7 a side to 11 a side

[nipper40]

just finishing our season for u10 7 a side,our training now is two squads combining for 11 a side next year,trying to integrate the 2 teams and also try introduce new skills req. for full size pitch any ideas. First session was a bit of a handful for me, 1 assistant and i did,nt get it right, still like 2 sep. teams

[ian.curry]

Initially try a walk through.
Presumably you will have between 16 and 20 players, so play a 8 a side game with 2 sub(or however many you have) and let the kids pick up their own prefered positions.
A walkthrough will enable your team of coaches to pick up the strong issues that come in at this level.

1) Corners a) Defending - the keeper needs to be alert, shouting instructions to all. Your coaches decide which players on the post, which players pick up, first header, edge of box and further up the field.

b) Attacking - which players can take, who goes up, stays on edge of box, stays back at halfway....initially I wouldn't work on any routines, just try and get away from your marker.

2) Throw ins - who is taking them, where are they aiming, which players should they be aiming for

3) Goal kicks - similar to above, also make sure you win the ball in the air, if defending it goes straight back at them, if attacking can you win the 2nd ball also and control it?

4) Phases of play - this is a much more complex idea where you just have to let things happen. Say you are attacking, is your defence organised sensibly? If you lose possession, are players coming back adequately?

5) You would expect me to put offsides here right? I'd say, make sure they know the rules, and leave it there. Its up to you how much time you work on it, but its precious time you have and kids may not pick it up as successfully as you would like.
My defence up until this summer, has always pushed up a bit, but generally stays a yard or 2 off the strikers in case of the throughball.


Finally, play your back 5 against your front 6. They need strong competition.

I hope the above helps. A walkthrough means a 1 hour game for the kids, and an opportunity for you to sort out difficult situations.

[nelson]

We've had a similar problems, also how are you going to get on keeping all the players (parents) happy? a lot of our lads who played in 2 teams (7-a-side) last year won't get games in one team from now on, which is a shame.

[Cookie]

I'm also going through this with my U10 side. We've told the parents and players not to expect instant results/success because it will take us at least two seasons to get the balance right whilst the boys learn new positions, formations, rules and deal with longer games and bigger pitches.

We will do lots of shadow play for the first few weeks to get them used to working within a unit (e.g. defenders or midfielders) and then gradually introduce opposition and scenarios.

I would recommend that you try starting from the back and building from there. Don't try and get the whole team organised in your first session.......it's impossible!