Science in Soccer

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 175, 9 July 1932, Page 1 (Supplement)

Science in Soccer

System is Main Factor to Success Many people claim that, to be a champion in a particular branch of sport, one must be reared in the surrounding* of that sport from the time that such pastimes take a serious place in the minds of boys (writes “Round Ball” in the Melbourne “Sporting Globe”). That may have a bearing on the ultimate success achieved by the individual, but I oppose the view that after the soccer player has reached the stage of early manhood he cannot become what he is not.

By simple concentration on the scientific points of the game—and backed up by the physical conditions necessary—a young man can readily enter Soccer with every chance of reaching the highest pinnacle. In Soccer in South Australia to-day there arc several thousands of players in senior, intermediate, ■ reserve, junior, Boy Scout and school teams. Are the essentials of a player sufficiently distilled into their minds to create that standard of play which must make the sport advance?

I say “No.” I can only hope that some notice may be taken of the advice, wh ih is unhesitjitiiigly given to seniors as well as those farther down the scale—-that,., instead of endeavouring to secure immediate results and honours, more attention be given to the education of the younger players in the finer points of Soccer. In each of our leading League teams there are several promising young players, who, as far as Soccer playing is concerned, have many years in front of them. It is for the benefit of these men and the standard of play generally that T make this appeal to those in charge of team affairs. System and Team Work. A method of improving the play of every member of the team, with which I heartily agree, is for the coach of the side to open a discussion, with everyone joining in, and asking to know the faults of themselves and their team mates. I have taken part in such a

discussion, and can assure readers that the method suggested improved the play of our side by 50 per cent. an uuls.de man olten lorgets that >t is his duty to fall into the jnsidu position when the inside man drops out co the wing. Triangfe play, as it is generally called, has much to commend it, but this form of attack is little tried in our big League games. The half-back, hue has the ball, He should concentrate on drawing the opposition inside man first, then slip the bah to his own inside man, and follow up by joining in the attack. The inside man, who has received the ball from the naUf-baek, « hi position,

facing side on to the wing.. It is then up to that player to.force the ball well down the field, where the outside man, without loss of time, takes the ball in his stride, and has the opposing defence on tiptoes. The mistake is often made by inside men of placing the ball on to the wing instead of sending it in a forward direction. The winger has to wait, and anticipate, the arrival of the ball. By that time the defending half is on his heels. If the ball l is sent in a forward direction, a wing man gathers up the ball on its travel, and has the added advantage cf running in the direction of the goal. Should the wingman be tackled, the full value of systematic tnangular play, would be realised when the half-back, still following up with the attack, receives the back pass from the winger and has the option of giving the ball to the inside or centre man, or dropping the ball into the goal himself. The exploitation of triangular play by the halves and forwards would immediately produce a greater degree of skill in our attacking forces, and ,at th? same time, develop a more keen anticipation in the judgment of the full backs.

During the past eight years of the round ball game in South Australia the standard has improved very little. The reason is not hard to find Many of the leading clubs in the league appear to be giving too much attention to the administrative side of affairs without concentrating on the essential factor in the game - the placing standard. The referee is still suffering from carping criticism Mtfch of the abuse levelled at the central officials is unjustified. And in many cases it is hard to think that such comments can come from men who call themselves sportsmen. To them would 1 offer the adviee that they take the whistle themselves and try to referee a game. The disputing of referees’ decisions, in the manner which has become so common to-day, is to be regretted. What is the use of arguing with • referee ? His word is final in all cases, and, apart from seeking advice on any decision given, players should have no comment to make to the referee during a game. At the same time players ore entitled to consideration. The excessive use of the whistle and the uncalled-for authoritativeness of some referees are as equally disturbing as carrying criti cism. . Included in the .active list of referare Arthur Motor, “Bob” Orn • “Bill 1 ” Ashworth (secretary of the ' Olympic Council),' Andy Scott, ‘T Cameron, and Tom hikersole, all ininent exponents of the game inclusion of young men like Neill Nichol, Sparks and Acres is inft new life to the Referees' Assocint, The control of the game* in SAustralia is by no means neglected, more co-operation and sympathy wen accorded by those too prone to criticise from th? line, tllere would be fewer cases for complaint. t.