluid passing and good possession. The defence was rock solid and managed to thwart the dangers posed by the Eastboyz attackers Sayed and Big Viki. Credit had to be given to the wingbacks and the DMs who constantly dropped back to protect the excellent defence. KKZ made their possession count when El Fazail managed to thread an excellent throughball to find Haresh who slipped past the Eastboyz' backline and coolly finished to give the KKZ the lead. However the lead did not give KKZ the momentum they would have wanted. Substitutes Nayee and Navin who played in attack could not make the possession count by adding the lead, instead final balls were wasted. This gave Eastboyz a chance to come back in the game and they did so however, unexpectedly. Kabi played an aimless longball looking to find Big Viki, however he miscued the ball and it ended up swerving into the net past HariBhai who otherwise was having an excellent game. Just when it looked like the half was gonna end in a stalemate, KKZ was given an unexpected freekick when Thomas was adjudged harshly by 2nd referee Vikram, to have pushed Barathi. Hariboy stepped up confidently to take the kick, and his confidence translated into an excellently taken freekick to send KKZ into the half with a slender 2-1 lead.

The second half began with much more bloodlust, as more crunching tackles being flown in by both sides, that saw El Fazail, Kabi, Thina, Nayee, Nesh, Haresh all getting injured at various points during the match. However, credit must be given to the wingbacks and the 3-man defenders of KKZ. Their tireless running and calm composed defending helped KKZ withstand the attacking onslaught of the Eastboyz, that was further aided by the lack of understanding in the centre midfield. KKZ showed glimpses of brilliance, but it was Eastboyz who drew level when Nayee stupidly handled a freekick, resulting in a penalty that was calmly converted by Gerard. Yet again, Haribhai who was still having an excellent game, had to concede a harsh goal. The rest of the game saw KKZ dominate possession, while Eastboyz had more clearcut chances. Nayee thought, he had scored the winner when he unexpectedly aided the ball into the net with his head, but his joy was to be shortlived as Nesh pulled the Eastboyz level with a well-taken shot from a corner.

The previous encounter between these two teams saw football take a backseat with controversy overshadowing. This time however, the score ended 3 apiece, a-la Barca vs Man Utd '98, and just like then, football ruled the day. Both sides showed good passing movements and a commitment to attacking football. It was a even match, which the scoreline rightly reflected.

However, on the KKZ side improvements are still needed. Attackers, need to be more clinical, and need to finish even the half chances. The midfield needs to be more in sync and find its rhythm to function as one. But the highlights of the day for KKZ were its 3 defenders, and its tireless wingbacks. Special credit must be given to Thina and Dinzonesh, both of whom are new players, but showed tremendous potential. KKZ faithful also hopes that outstanding keeper HariBhai can be signed on a long-term deal, after his fantastic performance saving 3 1-on-1 shots.

In conclusion, the match reaffirmed the potential of KKZ to adapt to changes and personnel loss. It also reiterated, that while KKZ is best while attacking, defending is a duty and the defending ethos must be translated in the hearts of every KKZ player, and not just the defence.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Players: HariBhai, Jayaraj, Achu, Suresh Boyee, Barathi, Dinesh, Thina, Bala, HariBoy, Haresh, Seelan, Faizal, Nayee, Navin

Goals: Haresh, HariBoy, Nayee

M.O.M: HariBoy, (Whilst the defenders and the Keeper had an awesome game, Hariboy made lots of improvement to his play from the previous game and showed his full array of passing and positional play. Scored one and created another. Deserves his Man of the Match award)

PS: Eastboyz, rough and tough you are, hated you might be by others.. But You were, You are and You will Always be part of the KKZ family!!