MY COACHING JOURNEY: MANAGING AN UNDER 8 SIDE

[Shanks]

If you make a strong first impression, that training should be taken as seriously as school work, and you clamp down hard on any unnecessary silliness then they'll usually get on just fine. Most of them are just happy to play football, if the kids are being silly etc it means they're bored but since I let them create their own game, they got on just fine, cause they knew what they liked.

Perhaps I did inherit a more mature group than most but from my experience, there were even more mature groups than mine around so I think you comment includes a rather unfair generalisation. Most of the boys really enjoyed having that responsibility and grew with the task and both the kids and the parents thanked me after the season for not treating the kids like "babies" and treating them like adults.

(I was the main coach btw)

I wouldn't take note of the negative comments.

My first go into kids coaching has seen a group of 9 year olds wanting to do a lot themselves, they can get into drills themselves, play some of the games and ask to do particular drills they enjoy.

 

[LukeBB]

I've started coaching my son's under 10's team, started at the end of the season and took them for the last tournament that they had.

They ended up winning the tournament, without conceeding a single goal.

In fairness, I did feel a little bad for what I did with the team, as part of their struggle was basic positioning, passing and moving into space.

So the few training sessions I worked on close ball control, how to create a bit of space, and movement off the ball.

The 3 front players, I used a spurs high press, and in the first game they went 5-0 up within 10 minutes, without our defence even touching the ball, purely because of that press and movement once they got the ball.

They've been promoted to the top division this season, pre-season started next week, and we kick off with a tounement of academy teams next Saturday, so all looking good.

I've not had any issues with parents, I learnt to keep my mouth shut last season, although I was mostly directing my son on what to do, rather than moaning at anyone else or the ref.

Example of last season, we played a team who were top of Div 1, we were Div 2 - we played really well, my son was tracking their winger, went in for a tackle, missed the ball and caught the player.

In fairness it should have been a foul, but the ref didn't call it. Their manager starting shouting at the referee and then shouted at his boys to start 'kicking back' at the players.

Even though I was just a parent, I naturally just shouted back at him - told him to wind his neck in, show proper behaviour from the sidelines and respect the ref.
The referee's dad came and spoke to me, and told me that it was his son's first referee game (15 yr old lad), poor kid.

I'm buzzing about this coaching, I've got 3 of the kids in acadamys, so we have a strong team to start - only issue I have is with my boy.

He is one hell of a natural goalkeeper - he could go far if he played in goal, but he's also very, very quick and skillful on pitch, so wants to be involved rather than sat in goal - I'll probably have him in midfield or on the wing this year, but he'll be having seperate keeper coaching at a local coaching school.

All sounds very promising, and it's fantastic to hear you stepped up to coach the team when they needed you.

What I would stress however is that if games are becoming too easy or some players are struggling to get on the ball perhaps think about trying players in new positions or set targets for the team at half time etc i.e. "Can we get every player to touch the ball before trying to score?" or (if all goals are coming down one side) "Can we try attack the other side?" or "Can we set someone up for a volley?" (that one you'd use to try and encourage different types of passing i.e. chip/cross etc)

With the academy lads, I'd suggest (if you haven't already) talk to their parents and just get a feel for how often they're playing football a week and perhaps consider tapering their involvement from time to time as we must be aware their bones and bodies are still developing and putting too much strain on them now could result in serious injury/deformity even in their teenage years.

Also I'm glad you seem keen on trying your boy in several positions and one thing I always said to my GKs (who were rarely happy to be in goal) is "if we have the ball, come off your line and help the team, we only need you on the goal-line when the opponent has the ball". That way he could still operate as an outfield player when necessary and he could create some wonderful moments in a game by being brave and pushing the team up the field from behind through dribbling/passing etc.

Just remember not to "shoe-horn" any players into positions at this stage. At their age they have over 8 years to find their position, so try them in new places/positions while you can. The kids will thank you for it later.

 

[Shanks]

Good post fella, and it's one of the reasons why I stepped up to coach.

The players were shoe horned into positions last year.

The 7 positions were all fixed, and actual development wasn't moving forward - when I say development, I don't mean the team's performances (which did improve greatly), but individual development.

Ball retention, dribbing, passing correctly, being able to control the ball, dealing with pressure - being able to kick the ball properly, both long and being able to weight a ball correctly.

In the last tournament, we structure the team around different positions to enable those to get involved more. Things as simple as throw ins, corners and free kicks - where to stand, how to use space and create space, how to utilise pace, how to defend and make the right decisions.

