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Mixed ability

Samantha Lyttle

Hi 

I am looking for any tips or advice on coaching a skill acquisition such as controlling the ball/ passing the ball/ receiving the ball for u11's for a handful of children who are not at the same level as the rest. Looking at the 3 stages of learning this has now got to influence my further coaching ability as the first stage is not there.  Cognitive, at this stage you have to be intelligectually aware of everything that you are doing. My concern is that some of these children are u11 already and play in a league.  Would I be wrong in thinking that putting children in this environment would be unfair as not only are they still trying to master their 1st stage at this age but also the pressure of another 9 attacking players, not to mention peer observation too.  I ckuld really do with some back up here. Thanks in advance.  Samo

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  • 0

    When we went to u11 we nearly folded due to lack of players, so we took on some kids who’d never had any coaching into an experienced team who had. It really showed, their technical ability, positional sense and decision making were all not quite right. So we went back to basics for the whole team, split training into three sections. First section we did a lot of individual ball work which helped all the boys refresh their ability. We have the new kids “homework” on what to practise before next training. Then we did some drills based on passing, controlling, and positioning. We play a pass and move game and so they had to understand they couldn’t just admire the pass, they had to be ready to get it back. Finally we played small sided games and encouraged them on positioning. They came on remarkably quickly and this season they’re all contributing at a very similar level, still some work to go with a few things but we give them individual feedback on what to work on. 

    It wont happen overnight but keep consistency and encouragement to them and hopefully they’ll respond well.

    As to the other poster, my other son was told by his old team that he wasn’t going to play this season as he wasn’t good enough (u9s!!) Broke his heart. Wish it was easier to identify teams with the same ethos as you have. 

  • 0 in reply to Euan Pirie

    Hi Euan. I have seen players as young as 6 having to have trials to get into a certain club in the city I coach in. And, being told they are not quite ready!!! The only people in such clubs lacking ability are the coaches. It's their job to make players better and not to take the plaudits for winning plastic pots. 

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