2021 Game Notes

[PaulNewman]

SimpleCoach, yes, you are very ill and definitely need help.  Unfortunately, in the triage process you rate as far less in need of assistance than the great majority of us.

As for the possession thing, doesn't that have something to do with level of competition?  I recall when coaching my U10 teams outdoors and indoors that we passed and dazzled like crazy....IF the opponent was very inferior...and when the opponent was much better than us, we suddenly turned into a launch, hope, and pray squad (IF we could ever get ahold of the ball).  This is my resolution for many teams not being as possession-oriented as the coaches like to think without concluding that many are psychopathic liars.  Random example...watch Wittenberg versus Bluffton, and then Wittenberg versus OWU or Calvin.

@Paul Newman.  Yes, a big indicator is who they play, by all means.  That's why I really am trying to watch games between teams that may be even in terms of talent and ability.  Clearly in some instances I watched some bad games.  And would say that there are probably another 20 games that I watched that were so out of whack it just didn't add anything to the discussion.

Players do have a role in this, absolutely.  And I will say that yes, those elite level players that you see at Tufts, etc. are in limited supply.  But not everyone plays these teams.  Like I mentioned, I am trying to figure out how a team goes about being better.... not just in terms of how I like teams to play, but also how they can win.  And if there are ways in which a team does get better that doesn't require something that would be out of the realm of possibility.

Regarding the coaches, fair point.  Not sure I think they are psychopathic liars, but I do know in my sons case, and having watched these teams multiple times for the purpose of if I misunderstood or caught the "wrong" game.  I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt but the 5 I was talking about, it's not even close ..... Anyhow, my apologies.  Will accept negative karma with no ill will.

No criticism intended at all and will add a +k to clarify.  I was embellishing with "psychopathic liars" and totally understood points made by you and our Hopkins friend.  I too have marveled at basically every coach thinking or at least saying that they are all about "keeping the ball on the carpet."

And of course I was joking about mental well being.

[Ejay]

Simple Coach, your chart is useful and you put a lot of time into it. Since I'm having a slow morning at work, I've taken the time to format your chart to make it more readable:

Messiah	Elizabethtown	65	7	11%	-19%	9.29	7	585
Elizabethtown	Messiah	18	3	17%	-36%	6.00	2	162

This is interesting, and maybe Falconer can chime in.  From your game notes, you only watched the first half. And while possession was largely dominated by Messiah, shots were even at 4-4 and corners at 2-2 in that first half.  It would appear Messiah played possession for possession sake while Elizabethtown played tight D and looked to counter.  Turns out neither was more productive than the other since they drew 0-0.

[SimpleCoach]

@Ejay.  Yes, only watched the first half.  And indeed it is what I noticed.  As I mentioned in my notes, Messiah seems to "struggle" getting dangerous against very compact, organized defenses.  Which Elizabethtown most definitely was.  ETown countered, when they could, but it was pretty infrequent.  But did get dangerous a couple of times, largely because it seems at times that Messiah get's mesmerized by their own passing and forgets that a game is being played.

[Ron Boerger]

I suggest 5-1 Colorado College at #4 Trinity (TX) for your viewing pleasure, SC (7:30 PM CDT Friday).  TU and CC are rivals in a number of sports - not a lot of love lost on the pitch.  If you're interested you can find the broadcast here.  If you join early there won't be any audio - there's only commentary while the games are in progress so it's radio silence before the match and during halftime.

[SimpleCoach]

I suggest 5-1 Colorado College at #4 Trinity (TX) for your viewing pleasure, SC (7:30 PM CDT Friday).  TU and CC are rivals in a number of sports - not a lot of love lost on the pitch.  If you're interested you can find the broadcast here.  If you join early there won't be any audio - there's only commentary while the games are in progress so it's radio silence before the match and during halftime.

I'm in!

[SimpleCoach]

Johns Hopkins v St. Mary's College
John's Hopkins
Bias? – For Halloween I dressed up as a doctor once and I say a Hail Mary every morning.


