Dealing with lopsided soccer games

Adapted from Dealing with Lopsided Games, Youth Soccer Insider.

As a coach at the youth level, you often come across the problem of lopsided games; one team is superior to the other and the final scoreline will reflect this.  There are instances where the more goals a team scores, the more excited they get at beating a clearly inferior side leaving them feeling demoralized.  But as a coach, how do you manage your players in this situation?  Let's look at both sides from the point of view of the superior and inferior team.

If your team has just been on the receiving end of a heavy defeat, point out some positive aspects of their performance.  Use the experience as a learning one, ask them what they noticed about the team they just lost to.  For example, did you see their off-ball movement creating space to receive a pass?  Or, did you hear how well they communicated?  Playing quality opposition can show younger players the rewards of dedication and practice rather than destroying their confidence.

Should a team formation be used in 8v8 small-sided games?

Contributed by Justin Marriott.
Director - Soccer Division, USA Sport Group.

Following on from How to stop soccer players from bunching up by Mark, this article is a more philosophical dilemma where I’m looking for the right “answers”! The question originated with the following two extreme schools of thought:

No formation or specific positions, except GK.

VS.

Rigid positions that have specific roles and instructions.

What are the pros and cons of siding with one of the above extreme positions?
Thought #1 obviously promotes free-play, where the player is in charge and leading all the decisions. Thought #2 (should) lead to understanding of the positions a player is exposed to, as well as the responsibilities associated with them. Does the coach or teacher use an autocratic or discovery teaching style? Does this method lead to players being “pigeon-holed” at too early an age, where (sub)consciously the coach is focused too much on outcomes and not the process (ie. favors winning over development)?

How to stop soccer players from bunching up

Contributed by Mark Wilson.
Director - Soccer Division, USA Sport Group.
Reference: How do you get them from being all bunched up?!!  Rick Meana, NJYS, Director of Coaching.

See also Should a team formation be used in 8v8 small-sided games?

As a soccer coach, I am often asked how to stop players from bunching up around the ball.  The question itself implies that the bunching up of players around the ball is a problem.  Adults see the bunching of players as unorganized and not playing as a team.  However, younger players don't understand what being a team means, and at that age they are selfish in their play.  Most kids can't even remember the name of their team or their coach, so how can you expect them to understand teamwork and fixed positions?

The ball is a magnet, so let them go after it.  In chasing the ball they're actually building good instincts that they'll use in the game when they are older and teamwork begins to mean something.  For example, many high school coaches struggle to teach their players the concept of zonal defending and zonal pressure defense.  However, these are in fact two concepts that they instinctively knew and applied as kids, without even knowing it!  But it was most probably drilled out of them by a youth coach so when they grow older they have no idea how to solve these problems in a game.  They become dependent on instruction from the sideline.

Top 10: Worst Soccer Debuts

Contributed by Emma Booth.
Regional Director, USA Sport Group.

You’ve just signed for a new team, training has gone well, the manager seems to like you, and you get picked for the match day squad. You’re revved up, excited, raring to go… And then it all goes horribly wrong. There have been many appalling debuts from soccer players across the ages, but which would you say were the worst? Here’s my list, let’s see if you agree!

#10: Gervinho - Arsenal 2011

Gervinho moved from French side Lille in the summer of 2011 and after pre-season displays, Arsenal were excited about this young star. However, they weren’t expecting him to be sent off for slapping Joey Barton, and then receiving a three game ban.

#9: Zlatan Ibrahimovic - AC Milan, 2010

Arriving on loan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a top class signing for AC Milan, or so they thought. A striker worth in the region of £60 million should easily be able to slot away a penalty, shouldn’t he? Apparently not; he missed the spot kick, and Milan lost the game.

USA to present at NJ Youth Soccer Expo January 7, 2012

Please come and visit USA at the New Jersey youth soccer workshop on January 7th in Edison, NJ. We are very pleased to announce that Martin Punt of USA will be one of this year's featured clinicians. Martin will be presenting how USA's innovative FootworX program improves the technical ability of every player through simple tests during warm-up.

Do you have Special FX for your feet? Click here for more information.

For more information about the NJYS Expo, click here.