How do I stop my team bunching around the ball and passing backwards?

Football CoachCoach

How old are your players? I coach U13`s and I had the same problem, they were bunching around the ball and had no passing options. I explained proper movement for each position on soccer coaching board before the practice, and then during 11 on 11 game I stopped the play very often to correct movement of multiple players. It is a slow process, you have to correct them all the time in practice and insist on proper movement off the ball, it is the only way they will learn.

It could be useful to play a game 4vs2 or 5vs2 or 4vs1 in a square area. Outside players pass the ball among themselves and try to make as many passes as they can, inside players try to touch the ball. (outside players have 2 touches on the ball) During the game focus on outside players, insist that they move a lot so every player that has the ball has clear passing lane. It will teach them off the ball movement, and also improve passing skills.

Football CoachCoach

To be fair my boy`s are only 6 so they are very young it`s just we seem to play other teams who have a better shape and understanding of the basics...thankyou for your comments and stopping play more regularly is a good point .Scott

Football CoachCoach

Yes, 6 is very young, so explaining them on the coaching board wouldn`t have any effect. Try stopping the play and correcting them....and arm yourself with patience :)
good luck