Giving young players the opportunity to work things out for themselves can be a very empowering experience for both the players and the coach involved.
In the following practice session, we will look at how players in the 5-11 age range can become immersed in their own learning by taking ownership of the practice session.
Allowing young players the opportunity to make their own decisions and try new things out without the fear of making ‘mistakes’ are the key principles which underpin the session. How the coach guides the practice through the use of effective questioning, asking the right questions at the right times, is the main focus for delivery.
Have a read and see where you can take the practice next.
FA Skills Programme 5-11: ‘How to be a good passer and a good mover.’
- All Players to get opportunities to experiment with and gain an understanding of:-
- How to move into different positions to help make and receive passes.
- Finding out different ways of getting the ball to other members of their team.
- Finding out the differences between using their hands and feet to make passes.
- How to keep the ball away from a defender and move it towards a goal.
Part 4
Depending on the success of the players in Part Three and the level of ability of the players, the ‘distracter’ player can now become a ‘defender/blocker’ with the aim of intercepting the ball. The task for the team in possession is to use different types of passes with either their HANDS or FEET to keep possession of the ball.
Ask the players:-
“How can you move into new positions to help your team mate pass the ball?”
“Challenge yourself and see how many positions you can make a pass from?”
“See how many positions you can get into and get somebody to pass to you.”
“Is there anything you can do to make it look like you're going to fake or pretend to pass?”
Progressions:
- Passes can only be made below head height.
- Depending on ability level of players – add two defenders, etc.
Part 5
Add goals, target cones or scoring lines to each square and play ‘overloaded’ games 3v1/4v1 etc and encourage the principles of good passing and good movement towards a target.
Teams can be rotated around the four pitches to allow players a variety of teams to play against.
Practice Framework & Differentiation
It is important to note that each group does not need to move through the stages of the practice at the same rate.
It is quite possible that one group may be working on Part One or Two of the practice as another group progress onto Part Three or Four. It is the task of the coach to see which group/individuals need the next challenge; whilst also observing which group needs a little bit more time to work things out.
The concept of having four working areas also allows the coach to manipulate the practice in a number of different ways;
- Players can be grouped according to development age (size/strength)
- Ability levels (all those who are striving ahead can work in one area)
The practice framework also allows the coach to:
- Mix the groups up and encourage players to work with other members of the team/group/class other than their friends and partners.
- Set challenges by mixing the ability levels together and encouraging players to help each other solve problems.