RUSH SOCCER

Coaches Handbook
Where the Trails of Passion and Purpose Meet,
Begins the Path to Victory.
 WELCOME TO RUSH
SOCCER

WELCOME TO RUSH SOCCER

Welcome to Rush Soccer! We offer this handbook to you as a

tool to assist you in becoming familiar with our club, that is
now your club too.

Please take some time to acquaint yourself with our history,

goals, policies & procedures, programs & services: The Rush
Way.

We have a mission and a dream and we want you to be a part

of it. This is a dream that we can only accomplish together.

It is important for you to understand your role and represent

the Rush in a positive impactful light. The real secret behind
the continuing success of Rush is our hardworking, dedicated
and loyal membership, players, coaches, and employees.

We are the Rush, all together. Thank you for joining us.

Tim Schulz
Rush Soccer - Founder & C.E.O.
 WHO IS
RUSH SOCCER

Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer has

become the premier model for Youth
Soccer in the world. We have cultivated a
reputation of excellence on and off the field.

Rush Soccer represents more than 40.000 players

globally. We continue to grow in a thoughtful manner,
and welcome others to join our organization who share
our vision of development.

We are committed to the sport, the athlete, and the Rush

brand.

OUR MISSION OUR VISION

A Global brand committed Partner with like minded
to providing an unparalleled clubs everywhere in
soccer experience: the world to eventually
Progressive represent one of the
Ambitious most recognizable brands
Comprehensive in the world.

PASSION & PURPOSE

 11 RUSH SOCCER
CORE VALUES

ACCOUNTABILITY: Be accountable for your actions and hold others accountable for
their actions. Who am I ultimately accountable to, and who judges my work?

ADVICE: Seek out advice and aspire to be the best. In order to learn, we must be
open to learning and consider the advice of others. Are you coachable?

EMPATHY: Empathy is at the core of solid relationships.

ENJOYMENT: Enjoy your work; this is a gift.

The desires of happy, diligent workers are satisfied.

LEADERSHIP: Leaders strive to be trustworthy, honest and sincere. They

possess traits such as integrity and honor. They are willing to serve others
and sacrifice their own interests. Leaders are constructive and hardworking.

PASSION: Passion always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

Passion never falls.

RESPECT: Respect everyone. Respect the opponent, rules, colleagues,

superiors and subordinates. Be thoughtful and considerate.

SAFETY: Our environment is safe. This includes the office, our travels, the
fields and our bodies. Safety is not only physical safety from harm, but
safety from ridicule and attack. We are comforted and encouraged in the
club, We portray self-control and kindness to our staff, colleagues and
players.

TENACITY: To be successful, persevere. Persevere but do not be anxious.

Fear no one. Be strong and courageous. Work when no one is looking,
even when the circumstances are difficult and everyone else quits.
Diligence never loses because it never quits.
Outwork your opponent, and most importantly, work smart. Do not wait
for external inspiration. The people who go far do so because they
motivate themselves and give life their best, regardless of how they feel.

UNITY: Together all things are possible. When your teammates are down,
bear each other’s burden; conversely, celebrate your teammates’
successes.

HUMILITY: Apologize when you make a mistake. Forgive others

and do not look back.
 RUSH SOCCER
GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT: U.S.A. FOOTPRINT:

Over 110 clubs World Wide Located in 32 states and counting

Located in over 48 countries 69 clubs and counting

Across 6 continents Continuous year over year growth

Rush Soccer is the largest club in the world. Our aim is to have over
100,000 players with a presence in almost every major country.
 PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

1st Rush player to

1st National Title play for US Men’s
was won by National Team
Colorado Rush (Connor Casey)

10.000 Players

1997 2000 2002 2004

Rush Soccer was 1st expansion club

formed created in Virginia

Became the largest Most recognized

club in the world brand in the world

40.000 Players

2005 2010 2019 2040

1st international 1st female World

Rush Club Cup winner (Lindsey
created Horan)
RUSH SOCCER PLAYER
PATHWAY
DUISBURG

HB KOGE

USL
LEAGUE 2 WPSL

GIRLS
MLS NEXT ACADEMY
LEAGUE

NATIONAL SELECT

REGIONAL SELECT

COMPETITIVE

DEVELOPMENTAL

ACCOUNTABILITY ADVICE EMPATHY ENJOYMENT

HUMILITY CORE VALUES LEADERSHIP

PASSION RESPECT SAFETY TENACITY UNITY

MALE PATHWAY FEMALE PATHWAY

With professional teams at the top of the pyramid, the

player pathway for our male and female players is clear.
 RUSH SOCCER WHY SHOULD YOU
BENEFITS JOIN RUSH SOCCER

BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER:

Enjoy the benefits of being with the largest youth development system in the world.
Being a part of the Rush Soccer network brings a club insurmountable opportunities for
both staff and players.

RUSH PATHWAY:
Be with a club that has a clear player pathway for players to develop. The Rush can
provide a step by step path for a player starting in the youth fields developing all the way
to the professional level.

COACH/PLAYER/PARENT EDUCATION:
A pathway to pro is made by us all, so through the Rush Soccer Development platform,
Rush Soccer destines a specific team of remarkable professionals to the betterment of all
of our coaches, players, and parents.

RUSH SOCCER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

With so many clubs in so many area’s, Rush Soccer has seen a lot. SPI is able to advise
and solve most problems. We are able to consult and solve.

PARTNERSHIP WITH ELITE SPONSORS:

Receive elite benefits & pricing with Rush Soccer national partnerships.
Being a part of our club gives you contracts you would not be able to negotiate on your
own.

Passion & Purpose

 PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Our programs are what makes us unique...

CE RS CAP REACH PL

Coaching Education - College Advisory Player Loan - be loaned

We teach our coaches Program - we help out to compete within
how to coach players those that don’t make any Rush Club.
the Rush Way, it pro get into elite Experience the world.
colleges.

Rush Select - our Rush Equipment

scouting network is Assisting Children - all
unmatched. Eyes old uniforms get
around the world to donated to those in
identify top talent. need around the world.

& Many More...

 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

CERTIFYING IN THE RUSH WAY

To coach for the Rush is to adopt a specific approach to development

and a set of cultural and developmental policies shared all over the
world in every Rush club. Rush Soccer mandates its clubs to sustain a
minimum of 75% of their coaches Rush Way Certified LII.

The Rush Way Pathway, facilitated through the RSD University, is a

mandatory educational pathway for all coaches in the network.
Through it, you’ll learn everything that you need to have a wonderful
Rush season.

Learn more at https://rsd-university.org/ and get your certifications

going.
 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

RUSH SOCCER DEVELOPMENT

Rush Soccer Development is an exclusive platform that all Rush

coaches, players, and families get access to and where they can find
multiple educational and supporting resources to.

