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Dealing with for weaker players in strong team

Leigh Dale

Hi guys, not sure my last post went through. We run and u7/8 team, we have 25 players, 21 very strong and competitive, however 4 are no way near up to standard. When the 4 play in matches the game passes them by, but also at times makes the 5 a side team be 1-2 players down and naturally completely over run. It's having a negative impact on other players . It's really difficult one as everyone wants to play, but trying to keep 21 happy when 4 are causing issues due to level is difficult. Has anyone had experience of this and what suggested. We had thought about saying to train only, whilst they get game ready??

  • 0

    Hi  

    Thanks for your question and   thank you for tagging me in this.

    Firstly, I would consider what is your club ethos and philosophy? Are you striving to help players fall in love with football and enjoy the game? If the answer is yes, then I would continue to support these players in both training and matches.

    At this age group, players are only just beginning their football journey and have many years left or playing and beyond. I would have a ball mastery focus in training, one ball per player, and focus on developing these technical skills and maximise each player having as many touches as possible. These games are also really easy to make fun, competitive and challenging for each player depending on their ability. This way everyone is able to focus on themselves, their ball and completing their challenge while developing instead of worrying about any other players and any issues.

    I would also encourage small sided games where they will get lots of touches of the ball, I am a firm believer that children learn through doing so simply let them play. You can challenge your stronger players by setting restrictions and different scoring systems or even challenge your weaker players to impact the game for example block 3 shots, make forward passes, find space in 3 seconds when your team win the ball.

    At this age, engagement and involvement is key. We want to give players equal opportunities to play so when playing small sided games think about matching players up based on ability and have a tiered system in terms of pitches. if teams win, they can progress to the next pitch.

    It is also key to be patient as each player will develop at different times so keep encouraging a positive environment and supporting every player.

    Let us know how you get on!

    Thanks, Will

  • 0

    My advice would be stick with them, you must be very lucky to have 21 players that are strong and competitive at that age.

    Minimum 2 teams i guess?

    ive had one player u8,s who was nowhere near the others and every week hes enthusiastic and asks to play to give him the ball and to get envolved., he may still not be quite up there with some of the rest yet but he was the most improved player this season.

    plenty of ball time plenty of investment and they will get there because they WANT too ive seen some really good players settling for being really good then as seasons go by they fall back from the standards they set.