U9 Training Reflection (1.18.22)

Principle: Possession

Sub-Principle: Create & Exploit Space

Sub-Sub-Principles: Large Field (width and depth)

First Part/Technical Warm-up

The first part was designed to introduce a technical activity where players can get a sense of spacing (each player was assigned a square), passing distances, orientation of control and movement off the ball.

The progressions were designed to get more dynamic and less restrictive, encouraging the players to explore space, various types of control and passing distance. By add demands such as moving after the pass we also now make the exercise more dynamic and less static, this also encouraging players to adjust their body position to prepare for reception. Players were also tasked with having to try to decide who they were going to have to pass to before getting the ball. I saw players receiving and then picking up their head to find their target - this was great.

Some players were drawn to playing on the cones as opposed to the space. Maybe this is just something they are accustomed to but I think more exercises like this where they aren't using cones as a reference for movement is needed for further development of dynamism in space.

Second Part/ Technical Game

(Same set up as above)

This exercise progressed to a game where players were tasked with completing 10-15 passes in a race format - the two teams competed against one another. Passes also had to go to a different box and players had to constantly move to get open. Since both teams were performing the exercise simultaneously it served as a form of passive opposition which added some more dynamism to the activity (players forced to make angles for reception). Once completed, the players had to pick up the ball and huddle - this added a nice element of team bonding.

A few passes went out of the grid - mainly due to a lack of communication. The boys are still learning each others names so this might be partially it. It would be nice to design a constraint / demand that requires communication in order to get them into that habit. (maybe an idea for a warm-up activity?)

Third Part / Tactical Game

In the third part we played a 3v3+3 Possession Game. The objective of this game was to stress the ability of spreading out and creating passing options in order to circulate the ball. I thought there was some good sequences of play and I feel as if the player are gaining some appreciation of "keeping the ball" and making the ball do the work.

However, at times we are close minded and we play the way we face and are unware of the opposite side - I definitely think the next session could be designed around switching play and using pivots to support the play.

Final Part/Game

In the final part we played a 4v4+1 small sided games to two goals. We had some good instances of spreading out and working the ball around. At times we still get very caught with going forward as opposed to circulating the ball but again we will get there. The boys enjoyed the practice and enjoyed playing at the end.

1 player in particular is still very individualistic. Its good but we need to learn how to manage this. Setting individual challenges could be useful: for instance during the game I asked this player if he could get a goal and assist, that was his challenge. This motivated him and he was able to get both. I could tell that he also felt good when he gave the assist - maybe he just hasn't really experienced the sensation of assisting yet. This is something we can work into our game designs at some point (perhaps once we start on the sub-sub-principle of wide possession play).

For next session

- Passing activity in free space

- Passing activity that requires communication (game format)

- Work on sub-sub-principle of Switching Play through a Pivot

- SSG that awards assists