Should we be using formations at U7 and under 8'S? I'd really like to get some views on whats best practice ? Thanks guys

I'm finding that not everyone agrees with using formations at such a young age. I'm aware of not playing children in the same positions and letting them explore every possition on the pitch to find out what they enjoy. I gave my group some positions as they wanted support with where they should be on the pitch during kick offs and set plays. Would be great to get some views. Especially as they'll move up to 7 aside going into U9. 

Parents
  • I tried something for the first time this weekend with U8/U9 by using pitch markers to denote an 'end zone' in each half. The idea was each team would have a respective defender/attacker in each zone at all times. I had to abandon it pretty quickly because most (but not all) of the kids did not get it. And, in truth, while it lasted, I don't think it brought any order to the game. Talking to the senior coach afterwards, he correctly identified that some basic tactical awareness is still lacking in our teams, e.g. kids bunching together, turning their backs on play when their goalie has the ball, etc. I suspect that until these fundamentals are ironed out, trying to play formations in 5 v 5, 7 v 7, etc, with these age groups has limited value.

Reply
  • I tried something for the first time this weekend with U8/U9 by using pitch markers to denote an 'end zone' in each half. The idea was each team would have a respective defender/attacker in each zone at all times. I had to abandon it pretty quickly because most (but not all) of the kids did not get it. And, in truth, while it lasted, I don't think it brought any order to the game. Talking to the senior coach afterwards, he correctly identified that some basic tactical awareness is still lacking in our teams, e.g. kids bunching together, turning their backs on play when their goalie has the ball, etc. I suspect that until these fundamentals are ironed out, trying to play formations in 5 v 5, 7 v 7, etc, with these age groups has limited value.

Children
No Data