Teaching Team Shape

John O’Sullivan

U9-U11 Age Group Coordinator

One of our most difficult tasks as youth coaches is to instill a sense of proper team shape in our players from a young age. This is only accomplished through a dedicated coaching effort to consistently and correctly modify shape in the small-sided game, and then incorporate these basic principles into your 8v8 playing model. Below is a simple practice progression that will help your team learn these basics.

1. Warm-up:

• Circle Practice: passing, receiving, turning, dribbling, 1 touch, two touch
• Coaching Pts: be aware of your options, ready to play early, positive first touch

2. 3v1:

• 10x10yd square, flying bib
• 3 possess the ball against 1
• CP’s: proper angle/distance of support, ‘reel’ the defender in then pass, play with head up, teaches basic triangle shape

YES!!
(Proper support)

 

NO!!
(x must support)

3. 6v2:

• 15x15yd square, 4 players on the outside, 2v2 in middle
• 2 central players combine with 4 wide to possess, 10 total passes or a combo between central players is a point
• CP’s: angle and distance of support by central players, central combinations, look to split/penetrate, width/depth, communication
• Progression: 2-touch, 1 touch for central players, change of poss. =change of offensive team

x
x x
xo

4. 8v8: 2-3-2 formation

• CP’s: width and depth, angle/distance of support, communication