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Mixed ability

David Garbett

Hi,

I’m new to coaching - but have a dilemma with mixed ability.

how do you cater for mixed ability in training drills (hard enough for the more talented players, simple enough for those that aren’t)

also, on match days… for example, winning 1-0 in the cup, 10 mins left and you’ve 2 players on the bench who turn up each week but have never show progression in their ability… is it fair to not bring them on? In the flip side, is it fair to bring them on with the very real chance you’ll concede in the last 10 and potentially lose the game?

may seem a harsh question, but one I’d love advice on! 

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    Hi David,

    I thought I'd share my thoughts on 'match days', as it's a question I've discussed with the coaches at my own club, and I've also had a look at what other clubs are doing.

    In short - it depends on what stage your age group is at. U9-U11 is considered development and beyond that it's competitive. When they're at development level, the priority is developing your players, not winning games, and the only way they'll develop is by time on the pitch.

    Every team I've encountered at the development stage has had a policy of equal playing time, down to the minute - and yes, that can mean losing a game from a winning position. From speaking to other coaches, it's clear that kids in this age group develop at different rates, so all we can do is give them equal opportunity to develop.

    Beyond that, when you move into the older age groups, the focus moves towards competing and winning games. This is the time to maybe  start being selective with your match day squads, but as long as there is transparency with players/parents, there shouldn't be any issues. What I would say is that, you want to ideally give your subs some playing time, otherwise where's the motivation to turn up? - so perhaps it would be better to be tactical about how you involve "weaker" players - perhaps involve them a little earlier, in a more balanced team, and finish with a strong strong team?

    Anyway, hope this helps.



Reply
  • 0

    Hi David,

    I thought I'd share my thoughts on 'match days', as it's a question I've discussed with the coaches at my own club, and I've also had a look at what other clubs are doing.

    In short - it depends on what stage your age group is at. U9-U11 is considered development and beyond that it's competitive. When they're at development level, the priority is developing your players, not winning games, and the only way they'll develop is by time on the pitch.

    Every team I've encountered at the development stage has had a policy of equal playing time, down to the minute - and yes, that can mean losing a game from a winning position. From speaking to other coaches, it's clear that kids in this age group develop at different rates, so all we can do is give them equal opportunity to develop.

    Beyond that, when you move into the older age groups, the focus moves towards competing and winning games. This is the time to maybe  start being selective with your match day squads, but as long as there is transparency with players/parents, there shouldn't be any issues. What I would say is that, you want to ideally give your subs some playing time, otherwise where's the motivation to turn up? - so perhaps it would be better to be tactical about how you involve "weaker" players - perhaps involve them a little earlier, in a more balanced team, and finish with a strong strong team?

    Anyway, hope this helps.



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