U9 Training Reflection (1.27.22)

Principle: Possession

Sub-Principle: Create & Exploit Space

Sub-Sub Principle: Combinations or Passes to Break Lines, Large Field (width and depth)

First Part - Technical Passing Activation

In this first part we started to introduce elements of control and different range of passes. This is definitely something we can continue to work with the players, although I am pleased with how the activity played out. We did not end up doing the short-long combo as I started to since some mental fatigue with the activity so ultimately decided to forgo that progression.

What was nice about this we captured both our sub-sub-principles: combos and passes that breaks lines + creating width and depth

Some players are obviously biased to their favorite foot which is fine but we want to encourage them on the benefits of playing with both feet. We should continue to structure passing activities with the same requests but in different layouts:

(1) Freedom to control and pass

(2) Same foot control and pass

(3) Two different foot control and pass

Second Part - Technical Game

This week we included a technical game that would encourage the sub-sub principles we targeted in the initial activity. The game was a 3v1 rondo where depth needed to be established and one player constantly worked to establish the width by working side to side. We saw a lot of good actions such as depth passes from one side to the other if the wide player was screened and also side to side movement of the middle play which enabled him to open his body upon reception and play the opposite side.

Again I thought the activity encouraged the sub-sub principles we were after and was a logical continuation to the technical activation.

Third Part - Tactical Game

The tactical game had some areas of strength and some areas of improvement. Lets start with the positives:

• We introduced our playing shape (2-3-1) and the interaction between the back-line and the midfield was excellent: we were able to utilize the center backs to combine and the midfield did well transferring the ball to the other side to try and score.

• Good instances of transition and pressing from the striker who at times won the ball and quickly tried to score

The areas to improve:

• The game was a bit confusing to some players: it was a complex game, more than any other they had played before but despite that we managed to play

• The transfer of the ball after the build-up was mainly via turning and dribbling and not through a penetrating pass (this only occurred once)

• The striker was not intuitive to look for the switch pass and score, instead was more passive and watched the midfield cross over before trying to get a pass.

So although there was some good "side-effects" of the activity it did not exactly target all the sub-sub principles we were after. We had some good instances of Large Field but didn't obtain Line Breaking Passes.

An adjustment could have been to condition that the change needs to occur via a pass but this could have become complicated if the forward was forced to receive against two defenders. I think for future reference a tactical game for this sub-sub principle needs to emphasize verticality of pass perhaps through the use of end zones or a target player.

Final Part - SSG

At the end we played a free play SSG to check for understanding. We had some good instances of combinations (a 1-2 pass was played), passes into space, reception and passes, playing from the back, switch of field (occurred 1-2 times) and the boys enjoyed it.

Next Week

- Technical activation that encourages the three passing progressions

- Small rondos after activation to prep for tactical game (3v1 or 4v1)

- Target sub-sub principles of width and depth