How often you have as spectators watched a youth game (ages U8-U13), where the game is up and down the field, with the goal keepers launching long punts to the main striker (usually the best athlete or fastest on the team), bypassing basically every other player on the field. Or punts that are sent so high up in the air, where it’s obviously coming down at top speed and players acting as the red sea. No attempt or unable to do anything with a ball that high up in the air. At such young ages players lack the training, knowledge and of course the confidence to handle a ball punted that high up. Yet I still hear players being told to “send it, kick it, etc.” A lot of the time by parents who have no clue about the game….or if you have played or watch the game, making comments like that (if this is you, shame on you). I know it’s the “win” at all cost mentality…..but are players truly winning?
Why do we build up from the back? Many who have this “win at all cost mentality,” can’t seem to wrap their heads around it. Why would we as coaches ask our teams/players to work the ball from the back. Many of these same folks feeling it’s too risky to do, the result of the game is too important. Yet ignoring the fact that for the long term, they are denying their players to have the tools to make decision with the ball at their feet, under pressure and often with lots of confusion on the field.
Is it risky…..yes it is!! However; understanding why building from the back is an effective tool to have as team, will go a long way in your players/team development.
Learning to play from the back requires patience and understanding from the coach. A coach may feel and see pressure from external presence; however, should remain firm on his/her beliefs and format to how he wants to Besides the ball being played at center at the start of the game or after a goal….teams will often be faced with goal kicks situations, a goal keeper making a save and immediately looking to play the ball out or keepers receiving a pass on the ground from one of their teammates and from throwing situations.
Building from the back assures for a team to work with close to 100% possession of the ball, which puts the team with the ball in control of the situation, which in this case, would be looking to attack opponents goal.
Best Trining