We have 3 very good players, 2 of those rarely pass - I'm talking shooting from the wing, rather than crossing - as you said, kids tend to be selfish, and I'm all for expressing onceself with the ball, but if you are in a position to cross the ball to an open player to score, it's a better option than trying to shoot.

Passing backwards from an attacking position, learnign them to keep the ball, go backwards, start again.. sounds quite in depth for kids, but I do feel this will make them better players as they get older. We've got a good team, varying levels of ability, some cocky kids who've been told for years they are the best (when they aren't) and trying to demonstrate the value of being part of the team.

I very much won't shoe horn my boy into a position, it's probably the reason why I never made the grade myself, at 16 I was playing conference football, with pro clubs watching, but I was sick to death of being a goalkeeper - I'd wanted to play on pitch more than in goal and I found myself bored of being a keeper.

My kid is a natural goalkeeper, he's quick, lightening relfexes, brave, agile, great handling and good kicking/throwing - he's going to be a 6ft plus when he grows up (I'm 6'7), and he has the build of a keeper, and whilst he loves playng in goal for the difficult games, he also wants to express himself on pitch - so I'm trying to let him have that opportunity for at least the next few years whilst I continue his goalkeeping development on the side.
I do believe he has a great chance of doing something good as a keeper.

 

[jondesouza]

Thread necro!

I just wondered which SC posters are still involved in coaching and how it's going. I've just completed my first year of coaching my eldest's team (U11s now) and am starting to move from basic technical training to working on a couple of more tactical bits. The big change for us this season has been the move from 7 to 9 a side on a much bigger pitch.

@LukeBB @Shanks - are you guys still running teams?

 

[Shanks]

Thread necro!

I just wondered which SC posters are still involved in coaching and how it's going. I've just completed my first year of coaching my eldest's team (U11s now) and am starting to move from basic technical training to working on a couple of more tactical bits. The big change for us this season has been the move from 7 to 9 a side on a much bigger pitch.

@LukeBB @Shanks - are you guys still running teams?

No, I had to stop as my lad got signed to an acadamy, I just don't have the time!

Watching the coaches at the academy has opened my eyes to coaching though massively.

 

[Shanks]

Under 11's as well @jondesouza it's been the most enlightening thing I've seen.

Watching him play against Arsenal, Chelsea, City, Southampton, Spurs etc etc...

 

[robbiedee]

Thread necro!

I just wondered which SC posters are still involved in coaching and how it's going. I've just completed my first year of coaching my eldest's team (U11s now) and am starting to move from basic technical training to working on a couple of more tactical bits. The big change for us this season has been the move from 7 to 9 a side on a much bigger pitch.

@LukeBB @Shanks - are you guys still running teams?

I've been coaching/managing my sons team for 6 seasons now...started at under 7's now we're at Under 12's.

7v7 to 9v9 is a big step up, pitch size and goal size. Also with offsides, the kids have to think more about where they position themselves.

This year all my lads have gone from Primary School to Secondary and you can tell that school step up has affected their attitude/behaviour on the pitch. They seem a lot more aggressive and gobby not just with each other but other teams players.

I've been thinking of calling it a day at the end of this season but I think I'd miss it. For the first 5 years I did it all on my own but this year one of the other dads has done his coaching qualifications and has come in and got the kids doing some decent drills that is definitely helping their performances on pitch. He's happy to get involved so I might take more of a back seat...that way I don't give it up completely.

I have some half decent players, however, they somehow think they're the bees knees...I call them the Fifa generation - nearly everything they know is from the game on their xbox's and playstations. Very few of them actually sit down and watch a proper game. They think because they score 8 goals as Lionel Messi on Fifa they are actually that good on the field when actually if they just listened occasionally, they might actually learn something and improve...

I've got 2 lads who are good but don't pass. It frustrates the hell out of me. They make a good run, have plenty of passing options, try too many tricks and ultimately lose possession and then we're back under pressure again...they will learn I suppose but I don't know how many times I've had the conversation with them.

 

[mightyspur]

I've been coaching/managing my sons team for 6 seasons now...started at under 7's now we're at Under 12's.

7v7 to 9v9 is a big step up, pitch size and goal size. Also with offsides, the kids have to think more about where they position themselves.

This year all my lads have gone from Primary School to Secondary and you can tell that school step up has affected their attitude/behaviour on the pitch. They seem a lot more aggressive and gobby not just with each other but other teams players.

