The 5-Minute Football Coach #29

Supporting runs, Squad size, First touch

Here are your highlights for this week:

Practice of the week

This practice is typically done with either passing into the end zone or dribbling into it. But here both are combined to encourage supporting runs, so defenders have to work on keeping up with whoever they are marking.

Footy Analytics for Coaches, Analysts & Fanatics @footyanalytics3

3v3 +2 to End Zones - Defensive Principles SSG: - To Score, Possession team must play into their end zone target and receive a pass back to then dribble into the End zone - Core focus is on the Non-Possession team to keep tight lines, pressure, cover, balance to regain the ball

Topic of the week

Small-sided games are well known to improve player’s development. Which makes you wonder why in the UK we ask players as young as 12 to play 11v11 (or 9v9 for 10-year-olds). Apparently, most coaches find that weird too - click on the below to see the poll and ensuing discussion!

Plan It Coach @PlanItCoach

What do you think is the best format for player development at U7 & U8 age groups?

So it’s worth knowing that, in younger age groups at least, you can actually agree with other managers to play smaller squads for matches.

Video of the week

A reminder of the importance of the first touch, to create time!

Sjors van Veen @SjorsvVeen

Dennis Bergkamp: "The basics for me is the first touch. With that you create your own time."

I hope you enjoyed this. Have a great week!

Fabrice

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