Youth soccer coaches need to explain to their players
exactly what they are expected to do when their team is either attacking
or defending.
The article below tells you what players in a 7 a side
formation need to know.
When you have
possession (when you are attacking)
The game plan
during own possession is to move the ball downfield so that chances can be
created (the build-up) and to score goals.
General Principles
Create as much
space as possible, both width and depth;
Aim to get
forward; keep possession, this is vital to the objectives of the game. So
if you can’t pass the ball forwards easily, play square or back - don’t
force a pass that isn’t really on. If you do, you’ll lose possession. It’s
better to pass square or back and start again;
Try to maintain
good team shape (formation).
Individual
responsibilities at 7 a side
1. Keeper.
Positions himself in relation to the defender. Restarts play (roll, throw
kick). Act as central build-up player (an extra field player).
2. Full-backs.
Position well apart, make the playing area as wide as possible. Play the
ball to the attackers. If there is room move forward with the ball.
Participate in the attack.
3. Central
Defender. Position between attackers and full backs. Play the ball to the
attackers or defenders who are participating in the attack. If there is
space go forward with the ball. Take part in the attack. Try to score if
the opportunity arises.
4. Wing
(Outside) forwards. Position in relation to defenders to make the playing
area as long as possible. Take the ball towards the opposition goal as
quickly as possible, individual run, or pass to a teammate who has a clear
run on goal. Take up position in front of goal to be available to receive
a pass and score. Try to score.
5. Centre
Forward. Position as far forward as possible (make playing area long),
while still being in a position to receive a pass. Try to score,
individual run or exchanging passes with a teammate. Go to goal.
When the opposition
has possession (when you are defending)
The game
plan is to disrupt the opposition build-up - win the ball back - stop the
opposition from scoring.
How? Teach
the principles of defending. Make the
field of play as small as possible, depending on the strength of the
opposition; move towards the ball (pressing), move towards own goal (fall
back), Push towards the sideling (squeezing). Pressure the ball carrier.
Mark closely when in the vicinity of the ball. Positional/zonal marking
further from the ball. Stay useful as long as possible.
Note. The game plan will not be achieved if you foul, so avoid giving away
free kicks.
Individual
responsibilities at 7 a side
1.
Keeper. Prevent opposition scoring. Position in relation to the ball,
opposition players and teammates.
2. 2
and 4 Full backs. Prime task - DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE BEATEN; prevent
opposition from scoring. Cover the opposing attackers. Help teammates,
cover their backs. Win the ball.
3. Central
defender. Prime task - DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE BEATEN; prevent opposition
from scoring. Cover the opposition centre forward. Help teammates, cover
their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Win the ball.
4. Outside
forwards. Disrupt opposition build-up. Win the ball. Help teammates, cover
their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Don't let the
player with ball pass you.
5. Centre
forward. Cover the opposing central defender (he is expected to come
forward). Win the ball. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the
playing area as small as possible. Don't let the player with ball pass
you.
adapted from
National Soccer Coaches Association of America, PLAYING STYLES,
FORMATIONS, FUNCTIONAL TRAINING, 1998, pp 132-136 |
