FLATTENING OUT

The imagery continues with this visual reference. Children understand FLAT. Many things in their lives have been described as flat i.e. the ground, the floor, the road, the table, their desk. When we speak to Flattening Out we present the image in this way, “if the player on the ball puts their arms out wide this forms a flat-line from hand to hand –  ‘can there be a supporting player in each hand.” In the initial phases of learning, we encourage two players to take up positions ‘beside’ the player with the ball (one on either side).

The TWO BIG REASONS that a player will flatten out are to:

“PULL OPEN THE CURTAINS!”

1. Influence The Opponent: Potential to ‘Open Up The Curtain’ allowing the possibility for the player who has the ball to play THROUGH. Flattening out asks questions of the defenders. If the defender chooses to go closer to the players who flatten out then they often leave a space behind them where the ball can be passed. We talk about this as an active process, “because you have flattened out, you are pulling open the curtains.”

“CAN YOU SEE THE WHOLE STORY?”

2. To See The Whole Story (Field). By flattening out a player is able to turn their body/hips in order to face forward so they can see the entire story. By seeing the story early we have more time to process the information we are provided. Our Vision is improved by flattening-out as we are able to see the story and take in more information for longer period of time.

Image example: #1 and #2 move into a position where they almost form a flat line with the goalkeeper. The objective, 1. To have #4 or #5 move closer to the attacking players who have flattened out (influence), thus ‘opening the curtains’ so the team can play through, or, 2. To have #4 or #5 remain central and have #1 or #2 receive the ball facing forward as Platforms.

* We don’t speak about taking a picture with your eyes because the story is ever-changing. A picture gives us just a snapshot, when we really want players to see this moving story as often and as long as possible.