Coach Players To Make Clever Decisions On The Field

Coaching decision-making and possession with your team involves developing players' awareness, passing, and receiving skills to help them make smart choices on the field.?

Start by creating game-like scenarios in training that require players to assess their surroundings and make quick decisions. Small-sided games, such as 3v3 or 4v4, are excellent for this purpose, as they provide plenty of touches on the ball and force players to think critically about their options.

Focus on awareness by encouraging players to scan the field before receiving the ball, teaching them to look for open spaces, teammates, and opponents. Use drills that emphasize receiving the ball on the half-turn, which allows players to see the entire field and make quicker decisions.

When it comes to passing, emphasize the importance of weight and accuracy. Short, crisp passes help maintain possession, while well-placed longer passes can break lines and create attacking opportunities. Encourage players to move into space immediately after passing, reinforcing the concept of support play and creating passing triangles.

Regularly introduce exercises that replicate match situations, providing players with opportunities to practice these skills under pressure.

In all these ideas you want to encourage creativity, communication, and awareness, to significantly enhance your players' decision-making and possession skills.

Dave Clarke Director of Coaching | Cupello.com

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