Side-on approach emphasized for Rowdies forwards

Posted Mar 8, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Mar 8, 2010 at 04:15 PM

With the Rowdies set on a 4-2-3-1 formation, with just one lone forward, a major emphasis in learning to play the new system has been player’s body position as they move off the ball and receive the ball.

That has meant some have had to adapt the way they have been used to playing with former teams and coaches, and unlearn some of their old habits.

“I’ve definitely had coaches that preferred me to be with my back to the defender,” forward Aaron King said after Monday’s practice. “Seeing that this is the system, and the coach has his way, you’ve got to learn and pick up what he wants you to do, so it’s new, but you’ve got to be able to learn it.”

While Coach Paul Dalglish is working on getting players in the positions they need to be, the way the forwards move off the ball and position themselves to receive passes was at the forefront on Monday. The biggest point of emphasis for the forwards has been to play in a side-on position with their backs towards the sidelines, allowing them more options when the ball gets played either into their feet or over the top of the defense than if their backs are to goal.

“All a forward can to (with his back to goal) is lay the ball back,” Dalglish said. “If a forward is side-on, he can still lay the ball back, and can run in the gap, so he’s just giving himself more options.”

King and Aaron Wheeler did well as practice went on with the new technique, finding the opportunities to turn their markers to get shots on goal and opportunities to set up teammates as the squad played a series of 7-on-7 scrimmages.

“To be honest, it made it a lot easier when I started bouncing off and really concentrating on being side-on,” King said. “I guess that’s the name of the game, making it as easy as you can, and always keeping your defenders thinking. I felt like it’s definitely going to help us for sure.”

NEWS AND NOTES: Midfielder Adam Nowland wasn’t with the team on Monday, having headed back to England to allow his paperwork to be completed. … Dalglish hinted that a player currently on trial with the squad would be signed to a contract before the end of the week. … Ryan Maxwell was back training with the squad, but still appeared to be nursing a tight left hamstring. … The Rowdies were joined by MPS Portland Phoenix head coach Paul Baber. The Phoenix will be the Rowdies feeder program in the USL’s Premier Development League.