Reading Play

U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 7 Referee Course Amateur Adult Training

Reading Play

o Reading play o What the referee team does in relation to team tactics and strategies o Positioning and tool box o Principles of play o Attack o Defense

Principles of Attack

o Attack o Penetration o Support o Mobility o Width o Creativity

Principles of Defense

o Defense o Pressure o Delay o Support and cover o Balance o Compactness o Control and restraint o Counterattack

Tactical Awareness

o Systems of play o Styles of play o General tactics o Restarts o Set pieces o Marking o Off the ball o Substitutions

Systems of Play

o Common formations o 4-4-2 o 4-3-3 o 3-4-3 o 3-5-2 o 4-5-1

4-4-2

4-3-3

3-4-3

3-5-2

4-5-1

Styles of Play

o Possession o Direct o Wide play o Counterattack o Individual playmakers o High pressure

Restarts

o Quick or ceremonial o Observe o Kicker o Ball o Defenders o Must be able to see assistant referee o Goal scoring opportunities

Set Pieces

o Restarts o Set Pieces o Wall o Placement o Management o Proactive o Positioning o Tool box

Marking

o 1 on 1 o Close contact o Retaliation o Neutralization o Zonal o Close down attackers o Speed and distance o Offside

Off the Ball

o Movement o Off the ball o Impacts options for player on the ball o Principles of play o Attack o Defense o Read the play o More proactive, less reactive

Substitutions

o Game changes o Factors o Tactical or injury o Timing o Player(s) entering the game o Strengths and weaknesses o Anticipated impact o More proactive, less reactive

Overview

o Positioning o Flexible o Intelligence o Laws of the Game expert o Must know the game of soccer o Proactive and anticipate o Positioning and tool box

Review Question

o Will having a general understanding of the teams’ tactics better prepare referees to position themselves effectively during the game?

o Yes o No

Review Question

o Being able to recognize the tactical changes that result from substitutions will allow officials to be which of the following?

o Less involved and more patient o Less reactive and more proactive

Review Question

o What are some general tactics that referees working the amateur adult game should be familiar with?

o Set pieces o Marking o Off the ball o All of the above

Review Question

o Which of the following is not associated with reading play?

o Positioning o Use of the tool box o Being proactive o Professional appearance