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7v7•U11•In Possession

Are we overvaluing possession at U10?

Asked by MickS
2285 views 2 replies
There is a lot of praise for teams who keep the ball and build patiently, but I sometimes see U10 sides complete six passes without actually threatening anything. How do you make sure possession remains purposeful and does not become an adult badge of 'good coaching'?

VERIFIED COACH ANSWER

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

UEFA C Coach

Attacking • technical development

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Possession is only useful if it helps the team solve the game. Six passes that move the opposition, create a free player or improve the next attack can be excellent. Six passes that simply keep the ball away from risk may not be teaching much. I would coach intention rather than pass count. Ask players: can we play forward? Can we carry if nobody engages us? Can the next pass break pressure? Can we move the opponent before going through them? I also think coaches have to be careful not to praise the style more than the decision. A direct pass into a striker can be the best football on the pitch if it is on. At U10, I want players comfortable keeping the ball and brave enough to threaten. Possession should give them more options, not become the option they are always expected to choose.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 2 replies

M

Martin51

Community Member

As a player you know when you are passing because there is nowhere to go and when you are passing because coach hates losing it. They feel very different.
M

Macca74

Community Member

I would rather see three passes that move somebody and then an attack than ten passes that make the adults clap. Keeping it is useful when it changes the picture.