'Modernise or perish'

[Željko Jurin]

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/116 ... rns-Berger

Australian football needs to adopt a modern possession game at all levels if it is to compete with the world's big guns, national technical director Han Berger warned.

Berger was speaking at Football Federation Australia headquarters after he released the second edition of the football curriculum that is designed to take Australia to the next level of the world game.

"We need a shift in our culture and mentality and we must have a fundamental transformation to make it happen," Berger said.

"Australia will only become a major football country if it adopts a modern patient approach, which in my opinion should be based on a 4-3-3 style.

"This system should help us develop players consistently to make Australia competitive.

"This way we won't need to rely on a golden generation like that of 2006.

"The patient possession game is not in the Australian psyche but the fact of the matter is that it should be and we should look at the big picture and at the top level.

"It is impossible to think that you can be regularly successful with a physical and direct playing style.

"Last season Celtic beat Barcelona in the Champions League. Yes, you can beat some big team in a one-off.

"In one game anything is possible.

"But on a consistent basis the direct style is not the way to go.

"Modern, top-level football has moved away from that and we need to follow."

Berger said he was pleased to note that several A-League clubs had already adapted to the needs of the modern game but the same could not be said about the attitude in the lower levels.

"To change that we have chosen a top-down approach for our top coaches and now we are trying to start a bottom-up approach based on communication with grassroots, reaching out to them," he said.

"The idea is to try to convince coaches, players and parents why this makes sense.

"At grassroots level I'm afraid it is generally still very much a win-at-all-cost physical mentality.

"That's the big challenge we face. These things take time and don't happen overnight but I am convinced that Australia will see results from this."

Australia's Socceroos are at the crossroads, having qualified for their third straight FIFA World Cup albeit with a rapidly ageing team.

Berger, who will relinquish his post after the World Cup in Brazil, said that Australia as in a delicate situation in terms of its national team priorities.

"The expectation level regarding the Socceroos is high," Berger siaid.

"When they qualified in 2006 the whole country went crazy, in 2010 it was becoming a bit normal and now it is completely normal.

"Fans expect them to qualify every time, so if the Socceroos fail to reach the finals it would be a disappointment.

"But we did not do it easy this time and to me that was a signal that we have to put in a structured approach that would enable us to consistently develop a level of good players.

"It is difficult situation for coaches because every coach who goes to a World Cup wants to perform as well as they can.

"We are currently in a transition phase between generations and that is always very difficult.

"So it is up to Holger Osieck to find the right balance and I think it is very difficult for any federation to tell a coach 'look, this is what you have to do'."

So has the time come for FFA to look ahead long-term and appoint a coach who would be under no pressure or obligation to help the Socceroos qualify for a major tournament or two?

"That's a philosophical discussion," Berger said.

"We are already doing that with our under-age teams.

"But with the national team it is much more complicated."

[fossil]

the joeys didn't do that well and they are the next level with expansive training on the 433 system and the socceroos just making it barely and this is possibly due to the modern players mental attitude as the older squads had more heart and more to prove, so will the modern junior players coming through be the same by thinking they have made it at 15 to be given a senior game.

[Bomber]

So one day, all teams will be "programmed" to play this tika-taka fantasy and then one day, along will come a new expert who will prove, "lob it long, and score quicker".

Love the possession game, but ffs, the beauty of the game are tactics, sussing out the opposition, their weaknesses and ADAPTING to a VARIETY of styles.

I understand that kids need a better approach, but take away their instincts, ability or insticts to dribble and do things outside the square, and the game becomes as exciting as a game of chess.

Hate this 4-3-3 or nothing Barossa Pearl. Yes, preferred, nice, system, then what happens if a coach or team hits you with a totally different formation and pumps you?

[matty2323]

So one day, all teams will be "programmed" to play this tika-taka fantasy and then one day, along will come a new expert who will prove, "lob it long, and score quicker".

Love the possession game, but ffs, the beauty of the game are tactics, sussing out the opposition, their weaknesses and ADAPTING to a VARIETY of styles.

I understand that kids need a better approach, but take away their instincts, ability or insticts to dribble and do things outside the square, and the game becomes as exciting as a game of chess.

