U9 Training Reflection (2.8.22)

Principle: Possession

Sub-Principle: Finishing w/ Numerical Superiority

Sub-Sub Principle: Wide Possession

First Part - One-Two Pass Technical Passing Combo

Small activity to continue to work on the one-two pass. This is a combination that we need to master that I think we show we conceptually understand how it works but we lack the ability to identify it in actual game play. Partly because I specifically did not reward it in the practice design in the later parts (or I did not emphasize it enough).

Second Part - Technical Game

We attempted to play a small game that constantly created this 2v1 scenario and I was rather pleased how it worked out. We had players thinking about spacing and looking to combine. The game might have been to restrictive because players would forget they couldn't come out of the center. I think the players are just not accustomed to games like this yet, also partly because of age. I will continue to play around with games like this. I would like to continue to think of ways to challenge the 2v1 scenario with these players, esp. the use of a 1-2 pass.

Third Part - 3v2 Finishing Game

We tried to bump the 2v1 scenario to 3v2 and it became somewhat complicated. The patterns we worked on completely disappeared and we lacked knowledgeable actions. Few chances were created as the lack of spacing and collective play ultimately created a 1v2 scenario from the side. I think the players are not ready to progress to large sided play with few constraints because they revert to dribbling and selfish play. Penetration days will mainly be played on smaller fields and smaller numbers.

Final Part

We let the players finish with a game as I felt I had interrupted the game enough with interventions. We did not add any constraints and just watched the players play. We saw some good actions like opening up to receive, some crosses but few instances of collective play and switching the ball. What we have covered thus far is good but not enough. The possession principles must continue to be worked on, penetration will occur max in 2v2 scenarios (preferably 2v1 to begin).

For Next Session:

- Principles of possession and positional balance