   JHU dominating control with St. Mary's trying to get the ball.  JHU looks to move it through midfield but not so easy right now.  Had a few through balls that became dangerous.
   Don't think St. Mary's has crossed midfield with the ball and kept it.
   When JHU does connect, they do so very well.  13 passes led to an opportunity on goal.  Switched side, 6 players involved.  St. Mary's were spectators...
   Ok, JHU looks like they have a high Pass Ratio, but a lot of it comes from passing across the back line.  Very selective and patient as to when they move it beyond midfield. As an example, one set of 11 passes, one put the ball across midfield, and another was a poor pass that let to a turnover.  But still St. Mary's hasn't really gotten touches on the ball.
   St. Mary's trying to get a hold of the ball and is starting to connect a little.  15 minutes gone in first half.
   JHU must have seen something on the tape because they go down the left side almost all the time.  Center back acts as a midfielder.
   JHU loves to switch sides.  Have everyone shift over then send a big ball to the opposite side midfielder or winger.  If I were St. Mary's coach, that would stop because I would have someone in the vicinity to challenge for that ball.
   When they do get a hold of the ball, St. Mary's advantage of space and making runs.
   And just like that, St. Mary's breaks the deadlock.  Foul deep in their own half, St. Mary's plays it into the midfield.  5 quick passes between 4 midfielders and they send a ball down to a winger making a run.  Steps on the ball and passes back 25 yards to the deep midfielder who is now running down the middle of the field with no Johns Hopkins player within 20 yards of him.  Takes a touch left, away from a midfielder who is coming to cover and ultimately dives in.  Cool as a cucumber, #11 from St. Mary's steps on the ball and pushes to his right and from 23 yards away hits a great ball bending far post where the keeper did not have a chance.  Great goal.  Johns Hopkins 0, St. Mary's 1.
   Can make a case that the JHU keeper was sitting too far back and should have been a couple of steps further out, but not sure if he saves it anyhow. 
   JHU now playing with urgency and stepping higher. 
   #11 for St. Mary's is pretty talented.
   Will say JHU looks coached to pass to cones.  Not sure they are looking at some of the runs that are being made and the options available to the player with the ball.  They seem to have their mind made up ahead of time.  As an example, outside back is looking for a pass down the wing or to drop it back.  Irrespective (Because "irregardless" is not a word and is a double negative...) of the fact that there is a center mid 20 yards away. 
   JHU is playing like they are in a rush and resulting in a lot of lost balls.
   St. Mary's is playing like they can't believe they are ahead.  They are sitting deeper but are trying to connect again.
   A bit of chaos in the JHU attack.  40 minutes gone in the first half.
   Have some games I want to watch so chalking it up to history.

[SimpleCoach]

St. Joseph's ME v Amherst
Amherst
Bias? – Didn't know Monks were fearsome sports mascots and I am a fan of Aloysius Snuffleupagus.

   From the outset Amherst is pressing high, and everywhere.  Makes St. Joseph's work very difficult.
   Really choppy play.  No real possession.  Lots of bad passes on both sides.
   Not sure what I was expecting, but certainly expected more.
   Game being played very narrowly, which I think is to St. Joseph's advantage.  Thought last time I watched Amherst they liked to move the ball and use the width.
   St. Josephs with a big throw.  Player can land the ball in the middle of the box.  First one didn't result in anything.
   Careful St. Joseph.  Amherst can punish like a Roman Legion if given the chance.
   #13 for Amherst has some game.
   Really not a fun game to watch.
   At times, Amherst is so slow with the ball that St. Joseph's doesn't even have to defend.  Am I missing something here?
   Having said that, St. Joseph's hasn't done anything spectacular.  Don't think I have even seen the Amherst keeper come into frame.
   The St. Joseph's keeper on the other hand has been active and clearly knows his responsibilities.
   I didn't know the game field was 60 yards long.  Only place that the game is being played is the St. Joseph's half.
   And just like that, game over for St. Joseph's.   How it got there involves some ugly rebounds and lots of tackles.  Ball crossed in by #21 near post to a wide open forward standing between to St. Joseph players and heads the ball off the post and goes in from 6 yards out.  St. Joseph 0. Amherst 1. 
   Think I am done with this one.  My eyes are bleeding.  For any of you watching, hope the second half is better.

[Ommadawn]

St. Joseph's ME v Amherst
Amherst

   Really choppy play.  No real possession.  Lots of bad passes on both sides.

I'm really looking forward to the SimpleCoach 10-minute passing statistics on this one!

[backheel18]

This had me chuckling. It's the rough equivalent of "what do I have to do to get you into a car today" from a coach. Or car dealerships that talk about being honest and trustworthy.

If you have to say that out loud, there's probably something you're covering for (IMO).

It's been drummed into everyone's head that "playing it out of the back" is the preferrable and "correct" way to play the game. And, yes, it is more aesthetical and often a statistically more preferable way to play.

Problem comes in when you just don't have a) the players or b) the coaching acumen to make that happen.

I know these are obvious points, but you really nailed it when you bring up coaches just saying what they think parents/players want to hear. All it takes is watching your team for 10 minutes to suss that out, coach.

Glad I could help lighten the day @Hopkins92.  Some of the things we were told were outright absurd ... I knew it when I was told and my sons recruiting list was small because he disqualified coaches who were full of it.  That was always the gotcha question for me.  To boot, to watch now, I am not sure I am watching the game the coach talked about.

Looking at some of their recruiting classes is even more comical.... doubling down on the opposite of "working it out of the back."

Not that I will ever know, but wonder how many coaches read these boards.  And if so, would love to have an honest discussion about how they play.  I suspect this wont happen because for some of these guys, being called out isn't exactly what they are looking for...

