"The 1v1 Artist"- An examination in the devlopment of creative players

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Comment by Joe Terrell on September 18, 2009 at 2:05am

Due to just joining the site here I guess I can add my in site on this subject. The answer to such a question is quite simple, and can be achieved by free play in every practice. We make sure that we have at least 15 to 20 minutes each practice set aside at the end for a free game. We do add challenges such as 2 or 3 ball contact rules, however the free play will develop these skills. We also use point systems as follows:

Goal: 1 point
Assist: 2 points
Double pass: 4 points
Long ball to the front: -5 point
Goal scored by a play starting in defensive mid field: 5 Points
etc.

You also take the freedom to stop the game at anytime (freeze frame) and show everyone where they are standing. This will make both sides think, why are the defenders so far away from their man, why are the offensive players on the other team not moving properly. You can then let the players recommend where they would be better positioned on the field. To develop such talents with the younger players I divide the field into a house (9 rooms divided equally). We then help them the first few times by sending them to various rooms in the house based on who has the ball (i.e. if a defender has a ball in the bathroom, then there needs to be someone in the bedroom and someone in the kitchen). This sticks in their heads and not only help them develop at the age of 6 or 7 to keep their head up and look at what is going on, it also teaches movement without the ball. By the time children are 8 or 9 they seem to have this stuck in their head, will even make a joke about it. I have kids in the U17 that tell me every now and then I was free in the kitchen why did he not pass to me (as a joke), so it does stick with them for a long time due to it being a fun drill when they were young.

Such free play at young ages will teach them not only movement without ball, it will teach them how to move properly, how to open up the field, how to use the whole field, how to play a position with discipline, and get the "I have to shoot the goal" mentality out of them. You will also not kill the creativity, you will promote it and develop a very good team that plays soccer and not long pass to the best man and sprint. Lastly it will develop the skills of your not so talented players. A player that is not the strongest ball handler can then become an important part of the team if he knows where he should be, is free to take a pass, and looks to see who is free. I am sure that there are players all around the world that will never learn this, but they will soon learn due to peer pressure that perhaps they should find a new sport.

Don't forget to do your weak foot training at least 30 minutes a practice at all ages (dribble, pass and goal shot). You would be amazed at how much this helps a U13 and above team if the players are taught from age 6 and up to use their weak foot.

Comment by annemarie masciarelli on August 29, 2009 at 10:58am

The name of the game is to teach the kids, how do I help my fellow player right now? I am a strong teacher of think don't kick at the younger levels. Once they develop the skills necessary to think, kick, and move all at the same time then you have something there. I do so many drills that work on pass and go, the kids say where? I say, you tell me. Where do you think would be the best place for you to move after that pass? And so on and so on......

Comment by Catherine on June 22, 2009 at 3:38pm

I, too feel intuitively that coaches are "killing off creative players at a young age"...but I'm having a hard time finding peer-reviewed research to support this notion. Do you, Mark (or others out there) have any links to scientific journals that actually measure creativity (qualitatively or quantitatively) and show the relationship of creativity to intrinsic motivation and coaching environment (i.e. how structured or non structured environments can hinder or facilitate creative expression)?
I'm also curious, Are other coaches incorporating free play into their programs or practices as a means to that end? How?

Comment by Metende Mballa on June 6, 2009 at 9:11am

Thats a good approach.But i think also that ,we need to ask parents to help us explain to the kids that to play soccer they have to like it" The passion for the game is important"

Comment by John Barata on June 2, 2009 at 1:18pm

Mark,
Great stuff here -- You have hit the nail on the head -

We need to allow our players to think for themselves and problem solve on the fly. Creativity is a GIFT that we should try to help develop in all our young players.

Keep up the good work and keep the information flowing!