ABOUT ISLEDON WOLVES

The conceptual approach to football for our teams can be best explained considering:

> Play with possession of the ball
> Play out of possession of the ball, and in transition

As we strive to develop ‘independent decision makers’ with a growth mind-set to have integrated our playing philosophy into our coaching programme.​
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The main aim of our playing philosophy is to develop individuals and teams that can control the game in and out of possession with togetherness.

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With the ball

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1) WE AIM TO ATTACK QUICKLY AS A TEAM OR INDIVIDUAL ON TRANSITION

• If opposition defence is pressed high, look for attacking options to exploit spaces in behind the oppositions defence

• If opposition defence drops deep or holds a deep position look to move ball out of pressure and attack in the opposition’s vulnerable areas

• Upon winning possession, player possession immediate looks to play in behind opposition defence if appropriate, if not, they look to pass to their further forward option

2) WE AIM TO SPREAD OUT WHEN IN POSSESSION

• When opportunities to play forward quickly are nullified, we will encourage a build-­up of the game which requires “broadening of the game”. This will be done by applying learned attack mechanisms involving rotation of movement and numerical player advantages.

3) WE AIM TO PLAY POSITIVELY THROUGH THE THIRDS

• The ball shall be played forward fast, with purpose and daring (depth before width) if possible

• In the event of a more strategic build-up of play, the direction and speed of our possession will allow the team to move the opposition and exploit gaps.

• All players of the team must participate in the constructive build-­up of the game from their respective positions.

• Possession through the thirds will allow at times individual ingenuity in key 1 v 1 attacking zones.

4) WE AIM TO INTERCHANGE POSITIONS TO OVERLOAD THE OPPOSITION

• Combination play throughout the thirds.

• In midfield (fast precise pass play) in order to get the ball into the offensive

• Overload opportunities must be exploited to create the numerical advantage to overrun the opposition and control the game.

5) WE AIM TO DISPLAY A 1 V 1 WINNING MENTALITY AT ALL TIMES

• Each individual much show a relentless pursuit to come out on top in every face of the game. These small victories will accumulate to provide the ultimate desired outcome: improvement and result.

6) WE AIM TO PLAY CREATIVELY IN THE FINAL THIRD TO SCORE

• In the area where there is most pressure, players must show speed of thought and action. The desire and belief to score is sacrosanct to the team’s success

• The importance of individual spontaneity and creativity not only excites spectators, it can be the difference between winning and losing. The actions of single players when attacking (1v1) combined with an end product is crucial and must be nurtured from the very beginning of the Performance Pathway.