THE BARRY DANCER WORKSHOP (2011)

  1. We talk about ‘receiving’ the ball whereas Barry prefers the notion of ‘collecting the ball’, efficiently and ON THE MOVE.
    Players need to understand the purpose behind ‘collecting the ball’.

  2. An essential part of collection is awareness of what happens next.
    The player collecting the ball needs to see the next pass, and have ‘shared vision’ with the next player leading to collect that next pass.
    It is about ‘connectedness’ BEFORE the player receives the ball.

  3. Ball control means using the feet in the balanced movement of the ball - shifting the ball quickly, laterally and over sticks etc, using flat and reverse jinking of the ball.
    THIS CAN BE DONE AT HOME or where there is a suitable surface.
    It also means getting a ‘feel of the ball’ so that ball control is ‘second nature’, allowing the player to see passing options.

  4. Ball control is obviously critical to a player’s capacity to eliminate – that is, to get out of trouble and to create opportunity by eliminating an opposition player on both sides of his body.

  5. The emergence of 3D skills was emphasised – that is, the ball controlled in the air.
    For example, to overcome the flat stick tackles; lifting slightly in the circle to hit on the half-volley; and to lift the ball in the air and move it laterally etc.
    However, the important thing is to know WHEN this is executed.

  6. Importance of tackling IN RETREAT was emphasised, including the agility to turn right and left whilst retreating.

  7. The pitches divided into halves vertically, with one half being labelled ‘ball side’ and the other the ‘help side’.
    Barry emphasised that there needs to be far more effort on the ‘help side’ by engaging and connecting with players on the ‘ball side’ of the pitch.
    For example, midfielders need to know where strikers are, and strikers must talk to and work with midfielders to keep them on track.
    Midfielders should not have backs to their strikers but position side-on so that vision and connection can be initiated and sustained.

  8. It is especially important for midfielders to:
    have vision and ‘connection’ with other midfielders and striker up field
    collect the ball passed from left across the body so that the player is facing strikers
    move laterally keeping behind the ball – use of the ‘belly button’ concept … the button is always facing direct of intended pass.
    The way the ball is carried can move a defence.

  9. Importance of PRESENCE and VISION when tackling – restricting movement and channelling.

  10. Defenders need to be comfortable inside the A25 zone, and both strikers and midfielders need to have good defensive skills.
    This can increase the value of a player to the team, and can refresh players longer term (eg a defender becoming a striker etc).

IN RELATION TO COACHING ON MATCH DAY, THE FOLLOWING POINTS WERE MADE

  1. Assistant Coach coaches for particular matches. For example,

  2. 35minutes allocated for pre-match preparation, within which it is important to provide the individual players with time and space.

  3. Match statistics do provide perspective but it is not the holy grail. Factor in the Human elements..

  4. Half-time comments should focus on 3 – 5 key points. Research shows clearly that any more will not be retained in the short term memory.

  5. Players have to manage their own problems and their own development.

  6. Team is well-versed in specific opposition strategies.

  7. Change team plan/tactics through use of interchange.

  8. A self-evaluation sheet provides 2-way communication opportunity.

  9. Confidence is important during ANY campaign