About Marney Egan Expertise I can answer almost any question about the game of soccer (drills to practice, what to do in different situations, calls made by the referee, gear to use, fitness, etc.). I was a goalie in HS and college so I am able to answer more specific questions about this position. I can also provide insight on the college game (recruitment process, what to expect, etc.).
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME SO I CAN PROVIDE AN ANSWER CATERING TO YOUR AGE AND ABILITY. THANKS!!
Experience I have been playing soccer for 20 years (10 years as a goalie) and played at a D-I college. My father played professionally and has been a personal coach for my siblings and me through our careers (we have all played in college). I am currently coaching a U-13 Girls club soccer team and have also coached at several college camps during the summer including one hosted by the US Naval Academy.
Organizations Coach for Allegheny Force Football Club.
Education/Credentials Degree from Bucknell University; attended numerous soccer camps over the years including ones hosted by Notre Dame (Women's D-I National Champs) and Messiah College (Women's D-III National Champs).
Awards and Honors Patriot League Academic Honor Roll; Captain of high school soccer team.
Question I am a new volunteer soccer coach for a rec league. Our season is almost over and I have had some help, but noone has explained positions on the field. I know there is supposed to be a sweeper(no prob there), midfielders, and a center. I do not know where they should be on the field. We play 4 on 4.
Answer At this age I think it's a little hard to teach positioning since they all want to be near the action (and therefore the ball) which creates a beehive effect where they swarm together chasing the ball all over the field. The other thing that happens is that everyone wants to protect the goal which seems to be what happens on your team. However, I give you credit for trying to teach them positions! Since you play 4v4 I think the idea of having one defender, two midfielders, and one forward is a good way to begin teaching them positions (rather than making two of them forwards and two defenders and letting them roam all over). The main thing about giving them positions is that you have to explain to them what their roles are on the field, which might help them to understand why you don't just chase after the ball. Below I've listed a few things to tell the kids about each position that will help them understand what they should try to do on the field.
DEFENDER:
-Should hang back behind the other players but is allowed to move up the field when you have possession
-If any teammates are beaten by an opposing player the defender needs to step up and pressure the player
-When the defender has the ball try to play it to the outside to one of the midfielders instead of trying to dribble it up the middle of the field
MIDFIELDERS:
-They should play wide (giving them the visual that they should have one foot on the touchline (sideline) might help them understand that they need to use the whole field)
-Try to dribble down the sideline and pass the ball to the forward or the other midfielder if they're open
-They have to play offense AND defense
FORWARD:
-Try to get open (don't stand in one spot...move around!)
-Use (pass to) both midfielders and occasionally the defender in order to keep possession
Other things that you should probably explain to them since I see younger (and older) kids do them all the time:
-don't hide behind other players...they won't be able to get the ball even if they're open if there is a player directly between them and the ball
-stay open to the field...if their back is to the ball it is hard to receive it...face the direction of the ball not just the goal
Good luck and I wish you the best of luck...I know how frustrating it can be to try to explain soccer to younger players. Just remember that the biggest part is to teach them the basics and let them have fun because those are the things that will develop their skills and keep them playing! If you have any other questions or this answer wasn't what you were looking for please write again!! All the best!
