How to Coach POSITIONS to kids (Football Coaches Guide)

Summary

In this coaching session, the focus is on teaching players to adjust their positioning based on ball possession. With the ball, players 'stretch' wide to create space, while 'squeezing' narrow when defending. The coach uses 'pancakes' to mark positions, helping players memorize where to stand for both stretching and squeezing. After mastering these positions, players are challenged to reset and adjust without visual aids, demonstrating their understanding and spatial awareness. The session emphasizes the importance of smart positioning and thinking, not just technical skills, for success in football.

Takeaways

• 😀 The session focuses on teaching players to spread out into the right positions when they have the ball and to adjust their positions when they don't.
• 🔄 When the red team has the ball, they should stretch wide, but when defending, they should squeeze and narrow their formation.
• 🟡 The yellow team, when defending, should also narrow their formation to cover more space effectively.
• 👟 The concept of 'stretch' refers to spreading out to create width and space, while 'squeeze' means players come closer together to compact the defense.
• 🥞 The coach uses 'pancakes' as a visual aid for players to remember their positions when stretching or squeezing.
• 🔴 The red team is instructed to stand on the widest 'pancake' when they have the ball and the narrow one when they don't.
• 🟡 Conversely, the yellow team should stand on the narrow 'pancake' when defending and the wide one when attacking.
• 🤔 Players are encouraged to think and remember their positions without relying on the 'pancakes', demonstrating their understanding of the game.
• 👍 The coach praises the players for their quick learning and ability to adapt to the instructions, highlighting the importance of smart thinking in football.
• 🎯 The session aims to improve not just physical skills but also the players' strategic awareness and decision-making on the field.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the training session described in the script?

The main focus of the training session is to teach players how to spread out into the right positions when they have the ball and how to adjust their positions when they don't have the ball.

What does the term 'stretch' refer to in the context of the training session?

In the context of the training session, 'stretch' refers to the action of players spreading out wide when their team has possession of the ball.

What does the term 'squeeze' refer to in the training session?

The term 'squeeze' in the training session refers to the action of players narrowing their positions when the opposing team has the ball.

Why do the players need to adjust their positions based on whether they have the ball or not?

Players need to adjust their positions based on ball possession to optimize their team's offensive and defensive strategies, ensuring better ball control and defensive coverage.

What is the significance of the 'pancake' in the training session?

The 'pancake' is a visual aid used to help players remember their positions during the game. It represents the spot on the field where players should stand depending on whether they need to stretch or squeeze.

How does the coach use the term 'reset' during the training session?

The coach uses the term 'reset' to signal players to return to their starting positions, which are designed to either stretch or squeeze the game depending on the ball possession.

What is the purpose of having different positions for players when their team has the ball versus when they don't?

The purpose of having different positions for players based on ball possession is to control the game's width and depth, allowing for better passing options and defensive compactness.

Why does the coach emphasize the importance of not being 'sticky' with the pancake?

The coach emphasizes not being 'sticky' with the pancake to ensure players are mobile and can adjust their positions dynamically during the game, rather than being fixed to a single spot.

What does the coach mean when they say 'we're going to play like a lot of busy bees'?

When the coach says 'we're going to play like a lot of busy bees,' they mean that players will be constantly moving and adjusting their positions without the visual aid of the pancakes.

How does the coach test the players' understanding of the stretching and squeezing concepts?

The coach tests the players' understanding by hiding the pancakes and asking them to remember their positions without visual cues, ensuring they can still execute the strategies correctly.

What is the final challenge presented to the players in the script?

The final challenge is for the players to reset, stretch, and squeeze effectively without the use of pancakes, relying solely on their memory and understanding of the game's spatial dynamics.