@Simplecoach - I have known of a few coaches that have read these boards and I first got on here because I was helping at a D3 school. I think that coaches talk about their style of play because they think that is what recruits want to hear. However, when you look at the landscape of D3 soccer, there are far more Burnelys than Man Citys. For a coach who is not in the upper 100, would it help their program if they are honest and say that their style of play is pack it in and spring on the break? Maybe. But I am sure that they would also be worried about turning off players that will help them change their style of play.

[PaulNewman]

LOL.

Hi Rick, nice to meet you...I'm Coach Lasso.  Gonna be honest with you.  We play kick and run, chase and dump, dump and chase, park the bus and the train, and "Send IT!"  We care about each other, though.  A lot.  And gosh darn, dagnabbit it, I already really care about you.  Here's a couple of meal vouchers for you and your Dad to visit Dining Services.

[PaulNewman]

I'm exaggerating for effect, but back in the day a coach at a lower tier Centennial school told my mostly unrecruited kid that he could play 90 minutes at center mid, pick the rest of the starting XI, and decide the formation and style of play...and admissions offered 30K per year.

[SimpleCoach]

I'm really looking forward to the SimpleCoach 10-minute passing statistics on this one!

Well, lets go to the tape ....

St Joseph's
First 5
15 passes
3 defined as bad passes
Pass Ratio of 5:1
Second 5
13 passes
4 defined as bad passes
Pass Ratio of 3.25:1
In aggregate
28 passes
7 defined as bad passes
Pass Ratio of 4:1

Amherst
First 5
17 passes
7 defined as bad passes
Pass Ratio of 2.5:1
Second 5
7 passes
4 defined as bad passes
Pass Ratio of 1.75:1
In aggregate
24 passes
11 defined as bad passes
Pass Ratio of 2.18:1

Here is where it starts getting interesting.  Like I said, think I was expecting more from Amherst.  Not sure why, but I was.  In the game they played against Skidmore the completed 29 passes and had 10 bad passes, for a ratio of 2.9:1.  Between the two games they have 53 passes, 21 bad passes for a ratio of 2.52:1.  Maybe I shouldn't expect more?  I am not sure what else it means ... I'll need to talk to my therapist to help me understand that.

[SimpleCoach]

@Simplecoach - I have known of a few coaches that have read these boards and I first got on here because I was helping at a D3 school. I think that coaches talk about their style of play because they think that is what recruits want to hear. However, when you look at the landscape of D3 soccer, there are far more Burnelys than Man Citys. For a coach who is not in the upper 100, would it help their program if they are honest and say that their style of play is pack it in and spring on the break? Maybe. But I am sure that they would also be worried about turning off players that will help them change their style of play.

@Backheal18  I don't disagree.  And I think most coaches, with a couple of exceptions want to do better than they do.  And sure, I know that recruiting a kids can be a tough proposition.  I guess what I am starting to think is that if you are Burnley, maybe aspire to be Aston Villa or Southampton first.  Not everyone can be Man City.

It's by no means absolute.  I've tracked 50 teams so far  (13 are Man City, 7 are Everton, 30 are Burnley if you are wondering).  We always talk about cleaning up passes ... start there.  I am starting to think if you can eliminate 1/3rd of giveaways on passes ... so no more long ball on the tip off.  No more forcing it down the line.  No more throw ins into pockets of pressure where the guy receiving it is put in an impossible place.  That alone would go a long way.  Starting to get into the coaching and that's not my objective.  Really just trying to figure out why the Burnley's of the world are Burnley and why some are Man City.  Again, accepting that there will be certain things you can't do anything about (Players as an example... or coaches...)

Thanks for the comments.  If you follow the thread this is a mental exercise for me so appreciate anyone who helps in that endeavor.

[Ommadawn]

Thank you, SimpleCoach!  Those numbers square with my general sense of what was going on, especially in the first half and early in the second half when the outcome was still (relatively) in doubt.  Once the subs came in late in the second half, I would guess that Amherst's ratio bumped up to 5:1 or even higher.  They clearly CAN possess and move the ball around, but it's a conscious choice not to (and they have experienced a lot of success taking that approach).

[SimpleCoach]

Thank you, SimpleCoach!  Those numbers square with my general sense of what was going on, especially in the first half and early in the second half when the outcome was still (relatively) in doubt.  Once the subs came in late in the second half, I would guess that Amherst's ratio bumped up to 5:1 or even higher.  They clearly CAN possess and move the ball around, but it's a conscious choice not to (and they have experienced a lot of success taking that approach).

@Ommadawn I am sure.  There were moments where I thought they would be stringing some together but just didn't happen.  Ideally I could watch an entire game.  I am sure there are peaks and valleys of passing, just like the ebbs and flows of any game.  You can even see it during the small window I count for.  But if I start watching every game for the whole time, I will become certifiable.  And trying to avoid that... anymore than I already am.