 Posted 15/05/2007 17:26:10
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I coach an U-11 Girls travelling (competitive) team. We do lots of things really well, pass defend even score however I have had a tough time getting my girls to win balls on restarts. I would appreciate any insight. I look forward to implementing sugestions at my next practice.
Coach AndyCV Wanderers, U-11G Class III
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Posted 16/05/2007 08:55:27
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| I have this issue with my u9 boys. Last season we tried a couple of drills where we simply simulated kick-off a half dozen times or so. I blow the whistle and the forwards rush in to close down the opposition. Invariably we win the ball immediately. It got to the point where they were almost on starting blocks waiting for the whistle. It also puts the opposition on the back foot from the start and shows a statement of intent by your team. Any other ideas?
Dwyer
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Posted 16/05/2007 11:47:33
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Under 11 presents huge problems at goal kicks. Sometimes it was better for my under 11 teams to get goal kicks against them rather than win the corner. If the goalie is kicking short it comes out to the attackers and returned with interest.
What you have to do is spend a whole training session with your goalie, defenders and wingers and get them into shape for the goal kick. Practice angling the ball to the wingers, practice short goal kicks to the side and let your defenders play it out. What you have to tell your players is that they must get in front of the attacking team so they get to the ball first. They are going to moan at you about a whole session on this but it is a very good way to cut out giving away easy goals. Try using a big kicker to send the ball further downfield, although I dont like doing this myself because it not only plays attackers onside but takes away a defensive player from your back line. Keep at it, it's trial and error and training sessions are the place to do it.
At 7-a-side I organise my teams into a diamond shape so they are best positioned to win the ball from the goal kick both attacking and defending. It also meant I could shout "diamond" to them to remind them of their positions. It is a bit of a shock when you go 11-a-side and you have four or five positions to cover.
Dave Clarke Soccer Coach Weekly Editor
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Posted 22/05/2007 17:11:13
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| Dave, Thank you very much for your insight. I will spend my next session on restarts. Typically we do one session on technical skills and one session on tactics. I will spend big time on goal kick restarts, throw-ins and corner kicks. I recognize on corner kicks my kids are either not strong enough to get an effective cross into the box or not willing to get a head on such a fast moving ball. We practice short corner's and fake corners. Both work better than the ill fated attempt at a cross into the box. Thanks again this is a cool thing you got going on here!
Coach Andy CV Wanderers, U-11G Class III
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Posted 23/05/2007 09:20:24
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I run an U15's side and am amazed at the amount of times goal kicks and restarts sail over the head of my players because they do not learn where to position themselves.
What I have found works is to do a session and look where players naturally position themselves in relation to the kicker. Once they think they are in the right place call out 'Five Paces' and get everyone to take 5 paces backwards. This then gives them the opportunity to come forward onto any clearance instead of watching it sail over their heads.
It works because it is much easier to move forward into the ball or a challenge than recover to one that goes beyond them. Many of my sessions revolve around players coming forward positively onto the ball. Once they realised that they are not too deep on the pitch defensively we became much stronger and more difficult to break down.
Hope this helps,
Jeff.
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