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Developing a new team to spread out and not chase the ball

Matthew Williams

Hi all, im a new coach who has just begun his coaching journey and have an under 7's team with varying football ages. We have some players who have been playing for 3 yrs, some boys who have played for 2 months. Most of the players have good confidence on the ball to dribble and shoot (in varying capabilities) 

Im really conscious that the team seem to chase the ball (which im well aware is normal for this age group) but I would really like to know from any of you what sessions you have found beneficial to help your teams not all chase the ball. 

Some sessions we have already done include playing basketball and netball, helping the players utilise space and scanning. I do wonder if our coaching sessions have not included enough game scenarios and I think in review, were focussing a lot on basics (like passing and receiving, setting and shooting)

Would really appreciate any help anyone can offer. 

Parents
  • 0

    I'm aware this isn't the answer you are looking for, but I would just let them get on with crowding the ball.

    At this age posession of the ball is an individual event. Their brains have not yet developed the concept of working together as a team.

    Allow them the time now to play it their way. Allow the players to develop their ball retention skills in the tight spaces that naturally occur when they bunch up. Allow the more timid ones to learn not to be scared in a crowd,

    Believe me, when they are ready they will start passing to each other. If you have been patient enough to wait for them to discover this on their own - which happens around 9 years old -  it is the most amazing thing.

    Have a read of this article that should challenge your view that they need to spread out:
    www.footy4kids.co.uk/.../

Reply
  • 0

    I'm aware this isn't the answer you are looking for, but I would just let them get on with crowding the ball.

    At this age posession of the ball is an individual event. Their brains have not yet developed the concept of working together as a team.

    Allow them the time now to play it their way. Allow the players to develop their ball retention skills in the tight spaces that naturally occur when they bunch up. Allow the more timid ones to learn not to be scared in a crowd,

    Believe me, when they are ready they will start passing to each other. If you have been patient enough to wait for them to discover this on their own - which happens around 9 years old -  it is the most amazing thing.

    Have a read of this article that should challenge your view that they need to spread out:
    www.footy4kids.co.uk/.../

Children