"The special thing about the Dutch team is movement.
Everybody moves. That's the basis of it."2
Johan Cruyff

This section deals with the problem of how to take raw observations and create a functional practice. It shows one method of getting a practice photo out of the cinema of the match.

The example used is based on an average u-11 boys team. After three games the score sheet shows they have scored 3 goals and allowed 4. The ratio of scoring 1 goal a game indicates that a problem exists in the teams attack. Observation shows that the team has a good deal of possession and creates numerous opportunities but they break down in the final third. Closer observation focuses attention on the wingers and certain patterns and tendencies begin to emerge.

The Soccer Problem Worksheet shows some examples from the game. Now the coach has a picture of an actual soccer problem. He knows what the problem is, who is responsible, when it becomes a problem, where it occurs and has a good idea why it happens. The resulting diagrams from the games show many of the elements necessary to create a functional practice.

Next is the KNVB's Organizational Planner. Its purpose is to help insure that the coach is prepared with a clear idea of what he wants to accomplish and how to get it done. Equipment is accounted for, dimensions figured, rules thought out and in order, variations considered and coaching points noted. This prepractice planning is invaluable in bringing structure and value to the session. It will be the road map for the practice, showing where they are going and how they can get there. By including variations on the theme the coach can quickly make adjustments when things aren't going to plan.

Feedback is the next step. On the back of the planner notes about the session can be made. What worked, what didn't, why, what changes were made, what follow ups could be done and so on. With this system in a notebook a history of the teams practices will emerge. An easy way to document development. Another benefit of this system is that the coach will have to analyze his own work and it's effects. This helps the coach in self-assessment and growth.

At first all of this writing seems cumbersome. Who has time? But in the long run it saves time. Practices run smoother and there is a sense of moving forward instead of just filling time. Coaches that arrive without a written plan are either very good or are unprepared.

Blank forms: Soccer Problem worksheet,#  KNVB Organizational Planner. *
# In PDF.
* In PDF.