I've been thinking of calling it a day at the end of this season but I think I'd miss it. For the first 5 years I did it all on my own but this year one of the other dads has done his coaching qualifications and has come in and got the kids doing some decent drills that is definitely helping their performances on pitch. He's happy to get involved so I might take more of a back seat...that way I don't give it up completely.

I have some half decent players, however, they somehow think they're the bees knees...I call them the Fifa generation - nearly everything they know is from the game on their xbox's and playstations. Very few of them actually sit down and watch a proper game. They think because they score 8 goals as Lionel Messi on Fifa they are actually that good on the field when actually if they just listened occasionally, they might actually learn something and improve...

I've got 2 lads who are good but don't pass. It frustrates the hell out of me. They make a good run, have plenty of passing options, try too many tricks and ultimately lose possession and then we're back under pressure again...they will learn I suppose but I don't know how many times I've had the conversation with them.

I'd sub them until they did learn.

 

[Shanks]

And at the lads academy they are encouraged to be selfish, take on as many players as possible, use skill and flair and control.

It's down to the kids to get the ball and do what they can.

12/13 they start to use space and learn about the positions and game, but up to then it's all about doing what you can with a ball at their feet.

 

[Gassin's finest]

Early days is all about technique, and learning how football should be fun.

I've been thinking about getting back into the game, and maybe doing some kids coaching badges. No idea how you get started with that.

 

[jondesouza]

Under 11's as well @jondesouza it's been the most enlightening thing I've seen.

Watching him play against Arsenal, Chelsea, City, Southampton, Spurs etc etc...

Your boy is at a different level to mine then. Have you seen a noticeable difference in how the academies of the big teams play compared to other teams?

 

[jondesouza]

Early days is all about technique, and learning how football should be fun.

I've been thinking about getting back into the game, and maybe doing some kids coaching badges. No idea how you get started with that.

Are there any teams local to where you are? Since I got involved in grassroots local football I've realised just how desperate teams are for people to help. I'm sure your local team would love for you to get in touch.

 

[Gassin's finest]

Are there any teams local to where you are? Since I got involved in grassroots local football I've realised just how desperate teams are for people to help. I'm sure your local team would love for you to get in touch.

I wouldn't know where to start... I've been out of the game a good few years now, and I feel I would need to reconnect with it first. Also I wouldn't know how to coach or lead a group of kids, so would need some kind of training or something before I was confident.

 

[jondesouza]

I've been coaching/managing my sons team for 6 seasons now...started at under 7's now we're at Under 12's.

7v7 to 9v9 is a big step up, pitch size and goal size. Also with offsides, the kids have to think more about where they position themselves.

I've got 2 lads who are good but don't pass. It frustrates the hell out of me. They make a good run, have plenty of passing options, try too many tricks and ultimately lose possession and then we're back under pressure again...they will learn I suppose but I don't know how many times I've had the conversation with them.

The passing does my head in as well and I do sub boys off if they deliberately ignore team mates. My team is very much a development team. From the time I took over to about two months ago they were really struggling. We weren't even competitive in some of our games, Then, finally, something has clicked (although getting a new keeper in has helped as well). It's really pleasing that they're starting to put some of what we've been practicing into place for matches.

The one thing that I can't believe though is how much paperwork I need to do on a weekly basis. Nightmare!

 

[Riandor]

Been promoted to head youth coach at my boy's club, sounds grand but there wasn't exactly a lot of competition, but still.

Problems we were having is losing all good players to local larger clubs, but since I've taken over that's changed. But we still have too many poorly disciplined children. Previously we put up with it because we couldn't afford to lose numbers, but as we grow we are going to have to start looking at sending kids home who misbehave.

 

[ILS]

And at the lads academy they are encouraged to be selfish, take on as many players as possible, use skill and flair and control.

It's down to the kids to get the ball and do what they can.

12/13 they start to use space and learn about the positions and game, but up to then it's all about doing what you can with a ball at their feet.

Shanks I know we have spoken about Academy football before in a different thread and you are spot on with how they want their players to be selfish and beat players. That is where my lad struggled and didn't like it at all with the Midlands Club he was at for 6 months last year before quitting.

Due to the genes my son has inherited, he has exceptional feet but does not have the explosive pace like some other lads. I actually ended up in an argument with one of the academy coaches about this. He was telling me my son needs to be more explosive, my response was he has the genes of his father, he will end up being over 6ft with a slim build but not lighting quick. We do not have the explosiveness in our DNA and I have realised this watching him week in week out so I have pushed him down the line of being a Michael Carrick type player. Very good with both feet, comfortable at the back or in midfield but more than anything is a team player.

