Ask the Coach: How Do I Teach My Players to Stay in Their Positions?

In this week's Ask the Coach, AYSO National Coach John Ouellette and CATZCoach Founder Jim Liston answer the question "How do I teach my players to stay in their positions?"

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[Omahawkeye1]

The answer to this really depends on age. Trying to teach "positions" before about U10 or U12 is counterproductive. Working on some spacing relative to the other teammates on the pitch is better. Any coach who tells a couple kids to be "defender" and stand in front the goalie while the rest of the game goes on is the coach not doing their "duty". Patterns, shapes, etc. are age appropriate concepts at a certain age. Under that age, honey pot soccer or rugbby scrums are normal.

[coachdng]

I also don't really find this response to the question helpful.

I understand the philosophy you are advocating but in the end, what you are trying to teach the kids is roles, responsibilities and patterns or shapes that helps a team provide a comprehensive defense and an agile attack.

The question is, what can I do to avoid the tendency for players simply to chase after the ball, leaving the team vulnerable to a reversal or a simple break-through of the inevitable clump of players?

[mcomiso]

John, as an ex-professional player I respect your title, but must graciously and vehemently disagree with your response.

As coaches it is our duty to coach players about positional play. But I do agree 150% that we must also coach ALL players to play ALL positions. If we do, then everyone learns attacking, defending, and marking from each position and each perspective.

I feel you took the "safe way out" by not answering a huge question that the vast majority of AYSO coaches struggle with.

[spencerjacobs]

I think you missed the point of her question. The way I took it, was that she is using these "positions" as areas of responsibility and each player can switch up their position or area of responsibility. I think she was asking how do you coach (especially young) players to cover their area of responsibility and not just follow the ball everywhere on the field?