You
see a good number of coaches working with players on 1v1 moves – moves to take
players on and moves to work out of trouble.
So why don’t we have a lot of players on soccer fields all over the
country who are proficient using their 1v1 skill to take players on?
The number one reason is likely the lack of
environments in game situations where coaches encourage players to try these
moves. Or even more damaging, environments where players are yelled at or taken off the field for trying
something that has failed. Players at 7,
8, 9, 10, 11 especially need to be given the freedom to try these skills in
games. Sometimes they are not going to
work but sometimes just trying to go through the player or just using a simple
cut is not going to work either. So why not let these young players experiment?
What is the worst thing that is going to happen? You give up a goal or lose a
game. What is worse losing a game at 10
or placing fear in a player to never want to try to use their 1v1 skill?
The
second reason is most coaches don’t spend enough time on the application of the
1v1 moves in practice. It is great if
players can do the moves without pressure and look great. But do they know how to use them vs.
opponents and are you showing them how the moves can be used in games to be
successful?
How
can we help develop players who are confident in using their 1v1 skills?
1. Teach them a wide range of moves at the younger
age groups. Not every move will become
their favorite but the goal is for them to develop a few moves that they can go
to all the time.
2.
Give them role models in the modern game by
showing them videos, taking them to live games, etc.
3.
Create activities in practices that work on the
application of the moves.
4.
Have a positive environment where player
development comes first and players are encouraged to try the moves! This
includes both coaches and parents.
5.
Encourage and motivate players to practice the
moves on their own.
