Below is a note I received from an player who had been losing his team and was looking for ways to improve his team’s performance.
Hi SoccerHelp,
Since the time I wrote my initial letter, we’ve had a variety of successes. In the next soccer match that we took part in, took the win 3-1. I switched player 3 back to stopper for a portion of the game, while using player 9 as stopper during the second period. The boys were great and I thought I’d found the answer to where to let the boys play.
However, the following week we were again defeated. We were set to play against a team could, by all means could have played even or, according to our performance in the previous week and beat. We lost 5-1. My boys played with little energy and I was difficult to watch them move in position SPBO while watching the other team move between them. The majority, if not more of the players were watching. The majority of goal scored by soccer was by my defenders who were in a their soccer positions and weren’t engaging the ball.
We were defeated in our game weekend, 8-0. I began by playing my strongest players in the first quarter to keep the score at bay and to boost morale. The team we played was the top team and started playing fairly evenly however, we were unable to convert anything that was in front of our soccer goal as our attacking players were not properly placed and we conceded 3 goals during the opening period because our soccer defenders weren’t in the right position. Again, we saw many spectators watching the field. After some time, the defenders that I played with, who weren’t being very aggressive initially were unable to play at all. I had to kick one player off because he stopped moving. it was like watching Bad News Bears play soccer. In the end, my best players gave up.
I’m obviously not highly effective when it comes to coaching soccer. What are some things I can try and assist the boys in playing their roles? We talk about it in soccer practices regularly, but it seems to not be taking root? What do you think about even playing for youngsters? I have enough talented players that I can put together an adequate team, but typically half of my team at moment is on the less skilled side. We’re trying to provide everyone with nearly equal playing time, however when the kids aren’t trying, I’d suggest taking the players out (I haven’t been doing this because it means that some players will be sitting for a lot of time).
Coach T
Hi Coach T,
I would like to urge you not to be down about your loss to the top team. It is crucial to be realistic and be aware that you were destined to lose to the team. What transpired was that your team realized that they were not winning and decided to give up after the second half. It’s not beautiful however it’s understandable and sensible. (Why you keep putting yourself through the ringer in the hope of winning? It just drains your motivation. I believe it’s better to accept that you’re not feeling well and concentrate at the game to come. Keep your best effort for teams that you’re able to beat). I would recommend to tell your team that they’re improving, but the opponent was simply better than them and that losing isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It is crucial to be real regarding your team’s potential. It’s not a magical process and you can’t accomplish the impossible. The only thing that you have to do is to try your best with the talents and speed, aggression and time to practice you’ve got. It is expected that you be defeated by a better and faster team. All one can do is limit the loss and not cause your team’s morale and confidence suffer .
I have some suggestions that you can think about:
1. Do you ever scribble during practice? If you do, stop scrimmaging. Kids are more enthusiastic at their games if they don’t write scrimmages in practice.
2. I have noticed that you utilize patches that are iron-on in your team. The most important thing you need is the ability to play aggressively, defend and scoring. Therefore, I’d only suggest patches to address those three areas. I would offer patches, not only for scoring however, but also for being in position to score. If your players are doing what is right, they’ll start scoring. Once they’ve learned how to score, you may prefer not to give patch for scoring goals. But right now it is necessary to help them learn to score. The team also needs to develop the desire to win. If you are able to get more patches, purchase those V as well as A patches… When you triumph, make a major celebration of the win. Don’t offer patches for participation and effort – instead, you should give them to people who show determination, accomplishment and aggressivity. One exception is patches for attendance at practice However, you may be able to provide one for every two or three practices attended. Attendance to practice is crucial for the achievement for your group.
3. For motivation Try the motivational quotes from the Premium… I have read them to myself.
4. Do you participate in Dribble Around Cone & Pass Relay Race Practice Game? Make use of it to teach aggressive Receiving. This is crucial and your players must become more aggressive in taking the ball. Try it with teams and award winners patches. You’ll get better and quicker results from Concentrating on Aggressive Receiving rather as opposed to focussing on passing. The ability to receive aggressively is more important to impart.
5. Do you practice Dribble Across a Square at each practice? It is crucial to begin it at the beginning of your practice to warm up and twice with the 10 step wide square. Then, twice using a 14 step wide square.
6. Do not attempt to promote passing at this point, unless you’re engaging in with the Dribble Around Cone and Pass Relay RaceTell your scorers to attempt to score and to teach that they should look for rebound and to be assertive. Encourage defenders to kick it straight straight ahead and to teach forwards how to win the ball and offer them a patch in the event that they fail to do.
7. Are you drinking water and drinks for sports during the game? If not, give it a try as it could make an impact (there’s an excellent article about the importance of hydration in Premium)
8. Try with the shoulder Tackle as well as the Strength on the Ball Game to strengthen your players.
9. Concerning the equal time for playing: Many leagues require that each player participate in half of the time – make sure to find out what your league will require. If a player doesn’t want to try or hustle or comply with the rules you require, don’t be expected to play as well as someone who doesI believe that’s an acceptable way to go. It is your responsibility to your players however, you also have a responsibility to the Team.
10. Did you teach the coaching Rule number 3? This rule is worth two goals for each game in U-9.
11. Have taught Second Defender/First Defender? What you can teach is on the Quick Team Improvement.
12. I would suggest you create a big deal of BRAVERY and then give the recipient a Red patch to it, and only for this – The BRAVERY patch (also known as”the Blood Patch) — I can assure you that it is effective — I have used it myself.
13. Yes, you need to have players who are brave in the positions of Fullback and Stopper — this is crucial. If you want to defend Deep they don’t need to be quick or skilled but they must be courageous.
14. If you defend deep (if you do not keep your Fullbacks in the deep) consider the possibility of letting your strong Fullbacks play the majority of the game , or for the entirety of the game (perhaps changing 3 players between these two positions).
15. Play the win with 50/50 ball Game and make use of it to teach athletes to slow their attack if they’re not able to get the ball.