Maher’s Message - Match Analysis
By Alan Maher
Recently, I heard from a person who was interested in match analysis. I did not realize that I had not written on the subject for almost two years. In this lapse of time, I have tried to make the process more simple and easy to understand.
A successful training program is predicated on analyzing the problems of ‘yes’ a season of training the team and the individual members. We assume that a good coach has the outline of a season of training. The problems revealed by match analysis will help the coach develop an individualized training program
Such a program needs to be both sequential and developmental. It should include individual work, two player combinations, three player combinations and four-player work within a given shape
“Yes" Games should be included in the program. There should be games with four, seven and eight players to a side. These appear to be most helpful for team development. Special game organizations also help. Some are 4 v 2.
A coach should try to limit the various organizations to make the program as simple and easy to understand as possible
How can match analysis help the coach fine tune his training program?
Match analysis helps the coach find out what is happening on the field of play. It is used not find what needs to be done but rather what is being done. Then questions can be asked:
-What is happening? -Where on the field is it happening? -When does it happen? -Who is doing it?
When such questions are asked, problems are revealed. Who solves these problems? The team! The coach needs to discuss what is happening so the team players can help arrive at a solution. Problem solving goes better when all are participants, not just the coach or leader. An array can be created
What is happening? Is it a problem? Why?
-Players dribble in the midfield.
-Players pass and stand.
-Many passes up the middle.
-The keeper punts all the time.
With a little practice, questions can be asked in a more orderly fashion. The back line:
-Do they pass to the keeper?
-Do they dribble in front of the goal?
-Do they try to bridge midfield with passes?
The proper time to start match analysis is when small-sided games are being played. Begin with 4v4, 7v7 and 8v8. Make sure that the teams have a shape or organization. With 7v7 it could be 3-2-2 plus keeper. The play of 11v11 is much more complicated. During the course of a season, teams will play more small-sided games than 11v11. Fine-tuning is easier done with the analysis of small games. This is a good reason why coaches should not play with their players. Stay off the field and watch everything. Keep records and look for improvement.
Working with players in this way will help them to see and understand what is the on the field. Then they should be able to see what is causing a problem. Finally, solutions can be mutually arrived at. But remember no public humiliation!