Requesting help to better appreciate the game

I'm a long time fan, but I'm feeling a real need to upgrade my understanding of the game. Things like: Movement away from the ball, shape, tactics, etc. So many people on this forum seem to have a deep understanding of the game, that I'm hoping someone can help me out.

A book recommendation would be fine, but I'd really prefer some interactive discussion around video clips or chalk talks. I'm certainly open to being a member of a larger class on this topic. Maybe the UP staff or the Timbers/Thorns staff would be interested in leading a class as part of an effort to grow/educate their fan base.

This is a great thought, Dave. I think there are many a fan out there (myself included) that would appreciate some "chalk talk" time... I am certain that we will find some options out there in PN!

I will sign up.
I need to be schooled.

I found this helpful:

I suggest a session with the Geez, at a pub and time of his choice. I think he especially might give us some insight on the Pilots' system.

(I kid the Geez periodically, but in this case I'm serious.)

This is treasonable heresy! The video that is. Never has a man been more appropriately named a wanker.  

UPSoccerFanatic wrote:I suggest a session with the Geez, at a pub and time of his choice.  I think he especially might give us some insight on the Pilots' system.

(I kid the Geez periodically, but in this case I'm serious.)

Ok, but my pub of choice is this one:

http://russianriverbrewing.com/

In the meantime, especially early in the season, just watch the defenders. Everyone talks about UP's possession offence, but the real key is that UP has traditionally had the best defences in the country. Everything comes out of the back, and don't be surprised if you see some of our best offensive players playing fullback this year.

Zonal Marking http://www.zonalmarking.net/, is quite good for that sort of thing. Sadly, the only women's game they've ever covered is the 2011 WWC Final.

I agree! From an offensive and defensive standpoint, the backline will need changes. So could see some surprising positional changes made.

With the way Portland likes to push their outside backs deep, they definitely need more speed at the center back positions.

My2cents wrote:With the way Portland likes to push their outside backs deep, they definitely need more speed at the center back positions.

Not necessarily. Kari Evans,  Emily Michaelman, and Lisa Sari weren't exactly speed Merchants and they still were a pretty stifling defence when Lopez went forward, but they did keep one outside defender back when the other went forward, and they didn't play as high a line, which compacted the open space between the backs and the keeper.
Come to think of it, they hardly ever really played a flat back defence.

There are some teams we will play this year with enough speed that a fast central defender will sure help, but that's only maybe three teams.

Well maybe that's what he is preparing for those three teams.

No doubt that's on his mind.

If you want an appreciation of what UP tries to do on defence, read here:

http://www.dominionathletics.org/library/files/Dominion/files/Illustrated%20Flat%20Back%20Four.pdf

This time of year is a great time because the offensive stuff really isn't in place yet until the stuff in our own end is settled.

Old timers will remember that until 1995 or so UP played a 3-5-2 , then went to a diamond 4-4-2 for years until very recently, and have only the last few years switched up with a 4-3-3 sometimes as more young players come in Who are familiar with it. The ODP and YNT curriculums now emphasize that formation.

I think Clive tried a 4-3-3 for a few games in 2001 or 2002 and players hated it.

But UP tries hard to make both of their 4 back sets look a lot like a 3 back or even a 2 back set on offense. Friday will be a good time to see how well they manage getting players forward without exposing themselves.

I think they looking at the 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield again, with Kurle anchoring the midfield and Parker playing behind the two forwards. Outside backs like Cruz and Viera will get forward plenty to provide width.

Harry Redknapp wrote:I think they looking at the 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield again, with Kurle anchoring the midfield and Parker playing behind the two forwards. Outside backs like Cruz and Viera will get forward plenty to provide width.

Oh, yeah. They have never really abandoned the 4-4-2. It is an incredibly versatile formation in the right hands, and it can morph into one of those other looks with players just adjusting a few yards. A lot depends on what the other team is trying to do.

The article on flat back four was so informative and helpful. Thanks so much Geez!

Go Pilots!!!