As a Rush player, you can register to this incredible platform visiting

https://rushsoccerdevelopment.com/. Ask you club director for a
discount code to use under your corresponding subscription plan
 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

THE TRAIN @ HOME PROGRAM

No matter the rain, the snow, or the heat of the summer, we keep the
ball rolling!

Rush Soccer’s Train @ Home is an age specific program that intends to offer
complementary training to Rush players, to continue to improve ball skills,
fitness, game understanding, mental toughness, goalkeeping, and
nutrition, whether it is as a complement to on the field training or during off
season periods.

Players go through monthly challenges and compete with other Rush

players from all over the world. Winners of the week and the month are
featured on Rush Soccer’s global social media and win gift cards to the Fan
Store.

Enjoy this wonderful program visiting

https://rushsoccerdevelopment.com/e-learningcenter/ !
 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

PARENTING IN SOCCER

At Rush Soccer, we have the mission

of providing an unparalleled soccer
experience: Progressive, ambitious.
comprehensive, and we know this is
only possible if we all (coaches,
players, and families) embark this
journey together.

Parenting in youth sports can be

challenging but it is also one of the
most rewarding experiences. As
parents, we encounter ourselves and
our children in situations that can be
unfamiliar and at times create stress:
Tryouts, Tournaments, Car rides home,
Sideline situations, among many
others, and we might not know
exactly what to do there.

With the honest objective of

supporting parents through the youth
soccer journey, Rush Soccer makes a
set of resources available to all
families, including a full Rush Parents
guide that includes a compilation of
extremely useful articles. Find it at
https://rushsoccerdevelopment.com/
 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

MENTAL HEALTH

Did you know that 75% of young athletes in

the US quit their sports by the age of 14?

The sporting world is becoming increasingly

aware of the need to support athletes and
coaches in Mental Health. Yet, very few
organizations have well established programs to
address it.

Rush Soccer Development’s Mental Health

Service is oriented not only to the player but to
the entire membership and staff of a club.

RSD’s Mental Health Service incorporates a

Sports Psychologist / High Performance Coach
to your staff, who assists your organization in
two ways:

Outreaching: Through the delivery of

workshops
Receptive: Through individual, on demand
sessions Find it at
https://rushsoccerdevelopment.com/
 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

VIDEO ANALYSIS

Video is a very powerful educational tool that has luckily become more
accessible to youth soccer clubs. We are recording more, and that’s great, but
how much are we getting from these videos? Most of the time, not much. The
problem relies on time and expertise. Coaches and professionals of the soccer
industry are busy people, and we struggle to find the time to break these
videos down and make the most out of them.

Rush Video Analysis is a service that RSD created to solve this problem. Our
team of video analysts, integrated by professionals that have worked from
recreational to national team level for some of the top soccer countries in the
world, breaks down your footage to create Tactical Breakdowns, Individual
Development Plans, and individual / Team Highlight Videos.

Visit https://rushsoccerdevelopment.com/video-analysis/ to learn more.

 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

RUSH SOCCER DEVELOPMENT’S SHOP

Rush Soccer Development, the department from Rush Soccer that facilitates all
of these resources, counts on a RSD shop in which Rush Soccer families can
access these and all of the tools and services that your children need to develop
into high performing soccer players.

Visit https://rushsoccerdevelopment.com/shopify-shop/ to learn more.

 SUPPORT & EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCES

COLLEGE ADVISORY PROGRAM

THE LARGEST COLLEGE NETWORK IN THE WORLD. The College Advisory Program is
designed to guide our families and clubs through the recruitment process by providing
support, services, and resources to maximize their success. Our Full-Time Regional CAP
Directors will work with our players to provide important, specific, year-by-year
information, regardless of your intention to play soccer in college or not. We encourage
parents and players to actively engage with their coaches and Regional CAP Director
throughout the process. Learn more at https://rushcollege.com/
 TRAVEL CODE OF
CONDUCT

TRAVEL CODE OF CONDUCT

1. COMMITMENT: By volunteering to be a Rush Select Coach you are committing to

the program. We hold our coaches to a certain standard. We strongly ask that you
don’t back out of your commitment, communicate in a timely fashion whether it’s
to the Select Staff or your team, staying involved with the selection of your team
(helps get the players you want on the team), and player evaluations after events
take place.
2. RUSH SPONSORSHIP: All members of the Rush are expected to cooperate with
our current sponsors in a reasonable fashion as requested. Specifically, traveling
Rush coaches must: -Please make sure that your gear and all gear accessories,
including warm-ups and equipment bags, are compliant with club policies. We ask
that you support the club’s apparel and equipment sponsor, Capelli, by using Capelli
balls, shin guards and other products whenever possible.
3. TRAVEL DRESS: Rush teams will have two choices of dress while travelling. (1)
Slacks, Rush polo, dress/casual shoes, Rush tracksuit top or (2) Rush tracksuit, Rush
training top, sneakers. Disrespectful slogans, political statements, disrespectful
wording or statements shall not be displayed on the person. Clothes shall “fit”;
nothing too tight or nothing to lose. No holes or tears in the clothing shall be
present. A higher standard may be established by the Head Coach when desired. At
no time will the Head Coach set a lesser standard then set forth in the Rules &
Regulations.
4. ROOM REQUIREMENTS: At no time will any coach be roomed with a member of
the opposite gender. Select coaches with be sharing a room with another Select
coach from the same event.
5. TRAVEL CURFEW: Unless extenuating circumstances or the Head Coach has
determined a team curfew; the Club Curfew is 11:00 pm in the time zone you are
currently staying
 TRAVEL CODE OF
CONDUCT

6. RUSH TRAVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

The coaches are expected to travel, stay and participate with the team for the
entire event. The entire event is classified as when the player arrives at the
home airport and when the player returns to the baggage claim at the home
airport. Any exceptions will be granted and determined by the Head Coach. As
the coach you are responsible for the team.
As far as common practice, all participants on the trip are expected to be polite,
positive, well-mannered, cooperative, good sports, and respectful and
considerate of others - those you encounter along the way as well as those with
whom you are traveling. Rooms and the vans will need to be kept clean.
The head coach and his staff will be responsible for setting the daily trip
schedule. Makes sure all players and other participants are aware of the
schedule. The coaching staff is also responsible for the safety of all players.
Please make sure you accommodate players with certain medical or other
needs.
Our trip will be absolutely drug and alcohol free. Anyone found with possession
of any illegal drugs or alcohol will immediately be expelled from the team and
returned on the first flight home at their parents expense.
Coaches are required to enforce and respect the scheduled times throughout
the trip. Please make sure all players are on time to a team designated meeting
place (van, hotel, field, etc.) a team chaperone will stay behind and care for the
player if they are late. The team will stay on schedule and the incident will be
treated later in a case-for-case basis.
There will be no tolerance for fighting and rebelling or for taking any initiatives
that would put your life or other team members in danger.
General behavior while in public places or competition venues must be
exceptional Coaches are encouraged to treat all other coaches and players with
respect. If any issues arise throughout the trip the Head Coach is responsible
for determining the outcome of the issue. (sending home, loss of starting spot
i.e.)
 TRAVEL CODE OF
CONDUCT

