The 6-3-1 philosophy is in place to ensure that all teams are progressing and improving consistently, as well as experiencing the emotions of winning and losing through manipulating six wins, three losses and one tie throughout the year.  If a team is winning all the time, they are encouraged to schedule a scrimmage against tougher competition to be sure they are being pushed. Likewise, if a team is in a losing slump, then a scrimmage is encouraged against an opposition that they should beat, to regain a positive attitude, develop a goal scoring mentality and create confidence in defense.

The Rush use the 4-3-3 Formation as the default formation and all teams within the organization should be familiar…flat back four, three midfielders (2 holding/1 attacking or 1 holding/2 attacking) and three forwards up top. This is not to say to say that other formations should not be used. In fact, the Rush encourages teams to be familiar with a number of formations. The 4-3-3 default system ensures that players are comfortable when guest playing and when Rush Select teams are formed.  As the level of play increases, the subtleties of other formations must be learned to adapt to scenarios such as opposition, team strengths and weaknesses and the score of the game.

Playing time for any individual is completely at the coach’s discretion. Rush encourages that playing time at all levels should be equal throughout the season.  At the younger developmental ages, players should be exposed to as much of the game as possible. Limiting team roster size will aid in increased playing time for all players.

At the older/higher levels there will be instances when playing time will vary from game to game, but if player placement has been completed correctly, then equal playing time throughout the year should be achieved. For instance, of your ten field players, this could mean you play eight of your starters and play two of your weaker players, 80/20 rule. This will provide a more balanced level of play. Especially in the youth division, starters should vary throughout the season.

(Warm Up)Rush understands that different players need varying levels of arousal to play to their full potential. Some players need a more calming environment and some need a more vibrant energetic environment to be ready to play. It is the duty of a Rush coach to recognize the needs of the individual players and create a warm-up environment that can serve all.

Initially players should be given time on their own to prepare both mentally and physically. Later, players should experience repetitions of actions they will see in the game. Forwards should be allowed to finish, wide players to cross, defenders to deal with balls in the air and striking longer balls, etc.

Rush encourages players to analyze problems and discuss solutions on their own before coach intervention. Players should be given a couple of minutes away from the coaching staff to voice opinions and discuss solutions.

The coach should then bring their views and knowledge to the group. It is the coach’s discretion whether the information given should be technical, tactical or motivational in nature, or a mixture of each, depending on the situation of the game. The Rush Way expects our comments to apply the 4:1  comments positive to instructional coaching method.

(Team Photo Guidelines) The Rush has a certain style of their pictures, learn it and apply it.