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I coach a team of U18 Boys. The team consists of the typical skill level variations but we manage that by modifying the formation to support those that need support. The team has performed well and they are on the top of the ladder. We are half way through the season and there seems to be more individualism in the team than I would have liked. Some of our more skilled players are failing to utilise the entire team which has a negative impact on the game plan.
What strategies do you suggest we engage to bring the team together for the run to the finals?
Hockey CoachCoach
ANSWERS
Alain PaumenCoach, Belgium
One way I used in the past, was to force them to play together during training by introducing rules in the exercises/games so that they are forced to play together with the 'weaker' players. Each situation is different, but in my experience this behaviour is usually lack of confidence in the skills of the teammate.
Last season I had a player who only could stop a ball, deflect a ball and make a reverse turn and then play the ball back. His teammates learned the limits and possibilities off his skill and learned to anticipate on this, so when he received the ball and encountered an opponnent, they possitioned themselves in such a position that he could use his skill (reverse) to pass the ball back. On a regular basis he scored goals, because he could deflect a ball at the left post which was 'demonstrated' at trainings. In this case I also used video to show how he reacted always in the same way when encountering opponents, and told the team how to anticipate.
Hope this helps and good luck with the finals.
Hockey CoachCoach
Thanks Alain.
They have progressed to the Grand Final and have improved over the past 6 weeks or so.
Alain PaumenCoach, Belgium
Congratulations, wish you the best in the Grand Final.