Emergency health response will be administered in accordance with the insurance

jurisdiction that is on file with the team manager. Make sure all players disclose
their medical needs and allergy symptoms.
The team will be eating together at most times and the menu will be similar for all
participants, catering to their taste but designed to enhance their performance
during games. All participants are encouraged to be open-minded and willing to
comply with the food provided to them throughout the trip.
Stealing or taking other’s possessions without permission will absolutely not be
tolerated. Please show respect towards everyone involved on the trip

7. EXPECTED PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

● Adhere to check-in times and places set by Coach.
● Designated time every day for players to do homework or work on school
assignments if the trip is during school time.
● Buddy System required at ALL times - WHENEVER OUT OF ROOM.
● Getting all roommates present for any team designated events.
● Making certain all curfews are met & all roommates are in room before
curfew.
● Bringing a soccer ball for trainings and games
● Communicating problems to Team Manager or Coach.
8. EXPECTED COACH RESPONSIBILITIES

● Be a leader on and off the field

● Communicating Daily Schedule to all members of the trip
● In charge of the safety of the entire group
● Bringing pennies and cones for trainings and games
● Shared room with another coach of the same gender
● You will receive a food stipend for meals on the trip
● Handle all player discipline issues
● Select lineups for matches
● Create scouting reports if information is available
 THE HEART OF THE RUSH

WHY WE DO IT

For us, Rush Soccer, football is much more than a sport: Football is a worldwide sociological
phenomenon.

Through the sport of soccer we see people, no matter their age or origins channel their dreams,
hopes, and a sense of pride and enjoyment. Look around and you’ll see everywhere how stories of
footballers brought hope and pride to communities, and how teams inspired people to be better.

That’s why we do it, because we’ve felt and still feel that too, because we have experienced it in our
own lifes and we want others to have that opportunity as well.

At the beginning and at the end, we are driven by Passion.

Passion & Purpose.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

At Rush Soccer, we believe that the game is the teacher. It is in the complexity of the game where skills
and creativity arise and develop, not in isolated, mechanized situations. These last can introduce a
concept or a technique but can never be the core or the proposed channel for learning. It is in the
game that the player discovers solutions and creativity arises, and it is the role of the coach to facilitate
that environment and guide, when needed, through that discovery. It’s participant centered, not coach
centered.

Stating that the game is the teacher is more than a philosophical idea. Our 70 Games Rule is the
overarching expression of it. At the youth stages, we want our teams to play 70 11v11 scrimmages a year.
Some will be formal and some others as part of a training session, just like some will last longer than
others, but they will present the stage for learning to take place.

At the grassroots level, the 70 Games Rule is expressed through the constant encouragement and club
initiatives to increase the overall weekly playing time of the participant. That doesn’t mean increasing
the number of training sessions (team or individual), it means providing opportunities for the players
to play more time in direct confrontation.

We believe that players go through two developmental stages that are ‘playing ball’ until the age of 13,
in which the game teaches and the coach’s role is to create the environment for learning to take place,
and a second stage of ‘playing football’, in which the coach conceptualizes to maximize the players
ability. It is in the first stage in which the nature of the game makes the diamond, and it is in the
second the stage in which the diamond is polished.

To accomplish this, we believe passion is instrumental, and passion, as said before, can’t be learned but
it can be shown, and it’s contagious. This is not a philosophical, romantic approach, but a pragmatic
one. It is the passion of the player that drives them to play more, and the more they play, the more they
learn, from the game.
 RUSH WAY PHILOSOPHIES

Greeting

Players are expected to greet the staff with a handshake for all local, national and
international staff. The Rush staff across the country expect their players to shake their
coaches hand each time they meet. Why?… Respect, build social skills, break down barriers,
learn culturally accepted behavior, the list goes on.

Acknowledgement

When a coach addresses a player during training or competition, it is important the player
acknowledges. Communication is two-way.

REACH PROGRAM

R.E.A.C.H.: All players should be aware of the R.E.A.C.H., Rush Equipment Assisting Children
program and understand the importance of social responsibility. In a nutshell, this program
provides the opportunity for our players to turn in their old uniform in order to donate to our
less fortunate Rush clubs and players around the globe.

Practice and Game Attendance

Is optional for all levels of player within the Rush Organization. Playing other sports and
multiple sports at the same time is the choice of the family and zero repercussions will be
administered the coaching staff. Players who wish to become better and succeed within the
game will attend all practices and games with the attitude of wanting to leave a better
player. This is a reflection of our core value Accountability. The Rush Tutor Program
promotes and encourages players who wish to push themselves the opportunity to practice
with any other team within the club on any given day.

Coaches’ Sideline Behavior

From the outside, the conduct of the coach on the sideline can be perceived as a reflection
of the conduct of all coaches within Rush Soccer. Coaches are a reflection of their players
and should conduct themselves with respect for the officials, the opponents and the game
of soccer. Remain positive when at all possible but motivational throughout. Coach actively
but don’t misunderstand that with constant narrating and interventions. Actively means
engaged. Education and being a first class role model are the paramount reasons that a
coach has been given the honor to coach for Rush. It is always important to remember this.
 RUSH WAY PHILOSOPHIES

Parents’ Sideline Behavior

Rush parents are expected to be positive, motivational and supportive to all players and
officials. Learning the Rush chants is encouraged. Parents are expected not to coach from
the sidelines but enjoy the experience of the game.

Players’ Sideline Behavior

Players are encouraged to support other Rush teams and give their full-hearted support.
Learn the Rush song; be as loud but respectful as possible and help educate the rest of the
country in the way soccer should be supported, as it is in the rest of the world.

STYLE OF PLAY

The Rush Way to Play is a reflection of our core values and culture, and a
tradition sustained for almost 25 years. We want to attack, to be protagonist.
We are passionate, tenacious, adaptable to varying circumstances, and
purposeful in our game. Just like we are as a club.

The Rush Way to Play is based upon movement and activity by both player
and ball. Possession-oriented does not fully describe how we play;
attack-oriented does.

Whether in possession or in defense, we are attacking. When we have the

ball we attack the goal, when they have the ball we attack the ball, we are
always attacking. Rush Players play with freedom yet understand the
importance of responsibility and the balance between the two. Rush teams
are flexible and adapt to varying circumstances.

The Rush Way to Play represents both passion and purpose.

