No subs-Under 10's 9 a-side

No subs-Under 10's 9 a-side

Hi all, due to lack of recruits I only have 9 players this season for my 9 a-side U10 boys team. I have tried very hard looking for recruits but no luck....so far. My season is starting and I have to work with what I have. I just want to see what tips do you have for me? What can I focus on to ensure this is not too much of an disadvantage!

Craig KillianCoach, Australia
ANSWERS
Archie DunnillCoach, England

Hi Craig,

It can be challenging to coach a team with limited players. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of the situation:

Focus on individual skill development: With a smaller team, you can give more attention to each player's individual skills. You can work on improving their dribbling, passing, shooting, and other skills through drills and exercises.

Emphasize teamwork and communication: Since you have a smaller team, it is important to emphasize teamwork and communication. Encourage your players to work together and communicate on the field to make up for the lack of numbers.

Develop versatile players: With a limited number of players, it is important to develop versatile players who can play multiple positions. This will give you more flexibility during games and allow you to adapt to different situations.

Plan your training sessions carefully: Plan your training sessions carefully to ensure that your players get enough rest and recovery time.

Be creative with your formations: With 9 players, you may need to be creative with your formations. Consider playing with a diamond or triangle formation to maximize your players' strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

Keep a positive attitude: Remember to keep a positive attitude and focus on the positives. Encourage your players and celebrate their successes, no matter how small they may be. This will help keep them motivated and engaged.

Remember, even with a small team, you can still have a successful season. Focus on developing your players' skills, teamwork, and communication, and be creative with your strategies. Good luck!

Archie

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