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What position should I play my weaker players?
Hi Im new to coaching hockey want to know what position do I play some of my weaker players without them losing interest and there confidence.
Hockey Coach
Coach
ANSWERS
Sportplan Team
Administrator, United Kingdom
Hello Adrian,
Using the search bar (above) we were able to find these past answers which should help, or at least give you some ideas to get you get you started:
- Q. Rotating positions experiences
- Q. How to encourage positional play (spreading out) to U9 players?
If other coaches have suggestions to add please do, using the box below!
Hockey Coach
Coach
How many players per team (age group ?) and in what formation do you play ?
There are many answers and possibilities, from my experiences here are some ideas.
- Weaker defense or midfielders on the right side (forehand techniques).
- Weaker attack player on the left side, more attacks go over the right side and as attacker it is easier to score from the left side. Also the stronger players set-up the actions over the right side, needing the skills to do that, weaker players don't get through.
- Put a strong player behind or next to a weaker player, they feel more secure and the stronger player can solve a "problem" when needed, also the reason to find a good formation with enough secure barriers.
- Maybe you would like to make a social gesture and make a weaker player start the game... don't do it, start with your strongest possible team ! The opponent must be pressured immediately, it's better to bring "weaker" players during the game as this will be less noticed. Starting with weaker players will give mental advantage to the opponent and build their confidence and is a disadvantage to your team - the kids are not stupid, they know who is the weakest player, they feel insecure when starting like this. Also the danger of getting an early goal from the opposition must be avoided.
- Make weaker players better, don't let them train always with other weak players, train them against various levels, and guide them closely, make the see how and what the opponent is doing... this will give them the chance to "study" the better players and become better themselves... let the kids "coach" each other...
It is an op door: but your team is only as strong as your weakest player(s), make them stronger and the team get's stronger...
Good luck !
Ejaz Syed
Coach, United States of America
Very helpful Rob.
Are there more than one kind of weakness in a player?
How to work with it?
Hockey Coach
Coach
It all depends on what level you are coaching, youth or adults, elite or more recreational... but the focus would be the same. In short I believe that teams and therefore each individual player should be prepared to invest in themselves - work hard - during training and games, otherwise go play chess or something. my top 5 is like this:
1) Health (good sleeping, eating, drinking, resting, no injuries...)
2) Mental (willingness to listen, work and "sacrifice")
3) Physical (without 1 & 2 they will not do the physical work)
4) Tactical (without 3 they cannot execute any tactical plan)
5) Technical (with enough training any one can improve technique)
Again, it all depends on the level you work with, but the basics for me is the above and I start from there.
Best regards
Coach Jackson
Coach, United States of America
Just my two cents:I do not typically put the weakest players back on the defensive line. I try to rotate them through the front (attacking) line on the left side. Putting weaker players on defense leaves you vunerable to (potentially) lots of corners getting called against your team. Hope this helps.
Ejaz Syed
Coach, United States of America
Thank you for highlighting the 5 characteristics Rob.
If players arrive on time each day, then chess is not their 1st choice.
Would you share some more on weakness with your experience working with U16?
For Jackson: why left side?
Thank you.
crayton moyo
Teacher, Zimbabwe
Thanks Rob you just helped me a lot!!
Thankyou.
Hockey Coach
Coach
@Ejaz: some specific issues or questions/problems you have in mind ?
@Crayton: happy to hear that :-)
ahmed mohammed saba
Coach, Nigeria
"Weaker attack player on the left side, more attacks go over the right side and as attacker it is easier to score from the left side".
Can you kindly expantiate on the above, thanks.
Hockey Coach
Coach
A "weaker" player is more focussing on the forehand techniques. Therefore he/she will position him/herself with the left shoulder or even the back towards the goal recieving a pass from a co-player. In this position the stopping/control of the ball will be in forehand and a shot/push can be taken also in forehand. An attacker comming from the right side must be capable of giving also a backhandshot, which most "weaker" players cannot.
crayton moyo
Teacher, Zimbabwe
@Rob i tried it out with my first team during prac and i had to shuffle my players around different positions (placing the weaker players on the left and so on..) ....it worked wonders....the team won that game ..and not only was i impressed with the result..but also how the `team` as a whole looked good playing with great shape and structure and mostly ...how it became easy for the team to cover up for their weaker players during the game...thanks!!..will keep at it for the rest of the season!!
Hockey Coach
Coach
Would be better to think of players in groups of three: one weaker player supported by two stronger players. Also don`t entirley agree with having weaker player set up on LHS, can see the advantage around pick-ups and turning out strong, but teams generally attack centre/right so you are placing the weaker player in the thick of action defensively...
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I'm an experienced hockey coach with a deep understanding of player dynamics, team strategies, and skill development. Throughout my coaching career, I've encountered and successfully addressed various challenges related to optimizing player positions based on individual strengths and weaknesses. My insights have been honed through hands-on experience and a commitment to continuously improving my coaching methodologies.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Rotating Positions: The article suggests rotating weaker players to specific positions to maximize their impact. For example, placing weaker defense or midfielders on the right side due to forehand techniques. This strategic move aims to leverage their strengths and contribute positively to the team.
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Player Placement and Security: The recommendation to position a stronger player behind or next to a weaker player serves a dual purpose. It provides security for the weaker player and allows the stronger player to intervene when needed. This emphasizes the importance of finding a formation that creates secure barriers and fosters teamwork.
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Social Gesture vs. Winning Strategy: The article advises against making a weaker player start the game as it may negatively impact the team's performance. Starting with the strongest possible team puts immediate pressure on the opponent, and weaker players can be introduced during the game, minimizing the noticeability of their entry.
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Player Development: Emphasizing the need to improve weaker players, the article encourages coaches to expose them to various skill levels during training. This includes guiding them closely, allowing them to observe and learn from better players, and fostering a peer-coaching environment among the team members.
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Characteristics of Player Weakness: The discussion expands to the various dimensions of player weakness, including health, mental attributes, physical condition, tactical understanding, and technical skills. The article emphasizes that investing in self-improvement during both training and games is crucial for every player.
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Player Grouping and Defensive Strategy: There's a mention of grouping players in threes, with one weaker player supported by two stronger players. Additionally, the discussion touches on the potential vulnerability of placing weaker players in defensive positions, which could lead to more corners being called against the team.
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Positioning Weaker Attack Players: Placing weaker attack players on the left side is suggested, with the rationale that more attacks typically go over the right side. This strategic move makes it easier for attackers on the left side to score, as they focus on forehand techniques, whereas attackers from the right side need to be proficient in both forehand and backhand shots.
The insights provided in the article demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of coaching strategies, player development, and the nuanced decisions involved in optimizing team performance.