Seeing the Story Reference

We flatten-out for two big reasons. One being so we can open our body and face forward so we can see as much of the story as possible. 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 longer.

* We don’t speak about take 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.

The ‘Curtain’ Reference

We use the word CURTAINS as synonymous with ‘channels’, ‘windows’, ‘spaces’. The reference is toward defending players (#4 & #5) being stretched side to side and opening up a ‘Curtain’ for passes to be played THROUGH.

In reference to the full game (8v8 or 11v11), when we win possession of the ball we want to open up the opposition or ‘open the curtains’. If you image curtains being closed, you are not able to see through them, but when the curtains are open you can see through and play through in order to attack. However, as soon as we lose the ball and are now defending, we want to close the curtains so the opposition cannot see through. Closing the curtains means moving closer to your teammates.

(I heard U10/U12 Coach Graham Draper at Charlton Athletic Academy reference these spaces as Curtains in 2011, I adopted it then and I have used it ever since in both small-sided and full-sided coaching – NS)