Soccer is 11 players on the field. But it's not stars who win individually, it's the team. History knows about geniuses (Maradona, Messi), but without support, they never won. Team play is the art of self-sacrifice, believing in a teammate, playing the pass. We tell you why soccer is the best metaphor for collective work.

What is team soccer

Not "the star decides everything," but 11 people who know their tasks. The defender knows when to cover, the midfielder — when to pass, the striker — when to open up. Team soccer is movement without the ball (creating free zones). Passing, not dribbling (if the teammate is in a better position). Pressing (defenders attack, attackers defend). Discipline (not "gave up position for a goal").

Example: Guardiola's "Barcelona" (2008-2012) — the epitome of team play.

Why the team is more important than the star

A star may not be in shape, injured, or sent off. If the team is tailored to her, then it's a failure. The team is balanced: if one makes a mistake, another covers for it. Players with different roles (breaker, playmaker, goal scorer) complement each other. Psychologically, it's easier to lose together than alone. Team play extends a career: you don't have to run after every ball.

How to foster team spirit

From childhood: playing soccer on the street (not chasing one). Don't choose a striker for the whole game (change). Praise not only for goals but also for passes, tackles. In professionals: training camps where they live together; team dinners; a captain who unites. Psychological training for trust.

Soccer teaches: you can't win alone.

Examples when the team outplayed stars

Greece at Euro-2004 — there were no stars, but there was defense and discipline. They won the tournament. "Leicester" in the 2016 Premier League — a team without superstars (except for Mahrez) overcame giants. The 2010 World Cup: Spain without bright individuals (except for Iniesta, Villa) — team control of the ball. The German national team in 2014 — scored 7 goals against Brazil, playing the pass.

Stars sometimes harm (Portugal with Ronaldo: he dominates, and the team works for him).

What destroys the team

Egoism: the player doesn't pass, shoots himself — and loses the moment. Division into groups (veterans vs youth, foreigners vs locals). Pay disparity (the star earns 10 million, the partner — 100 thousand). Changing coaches every six months (no system). Criticism in the press (players start justifying themselves). Team play dies when everyone thinks about themselves.

Therefore, the coach's task is to create a "family".

Soccer is a model of society. Only together can you win. Remember this when you play on the street or cheer for the national team. Not "I scored," but "we won."

Permanent link to this publication: