[Ozark Coach]

Greetings, all!

I've been roped in to coaching soccer. My team consists of 10 kids, ages 10-13. The league is 7 vs. 7. I've been an assistant coach for three previous years on a 9 vs. 9 league, so this NEW league seems pretty strange for some reason.

Pracitices seem awkward. Take scrimmages, for example. Instead of a 16-member team, like I've seen in the past, that divides and plays 8 against 8, ...now I have a 10-member team (if everyone shows up) that plays 5 on 5. (Really it's 4 on 4, because the goalies are just hanging out at their respective spots.) On a large soccer field, it seems weird. Hard to figure out how to coach such a mini-version of the game.

My first practice had me scrambling to keep these kids engaged, because I assumed everyone would being a ball. Only three did!. (Argh!) Plus, Lord knows this age group is just plain tougher to talk to than the younger ones. Anyway, I'll quit whining. I need to get a handle on planning better practices, so I'm considering signing up for help from Grassroots. Looks like a strong place to get the help I might need (I hope)!

I thought I'd take a chance and solicit any sage wisdom regarding tactics/formations (I'm guessing a goalie, plus 2-2-2-?). If anyone out there feels led to throw me a bone, I'd sure be forever grateful. Has anyone ever coached this size of team? Plus, I'm assuming that a faster-pace practice would be beneficial for this age group. From what I've seen, the drills on this site would sure make it easy for me to do my job better.

Many thanks in advance, for any help! I wish you all the best!