Unfortunately at this present time they don't want Carrick's , they want Ronaldo's and Messi's which is fine but my son will never be one of them nor will most of the players that are currently at the academy/development centres at 7 or 8 years old. As they will be lucky to be there in 3 or 4 year times if that.

One thing I have learnt over the past 12 months is not to get drawn into this Academy dream which they sell you. I know you have a very level headed approach to your son's future but some of the rubbish I see posted on facebook and the like is ridiculous. Is it really healthy that any 10 year should be training 4 nights a week, playing Futsal on a Friday and games on Saturday and Sunday...with one of those training sessions being a gym session working on core strength!!!

I know most dad's dream of their lads being professional footballers but I am not that desperate to ruin my son's future health at that expense.

 

[DiscoD1882]

Myself and another parent stepped in to run an u7's team a couple of years ago and they are now under 10's.Most of the boys have been playing together since they could walk and we have seen a massive evolution in the team. We are now in the second top division and although we took some tough beats when we stepped up we also managed some great victories. We have lost two players in the three years we have been managing the team and we have added 3 players. All of whom have added to the team. They are cocky little buggers and recently we bought in a 10 commandments to try and get them to understand that although we are parents we are also coaches as training them was getting difficult. Since then they have really started to concentrate and we have improved game on game. We are a very small local club and our team is a family. the boys all get on and want to play for each other. We won our first tournament in the summer and I have to say it felt better than any cup I won. We coach tactics, we drill them on all facets of the game, we do fitness drills but most importantly, we have fun you have to have that, None of our lads ever miss training unless they are ill or on holiday. What makes me sad is that kids are being poached by bigger clubs and told they cant play with their mates anymore. This sickens me as first and foremost they should enjoy the game. And learn at their own pace. Our aim is to get the team up to the premier division which for a team with only 11 players and no secondary teams to pick talent from, just a group of friends who have been playing together since they were babes. Would be a fantastic achievement.

What we have noticed is that as you move up the league it isn't just the players that need to learn fast. It is also the coaches. We have been on a massive learning curve. since moving up. before we could beat teams with our eyes closed. Now we have to be much more tactical. I love every minute of coaching and what is even better is that my son is there learning from me. I would say to any parent who enjoys football. give it a go.

 

[Shanks]

Shanks I know we have spoken about Academy football before in a different thread and you are spot on with how they want their players to be selfish and beat players. That is where my lad struggled and didn't like it at all with the Midlands Club he was at for 6 months last year before quitting.

Due to the genes my son has inherited, he has exceptional feet but does not have the explosive pace like some other lads. I actually ended up in an argument with one of the academy coaches about this. He was telling me my son needs to be more explosive, my response was he has the genes of his father, he will end up being over 6ft with a slim build but not lighting quick. We do not have the explosiveness in our DNA and I have realised this watching him week in week out so I have pushed him down the line of being a Michael Carrick type player. Very good with both feet, comfortable at the back or in midfield but more than anything is a team player.

Unfortunately at this present time they don't want Carrick's , they want Ronaldo's and Messi's which is fine but my son will never be one of them nor will most of the players that are currently at the academy/development centres at 7 or 8 years old. As they will be lucky to be there in 3 or 4 year times if that.

One thing I have learnt over the past 12 months is not to get drawn into this Academy dream which they sell you. I know you have a very level headed approach to your son's future but some of the rubbish I see posted on facebook and the like is ridiculous. Is it really healthy that any 10 year should be training 4 nights a week, playing Futsal on a Friday and games on Saturday and Sunday...with one of those training sessions being a gym session working on core strength!!!

I know most dad's dream of their lads being professional footballers but I am not that desperate to ruin my son's future health at that expense.

Couldn't agree with you more, regarding level of training and development.

Reading FC are actually a bloody fantastic academy and really do look after the children, whilst not one of the most fashionable clubs, they are at this age group, one of the best in the country by a long way.

The difference with my lad is that he is a keeper, so health wise, much less of a risk, yet he has the explosive agility and speed to be an outfield player (as well as his feet). He is a lucky boy that he seems to have picked up his uncles speed and my hands - so double efforts. I'm certainly not falling for any dream, and I'll keep a close eye on his development, school work and progression - I've got a very good relationship with the coaches and we speak frequently.