Hate this 4-3-3 or nothing Barossa Pearl. Yes, preferred, nice, system, then what happens if a coach or team hits you with a totally different formation and pumps you?

my interpretation of the curriculum is that the 1-4-3-3 is the best possible tool to utilize to encourage a modern brand of football. I think it is important for all kids to develop under this system, where creativity, movement, transition and technique are all encouraged. What we cant control is the determination, commitment and desire of kids/people to succeed, and sometimes i think we put too much emphasis on "results dont matter". A result should never matter if it is at the expense of development, but at the same time, for anyone to succeed, they need to have the hunger to win and get better. You reckon winning never matter to players like Ronaldo as a kid? they still developed fine. We need more balance in our sport.

Edit: I find it interesting that he stated a "winning at all cost PHYSICAL mentality".. is that suggesting that win at all cost technical mentalities are accepted?

[fossil]

So one day, all teams will be "programmed" to play this tika-taka fantasy and then one day, along will come a new expert who will prove, "lob it long, and score quicker".

Love the possession game, but ffs, the beauty of the game are tactics, sussing out the opposition, their weaknesses and ADAPTING to a VARIETY of styles.

I understand that kids need a better approach, but take away their instincts, ability or insticts to dribble and do things outside the square, and the game becomes as exciting as a game of chess.

Hate this 4-3-3 or nothing Barossa Pearl. Yes, preferred, nice, system, then what happens if a coach or team hits you with a totally different formation and pumps you?

agree there appears to be issues in not developing a complete game that shows how all formations can be used and be detained or eliminated during a game then going back to a 433 as a base and is very usable in the 6-11 yr groups but as you get older and games get faster then what do nothing.

we have a range of sports differnt to others in the world and they progress and change every year and many AFL coaches have adopted from football from other parts of the world and even today a finals coach was promoting the need to evolve for next year or be left behind.

[Željko Jurin]

4-3-3 in the 6-11yr groups, really ?

[GaylyColouredStumps]

4-3-3 in the 6-11yr groups, really ?

yes

fossil is also able to herd cats

[ikon]

i really don't get it ....must play 433...why are we obsessed with what formations?????....kids should know 5-6 systems by 15/16 years old

[MegaBonus]

The reasoning behind the 4-3-3 philosophy is not about the formation per se.

It's all about the development of the individual at junior/youth level.

It's the best formation to help develop technically gifted 'attacking' players.

Most coaches should be aware that's it's easier to teach players/teams to defend and 'destroy' than it is to unlock the opposition and score goals.

Once developed (by 16/17 years old).... Players can adapt to any system....

How many players has Australia developed of world class ability that can unlock defences either as wide wingers or creative play makers???

[DUKE BLUE]

The reasoning behind the 4-3-3 philosophy is not about the formation per se.

It's all about the development of the individual at junior/youth level.

It's the best formation to help develop technically gifted 'attacking' players.

Most coaches should be aware that's it's easier to teach players/teams to defend and 'destroy' than it is to unlock the opposition and score goals.

Once developed (by 16/17 years old).... Players can adapt to any system....

How many players has Australia developed of world class ability that can unlock defences either as wide wingers or creative play makers???

Standing .......as I applaud this comment.

[johnpd]

Watched Cam Vs Blue Eagles on Friday night, did anyone else notice that not once was the ball played out from the back, the wingbacks never even ran to a position to receive the ball out wide, every ball from both keepers was bombed long, I went to watch to see how they play their formations, I thought it would help me with coaching next year, I sat with a parent of an under 15s player from Cam who said why bother teaching the kids to use the keeper and play out from the back, also noticed that the two full backs were just volleying clear or heading clear, with no attempt to bring the ball down and use it, is it because it was a final? did notice that in the last 20 min (when eagles were behind) that they started playing to feet, then they had a few more chances...

[Coach_Mulatinho]

Watched Cam Vs Blue Eagles on Friday night, did anyone else notice that not once was the ball played out from the back, the wingbacks never even ran to a position to receive the ball out wide, every ball from both keepers was bombed long, I went to watch to see how they play their formations, I thought it would help me with coaching next year, I sat with a parent of an under 15s player from Cam who said why bother teaching the kids to use the keeper and play out from the back, also noticed that the two full backs were just volleying clear or heading clear, with no attempt to bring the ball down and use it, is it because it was a final? did notice that in the last 20 min (when eagles were behind) that they started playing to feet, then they had a few more chances...

thats an excellent point.

