Soccer Coach Weekly Issue 120

Last season, the team I coach played their first full season at 11-a-side.

It was a massive learning experience for me. I have to be honest and say I didn’t prepare for it very well. 

I knew what the changes to the format would mean: bigger goals, a bigger pitch and more players - but I didn’t think much beyond that. I didn't consider what it might mean for my players.

Although it was not quite as big a jump as seven-a-side to nine-a-side, which we covered recently, going from nines to 11s is a big transition.

On pages 3-4 this week, our consultant coach Carl Wild explains the things you should take into consideration when supporting your team as they transition into the full-sized game. He also provides two practices you can use in training.

Elsewhere, Moritz Kossmann continues his series, this time with a focus on challenging for the ball, physically. He, too, has given you a practice to help support the development of the two skills.

As always, I hope the content is useful and helps you in your environments.