Pre Match Review - 8th March 2009

Hindpool are a team that I personally admire greatly. Never big on numbers but always enthusiastic and there's always warm welcome guaranteed for any visiting team. Their kids always play with a smile and we are very similar in experience in both age groups.

The 8s will be looking to build upon what have been some good wins over the last month and to do this they will need to be at their defensive best. DEFENCE WINS GAMES is an important message for players both new and old and a good tackle is more rewarding than a try in the coaches books (although Mum and Dad may not agree here). Moving off the line in a cohesive unit prevents any would be attacker from breaking the advantage line and prevents progress up the field of play. This in turn results in us maintaining both position and possession from which we can build an effective attack. You'll also hear a lot of "second phase ball" at training on Friday. As the confidence grows we'll be encouraging the kids to keep the ball alive with passes and offloads. The second phase ball is where we release from a player that is receiving the "attention" of defenders through a late pass or an offload and we then automatically have a numerical advantage. It sounds more complicated than it is but keep an eye out for our "second phase ball" on Sunday.

I was extremely impressed with every one of the 10s squad at training last week. Despite being older and naturally more capable than the 8s we still maintain the " a little structure and a lot of free spirit" approach to our coaching. The 8s have set the standard of late in moving off the defensive line (where the referee stands when the other team play the ball) and through completing the drills we had on Friday I believe the 10s will be a lot more responsive this Sunday. This is a part of the structure we will gradually introduce as is placing markers at the play the ball etc. We have amassed a great bunch of lads and lasses and they are already starting to gel. Competitive game time is an excellent medium for building up team spirit but the banter that is developing in training bodes very well for our teams. We have several experienced players who know exactly what to do complimented by the new enthusiastic kids and I believe we've got the mix and attitude just right to pull off some shocks this season.

Hindpool play at the top of Duke St opposite Agrilek and there is limited parking outside their club house. Parking along Duke St is fine. Due to Holy Communion classes running until 11am for several of our 8s team I have requested that the Under 10s kick off first at 1030am. Please assume that this is the case and the 10s are to meet at Hindpool for 10am with the 8s meeting at 10:45am for an 11:15am kick off.

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