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Challenges with U9 players not wanting to play in defence

Thomas Whitaker

I’m new to coaching this season and have an under 9’s team who have just started playing 50 minute 7v7 matches. We have a squad of 10 and only one player that wants to play in defence, all the others want to play midfield or up front and complain when they are forced to play at the back. We have tried rotating regularly during a game to give everyone a chance to play where they want but this then tends to disrupt matches and we don’t get into a groove with players not knowing where they should be. Does anyone have any tips for making playing in defence more appealing, or tactics/techniques/formations that focus on attacking but don’t leave us exposed at the back? We’re even at the stage of debating playing 1 at the back, 2 CM, 2 wingers and a striker but not sure if this is a recipe for disaster!

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  • Hi Thomas,

    Consider a change in terminology by calling them 'counter attackers'. Your role is to stop the opposition attacks and then set up a counter attack by dribbling, passing to a team mate or running with the ball. explain that you are not merely changing the terminology to make it sound better but actually, that is a realistic description of what this players will do if they intercept or win the ball

    Consider allocating responsibility for two people to cover as counter attackers depending on the state of play. E.g. If you are involved in building up play (on or immediately around the ball) when we have possession, continue to help the play. If you are not involved (away from the ball) provide cover and security to set up the counter attack.

    "Away from the ball" may be a player who is nearer their own goalkeeper ....but if they are the one with the ball, they are the one most involved in starting the attack, so you will need to help them understand which player(s) in changing situations should take the responsibility. 

    Please note: this doesn't have to be the SAME two players every time - just two (or one as you think) who are not involved in progressing the play and who can drop back and protect the space. Your players will make mistakes and will initially not always recognise when to do this but persevere and remind them of the role that they will take on, when they can see they may not be involved in the build up. Your team will concede goals until they get the hang of it.

    Consider also providing small sided games in practice/training where the main focus will be:

    "In the game, think about your involvement on and around the ball and if you are away from the ball, cover the space ready to counter attack"

    You can change terminology and description to suit your groups experience and understanding. If they have multiple goes at it in practice over a couple of sessions I think you will see some improvement in understanding and eventually in execution.

    I hope that helps.

    Best Regards

    Steve

  • in reply to Stephen Phythian

    Thanks for the feedback Steve, that sounds like a great approach. We will give that a try in our next match this weekend. Really appreciate it

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