Hoofball...

[BlueOz]

Wanted to say that with Distin and Yobo out, the hoofball dropped considerably. Have to say Neill shows composure and looks to play it on the ground through the midfield to Pienaar and Fellaini, rather than over it. And with bily and coleman getting down the flanks we looked far more dangerous

Thoughts?

 

[Axlswhk]

On average, yobo and distin each had double digit hoofing every game. It goes as high as 20s in some games.

It'll be interesting to know how many times Neill attempt to hoof it yesterday.

 

[bluebastardo]

We hoof it because our movement is tosh.

That is down to coaching and a little effort from the players to make their own space.

Howard, Neville, and even Lescott were all hoofers too.

 

[ToxtethBlue]

It wasn't, we still went long for the majority of the game. It was only until we changed the system in the last 20 minutes that we started to pass the ball and play the right way.

Up until then, it was very frustrating seeing Spurs outplay us on our own patch.

 

[Axlswhk]

We hoof it because our movement is tosh.

That is down to coaching and a little effort from the players to make their own space.

This.
Movement is the key. It's all about moving into space to create a favourable passing angle for the lad with the ball.

 

[Rugby Toffee]

Confidence to make the pass is key also...

 

[Marx's left nut]

Hoofball at everton is like a bad disease. The players all have the quality to move and give each other options.

Really frustating to watch and we know they have the quality but lack consistency.

What do you guys feel about the atmosphere at Goodison? Does it help the players play patiently and look for the right pass or hoof it up and get rid?

My memory from a few years ago watching the blues were that the players felt the pressure but then again we didnt have as much quality in the side the last time I was at Goodison compared to the players we have now (when they are fit)

 

[Axlswhk]

If the position is favourable enough, it'll certainly give the passer more confidence to excute the pass without losing possesion. It will also take pressure off the passer as he had more options when facing tight situation.

 

[harry]

Tim howard didn't throw the ball out once? he hoofed it aimlessly every time he got the ball. most of the time it didn't go anywhere near an everton player.

every time howard gets the ball our whole team move up as a unit, this is a tactic rehersed on the training ground.

 

[Tennessee Blue Mike]

I hate hoofball. Perhaps thats why I enjoy watching Baines and now have my eye on young Coleman. A bit of fresh air really.

 

[CanadaToffee]

Tim howard didn't throw the ball out once? he hoofed it aimlessly every time he got the ball. most of the time it didn't go anywhere near an everton player.

every time howard gets the ball our whole team move up as a unit, this is a tactic rehersed on the training ground.

He actually did throw it out - exactly once that I can recall -and guess who was available to receive it?

Coleman.

 

[toffeebhoy]

as much as the boys orginally mentioned hav me scratchin my head wit their play i dont blame them entirely for our style this lies squarely at the feet of the coaching staff ....if they were told to play simple balls to a player nearest them or get it wide i would imagine they wiould do this majority of the time

just my opinion but i think the team is told that get it back to front as quickly as you can and dont dwell on the ball