Getting from training to match

[PJ93]

I manage an under 11's team which 4 months ago I took over. They seam to lack a lot of skills others there age have got and also don't seam to be taking in and implementing what we do at training. At training we pass, dribble, attack and defend very well. When it comes to the game it's like watching a different set of lads. How do I get consistency out of them and go from training to doing at the match? We have had some great results but they are few and far between. Please help?

[74offsuit]

At your next pre match team talk, tell them what you have told us. Tell them to forget it's a match, imagine you are at training or playing park/street football. Enjoy the game and have fun.

One technique I use with individual players who seem to be off form is this:-

I tell them I am looking for just two things. It may be, make too good tackles and two good passes to teammates. You can pick anything you like. The point is to take their minds off the pressure of the game and onto good technique. make a point of saying to the player after the game you saw them achieve these goals, or attempt to achieve them.

let us know how things progress.

[mcolwell1959]

This is what i call 'playground syndrome'. My under tens do this from time to time and i have to tell them at that moment that they are doing it, i.e. just doing their own thing as if they were playing at school in the playgroung, running around going mad chasing a ball. I stop it by saying just that 'you are not in the playground now and so play properly, get your shape, pass and move and play as a team. It does work after one or two goes but you have to keep on with it. Also remind them before the game that they should play as they do in training, properly with skill and composure. We are still unbeaten this season so we are not doing too bad on it.