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How do you get a child to try to a different position if they don't want to ?

Colin Spalding

I coach U7's and have a lad who always stays in defence. Should i encourage him to try a different position or leave him learning more on defending as he clearly enjoys it?

  • 0

    I would encourage your u7 to try a host of positions. 1st move make it near to where he plays and maybe move into midfield and ask him to tell you 3 things that are different playing in that position. What did he find better or harder to do, compared with his usual spot? Had an under 11 recently who was always a left footed attacker who, over the course of 3 weeks changed him to a left centre back who now, completely loves having the whole game in front of him, pinging passes like Patrick Mahomes 

  • 0

    Hi  

    Great question and definitely something coaches will encounter at one time or another.

    Something I like to do is force players to play in certain zones of the pitch at training, for example defensive third or midfield third but the conditions in each area may differ. So 5 minutes playing in each zone but one zone may be a 2v1 and the other a 3v3. This way players experience different moments in the game and have different outcomes e.g. defensive third block shots and midfield third pass in-between opposition for a point.

    This way, players are focused on their challenge but are playing a different role within. Then open it up into one game but players are still confined to their zone before playing a small sided game. Players then experience new positions without being thrown in the deep end.

    Promoting positive behaviour and reinforcing positive playing is key, highlighting success is crucial especially for those players who are playing in new positions.

    Also, a great article below which are definitely worth reading.

    https://www.thefa.com/news/2013/dec/14/to-stick-or-twist-141213

    Hope this is helpful.

    Thanks, Will

  • 0

    Hi Colin,

    Really good question. I would really simplify the game and take out positions for 6year olds. At this age I use different terminology and break the game into:

    - If you have the ball try to keep it (stay on it), score or help a teammate

    - If you don't have the ball try to steal it (and keep it), or stop the other player from scoring

    Lots of fun games, play-based activities, and mini-games 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 to give them lots of time to practice and opportunities to be on the ball. Plus lots of questioning, guided discovery, trial and error and bags of encouragement to help them play and learn.