The Individual Technical Cycle of Football

 

See the notes below this picture to get a detailed checklist of what you should be looking at in each phase of the ITCF.

 

 

Use the notes below to get a detailed checklist of what you should be looking at in each phase of the ITCF.

 

FIRST TOUCH MOMENT

  • Have I thought through my options before the ball gets to me?
  • Where is the space? The pressure? The options?
  • Where do I want to play (forward, backwards, laterally)?
  • Do I need to touch the ball at all, play first time, play 2 touch or take more touches?
  • Do manipulate time and space using touches, deception and or footwork?
  • Do I need disguise or use deception to manipulate time and space before or after I touch the ball?

 

BALL MOVING PHASE

[Assuming a simple first time pass isn't available]

  • How much do I need to move the ball and why?
  • Do I need to open up a passing line (create a good angle for a pass)?
  • To get an angle for the release, do I need to touch the ball at all (A no touch first touch)?
  • Do I take 1 touch (to move the ball)  and then release?
  • Or do I  take more touches before the release?
  • How much pressure am I under?
  • Where is that pressure coming from?
  • What ball movement do I need to do to deal with this pressure?
  • What ball movement do I need to use to find a good position to pass from?
  • Do I protect the ball from the pressure?
  • Do I avoid the pressure or attack the pressure?
  • Will footwork be enough or Do I need disguise and deception to manipulate time and space?
  • Do I move the ball to slow the game down or speed the game up?

 

HOW DO I RELEASE THE BALL?

  • Is it a pass, cross, shot etc etc as this will change the objective?
  • What part of the foot do I use?
  • How much height or spin do I need on the ball?
  • Do I need to disguise the release?
  • What kind of pass suits the receiver?
  • Where does the receiver want it?
  • How fast does the receiver want it?
  • Can i solve the receivers problem for them?

 

POSITION off the ball

Angle : Body Position: Check : Decision : ABCD


When getting a position to receive the ball:

[That is Angle : Movement : Positioning ]

  • Can I see the ball?
  • Have I created an open passing line?
  • Do i have the right angle to receive and then play?

Body Position:

  • Do I have a body position that allows me to see as much of the game as possible?
  • Am I Side on? Can i get side on?
  • Can I face forward so it is easier to play forward?

Pitch Position:

  • Can I manipulate time and space with my position to help when I receive it?
  • Can I be high on the pitch (attacking position)?
  • Do I need to be low on the pitch (supporting position)?
  • Do I need a position close to the ball or can I be further away?
  • How far can I be away from the ball but still be in a good position to receive the ball?

Checking and Scanning :

  • Have I checked and scanned so that I have a clear 360º picture if what is around me?

VAAD

To maximise the effectiveness of the VAAD process getting the head up is critical both in possession and off the ball. So:

  • Is my head up at every opportunity?
  • If I am on the ball but not touching the ball can I get my head up?
  • If I am off the ball, can I get my head off the ball when it is not necessary to look at the ball?

Now apply this checklist in the appropriate phase of the ITCF.

 

Players and Coaches :

  • This is your big picture individual technical checklist.
  • Are you doing everything you can to develop all aspects of this checklist.
  • Player communication is another constant throughout his cycle although it is not on this depiction.

Use this as a Checklist

  •  Players - are you happy that you are developing all aspects of the I.T.C.F?
  • Coaches - are you happy that you are coaching all aspects of the I.T.C.F? 
  • [This depiction is looked at in practical detail later in the web book series].

Effective Coaching Communication

  • Coaches can also use this checklist as a base for their coaching 'statements'.
  • [Coaching statements as a subject is covered in detail later in the web-book series].
 

Defining the game from a technical point of view.

 

The object of the game from an individual technical point of view is to

manipulate time and space to improve the position of the ball.

 

With this in mind it is always the end product that is important. What a player does prior to his last touch is irrelevant if the last touch does not attempt to improve the position of the ball.

Improve the position of the ball means to :

  • Move the ball further forward, or
  • Move the ball to a player in a better position than you (who has more space than you, under less pressure han you, or who can play a better forward pass than you),  or
  • Move it to a position which increases the chances of scoring a goal. (A cut back is a good example of a pass that moves away from the goal / moves backwards but increases the chances of scoring).