First to the ball!

[stevethefootycoach]

Hi Bill,

I have a new under 14 team this season and one of our problems is that we rarely win any first ball challenges. Opposition goal kicks and drop kicks invariably are won by the opposition. Can you please offer any advice on drills I may be able to use in training to coach this point? Dave

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[stevethefootycoach]

Bill's answer:

I would be interested to know if it's a boy's or girl's team you are working with.

Although it can be an issue with boys as well, in my own experience girls often lack the assertiveness and hunger that is need to challenge physically for 50:50 balls.

The issue is probably more psychological than technical, they need to want the ball more than the opposition. Sometimes it's about giving them permission to want to beat their direct opponent; my own daughter always tended to look as if it would be bad manners to get to the ball first!

I would suggest adapting a practice like drill 41 "Shoot on Sight" It was designed to encourage players to take early chances to shoot but could easily be adapted for your purpose. Try to vary the serves and reward the team who get the first touch on the ball. Perhaps make it a challenge that the ball should never be allowed to bounce.

I would address the psychological aspect as well. Players need to think about what kind of person they choose to be when they cross the white line. Perhaps comparing it to an actor going on stage may help. I know players who are quiet and reserved in normal life but become aggressive and competitive on the pitch within the laws of the game. Playing sport can be a great opportunity for players to express themselves and play a role that is different from their normal life. The England national ladies squad went on the pitch in a match recently with a key word or two written on their wrists to help them re-focus mentally.

Hope these thoughts help, let me know how you get on.