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how to avoid players being drawn to the ball as if it were a magnet

Andrew Tonner

Hi, my under 9 team (going on to u10s very soon) have regular phases in the game where players get drawn towards the ball as if it were a magnet. I know this is typical behaviour at U8s but im interested to know at what age should our team learn to stay in position more (out of possession) or run into space more (in possession) rather than the scenario where 3 or 4 players gravitate towards the ball as if it were a magnet and end up out of position/not marking and leaving gaps or not running into space. I've advised the team they need to constantly be looking around where the ball is/where they are/where the opposition are and to look up to check their position rather than gravitate towards the ball, and ive also encouraged the idea that the nearest player to the ball closes down (not 3 or 4 players gravitating towards the ball. But this doesnt seem to be working.

Also any tips on any training sessions that could help us with the avoidable mistake of being drawn to the ball like its a magnet?

thanks 

  • 0

    hi Andrew 

    i would look at playing in zones, so divide the pitch up into channels if possible also boxes where you can go anywhere on the pitch you like but only 1 player from each team are allowed in box. lots of 1v1's and also big overloads like 7v3 but as they get older you will probably be asking 3/4 to gravitate towards the ball when learning to press. So to give them a good understanding why/when and how not to gravitate with pictures/coaches board is really important too

    all the best

  • 0

    Hi Andrew, what Lee has suggested is definitely something I would suggest doing with regards to the channels and boxes, more than likely over several weeks to reinforce it. I've been dealing with this issue this year with my U10's and in terms of in possession I tried to create games where passing wide is worth more points e.g. pass the ball to teammate then run through a gate and score goal is then worth 3. Something like that would allow you to do an intervention if they keep running with the ball to the player then passing when stood next to them (mine did this). Gives you the opportunity to point out how much harder it is for the player receiving the ball to then dribble through the gate with everyone their. This will subconsciously make players stay a bit wider when their team has it.

    Also in games at the end stopping the game to point out they have all swarmed the ball again is great for their realisation as they are never aware they are doing it. And then because when attacking your telling players to pass wide to a free player you can then work on out of possession the importance of marking the opposition and not swarming the ball.

    Hope that helped

  • 0

    Andrew , at this age they still all want to have contact with the ball , its a natural magnetic response from this age ,and some players are more advanced than other so differences will show between opposition that you play .  difficult has it might seem ,we try not to take that away having the desire to be in contact with the ball . the players that you have only still 9 able to understand space movement timing on the ball off the ball , this will come with your players but certainly try not to force it , gradually introduce more fun -detail )in your practices to support this has they develop and age appropriately .  I do not understand space and movement fully and I'm 45 but hopefully by the time I'm 80 ill be nearly there . 

    I would stick with their priorities add a bit extra here and there , try and be supportive with it , and they will get there .