Women’s World Cup: create your scouting report
- Peter Glynn
- 12 June 2019
The opening fixtures of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup have seen a variety of game plans and styles of play adopted by the nations involved.
During the next set of games use the 5 top-tips below to help develop your analytical skills and produce a scouting report on a team of your choice. 1. In and out of possession
Focus on one team and watch how they play with and without the ball. An observation framework, which splits the pitch into different sections, will help focus your observation and thinking. For example, you might break the pitch into thirds: defending third, midfield third and attacking third. Make notes on the patterns of in and out of possession play (the things a team consistently does) for each area. Once you have detail for each part of the pitch you can start building a picture of how a team plays.
2. Notes on transition
Whilst completing the above task don’t forget about transition and what a team does in the crucial seconds just after winning or losing the ball. Some of the best nations use these moments to launch quick counter-attacks or regain the ball quickly before their opponents settle into a rhythm. Add notes to your scouting report.
3. Understand the state of the game
For both of the points above, consider how a team’s style of play changes based on the state of the game. For example, does a team’s in possession strategy change as the game progresses – does it depend on the scoreline? How might the following have an impact: score; time of the game; stage of the tournament; opposition; temperature/conditions. What other things might play a part in how a team plays?
4. Recognise strengths and weaknesses
Identifying individual player strengths and weaknesses is a key part of compiling a detailed scouting report. Who are the players that stand out for a particular country? Why? What are their strengths or weaknesses? How does the team utilise their strengths or cover up their weaknesses? Are there two players on a team that form a strong relationship – how and when do they combine on the pitch?
5. Devise a game plan
Compiling all of the above information is only part one of the analytical process. Once you have your scouting report consider the following:
- How would you create a game plan to play against the team you have scouted? How would you combat their strengths and exploit their weaknesses? Devise your plan and then observe how other teams play against them.
- How would you translate and communicate the detail of the report to your players? What is the most engaging way of conveying your key messages? Would you deliver to the whole group or small groups?
Article header courtesy of Javier Garcia/BPI/REX.