 STYLE OF PLAY - PILLARS

1 ADAPTABLE - Read The Game

Rush players must be flexible and able to adapt to the changing circumstances
and demands of the opponent. Players learn through repetition, observation, and
study of game scenarios.

2 BRAVE - Freedom With Responsibility

Players must autonomously read the game, decide the best action, and execute.
Rush players are encouraged to play with freedom and without fear, yet
understanding the importance of responsibility and the balance between the
two.

3 OFFENSIVE - Attack Oriented

Rush teams value possession with a purpose, the purpose of scoring. The
objective is not to merely have the ball, but to attack the goal. We want to be
dangerous. We want to keep scoring, always, no matter the current score.
Whether in possession or defense, we are attacking.

INTENSE - Only Your Top

4
Effort Is Acceptable

Rush teams have a strong presence on the field, through loud and clear
communication, and an explosive, high intensity physical display. No matter how
well or bad a team or player might be playing on a certain day, top effort is
demanded and expected from one another. This intensity is especially high in
transitional moments.
 THE FUTURE RUSH PLAYER

Rush Soccer has an athlete centered philosophy. We focus on long

term player development.
To think of long term development means that we need to prepare
players not for today’s game but for the future game of soccer, the
one that they will be a part of.

The future Rush Player represents the club’s core values in the way
he/she plays, and heartfully and honestly believes in themself, the
team, and the club.

The future Rush Player has 6 marked key characteristics that are
reflected in behaviors and skills along their development through
each age group.

TACTICALLY SMART
ACCOUNTABLE
Insightful, Purposeful:
Takes responsibility for own
Continuously assesses situations
development and
towards finding the best
performance.
solutions. Becomes a student of
the game.

COMPETITIVE
Looks for, is comfortable with,
and enjoys competition TECHNICAL
Capable Of Sustaining Technical
Proficiency For 90+ Minutes

PASSIONATE & TENACIOUS

Shows love for the game and the
sport, shows emotional PHYSICAL
involvement. Passion and Tenacity Athletically Fit for 90+ Minutes At
push him/her through moments of Optimal Controlled levels of
adversity, and to always give Aggressiveness And Intensity
his/her best.
 GAME MODEL - PHASES OF
THE GAME

COLLECTIVE ACTIONS PER GAME PHASE

 GAME MODEL - PHASES OF
THE GAME

COLLECTIVE ACTIONS PER GAME PHASE

 GAME MODEL - ATTACKING
& DEFENDING

GAME MODEL - ATTACKING

GAME MODEL - DEFENDING

GAME MODEL - IN
TRANSITION
 GAME MODEL - HOW WE
PLAY

GAME MODEL - HOW WE PLAY

Learn more about Rush Soccer’s Game Model by visiting the Rush Soccer Development
website.
 1-3-5-2 TEAM FORMATION

RUSH SOCCER 1-3-5-2 FORMATION

Rush Soccer uses the 1-3-5-2 as its

preferred formation and starting point to
implement its style of play. However, the
Rush Way understands soccer is dynamic
with constant movement. A formation
represents simply a starting point related
to a certain moment of the game.

Rush Soccer encourages coaches to vary

approaches depending on a deep
understanding of their players’ strengths
and weaknesses as well as the rival’s.
What Rush Soccer sustains at all times is
its style of play.

Rush teams are proficient in re-adapting

this base formation within the game onto
1-5-3-2 and 1-4-3-1-2 depending on the
needs and situations encountered.

As we want our players to be adaptable,

experiencing these alternatives and other
popular base schemes like 1-4-3-3 and
1-4-2-3-1 is important for their
development, therefore encouraged.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENSIVE SET PIECES GENERAL COMMENTS

Attitude!

○ The most important part of defending whether a dead ball or during the
flow of the game is your attitude. Putting you in the right place at the
right time is easy. You have to win the duel, and if you don’t, make sure
the rival doesn’t as well. A former professional player said once: ‘I don’t
remember the last time I won the ball in the air, but I’ll tell you one thing,
neither did the guy I was marking’.
○ Every second your opponent has the ball is an opportunity missed to
score.
○ Great defenders possess qualities such as intensity, tenacity, effort while
exhibiting intelligence, discipline and control. Remember intelligence
and intensity…. the “two I’s.
○ To summarize, The Rush takes pride in being stingy. Don’t let your
opponent score!
○ Get in the mindset to win the ball back. Attitude is the foundation to
preventing the opposition from scoring.

Other Important Details to Remember:

○ Limit fouls by quality defending.

○ The more cover provided, the more patient the first defender can be
which leads to less diving or reaching and thus less fouls.
○ Compact/Together
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENSIVE GOAL KICKS & PUNTS

Winning air duels in today’s game is vital. Spend time with addressing
50/50 challenges as well as specifically goal kicks and punts in training
(goal kicks and punts for and against us). Repetition is the answer. The
best ball winners should be placed appropriately to win balls. If the
backs are going to challenge (on opponent's kicks), be sure we have
cover.

This point is instrumental,

when a back challenges for
the ball in the air, the other
center backs should quickly
adopt a covering role behind
him, to protect us from
breaking runs in case the duel
is lost. Too frequently we see
rivals that play goal kicks or
long balls to a physical, tall
striker for him/her to flick the
ball forward to a running
teammate.

The Rush Way of defending

this set piece is by applying
the rule of thumb “10 by the
10”, which encourages every
player to be a maximum of 10
yards of the center circle,
ready to challenge the ball in
the air.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENSIVE THROW IN

A throw in is the most recurring set piece in the game of soccer, and
frequently underestimated. The limitations in reach from having to
throw in with your hands (normally) represent a good opportunity,
defensively for our team, to apply high pressure over the rival to try to
recover the ball.

A good team uses defensive

throw ins as a pressing
opportunity. This is
particularly valid in the
middle and attacking 3rds of
the field. As you would do in
many pressing situations,
coach the team to apply
pressure on the strong side,
rapidly reducing playing
spaces and denying the
switch. Balance on the weak
side. Use one player to mark
the thrower.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENDING FREE KICKS

This is an area in which Goalkeepers need to take more
responsibility for organizing their team. There are numerous
responsibilities that need to be looked at when a free kick outside
the box is given:

1. Do not argue with the referee as to whether it was a foul or not.

2. Be loud when organizing the wall.
3. Demand the number of players that are needed in the wall.
4. Be aware of the number of attackers that are coming forward.
5. Are spaces behind the wall covered?
6. Be aware of all the options the opposition may be looking at
and read the situation.
7. Is it an indirect or direct kick?
8. Watch for quick free kicks.

There is no difference between defending an indirect or a direct.

However the defending team must understand the definition
between the two types of kicks.

