Click here for a short YouTube video on the basic tasks.

Functions and tasks exist at three levels. They exist for the team, small groups and the individual player. When the individual players tasks support their respective group, and the group tasks support the team tasks, the team should display a high degree of organization and structure. This simplifies analysis of soccer problems and allows for the most team efficient/effective plan.

Team Tasks - The Principles of Play.

The teams tasks revolve around the principles of play. These principles are dependent on the moment. When the team is in possession they must threaten the space behind their opponents. This is penetration, playing up, and requires at least one player. The team will need to stretch the opponents across the field, using at least two players for width. The team will also need at least one player to hold back and supply depth in order to draw the opponents away from their goal. Finally, the players will interchange positions as the need rises. This is mobility, (a player doesn't own a position, he occupies it.)

When the opponents are in possession the team needs to put pressure on the ball. This player cannot achieve much alone so he will need support. If he gets too much help the team can be open at the "back door" so the defense needs to maintain the proper balance. Finally, the defense will have to ensure that they have enough players in the critical areas, concentration.

Group tasks - Working together in small units.

One difficulty that youth players have is that the "small group" that they belong to changes rapidly. Children tend to see the games responsibilities in two lights, they are either a defender or an attacker and these roles often have no overlap. But the game requires a great deal of mental flexibility which such a view actually hinders. The central defender is, at one moment, a part of the back defensive line and the very next a part of the central building up or attacking group. When players are limited in a defense/offense mentality they will fail in their more important tasks within the team and the game.

Player tasks - Functions inside the group and team.

Every player has at least two basic tasks. One in each of the two main moments. No matter what, every player must perform their basic tasks well. If not, then the team will have to adjust for the deficiency and will usually suffer as a consequence. As a player develops, the range, scope and number of tasks can increase. Determining exactly what is the players task involves an "if - then " mentality dependent on a number of variables. The following is only a beginning.

Own team in possession.
Sweeper. Support teammates from behind the ball and insure high quality distribution out of the back.
Midfielders. Establish width and maintain the link between the sweeper and the striker.
Striker. Maintain penetration in attack to set up and take scoring opportunities.

Opponents in possession.
Sweeper. Neutralize opponents striker and cover space behind his teammates.
Midfielders. Maintain positive numbers goalside and neutralize their immediate opponents
Striker. Neutralize opponents sweeper and prevent long passes out of the back.

Even with these simple tasks it becomes apparent how players can get caught between them. Example; The right midfielder has moved very close to his own goal and is in possession while the sweeper has moved forward into the attack. Now the opposing striker and his teammate, the left midfielder, must make some decisions to counter this. Does the striker stay with his immediate opponent or does he try to prevent the long pass from the right midfielder? The left midfielder is left with a similar set of problems. Their decisions and actions must be made quickly. This is only possible if they have a good understanding of their own and each others jobs and the communication between them is good. After the basic tasks the players can concentrate on supplementary tasks. These represent bonus situations. They would be nice to have but aren't necessarily vital to the team plan.

Basic tasks represent responsibilities.
Supplementary tasks represent opportunities
Always take care of responsibilities before opportunities.

There are several moments when a player will neglect their basic task.

1. They cannot read the moment. Young players fail to grasp the significance of ball possession. They don't know if their job is as an attacker or a defender.
2. They tend to supplementary tasks. The midfielder that thinks he's a forward will neglect his basic defensive task.
3. Lack of insight or an inability to take initiative. Children that come from "the drill school" and the "stand on this spot" coaches stand out quickly in small sided games. They are waiting to be told what to do.
4. Loss of concentration, (see mentality.) There are numerous reasons why players lose concentration. A stoppage in play, fatigue, distractions (a coach or parent yelling at them) are just a few. No matter what the result is the same, they don't do their job.

Basic tasks and effective communication form the foundation for team building. Small sided games provide an excellent tool for children to learn these responsibilities.

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