I would be over the moon if he made it, but equally over the moon if he ended up doing something he loved to do - its my lads determination to be a footballer that is outsanding, the lad is committed and it's not through me pushing.

 

[ILS]

Couldn't agree with you more, regarding level of training and development.

Reading FC are actually a bloody fantastic academy and really do look after the children, whilst not one of the most fashionable clubs, they are at this age group, one of the best in the country by a long way.

The difference with my lad is that he is a keeper, so health wise, much less of a risk, yet he has the explosive agility and speed to be an outfield player (as well as his feet). He is a lucky boy that he seems to have picked up his uncles speed and my hands - so double efforts. I'm certainly not falling for any dream, and I'll keep a close eye on his development, school work and progression - I've got a very good relationship with the coaches and we speak frequently.

I would be over the moon if he made it, but equally over the moon if he ended up doing something he loved to do - its my lads determination to be a footballer that is outsanding, the lad is committed and it's not through me pushing.

Shanks, following my son's under 7's match yesterday it made me think of our conversation in regards to Academy football.

Yesterday we played the best team in the whole county who have not lost a match since their inception. Four of their lads are with academies and are well known to be a side that like to attract the best players to play for them even at their age.

We ended up battering them 8-1. Why? Because we are a team who play nice football and want to graft and know their positions. Yes we have two individuals in both my son and the manager's son who I rate as very good players for their age but for whatever reason apart from short stints being in a development centre they have always been overlooked.

They were a team of four individuals that not once got their head up to pass a football. Even their manager commented after the match that it is the best thing to happen to his players getting hammered as they might start to listen instead of thinking they have already made it. He also made the comment that the problem with academies is they are getting his lads to dribble, dribble and dribble, which is fine until you have to pass the ball or you come up against lads who do not dive in at every opportunity.

Anyway after all was set done their was championship academy scout there watching the game who has asked for my son's and the managers son's details....and have invited the team as a whole to their training ground next week for a tournament....so maybe I haven't lost faith in the system just yet!!

 

[Shanks]

Shanks, following my son's under 7's match yesterday it made me think of our conversation in regards to Academy football.

Yesterday we played the best team in the whole county who have not lost a match since their inception. Four of their lads are with academies and are well known to be a side that like to attract the best players to play for them even at their age.

We ended up battering them 8-1. Why? Because we are a team who play nice football and want to graft and know their positions. Yes we have two individuals in both my son and the manager's son who I rate as very good players for their age but for whatever reason apart from short stints being in a development centre they have always been overlooked.

They were a team of four individuals that not once got their head up to pass a football. Even their manager commented after the match that it is the best thing to happen to his players getting hammered as they might start to listen instead of thinking they have already made it. He also made the comment that the problem with academies is they are getting his lads to dribble, dribble and dribble, which is fine until you have to pass the ball or you come up against lads who do not dive in at every opportunity.

Anyway after all was set done their was championship academy scout there watching the game who has asked for my son's and the managers son's details....and have invited the team as a whole to their training ground next week for a tournament....so maybe I haven't lost faith in the system just yet!!

Absolutely mate, I think its a good thing.
Don't get me wrong its' not always about dribbling and skills, but the kids signed to contracts are under development - so the coaches main aim is to make as many as possible into professional footballers, so they are on an educational journey with development steps each step of the way.

Reading is actually one of the best academies in the country - up until under 11, they are at the foundation stage - which is all about their own manipulation of the ball - they don't care about winning matches at all (tournaments they do), but they want the children to be explosive, skilled and confident with a ball at there feet (no matter the situation).

The coaches will set up there teams deliberalty to lose games.

Expample being - played southampton, and Saints had 4 in midfield, coashes set up with 2 in midfield, for the exact prupose of teaching them how to deal with being overun - not interested in the result, but learning about specific situations - be it a pass or dribble out of danger etc etc.

These boys can pick a ball from any angle, control and move straight away - all very natural.

Theoir view is that if they can do that, you can teach passing with ease - what you can't teach is that ability to control a ball (you can get better with practise).

Be careful going into trials as well - so many out there that require you to pay, once a kid is signed to an academy he won't be able to play for another team - even school and district teams can be difficult too, its literally just that academy, although many clubs have development centres associated with the academies - they don't charge, but there are loads of 'academy' schools that claim to be the best and offer as a gateway to clubs - I went through a few, but was very lucky that my boy was seen and signed without going down that route.