● Indirect - A free kick from which a goal can not be scored until
the ball touches another player of either team. Referees will
physically hold one arm up in the air, signaling the indirect kick.
● Direct - A free kick from which a goal may be scored without a
second player touching the ball. The referee need not
physically signal a direct free kick, other than pointing
direction.
Understanding the definitions can give the defending team an
advantage.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

SETTING UP A WALL THE RUSH WAY

Setting up a wall has a lot more to analyze than players and coaches normally
consider.
This document offers a guide on different factors that affect the setting up of a wall
and position of the Goalkeeper.
The most important thing to accomplish for Rush Soccer is that the Goalkeeper
learns to analyze the free kick situation. “What are the ball position, the distance, and
what the opponent is telling me?”
Below, we’ll go over a series of topics that we consider The Rush Goalkeeper should
be proficient on.

Basic Wall Positioning:

The wall is a resource for the goalkeeper to defend a direct free kick from a
dangerous, scoring distance. The basic positioning of the wall aims to cover one side
of the goal, with the goalkeeper standing from the middle to the opposite post.

Split Wall:
The Rush Way suggests using a split wall, in which one of the players (the closest to
the goalkeepers side) separates himself from the wall, in order to cover the imaginary
line that goes from the ball to the keepers post. The Goalkeeper searches for a
position that allows him to look at the ball directly in the gap that the wall presents.
The graph below provides an example of both points mentioned above.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

SETTING UP A WALL THE RUSH WAY

The Distance To The Penalty Box:

The goalkeeper determines the number of players in the wall.

A general formula is a six man wall for a ball spotted eighteen yards from goal. Every
three yards further, you may take a man out of the wall.

Please notice that as we use a split wall, these numbers truly represent a “5+1” rather
than “6” for the 18 yards distance, or “4+1” rather than “5” for the 21 yards distance.

There’s one more factor that is important to analyze about the distance to the box:

The closer to the box, the more likely the shot will go to the goalkeepers near
post.

This reasoning is purely based on the factor that the closer to the box the free kick
takes place, the less space there is behind the wall for the ball to go down, so in a way,
a free kick shot from 19 yards is harder to score than one from 24 yards if shot over the
wall.

Great Free Kick takers know this, so they are more likely to shoot violently to the
keepers near post, considering the short distance to goal.
That also means for us that the closer the free kick is to the box, the more important
the ‘split man’ is.

Now, the distance to the box is not the only factor that alters the number of players,
as it’s not equally dangerous to shoot from a side of the box as it would be to shoot
from the penalty arc. We’ll cover that below.
Number of yards away from goal Number of men in wall

18 yards Six

21 yards Five

24 yards Four

27 yards Three

30 yards Two

33 yards One
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

SETTING UP A WALL THE RUSH WAY

The Position Of The Ball:

The graph below exemplifies the incidence of the ball position over the number of
players. A shot coming from the flank is not equally dangerous to a shot coming from
the penalty arc, so that affects our wall setting:

The farther from the middle, the less players we want on the wall.

One important comment here is that as soon as the wall goes down to 3 men, you
don’t need to split it anymore.

An extra Rush Way of defending set pieces is applied when the free kick comes from
the angles that we would use 1 or 2 players on the wall. As the angles close and
resemble a corner kick, so we apply concepts related to them. In this case, we call it
‘BEA’ as a key word for the players to alert each other of the situation and plan (be a
corner kick, that’s where the name comes from). The change we introduce here is to
place two players about 8 yards from the near and far post and retreat back to them
right before the ball is kicked. We apply this as an extra protection against dangerous
in-swingers. These two players in the posts are included, when defending corner
kicks, in what we call “6 by the 6”.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

SETTING UP A WALL THE RUSH WAY

‘Burning’ A Player:
As you can see in the first graph, the farthest wall player from the goalkeeper is
outside the imaginary line that goes from the ball to the wall’s post. We call this
“burning” a player. The reason why we do it is to compensate for the shooter who has
the ability to bend the ball.

The way we “burn” a player is easily estimated. The goalkeeper, standing on the far
post, has to imagine a straight line from such post to the ball. Then he’ll indicate the
wall to move to a point in which this player is at least “half body” past that imaginary
line to the outside of the post.

Which Players Do We Want On The Wall And Where?

Taller Players are in the 2nd and 3rd positions of the wall, starting from the outside, as
shooters that bend the ball over the wall normally aim for the space between those
two players.

Now, it is also important to consider which players you want on the wall. If we have
tall forwards and center backs, under normal circumstances we would pick to use the
forwards on the wall as that would give us two comparative benefits:

If the ball hits the wall and rebounds upfield, allowing us to trigger the counter, it’s
better to have our forwards there rather than our centerbacks.
If the ball goes to goal or is played to the box instead of shot to goal directly, we want
our best markers there that are normally the center backs rather than the forwards.

The Kicker:
What we know in advance about the kicker tells us a lot of vital information to defend
the goal. Does he/she normally bend it over the wall? Does he/she normally aim for
the keeper's post? What type of shot does he/she normally take: Knuckle, Bent,
Power?

Most times in youth soccer, however, we don’t know much about the shooter in
advance to the game.

Still, just from looking at the situation, there’s a lot we can read about him/her.
Let’s look at the first graph again.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

SETTING UP A WALL THE RUSH WAY

Now, let’s imagine different scenarios.

● What if the kicker is right footed? How does that affect the wall? It is very
unlikely he’ll bend it outside the player we burnt, so you might want to readjust
your wall a step to the middle and not burn this player.
● What if he’s right footed and the approach to the ball is very curved? In this
case, we not only know the same as above but also that it is very unlikely he’ll
kick a powerful/straight line shot to the goalkeeper’s post but rather curve it.
That has an impact on your split player as well, who might want to make a step
more to the outside rather than cover a straight line from the ball to the keeper’s
post.
● What if the shooter is left footed now? Opposite to the previous example, now
the chances of bending the ball on the outside of the player we are burning are
higher, which would result in us asking such a player to be “one full body” past
the post line rather than half. Also, this has a direct effect on your split player, the
ball is just not going to take that curve so this player is useless now. Even if the
shooter aimed to the goalkeepers post, which is more unlikely than aiming to
the other, the ball would have to go over the wall and the curve would favor the
goalkeeper, coming from the middle and curving out, so the split man would
have no purpose. A left kicker also suggests, by the most possible trajectory of
the ball, that the keeper stand a bit closer to the middle of the goal than he
would with a right shooter. Last but not least, by the curve of the ball, the
goalkeeper might prefer to have the tallest player in the second position of the
wall rather than being indistinctive between the second and the third.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

SETTING UP A WALL THE RUSH WAY

ATTITUDE! - PLAYERS:
1. If you’re on the wall, have the courage to block the shot.
2. Don’t give an inch beyond the distance given by the referee.
3. If you’re not in the wall, don’t drop too close to the keeper, he needs open space
to clear a potential fixed play.

