Andrew, thanks for posting on our new platform and you raise an interesting point. The Foundation Phase is the place to establish a real connection with the game and the enjoyment that can come from being active, part of a team and developing new skills. This must be our main priorities so the issue you mention might become of more importance later on when the players are older. Many 8 year old children are unlikely to be able to pass over long distances but they can improve their individual ability on the ball and their combination and support for each other. At this young age we need to ensure this is the priority. If you concentrate on this aspect then you will be preparing the players for the increasing demands of the game whilst meeting their needs as 8 year old children. I hope this helps. Pete

Hi, yes thanks Peter. Ive seen a few teams now play long ball but Im trying to coach my team to play in triangle shapes as a way to stay on the ball, keep possession, and as a way to move forwards. They often try the lung bursting solo runs and im teaching them that passing to teammates and combining play is much more effective. Tricky balance between focusing them to stay in positions and pass in triangles, without losing their appetite or natural instinct to attack. Im doing loads of SSGs to try and show them what happens for example when I give 1 side a challenge that they cant pass and whoevers on the ball must score (and they end up losing the ball) to show that doesnt work, and the next challenge of making as many passes as they like to change their thinking. Challenging !!

Andrew, concentrating on individual technique development and then seeing this develop into the use of these techniques in a tactical way (ie staying on the ball to attract defenders towards the ball knowing that you will then have teammates free) is a must for our young players. It's interesting that you mention the game where the player on the ball must score (if I have understood it correctly). If the player on the ball loses it there are two options not one: you can try to pass as you suggest but in the Foundation Phase we must also encourage the individual players to get better at retaining possession themselves so that they now have TWO options when faced with this situation. The option to retain possession as a team is NOT always to pass it. If each player develops their individual ability to keep the ball for their team this is also so useful at all levels and the FP is the ideal time to develop these other capabilities - just a thought for you to consider. Pete

Andrew, concentrating on individual technique development and then seeing this develop into the use of these techniques in a tactical way (ie staying on the ball to attract defenders towards the ball knowing that you will then have teammates free) is a must for our young players. It's interesting that you mention the game where the player on the ball must score (if I have understood it correctly). If the player on the ball loses it there are two options not one: you can try to pass as you suggest but in the Foundation Phase we must also encourage the individual players to get better at retaining possession themselves so that they now have TWO options when faced with this situation. The option to retain possession as a team is NOT always to pass it. If each player develops their individual ability to keep the ball for their team this is also so useful at all levels and the FP is the ideal time to develop these other capabilities - just a thought for you to consider. Pete