[Željko Jurin]

Watched Cam Vs Blue Eagles on Friday night, did anyone else notice that not once was the ball played out from the back, the wingbacks never even ran to a position to receive the ball out wide, every ball from both keepers was bombed long, I went to watch to see how they play their formations, I thought it would help me with coaching next year, I sat with a parent of an under 15s player from Cam who said why bother teaching the kids to use the keeper and play out from the back, also noticed that the two full backs were just volleying clear or heading clear, with no attempt to bring the ball down and use it, is it because it was a final? did notice that in the last 20 min (when eagles were behind) that they started playing to feet, then they had a few more chances...

Because the junior coaches teaching kids to do this now, will be senior coaches one day

[paul merson]

Watched Cam Vs Blue Eagles on Friday night, did anyone else notice that not once was the ball played out from the back, the wingbacks never even ran to a position to receive the ball out wide, every ball from both keepers was bombed long, I went to watch to see how they play their formations, I thought it would help me with coaching next year, I sat with a parent of an under 15s player from Cam who said why bother teaching the kids to use the keeper and play out from the back, also noticed that the two full backs were just volleying clear or heading clear, with no attempt to bring the ball down and use it, is it because it was a final? did notice that in the last 20 min (when eagles were behind) that they started playing to feet, then they had a few more chances...

It also the problem with finals football, any attempt at attractive football goes out the window and deperate football kicks in, when your whole season is packed into 90 minutes you don't cared what th crowd thinks unfortunately, so from my point of view we teach our kids that an attractive game is In fact the norm and we'll hopefully be watching a better brand of football in 10 or so years time

[fossil]

4-3-3 in the 6-11yr groups, really ?

YES as this was about the new system surely the players will be exposed too but here straight from the FFA guidelines.

The Optus Small Sided Football (OSSF) formats
7 v 7 (1–3–3) and 9 v 9 (1–3–2–3) lead up to
the 1–4–3–3 formation in a logical and
methodical manner.

[fossil]

The reasoning behind the 4-3-3 philosophy is not about the formation per se.

It's all about the development of the individual at junior/youth level.

It's the best formation to help develop technically gifted 'attacking' players.

Most coaches should be aware that's it's easier to teach players/teams to defend and 'destroy' than it is to unlock the opposition and score goals.

Once developed (by 16/17 years old).... Players can adapt to any system....

How many players has Australia developed of world class ability that can unlock defences either as wide wingers or creative play makers???

the national sides make plenty of cup events but fail in the groups and having vast time in training and national system why do we fail so often?
is what we are being instructed behind what o/s nations have developed and if so by how many years?

[The moyesiah]

so in theory to play pretty play from the back, but to win a big game forget that, send it long, and do whatever you must to win, and we wonder why it is so hard to progress our game.

Every club has been doing this to get promotion into the top leagues, and we had a chance to end this, however the FFSA have no balls because the people want to win.

This is why we need a new league not a restructured league.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=69114

Right now we have the JPL & JSL, why not change this to the JDL & JPL, what is a JDL you ask? Junior Development Leagues, solely for the development of future senior players. In this comp we only have;

U14 containing the best 13&14 yr olds - 20 kids
U16 containing the best 15&16 yr olds - 20 kids

This comp does not have points or leagues and is structured to be played on a Saturday (following their seniors) as curtain raisers to the Saturday events, getting these kids use to the feel of our competition.

These players are not allowed to drop back into the new JPL structure and are registered under a different umbrella and are simply not eligible for the JPL comp. The new JPL structure is for all other players to play for points, leagues and sheep stations and will be listed as Division 123. However each JPL team can list 4 players within the JPL as rookies as such (so U13/14 JPL players would have 4 rookies) if there is a long term injury to a JDL player, clubs can lift these players into that squad, however only if the replaced player is out for long term.

This will end the bs of development vs points, because we will have a development team at every club, and the club can hire a specialist coach, leaving all the other cash cow players and teams to play for glory, while the elite standouts play for a future and the future of our game.

[rossonero]

players at that age are forced to play school soccer on saturdays if they go to a private school.

i believe its up to the clubs and their appointed coaches to do the right thing and do whats best for the development of players.

[The moyesiah]

players at that age are forced to play school soccer on saturdays if they go to a private school.

i believe its up to the clubs and their appointed coaches to do the right thing and do whats best for the development of players.

yeah being untaught what they learn all week

I'm sure the FFSA can make these players under a different umbrella to prevent that.

