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!

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'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.

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

Hi all, I've just started coaching a soccer team of 4 and 5 year olds and would like to discuss with my fellow coaches any drills which you have found to be safe, fun and valuable to the younger age group. I have my level 1 course under my belt and have difficulty in applying what I've learnt to the small kids. They get bored very quickly and are only interested in playing a match at the end of the session. They have no interest in passing the ball or shooting at goal whilst doing drills. Running with the ball is no problem as they are keeping active and all have a ball at their feet. As soon as they line up or have to share a ball, there are problems. I have a variety of drills which I run through with them, traffic lights, robin hood, alamo, sharks and fishes to name a few with variations of each but I crave more as everywhere I search caters for U6 upwards. I coach an U8 side midweek and have no problem with these lads as they are that bit older and have a greater level of concentration. (not by much mind). So I'm asking for advice from anyone who has coached 4 and 5 YOs and would like to know what has worked for you. PM replies welcome.  Marc