2. skill training component - positioning games
Depending on the ability of your players, choose any of the 3 ‘basic’ positioning games i.e. 4 v 1; 3 v 1 and 4 v 2. All have similar objectives but with varying degrees of resistance and complexity.
See diagrams on the right: A. 4 v 1 (grid size 10m x 10m – 15m x 15m)
B. 3 v 1 (depending on the level of the players)
possible coaches remarks:
“The player on the ball must always have a player to their left and right that they can play to ”But do not stand in the corners, your angle is much smaller if you do that”
With 3 v 1 this means that “you have to move each time the ball moves” (see diagram B)
“Position yourself in a way that you can see the whole grid” (“with your back to the line”)
“play the ball to the proper foot of your team-mate (i.e. away from the
defender) and with the proper speed and precision”
Please note that 3 v 1 asks for a lot of running and is therefore quite exhausting for players this age. Use regular drink breaks to allow for recovery
in more ways than one
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in more ways than one
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Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.
