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Coaching a high level u13 side

Juan Malagon

Hey guys, 

I am coaching an u13 side which are technically and individually playing at a decent level, my main challenge is the team is quite complacent, they have won their league a few times and are toying with the confidence/arrogance line. When they do come up against tough teams they all start to play like individuals which I dont want them doing as I want them to win or lose as a team.

My question - I am looking to build trust amongst the players, are there any fun but coachable drills which anyone could recommend that focus on building trust under pressure? 

  • 0

    Hi Juan,

    Good question and a few things to think about.

    - Can you up the challenge? You mention they have won their league a few times, is there an opportunity to play in a more challenging division to have more consistent challenging fixtures? Sorry I don't know your context/area, but is there also opportunity to play friendlies/training games against teams that will make for a competitive game?

    - For training and matchday, can you discuss individual roles and responsibilities with your players but also start to link this to team tactics? A way you can do this is talk about different scenarios that the players might face in different moments of the game, when they are attacking, when they are defending and in moments of transition (when they have just won the ball or when they have just lost the ball) in different parts of the pitch. 

    - Using scenarios and game-based practices in training can also help paint a picture and be exciting for players, with lots of relevance and transfer for when they are on the pitch on a game day. For example, there is 10minutes left and we are 2-1 down, how can we work as a team to draw or win the game e.g. how can we work as a team to win the ball back high up the pitch? And plan your coaching points and technical detail around this. 

    Here is an article that has some more advice and examples on using scenarios on training - CLICK HERE

    Let me know what you think!

  • 0

    Hi 

    Complacency is a problem and making training challenging is key. Pushing the team in other avenues is one way to deal with it. 

    Also, praise the upcoming opponents,and  explain how hard the game will be this is another way to avoid complacency. 

    Another option is to highlight areas that the team haven't done well in, this will also bring the competitiveness back. 

    In my opinion, I would do this in a gentle way as they are under 13s. 

     

    For sessions and drills, think about street games, play 60 seconds, play two touches, or a challenge (like the bin challenge). Anything like this will create the atmosphere to build positively. 

    Kind Regards

    Shadab