Football: playing through midfield

playing through midfield DRILLS
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playing through midfield ANSWERS
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defending the long ball

defending the long ball

Archived User Coach

Think the coach is the problem only issue is I am the coach

I took over a under 8s team 2 years ago unfortunately soccer is not my game and I did as there was no other option other than to fold. Im a good coach in terms of developing a good team (discipline, teamwork , sportsmanship fun etc) but I think my lack of knowledge about the game is holding the team back . I have a 12 players who are about to move up to the under 10s level , they skill level ranges from timid to very skilled, I try to give each player equal time and the lower skilled players are improving (just not at the same pace as the opposition). Unfortunately the opposition we face seem to be light years ahead in terms of playing a scheme and we are often found out during games (i have used a basic zone defense to try and stop the team becoming ball magnets). I think its a mixture of me insisting all players get equal playing time and the fact I dont know enough about the game to be able to coach an effective scheme and to react to opposition schemes. They are good kids and I want to give them a taste of success (you can only say it was bad luck so many times) but cant seem to get our club to take it to the next level. The drills on sportsplan are helpful but a lot of drills are too complicated for the kids age or can simply go wrong very quickly in reality. We dont get thrashed in games but we cant seem to eke out a draws or wins (I know its not all about winning but try explaining that to the kids when they lose on a regular basis)Any suggestions

Paul Coach, Wales

Best way to defend against a speedy forward?

Hello,I regularly play a team that has a speed forward with a good shot. I wanted to get some opinions from anyone who has had success limiting these types of players. He is probably a step or 2 faster than my normal defenders. Regularly racks up goals by being one of the fastest players in the league.In the past we have tried a 4-4-1 with a man mark. Sticking a speed guy on him the full game. It has slowed him down but also limited us on offense. We lost each game by a goal.I was also thinking about using a 5-4-1 formation with more defenders to cut down on thru ball lanes for him.Any other thoughts?ThanksChad

Chad Bruns Coach, United States of America

How to maintain our midfield f...

iam coaching under 16s boys soccer and we keep losing our shape paticulary in mid field and this is where i want to control the game from but there always seem to be no one marking up when there is a quick change of possion

Archived User Coach

where on the field can I play ...

where on the field can I play a slow player

Archived User Coach

How to encourage position disc...

I have a fantastic group of U12's (9 a side), who I encourage to play with the ball on the floor, quick passing football. We are a very attacking minded team, but that is our weakness - we need to remember that we do not have 8 strikers.Does anybody have any drills or tips for making sure that midfielders remember midfield?

Archived User Coach

best way to coach a ladies tea...

an amateur ladies team , we won only 2 matches then lost 5 games vs a strong teamsour fitness is bad then we make a fittness sessions but 5 players attend it out of 19 players, and the players need a lot of time with tecq skills , and the key players dont attend the training , and show up on the league match , after while i decide to " no training , no league " , furthermore i did alot of skills tec sessions, tactical, i can see some improvements , we lost before 14/0 but recently we losing 3/0 !any advice? should i bring a quality players?

ayman Coach, United Arab Emirates

Looking for mini-soccer 7-a-si...

Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers

Archived User Coach

How to control a high ball wit...

I play in the midfield for my football team, and it seems like whenever (training or a game) a high ball, from say a goal kick or clearance or chip, comes to me, I struggle to control it. It always bounces away. I have done endless passing, receiving, juggling, you name it drills, but what I really need are specific drills that help me control (feet, chest, etc) a ball that is coming to me with power and height. Any ideas?

Archived User Coach

I can not get my midfield to b...

I can not get my midfield to be combatative and stop the ball watching, Technically they are a strong unit,just switch off too much ??

Simon Neu Ville Coach, England

Think the coach is the problem...

I took over a under 8s team 2 years ago unfortunately soccer is not my game and I did as there was no other option other than to fold. Im a good coach in terms of developing a good team (discipline, teamwork , sportsmanship fun etc) but I think my lack of knowledge about the game is holding the team back . I have a 12 players who are about to move up to the under 10s level , they skill level ranges from timid to very skilled, I try to give each player equal time and the lower skilled players are improving (just not at the same pace as the opposition). Unfortunately the opposition we face seem to be light years ahead in terms of playing a scheme and we are often found out during games (i have used a basic zone defense to try and stop the team becoming ball magnets). I think its a mixture of me insisting all players get equal playing time and the fact I dont know enough about the game to be able to coach an effective scheme and to react to opposition schemes. They are good kids and I want to give them a taste of success (you can only say it was bad luck so many times) but cant seem to get our club to take it to the next level. The drills on sportsplan are helpful but a lot of drills are too complicated for the kids age or can simply go wrong very quickly in reality. We dont get thrashed in games but we cant seem to eke out a draws or wins (I know its not all about winning but try explaining that to the kids when they lose on a regular basis)Any suggestions

Paul Coach, Wales

Moving from 7v7 to 9v9 | Sport...

Hi has anyone got any advice on drills to help with the transition of 7v7 to 9v9 ? also what are your preferred formations please ? thanks

Mathew Coach, England

Tips to get started in Footbal...

Planning to do Level 1 to help out occasionally with coaching my kids teams.My sons U17s are bottom of the league and very limited if enthusiastic players. Any ideas of simple coaching ideas/tactics to increase their chances against the better teams. Particularly weak in midfield and up front.Also I have not taken a session before, any tips of how to kick it off.

Nick Gall-Tomassen Coach, England
playing through midfield WEB VIDEOS
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