GOALKEEPERS
1. Do not argue with the referee as to whether it was a foul or not.
2. Be LOUD when organizing the wall.
3. Demand the number of players that are needed in the wall.
4. Be aware of the number of attackers that are coming forward.
5. Are spaces behind the wall covered?
6. Be aware of all the options the opposition may be looking at and read the
situation.
7. Is it an indirect or direct kick?
8. Watch for quick free kicks.

OTHER POINTS TO REMEMBER - STAY SMART!

1. The closest player should front the ball but all players are responsible for
guarding against quick kicks.
2. The outside player of the wall (the one you would burn) lines up the wall. The GK
can take over when the referee determines that play cannot resume prior to a
whistle). GK initially can line the wall up from the middle of the goal.
3. The wall has other responsibilities other than just being a wall. Organizing the
other defenders and deciding as a unit if encroachment is worthwhile, i.e. the
free kick is dangerous, the score, the skill of the shooter, etc.
4. If a yellow card is issued, change that individual out of the wall. The wall should
then decide as a unit if encroachment is once again worthwhile.
5. The wall must look for clues the opposition could be giving. Examples: two on
the ball, is there a potential pass, shooter's angle of approach, backs sent
forward, etc.
6. In general, keepers with a poor vertical reach should start inside the goal, i.e.
U11’s.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENDING CORNER KICKS

With the referee awarding a corner kick the first thing that should happen is the
communication and organization of the team, led by the goalkeeper, while at the
same time watching the ball and staying alert and prepared for a quick kick.

The organization should be centered around making sure that the defending players
are set up zonal (RUSH WAY).

The goalkeeper has a central role in this set piece, below a few key aspects:
● GK should be slightly turned at a 45 degree angle to the ball, just behind the
midline of the goal line, watching the ball and area in front of goal.
● GK’s call should be made prior to the ball crossing the near post
● GK’s call should be AWAY or KEEPER
● Any ball to the small box is the keepers ultimate responsibility to clear. He/She
are the kings/queens of this box.
● The goalkeeper must recognize cues about the kicker and the rival’s intention.
An important one is to identify the shooter’s strong foot, as he/she can know if
the cross will be an inswinger or outswinger based on it. That allows the keeper
to adjust his initial positioning. If the cross is outswinger, the risk of an olympic
goal is minimal, so the keeper can start a step out of the goal line.

As we mentioned before, the Rush Way of defending a corner kick is with all 11 players
of the team in zonal marking.
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENDING CORNER KICKS

1. We start with what we call the ‘6 on the 6’ rule. We place six players on
the six yards box (small box). Two on the posts. Three on the six yards line,
and one on the small box sideline.
2. In front of the three players standing in the six yards line, we place another
three at nine yards , and a ‘bullet man’ (normally the striker) in front of
them between the penalty spot and the 18 yards line. The graph below
exemplifies the team’s positioning.
3. Players on the posts: One near and one far. They leave the post for two
reasons:
4. Keeper comes off his/her line to make a catch or save. If this happens,
both players slide in two yards. They become responsible for four yards
each inside the goal.
5. The ball is cleared away from danger. Keeper commands “Away” and
“Step” for pulling up or condensing the field.
6. One player placed in front of the six yard box. His/her responsibility is to
imagine a mini goal six yards by six feet. Any ball in this area is “away”.
7. Three players across the six yard line: one on the near post, one on the far
post and one in the middle. These are preferably your best players in the
air.
8. Three players at nine yards, directly out from the three players on the six
yard line.
9. The last player is on top of the box, between the penalty spot and the 18
yards line….the “bullet man”, tenacious and fearless.
10. On short kicks, the high near corner man pressures the ball along with the
top of the box defender.
11. If you are not involved in the heading, you are shielding your man from
any rebounds or challenges by “boxing out”. Stay engaged until the team
is out of danger.

The coach needs to be smart at selecting players for each of these positions, in
order to have your best in the air protecting the most dangerous spaces: The
three positions at the 6 yards line, the three at the 9 yards line, and the small
box sideline. The player on the near post, even if he/she is not so strong in the
air, you would normally want a tall one (especially for an inswinger).
 DEFENSIVE SET PIECES

DEFENDING PENALTY KICKS

Yes, true, penalty kicks are really hard to defend and the scoring chances are
high.

That’s no excuse for a Rush player. The most important thing about defending a
penalty kick is your mentality. The Rush player assumes that the keeper will
save it or the shooter will miss it. so the player should be extremely
concentrated on clearing a possible rebound.

The key for defending a penalty kick, as a defender, is to ensure you have the
best positioning for the rebound. This is located where the lines of the penalty
arc merge with the 18 yards box. That’s where the distance to goal is shorter.
Don’t waste your time complaining to the referee but rather get here first and
don’t let anybody move you.

OTHER TIPS
● Do not leave the penalty box so willingly.
● Keeper should take his/her time getting in position.
● Keeper should watch shooters approach.
● Keepers, anticipate, read the shooter, and make an educated decision on
which way to dive.
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
OVERVIEW

ATTACKING SET PIECES

As we said before, the Rush Way to Play is based upon movement and
activity by both player and ball. Possession-oriented does not fully
describe how we play; attack-oriented does. Whether in possession or in
defense, we are attacking. Rush Players play with freedom yet understand
the importance of responsibility and the balance between the two. We are
possession oriented but we are not stubborn, we want a purpose in our
possession, the purpose of hurting the rival’s defense and keep scoring.
Rush teams are flexible and adapt to varying circumstances. The Rush
Way to Play represents both passion and purpose.

Therefore, the Rush Style Of Play is attack oriented, celebrates possession

but with a purpose, demands lots of mobility, is pragmatic and aggressive.

How does that reflect in our players style?

● Ball possession-get ball forward and keep in attacking half.

● Solid defense-ability to win the ball in all areas of the field. We have
work ethic.
● Ability to adapt. Players adjust their style in order to get a result.
● Solid character.
● Intelligence/tactical awareness.
● Technical ability-handling the ball in tight spaces.
● Freedom without fear, but with responsibility.
● Possession oriented, but with a purpose, not stubborn.
● Playing to strengths of formation and understanding weakness of
opposition.
● Winning mentality.
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
OVERVIEW

ATTACKING SET PIECES GENERAL COMMENTS

As soon as the referee calls a foul, start by asking yourself: Can we play
fast? Don’t confuse that with purposelessly rushing a set piece please.
Playing fast is about taking advantage of the rival’s possible temporary
disorganization or distraction.

Though we are setting specific plays to generate positive attacks or goal

scoring opportunities, the creative aspect will always remain important.

Consider the following:

● Playing fast rarely ever means to unnecessarily hurry.

