Aspire2 Clinic News Update 28th October 2024

Aspire 2 News 29th October 2024

Just a quick reflection and note about the next first half term: This half term has been busy with a number of new players joining us, and it’s great to see the progress of our current players. We're incredibly proud to announce that Rhys, a current Winchester 1st Team player, is joining the coaching group.  

Well done to those who remembered to bring their fluids, gum shields, and suitable clothing. Properly equipping and looking after yourself is an important habit for all players to develop.  

Our deliberate focus on the 'soak up' tackle and the crucial role of the supporting player in the first half term is to encourage communication in defence. This includes understanding who is making the tackle and who will jackal. The 'soak up' tackle, which almost always provides a turnover opportunity, is the least confrontational tackle. Instead of generating a collision, the tackler applies simple science, turning the momentum and power of the attacking player onto themselves. 

To help you grasp the 'soak-up' tackle, we have attached a clip called 'WSCI The soak-up tackle' (please see the link below). This past half term, you have all been able to execute the tackle and support the tackler in making the jackal, perhaps without even realising it. I encourage you to watch the clip to see a practical example of the 'soak-up' tackle in action. Well done on your progress! 

Please be aware of the dates for the next half term. 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th November and 3rd 10th and 17th December (£70). Please remember that we encourage you to wear beanies in the cold weather; they are a great tool for regulating body heat. There is nothing wrong with wearing a pair of leggings under shorts and a T-shirt under shirts; remember that “any fool can be uncomfortable”. Tip of the day: bring a bin bag with you so that if it is wet, you can either sit on it in the car on the way home or, for the super prepared, you can change into dry joggers and a sweatshirt, put wet and muddy kit in the bin liner and then after a quick rinse straight in the washing machine (with parental permission).

Finally, if we cannot play due to weather conditions, we will have up to two prepared online sessions. These sessions, which should last for about an hour each if taken seriously, will be available on the Aspire2 website under 'Late cancellation session (if that time arrives) '. While it may feel less exciting, remember that analysis is essential to learning. There is no requirement for you to participate in these sessions, but in my experience, it’s those occasions when you sit down and really think about something that you begin to gain a deeper understanding. The link below about the 'soak up' tackle is an example of the activity we will put on the late cancellation sessions.

Have a good half term, and see you in November.

With thanks, Mike and Sue 

Before you watch the video

Before clicking on the link, please read these notes. When you see the tackle being made, note how the tackler number 7 (in blue) is almost in a sitting position with their legs apart when making the tackle. 

Adopting this position ensures her movement upon contact is backward and to the side rather than forward (which would be confrontational). As the tackle is made, she crosses the player to exit the tackle area and ensures no penalty is given. Just before the tackle is made, the player with the red hat in the defensive line puts her brakes on (extends and straightens her left leg) as she recognises that her teammate will make a soak-up tackle. She knows it will be a soak-up tackle because of her teammate's posture. 

The player in the red hat then works herself into a position whereby she is “on side” (enters the area between 5 and 7 o’clock) and if necessary, can help bring the attacking player to the ground (although in this clip, she is not required to help). Finally, she gets herself over the ball from an onside position as the tackler begins to leave the tackle area. She wants to get there before the attacking player's support arrives, which she does, getting her hands on the ball without touching the ground. 

She wins the race for the space. Then she closes the gap between her arms and shoulders and secures as tight a grip as she can on the ball, pulling the ball up and, by default, into the defender whilst denying any opportunity for the tackled players support to get their hands on the ball. She closes the gap and locks the door. The outcome is a penalty to the team in blue; they not only get the turnover, but with the penalty they are awarded, they have created options for themselves. Q: Can you think of five or more of their possible options? 

There is a huge amount of information to take in in the smallest amount of time. As you become more and more experienced and develop your range of tackle techniques, you will develop the skill of working out which tackle, when, and why. 

Please now click the link and if you can scroll backwards and forwards and see if it gives you a better understanding of the soak-up tackle and the role of the defending player adjacent to the tackler.

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/113ti3i9XG0nf7hXHxnBWlbw8uP9L1KcM/view?usp=sharing