Click here to join the England Football Learning group and chat with other members
OPTIONS
DETAILS
  • State Not Answered
  • Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 364 subscribers
  • Views 477 views
  • Users 0 members are here
RELATED

Fear of Tackling

Adam Maylor

Hello All

Some advice please. This isn't an easy for one for me as the player I need help with is actually my own son. I coach an under 8's team which is playing some good football and everyone is fully committed.

My son loves it and is always ready to play at any point. But the problem is he is scared to tackle the ball. He pulls out of 50/50 and is always on the periphery of the game. I spoke to him about it and he is afraid of getting hurt. He has always been scared but he is now getting further away from the ball. He isn't afraid of training or when its just us but it is almost a fear of the unknown in the matches.

Any ideas of what can be done to help him? He is tall for his age but very thin. Has good technical ability and would be one of the best players if he could win the ball back for his team

  • 0

    Hi Adam 

    there are lots of possible answers to this , some children don't like to hurt others accidently and can feel bad doing so .

    others are fear in strange or unknown environments other teams . this will take time to resolve but only when he or she is ready to do so , I would try and refrain from putting to much pressure on any child in this challenging situation for them  , but has coaches we can help them become more confident in overcoming this by telling them its ok or not say anything in regards to tackling some times less is more , perhaps create challenges for your son within training and match days around trying to steel the ball from opposition without tackling or making contact and gaining gaming points or level ups against yourself and coaches (every time he or she wins the ball they get rewarded points or level ups , let them control and manage the scoring ? they are only very young and dealing with lots of change and differences , try and be creative with your thoughts over this challenge try to connect , activate ,demonstrate