● Service is everything.
● Mentality is critical.
● Team Balance & Organization: We are trying to score but we don’t
forget about sustaining the balance. Though not a glorious role, the
players who remain back to play 2v1 or 3v2 can be just as vital as the
players attacking the ball to score. Each player has important
responsibilities.
● No counters. Teams can be at their most vulnerable when taking
attacking set pieces. Early fouls are okay. Be smart and loyal about
them, we just want to interrupt the counter.
● Rush Teams know how to be dangerous in the second ball:
Whether out of the flow of play or off our own attacking set pieces, if
clearance comes out towards the midfield, the ball should be quickly
placed very wide or behind defense. In many set pieces, as soon as
the rival’s defence clears, the opponents step to reduce the playing
space. Smart teams know how to play the second ball to a teammate
coming from a few yards back, ready to take advantage of this.
● Timing is crucial! Attacking the box is about getting there right on
time, not too early, not too late.
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
CORNER KICKS

CORNER KICKS
● In-swingers are the norm.
● Hunters (3) represent the very best players in the air. Must be active prior to kick being
taken.
● Two players begin on the keeper (front and back). The player on the near must be
technically sound to aid in any short corner options. Both “zip” apart when or prior to
ball being served.
● One player is set up on or around the middle six with the responsibility of getting to
and screening the keeper.
● One player is top of box to “keep it alive” or finish any knockdowns. (Two if one player is
back.)
● Plus one in the back (depending on how many players are left up). Typically our two to
their one.
● Players left at midfield must first destroy any counter (if possible) and if the ball comes
out get it “wide or behind”.
● If you are not involved in the heading or initial attempt at finish you are getting to goal
or preparing for battle to keep it alive. Stay engaged until the ball is out of play or
cleared out.

As we cover the following options, it

is fundamental that the shooter
communicates with his/her
teammates by giving them a signal
of the set piece he intends to play.
Normally this is done by raising one
or two hands in the air, or no hands
at all.

Option 1 - ‘6 In The 6’ Setup: A and

B sandwich the GK. Each zip apart
as F serves the ball, Inswinger when
possible. Player C on middle 6 goes
to GK and shadows. E holds on the
top of the box. Players D hunt the
ball. Key Points: 2V1 in back.
Hunters lose mark, attack the ball.
End with 6 in the 6. E keep the ball
alive!
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
CORNER KICKS

Option 2 - Short 1-2 Setup: Short

corner using the same setup as #1. A
and B zip early and A initiates run
and this time extends it to play 1-2
with F.
Key Points: A’s run needs to come
just off of line to provide an easy
angle for F who plays and breaks off
to receive it back, then hits a
bending ball.

Option 3: Rush Short Corner Setup:

Same set up as #1 and #2.
A receives and dribbles up field. F
runs with A and then breaks
towards the end line. A plays F.

Key Points: Players inside remain

active. F must sell movements and
change paces quickly. A must
control, dribble away, and then roll
the ball back sharply.

Additional Notes: The player starting

on middle 6 is critical. He/she must
not allow GK to receive the ball. All
other players must be prepared to
attack the ball! On options 2 and 3,
players must be inventive and all
can help be deceptive as well.
Attitude!
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
DIRECT KICKS

DIRECT KICKS
Keep it simple! If a shot is on, that is
the first option.
Two players must be prepared to flash
in front of the keeper, inside of the
wall, to screen or off-balance the
keeper. The starting position may vary.
Players not involved with the kick or
screening must get to goal and be
hunters.
If the free kick is from a wide position,
top of the box remains a critical area.
“keep it alive!”
Plus one (minimum) in behind with
thought to potential rebounds that
may come off of the wall.

Be mindful of the wall who becomes

attackers if they block it. Position
players accordingly.

THE SECOND BALL: As we said before,

Rush Teams must know how to be
dangerous in the second ball and
search for a second serve behind the
opponent’s back line, which normally
steps up right after the clearance, to a
teammate running in from a few yards
back counter stepping them. Forwards
need to be smart as well and ready to
attack the box again avoiding the
offside.
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
INDIRECT KICKS

INDIRECT KICKS
The attacking team must understand
the definition between direct and
indirect kicks.

Indirect - A free kick from which a goal

can not be scored until the ball touches
another player of either team. The
referee will physically hold one arm up
in the air, signaling the indirect kick.

Direct - A free kick from which a goal

may be scored without a second player
touching the ball. The referee need not
physically signal a direct free kick, other
than pointing direction.

As with direct kicks, if a shot is on, that

is the first option. The ball needn’t
move. Literally a tap of the foot
followed by a strike.

If a shot is not on because the wall is

properly set, we must move the ball.
We do this with a three man set up,
touch, stop, strike. Moving the ball
laterally (and perhaps slightly back)
displaces the wall and provides a larger
portion of the goal to shoot at.
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
INDIRECT KICKS

INDIRECT KICKS

Free kicks from wide (attacking 1/3), like corners, should be hit as
in-swingers. Ball should be struck so that if nobody touched it, it would
score (typically at the far post, but near can work as well on the odd time.

Players not involved in the taking of the kick must make sure they cover the
top of the box as well as the near post area (get across the GK’s face), the
keeper himself/herself and also the back post area.

Additional Notes: Direct or Indirect kicks from the defensive or middle thirds
are too frequently wasted with playing long balls to outnumbered forwards.
Our first option is to simply put it down, play it short, and let’s go!
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
PENALTY KICKS

PENALTY KICKS
Although penalty kicks usually come down to the individual penalty kick
taker converting, there are details that can make a difference.

The Kicker: Confidence is critical. The kicker must know he/she is going to
score. No second guessing. There are plenty of stories of professional
coaches that when it came down to penalty shootouts, they didn’t pick the
kickers based on skill but based on confidence.
Many say that at that very moment, they’d pick those who look at them in
the eye to affirm they’ll shoot.

The Rest Of The Team: Of course we trust the kicker will score. However, we
play it like we know he/she is not, focusing on being first to the rebound.
Just like in a defensive penalty kick, we want to be in the best position to go
for it, that is where the two points where the penalty arc merges with the
penalty box line.

Same rules apply in the back. Stay plus one and focused. Remember that
once the ball is hit, the game is live.
 ATTACKING SET PIECES
GOAL KICKS

GOAL KICKS
PLAYING LONG: If we play long, we follow the
‘10 by the 10’ rule, with all of our players a
maximum of 10 yards from the center circle.
One of the most important aspects here (and
most common mistake) comes from
communication. The Goalkeeper is the boss.
If you are going to play long, let your team
know! Wave your hands and ask everybody to
move upfield. We see way too often a team
shaped to play out of the back with a
goalkeeper that suddenly plays a long ball to
the center forward. Talk please!

