Football: back 4

How does one create width during a match?

hi all,trying to get my u13s boys to push up together as a back 4 always 1 holds back playing the other team onside .any ideas.thanks

I coach an under 12s team and although in training we do lots of passing and shooting drills, using both feet, when it comes to a game situation (in training or on Sunday) they all go back to only kicking using their stronger foot.

What positioning should a back 4 take up when the opposition is constantly trying to play long balls over the top of our defence. Positioning before ball is played and immediate reaction positioning if our 2 centre halfs win the ball in the air

Hello fellow coaches and friends. I have been coaching for two years now. Started off incharge of a new under 10's team and we have now stepped up to 11 aside as under 12's. I wanted to ask about formations at this level, my fellow coaches who also help have been playing 433 whilst i have been away. Is this too advanced at this level?

Hi, Last season we came 3rd in the league and only lost 3 games and that was to the 2 teams above us. We are now U10s and we have played 3 games this season already and lost all 3. The teams we were beaten by, we beat convincingly last season. We have not changed our team we still have all the same players. We have been beaten with a nightmare score line of 9-0, 6-0 and 7-1. It would seem that the teams we are playing now are passing the ball around a lot more better than us. Any one know what i can do to improve possession and passing in our matches? Thanks

Hi has anyone got a good warm up routine for a under 18 team before a match?

wish to change my team shape has been said best formation to understand is a 4231 shape

can u suggest warm ups before training and how long between drills thanx

i want mid and strikers to feel like they can roam anywhere to create space or opportunity. Problem is they are so set in positional play they struggle to think outside square or trust team mates will cover zones

I have a team of u11/12s and only 2 of them have played league football before. We have had several games now and they are getting better but we are running out of drills to do with them... They need to work on: passing, offside rule, possession play. I have struggled most of all because I used to coach at the Bournemouth academy where every player knows what there doing. Any suggestions on what I could do? Massively appreciated thank you!

With my U16 team, I often like to use high presses throughout matches and have scored a number of goals as a result. The problem is, often the triggers are only recognised by a few of the players, leading to a failed press. Obviously I will have to work with them on recognising press triggers, however how can I help improve the overall team shape after a press has failed? For example, say 3 players; a left midfielder, centre midfielder and centre forward in a 4-3-3 have attempted a press in the opposition's right back position. The press has failed and now the team is 3 players short and facing a counter attack.

what the best formation for 7 aside?

How do I get my team of 15 year olds to talk on the park they are great at training but can't transfer this to a game.

Hi I am a novice coach but have an excellent left midfielder who needs to learn another position- any suggestions on which position and how I go about it? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Hi,I am playing in a 4-3-3 style. Yesterday we played against a team that started 4-4-2, but when they had the ball, switched to a 4-2-4/3-3-4 playing style.What do you trainers believe is the best way to overcome/defend that?Also, what are the best passing opportunities when attacking in a 4-3-3 style and playing against a 4-4-2/3-3-4 style?Any thoughts on this?Thank you so much!

Disciplining for misbehaviour? 8-11 year olds, they dont really get bored because i know that sometimes that can be the cause. How or what can i apply a bit of strictness into the team.

where on the field can I play a slow player

Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.

I'm looking for a drill to teach my players to not always drive forward, but rather play the ball back away from pressure to a trailing player.. Any ideas? The players are between 10 and 13 yo.