[johnydep]

There's another way -

• All FFSA clubs must have a linked Junior and Senior structure. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=70087
  Senior clubs use the points system - players not developed within the club receive higher points than players that come from their own junior system. Clubs can only accumulate a certain number of points. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=69201
  Promotion and relegation becomes the concern of the club structure - Junior and Senior.
  Pressure on the Junior structure becomes only to develop players for the senior structure; rather than promotion and relegation on individual junior teams.
  Pressure on the Senior structure continues to be promotion and relegation of one team, but with the added incentive to work with the Junior structure to produce and utilise internal talent.

Any Junior club that does not want to be part of the Senior club or the FFSA structure - join another association.

We've got to get away from parents of juniors looking at the small stuff - 'which U12 team is the best'. We need to start thinking - 'which National Premier League club do I want to be a part of' (includes NPL State League). For the sport and clubs to grow in this State.

[give us a break]

so in theory to play pretty play from the back, but to win a big game forget that, send it long, and do whatever you must to win, and we wonder why it is so hard to progress our game.

Every club has been doing this to get promotion into the top leagues, and we had a chance to end this, however the FFSA have no balls because the people want to win.

This is why we need a new league not a restructured league.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=69114

Right now we have the JPL & JSL, why not change this to the JDL & JPL, what is a JDL you ask? Junior Development Leagues, solely for the development of future senior players. In this comp we only have;

U14 containing the best 13&14 yr olds - 20 kids
U16 containing the best 15&16 yr olds - 20 kids

This comp does not have points or leagues and is structured to be played on a Saturday (following their seniors) as curtain raisers to the Saturday events, getting these kids use to the feel of our competition.

These players are not allowed to drop back into the new JPL structure and are registered under a different umbrella and are simply not eligible for the JPL comp. The new JPL structure is for all other players to play for points, leagues and sheep stations and will be listed as Division 123. However each JPL team can list 4 players within the JPL as rookies as such (so U13/14 JPL players would have 4 rookies) if there is a long term injury to a JDL player, clubs can lift these players into that squad, however only if the replaced player is out for long term.

This will end the bs of development vs points, because we will have a development team at every club, and the club can hire a specialist coach, leaving all the other cash cow players and teams to play for glory, while the elite standouts play for a future and the future of our game.

This sounds a bit like developing football players in a laboratory, imo. Kids are to a certain extent competitive and relish a good match. I can see where you coming from but really your system sounds far too sanitised and probably would only be good to produce a juggling world champion or something.

[The moyesiah]

so in theory to play pretty play from the back, but to win a big game forget that, send it long, and do whatever you must to win, and we wonder why it is so hard to progress our game.

Every club has been doing this to get promotion into the top leagues, and we had a chance to end this, however the FFSA have no balls because the people want to win.

This is why we need a new league not a restructured league.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=69114

Right now we have the JPL & JSL, why not change this to the JDL & JPL, what is a JDL you ask? Junior Development Leagues, solely for the development of future senior players. In this comp we only have;

U14 containing the best 13&14 yr olds - 20 kids
U16 containing the best 15&16 yr olds - 20 kids

This comp does not have points or leagues and is structured to be played on a Saturday (following their seniors) as curtain raisers to the Saturday events, getting these kids use to the feel of our competition.

These players are not allowed to drop back into the new JPL structure and are registered under a different umbrella and are simply not eligible for the JPL comp. The new JPL structure is for all other players to play for points, leagues and sheep stations and will be listed as Division 123. However each JPL team can list 4 players within the JPL as rookies as such (so U13/14 JPL players would have 4 rookies) if there is a long term injury to a JDL player, clubs can lift these players into that squad, however only if the replaced player is out for long term.

This will end the bs of development vs points, because we will have a development team at every club, and the club can hire a specialist coach, leaving all the other cash cow players and teams to play for glory, while the elite standouts play for a future and the future of our game.

This sounds a bit like developing football players in a laboratory, imo. Kids are to a certain extent competitive and relish a good match. I can see where you coming from but really your system sounds far too sanitised and probably would only be good to produce a juggling world champion or something.

Well then our stic system is a joke as this is basically what they do, the only difference is they do it with the best from all clubs, this system deals with the best from their club.