PLAYING SHORT: There’s not a unique way to

play the ball out of the back, it all depends on
our players and the rivals’ disposition and
type of pressing.

We adopt an initial shape as shown below,

But ultimately we want to pass the ball

(safely!) to find a free man and move the
ball forward, simple as that. How to create
that free man is a different story. Mobility
and a good understanding and
recognition of numerical concepts is key
(combining in threes, rotating, checking
in and out, etc).

What we advise our goalkeepers is to use

the center backs as the first option. If you
can play safely with them and they’re
open, do so. If they’re not, check on the
holding mids. If they’re covered as well,
check on the outside/wing backs.
Ultimately, if none of these are a safe
option, play longer with the forwards.
 Up a Goal,
Down a Goal

When winning: Remember, the whole

point is NOT time wasting. The referee
is required to add time on. The point is to
not let the opponent get into a rhythm or
flow. Team sports often have patterns. Recognize
when the opponent is in the zone, and try to disrupt
their rhythm.

When losing: It is imperative that you stay focused. The

opponent will do everything in its power to disrupt your
rhythm. Stay in tune with the game. All you can do is control the
controllable – yourself. Focus on how you can help your team get a goal
back. When scoring is your dominant thought, the opposition’s antics
become meaningless.

Up a Goal Down a Goal

● Adjust System to 4-5-1
● Adjust to 2-5-3
● Keep possession (preferably in
● Play direct
opponents half)
● Quick set pieces but don’t waste
● Don’t rush restarts
them
● Be organized on defensive set pieces
● Get numbers forward
● Drop the line of confrontation
● High pressure
● Get numbers behind the ball
● Stand up when fouled
● Stay down if injured/ Take time
● Keep ball in play- no dumb fouls
subbing
● Take risks
● Professional Fouls to kick counter
● Offside Trap
attacks
● GK becomes sweeper
● Go to corner flag
● Ask for time to be added, please!
● GK uses feet on weak shots
● Shag balls of shots, out of
● Prevent crossing and shots
bounds etc.
● Keep ball as far away from goal as
possible, possibly out of bounds
 RUSH VOCABULARY

In an attempt to further our club’s consistency on the field, the

following vocabulary list should become consistent by all Rush teams

1 Yea- When calling for a ball. Ball or Hey are 12 Hold/Good- Command that can be
also acceptable. Teammates Name is also given when the team (backs specifically)
acceptable. have reached a point where they
2 Hold- When asking/executing an needn’t push or drop or bounce.
overlapping run. 13 Across the Face- Used typically
3 Over- When asking a player to leave or when running across the face of the
dummy the ball. goalkeeper or face of the goal.
4 Leave- It Not to be confused with “over”. 14 Flasher(s)- Players who flash on the
Leave it should be used when executing a inside of the wall, in front of the keeper
take over. on attacking set pieces.
5 Keeper- Call made when keeper is going 15 Bullet Man- Any player(s) who rush
for the ball. the opponent’s free kick.
6 Away- Call made when keeper expects 16 Shift- When call is made for the back
defender to clear the ball. line to get across. Slide is also
7 Step (up)- Demand given when team is acceptable.
expected to step up. Push (up) is also 17 Change (it)- When referring to
acceptable. Normally used when trying to get switching the ball and changing the
out of the box, but can be used whenever point of attack.
needed. 18 Next Side- Another command witch
8 Raise Your Line- Similar to step, but this is says switch the ball.
usually used in the midfield area. Specific to 19 Stretch (it)- Used when asking the
the back line. Step or Squeeze may also be attacking team to open up high and wide
used here. to stretch out opponent.
9 Drop Your Line- Specific to the back line. 20 Tuck In Pinch- In also acceptable.
This phrase is used of the backs need to Used when asking players to fill the
drop. middle (for ex. on goal kicks or punts)
10 Drop- When team needs to concede 21 Compact- When referring to how we
ground/drop back. defend with numbers together, killing
11 Bounce- This command is given when space.
backs need to prepare for possible long pass. 22 Protect It- Command given when
It is the act of preparing or flexing in case a asking a player to shield the ball, or hide
fast drop or sprint back is necessary. This is the ball from defender.
not the same as dropping however. “Bounce” 23 Connect- Find a pass.
can also refer to an individual and is the
action of taking quick steps back or out to
create or open up space.
 RUSH VOCABULARY

44 Counter Move- Prior to checking

into a space, a counter move is the act
29 First Post- Same as front post or near of going away (creating space).
post. 45 Press- Apply pressure to the ball.
30 Second Post- Same as back post or far “Close” or “Squeeze” or “Step” are also
post. acceptable.
31 Line of Confrontation- Where team 46 Show Left/Right- When
begins high pressure. communicating to first defender. Take
32 Low Pressure- Delayed high pressure. left/right also acceptable.
33 Stop It/Kill It - Used when asking a 47 Right/Left- When asking a player to
teammate to stop the ball dead/still. move a certain direction. (Not the same
34 Get Into Players- Reminder given to as above.)
players on our goal kick (not opponent’s) or 48 Block It- Communicating to players
punt to front or mark up opponent not to tackle without swinging leg.
allowing them to win the ball freely. 49 Cover/Second Player- Command
35 Tight- When asking players to get given when one player is about to
touch-tight to opponent. challenge. Surrounding players cover.
36 Body Up- Next step beyond touch-tight. 50 Set (it)- Command given when
Get into players, use body, arms, and hands player passes short to a teammate,
to obstruct and defend. follows pass and expects to take the ball
37 Button Hook- Run, typically by forward, that has been “set” for them. Or this
which is a short checking run towards ball command can be used at any time when
and then a hooking run back away from ball needing the ball prepared (typically
towards goal. short or stopped) or passed.
38 Show- Any movement to provide an 51 Break the Line- Also used: Who can
option for the player on the ball. penetrate? Or look to penetrate. The
39 Check- A short, sharp run towards the ball phrase refers to just that, penetrating.
or towards the ball at an angle. Asking players to break through the
40 Fake Throw- Prior to making a throw in, opponent’s defending line.
fake the throw in one direction and throw to 52 Across the Line- When asking
another. players to run laterally across the
41 Molly- Professional foul. Signal can come opponent’s defending back line prior to
from any where or any one, but likely coach. penetrating.
42 Signals- 53 Target- Command given to forwards
● Hang loose = Go down with injury (or after (typically) which is to encourage them to
player has gone down feigning injury). think about keeping possession first and
● Thumbs Up = Player is okay (signal from foremost.
trainer). 54 We Need the Ball- Reminder to
● Substitution Motion (rotation of forefingers) players: we’ve not had possession, don’t
= Substitution is needed. force it, etc.
43 Level Off- Most often to help outside 55 Play, Move, Look, Call- What all
backs get in position. Getting on same line as Rush players can/should do when
center back. playing.