defending the breakaway

[strike]

So our U-10 team has really made some great progress over the last couple weeks. The only real concern is defending the breakaway, we get nailed by this every time. It seems the only way the other team scores, one of their kids simply snags the ball at one end and races to the other end and scores. We fall apart in this area.

What games/drills might you suggest I add to our practice to work on this opportunity?

Thanks!

[KevTheGooner]

So our U-10 team has really made some great progress over the last couple weeks. The only real concern is defending the breakaway, we get nailed by this every time. It seems the only way the other team scores, one of their kids simply snags the ball at one end and races to the other end and scores. We fall apart in this area.

What games/drills might you suggest I add to our practice to work on this opportunity?

Thanks!

1) work on 1v1 defending, focus on containing and waiting for the attacker to make a mistake with the ball (which will probably happen at this age).

2) Work on recovery runs...i've found that most kids at this age just chase the attacker after they're beaten and don't get themselves in position to make another play on the ball.

3) Practice the role of the second and third defenders (cover and support)

[Bass0r]

The easiest way to do all this is to set up a small-sided game, recreating the situation.

Not only should they understand their positions, but you should ensure they are able to make the correct decisions, in the flow of play. That's the most important part, and recreating the scenario and having them repeatedly play it out will help them work out what to do, in these situations.

Of course, you still have to make sure it's fun. Have an objective for both sides (something like goals for the attackers, and defenders scoring points by stealing the ball). Also have them switch sides every now and then, to keep things fresh and help them develop extra skills/understandings (you might even end up developing your own libero-style player).

It also helps your own attackers develop their game.


If you ever have a problem with a certain part of a young team's game, the best way to solve it is always to make a small-sided game that deals with the scenario. And always keep it simple, by not adding too many objectives (none of that, "Once you get to this cone, weave around the poles, do a handstand, a marseille roulette, and then score a goal from the halfway line."). Using progression is ideal; start basic, and work your way up, perhaps adding extra players. If you're focusing on defence, start with several defenders, and take them out as you go along. Perhaps add more attackers, if they're feeling confident. Other way around, for attackers.

[ranova]

What games/drills might you suggest I add to our practice to work on this opportunity? Thanks!

At U10, none. This is a typical pattern to U10 games. Keep working on skill development. KevtheGooner's advice is fine. That is basic defending. And it can be practiced at the same time you are working on attacking. Without seeing it, I am only guessing from your description, but I think the problem is with the first defender on transition. Your team needs immediate pressure to slow the first attacker down. The first defender does not commit to a tackle if there is no cover. If the kids were older, I would train team tactics, but not at U10.

[superdave]

What games/drills might you suggest I add to our practice to work on this opportunity?
Teach your keeper the Schumacher Maneuver. ;)

I would emphasize the importance of that moment when you transition from offense to defense. It sounds like your kids are slow to turn that switch mentally.

[manutd02]

1) work on 1v1 defending, focus on containing and waiting for the attacker to make a mistake with the ball (which will probably happen at this age).

2) Work on recovery runs...i've found that most kids at this age just chase the attacker after they're beaten and don't get themselves in position to make another play on the ball.

3) Practice the role of the second and third defenders (cover and support)

Unless this is a stud U10 team ignore 3 and spend very little time on 2 in my opinion. No offense Kev, but for a 9 year old do we really expect them to understand the role of second and third defenders?? Teaching 1 v 1 defending is fine and quite honestly isn't done enough at this age, but I don't see a 9 year old truly understanding the role of 2nd and 3rd defenders unless this is a special group of players. If this is a normal/average U10 team, I can guarantee they don't understand 1 v 1 defending wel enough if at all and to try to go beyond that won't serve much purpose.

[rca2]

...Teaching 1 v 1 defending is fine and quite honestly isn't done enough at this age, but I don't see a 9 year old truly understanding the role of 2nd and 3rd defenders unless this is a special group of players. If this is a normal/average U10 team, I can guarantee they don't understand 1 v 1 defending wel enough if at all and to try to go beyond that won't serve much purpose.

I have had no problem teaching novice 9 year olds the basic principles of defense. I have even taught them defensive team tactics--especially how to transition, but it was a mistake because I should have spent the time developing ball skills instead. You underestimate 9 year olds. Its a very coachable age. I am not talking about teaching the standouts. I taught everyone how to play a diamond back defense, which includes all of the concepts kev mentioned. Now I agree that offensive team tactics is a different matter. It takes ball skills. I couldn't do it in the two hours a week I had with them. We don't teach team tactics early because of priorities, not because kids can't learn. At that age we should develop players, not teams.

[KevTheGooner]

Unless this is a stud U10 team ignore 3 and spend very little time on 2 in my opinion. No offense Kev, but for a 9 year old do we really expect them to understand the role of second and third defenders?? Teaching 1 v 1 defending is fine and quite honestly isn't done enough at this age, but I don't see a 9 year old truly understanding the role of 2nd and 3rd defenders unless this is a special group of players. If this is a normal/average U10 team, I can guarantee they don't understand 1 v 1 defending wel enough if at all and to try to go beyond that won't serve much purpose.

I absolutely would teach cover and support, and have with success. TBH, it really only gets as far as the second defender concept (which is find in small sided games), but it works and I think the kids have what it takes between the ears to figure it out.

I kept telling them to play defense like an onion..there's always another layer. They seemed to get that.

That said, skills are always key.

[KevTheGooner]

I have had no problem teaching novice 9 year olds the basic principles of defense. I have even taught them defensive team tactics--especially how to transition, but it was a mistake because I should have spent the time developing ball skills instead. You underestimate 9 year olds. Its a very coachable age. I am not talking about teaching the standouts. I taught everyone how to play a diamond back defense, which includes all of the concepts kev mentioned. Now I agree that offensive team tactics is a different matter. It takes ball skills. I couldn't do it in the two hours a week I had with them. We don't teach team tactics early because of priorities, not because kids can't learn. At that age we should develop players, not teams.

All true. But I would add that understanding the roles of the first and second defenders aren't necessarily tactics and are as important as teaching attacking players to go to the ball. And they can be reinforced at every training without taking away from skills training, especially assuming you have small sided 2v2 or 3v3 games during training. You don't need make it the emphasis of the game, but correct it when they all lunge to the ball on defense only to have the clever attacking player pass to their wide open partner. :)

[ranova]

Kev you misunderstand what I say. Principles of play are different than team tactics. Team tactics (like how to play a 433 diamond back defense) are how you apply the principles of play to the circumstances during play. Different people use different labels for the principles of play, but whether you call it width and depth, or cover and balance, its the same ideas in any language. Principles of play should be taught early, but not team tactics.

[KevTheGooner]

Kev you misunderstand what I say. Principles of play are different than team tactics. Team tactics (like how to play a 433 diamond back defense) are how you apply the principles of play to the circumstances during play. Different people use different labels for the principles of play, but whether you call it width and depth, or cover and balance, its the same ideas in any language. Principles of play should be taught early, but not team tactics.

Then we agree! :)