U9 Training Reflection (1.14.22)

On Friday I had the first training session of the year with the U9's. We trained on a set of tennis courts but it was a very good first training session.

First Part (Technical Warm-Up)

We mainly did a simple passing and control exercise. It would benefit some the players to receive a little more of this dynamic technical practice so we can refine passing and control mechanics. Will look to build that into next week.

Second Part (Tactical - Passing Exercise)

We played a 6v2 rondo where we started to understand elements of spacing and letting the ball doo the work. The player at times though are reactive, and most currently lack the ability to think ahead. We need to continue to build the rondo into our practices.

Third Part (4v4 game)

One team in particular did well in the game and was the winner. I believe they were able to win because: (1) they spread out in possession (2) they were selfish only in the right moments (3) they all played in the attack and recovery, together.

We also began to discuss possession shapes such as diamonds and making the ball do the work.

For Next Week

• Need to send the message that we all defend and that we all attack

• Need to work on dynamic control and passing, build to a rondo

• Continue to work on games focused on Positional Balance - "keeping the ball together"

• Begin to assign hwmk - especially if they can start to watch Man City