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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 

Parents
  • 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 .

Reply
  • 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 .

Children
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