Click here to join the England Football Learning group and chat with other members
OPTIONS
DETAILS
  • State Not Answered
  • Replies 5 replies
  • Subscribers 365 subscribers
  • Views 555 views
  • Users 0 members are here
RELATED

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 

Parents
  • 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

Reply Children
No Data