How Do You Develop Positional Awareness In Youth Soccer Players?
You can help a child to develop positional awareness, an abstract concept that refers to being in the right place at the right time and having an idea of where the other players on both teams are in relation to yourself. Break it down. Understand individual positions first – what their role is, and their general area on the field. Encourage the child to move into an open space away from fellow players and the ball. This is one of the hardest concepts to teach. Go through the motions. Walk with the child on the field, demonstrating positions and how players move. You can also ask the child’s coach to do this. Watch experienced players. Keep an eye on positions and explain what’s happening, especially to younger children. Be patient. Positional awareness takes a great deal of experience; it often takes a year or two before players can put it into practice.
