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Coaches,
Observation #1 Almost all coaches observed this past week ended their sessions with games that did not emphasize the topic of their practice. Coaches need to tweek the game portion of their practices to allow the topic to occur more often so the players can be tested in a game situation.
Suggestions:
- Use the size of the field as a variable to allow for the topic of the session to occur at frequent rate.
- Use the shape of the field as a variable to allow for the topic of the session to occur at a frequent rate.
- Use the method of scoring as a variable to allow for the topic of the session to occur at a frequent rate.
- Use the method of the ball re-entering the field as a variable to allow for the topic of the session to occur at a frequent rate.
- Use targets as variable to allow for the topic of the session to occur at a frequent rate.
Animations:
- Traditional 4v4
- 4v4 Dribbling Game
- 4v4 Width Game
- Build up Vs Counter Attack Game
- Long Pass Game
- End Zone Game
Observation #2 The overlap or sometimes called the run around does not occur at the appropriate time in youth games. The overlap can be introduced at the U12 age group.
Suggestions:
- Make sure players understand the value of getting players in a position of being in advance of the ball from a position of behind the ball.
- Make sure players understand the role an overlap plays in unbalancing the defense.
- Show players the correct distance and angle for runarounds.
- Make sure the players recognize the visual sign to execute a runaround. (Player with the ball is under low pressure and has their head up)
- Instruct players to make loud calls when making an overlap.
- Do not require the player with the ball to pass the ball every time an overlap is performed. The player needs to recognize the correct action. If the overlap does its job and creates space for the player with the ball then the pass is not needed.
Animation Progression for Overlaps
- 2v1 Open Space Overlaps
- 2v1 Restricted Space Overlaps
- Overlap Ladders
- 2v1 Rotation Game
- 2v2 Overlap
- 3v3 Rotation Game
Observation #3: Most youth players play short passes when long passes are on and long passes when short passes are on. Coaches need to make players aware of the visual signs that can help them make good decisions.
Suggestions:
- Make sure players understand that short passes can be used to draw the defenders together. Once this occurs a long pass is needed to bypass the group of defenders. Another short pass is usually lost as the defenders have the space covered.
- Make sure players understand patience before making long passes. We do not want long passes played in to numbers down situations. This pass is most likely going to be a turnover.
- Strive to have your players play with their head up and with a large range of vision in order they can see the visual signs.
- Put players in situations that require short and long passes with the players making the decisions.
- Recognize teaching moments and place the corrected player back in the situation to see if the message was received.
Animation Progression:
- Short/short/long
- Short/short/long with decisions
- Short/short/long with decisions variation
- 5v3 with 3 teams short/short/long activity
- 8 Vs 8