THE MACQUARIE FOOTBALL ACADEMY

PHILOSOPHY

A Broad Perspective

The Macquarie players should be aware of the honour and the historical significance of

representing Macquarie. However, we should also realise that we are now part of, and in the process of making our own history. To achieve our goals, we need to define what success is, then identify and formalise the components that incorporate success.

Undoubtedly, success can only be earned, there is no other way, and real success in a team game can only be achieved within the context of the team. Therefore, the ingredients are work and sacrifice, embrace hard work, and be determined to give much more than you receive. In this way you will be successful. In this way you will represent your team-mates, your family and your Zone in the appropriate manner.

The Macquarie Academy will identify success over all developmental areas. These include, physical, mental, social and emotional. We will identify 'Themes,' that will provide a blueprint

for our success and a basis for our foundation and an evaluation process that is ongoing. The themes for the Macquarie Academy include:

1. A squad which is obviously in great physical shape.

To achieve this it requires a lot of hard work. We will encourage you to see that hard work does give good returns.

2. A squad that plays with relentless persistence.

We want team-mates who will never quit, team-mates who will apply themselves relentlessly. This will be part of the Macquarie tradition. Success comes from those who can focus on the moment, those who 'plays one play at a time,’ yet sees beyond.

3. A squad that can handle adversity.

In a tough situation or when things are not going our way, we want team-mates that can stay focused. Adversity is overcome through poise, positive self-talk and courage. Treat a pressure situation as a challenge rather than a threat. There is an appropriate saying, "adversity Introduces you to yourself." Adversity is a great opportunity.

4. An assertive squad.

Successful players take responsibility for their own careers. They are their own most important coach, manager, medico, psychologist and physiologist. They take charge and are proactive. We want team-mates who refuse to be intimidated and have real resolve defensively. People who are so timid that they cannot communicate effectively or make decisions are not skilful. To have good emotional skills, to be assertive, a player must have positive self-talk.

4. An assertive squad.

5. A flexible squad.

We want squad members capable of attack and defence. There are no short cuts for playing.

6. A great defensive team.

We want squad members who are conditioned both physically and mentally towards playing truly great defence. It involves knowledge of our defensive patterns. This includes knowing you’re own, and your team-mates defensive responsibilities.

7. A 'we' group.

Attitudes can be developed just like physical skills and the Macquarie players must be

comprised of 'we' people rather than 'I' people. A 'we' group is characterised by affection, absence of blame, mutual respect, self-sacrifice and an absence of cliquish behaviour. Players that see themselves as superior, or those who allocate blame to their team-mates, or are jealous of team-mates do not have the attitudinal skills to play for the Macquarie Academy.

The underlying philosophy of the Academy whether Development or SYL is to develop the skill level of the player and their understanding of the game.

Ball mastery, passing and receiving under pressure is a fundamental element in each of the coaching sessions. The younger player is exposed to more practice in this area. As the player progresses through the age groups the emphasis focuses more towards a player’s role in various positions within the team, team formation and game understanding.

Following is a list of fundamentals within the game. Each player will have a different level of understanding of these principles, as they get

older their knowledge and their expertise will deepen.

· Ball Mastery

· Quality of the first touch

· Short and long range passing

· Body position when receiving the ball

· Body position when defending an area or player

· Exhibit the basic principles of attack and defence

· Defending as a 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd defender

· Principles of pressing in defence

· Playing out from the back

· Engaging the midfield from the back

· Engaging the attacking line from the back

· Midfield to forward combinations

· Playing channels, to feet and space

· Playing the way you see

· Playing under pressure

· Playing away from pressure

· Maintaining possession

· The role of your position

· Players role within the team

· Players role within team formation e.g. 442, 352, 433 etc

Effective knowledge of how each

· formation works, their strengths and weaknesses

· Effective set plays

· Correct technique

· Second phase play

· Playing in the 2^nd and or 3^rd attacking runner

· Creating a 2 on 1 situation

· Playing towards areas of least congestion

· Defending shallow or deep and their consequences

· Sliding defence and a hinged formation

· The flat back four

There are many more themes that will need to be explored to complete a player’s development. Remember the game continues to evolve and so must this philosophy.

General Guidelines

Project our themes.

Be punctual for everything.

Devote total intensity to every aspect of playing and training. Develop personal bonds with team-mates.

Inform Coaching staff of injury.

Inform Coaching staff if you are going to be late or can't make training.

Practice Guidelines

Respect our training facilities and equipment. Perfect practice equals perfect play.

Work on your emotional skills i.e. Control your reactions to referee decisions and physical contact etc.

Work on your mental skills i.e. Actively listen.

Encourage your team-mates. Let them know you are with them.

Be competitive. The harder you play, the more you help your team-mates improve. Remember practice is the highlight of your day. Prepare yourself for practice; ensure you are enthusiastic, attentive and positive.

Game Guidelines

Coaching and playing is a continuum of learning. The more the player learns extends the opportunity to learn more.