DEFENDING TO WIN WITH THE 3-5-2 (MCCRATH)

Understand the strengths and weaknesses of the 3-5-2 in order to use it effectively Train players to use proper timing and pressure to win back the ball Learn small-sided games that will help train your players to work as a cohesive unit to quickly close down play and remove passing options

with Steve McCrath, Barry University Head Coach;
holds an "A" Coaching License from the United States Soccer Federation and an NSCAA Master Coach License, 4x Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year and 2x South Region Coach of the Year; led his team to 9 NCAA tournament appearances, finishing as the runner-up in 2000; 4x SSC Champions

The 3-5-2 system can cause problems for opponents, as it is seldom used and can quickly overload specific areas of the pitch. By learning to use the 3-5-2 appropriately, you can train your team to employ an intense, high-pressure defense that will earn your team more counterattacks and scoring opportunities. Through the use of live practice footage and classroom analysis, Steve McCrath carefully outlines the essential practice sessions you will need in order to defend within the 3-5-2 formation

Coach McCrath begins the video describing the characteristics he would like to see from each position in his 3-5-2 formation. This information is vital because this will give coaches a great idea on the qualities they need to look for from each position in this system.

The practice then moves into a touch possession game where Coach McCrath puts an emphasis on defensive positioning. McCrath takes his team through some half field drills that he uses to coach defensive shape. You get to see McCrath coach his team live in the drill. He gives out several coaching points during the games, and you can listen in as McCrath coaches his players in a post-training conference.

Coach McCrath diagrams the 3-5-2 on a whiteboard and talks about where to arrange players, the traits you might look for in certain key positions, and the roles of the players depending on where the attacking team has the ball. Further, McCrath points out the weaknesses of defending with only three in the back and how the 3-5-2 formation can be broken down without the proper pressure being applied by the defending team. Key concepts McCrath shares include the importance of timing, pressure, and commitment.

Throughout the video, McCrath stresses the importance of communication among the players, and how every players needs to open their mouth and communicate with their teammates.

This is a good video for a coach who is trying to view what take place in Barry University practice. Coach McCrath explains the 3-5-2 from a defensive perspective, and he shows how he coaches his players to get the proper results.

71 minutes. 2013.