Shaun P.

Posted

13 Aug 21:17

I'm not sure what are the best practice plans or sessions to look at in the catalogue that help youth players (U14-U17) develop the competencies and confidence in dealing with "direct attacks"? Any recommendations? I'm based in the US where many of the teams opt for a kick and rush or very direct-back to front style of play, particularly on poor playing surfaces. The game model is pretty prevalent in the mens NCAA competitions too not just the youth level. It can be particularly "effective" (I guess depending what you are trying to achieve with your team's development) in the 12-15 years old stage where huge physical maturity differences exist. It's a lot of what the kids experience each week out of possession so I would like to help raise their competencies and confidence in this area. Aerial Duels skills, protecting depth as a unit, back line height control, selective pressure on long passers (CBs and keepers) from a mid block, 2nd ball structures and efficiency. I know that's a lot - and a simple, ugly football problem - but many opponents choose to play this way through to higher levels of game, so feel like my development plan needs to dedicate sufficient time to it. Thanks!