Review of 9v9

6 games into our 1st season playing 9v9, I thought now would be a good time to review the format.  It's certainly been a learning curve for both players and coaches.  Some of the questions that have gone through my mind are

• What formation shall we play?
• What players will play where?
• How will we adapt to an extra 20 mins playing time?
• How will we handle the bigger pitches?

All things to consider but not necessarily having a great baring on the way we play.  

Players

It took the players a game to adapt to 9v9.  First game started well and we were 3-0 up by half time.  2nd half saw the opposition pull it back to 3-3.  I believe the reasons were they had become tired by charging round a bigger pitch thinking it was still the SSG pitches.  This and they had the extra 20mins.  I think after the game, they realised they can't do it and would have to think about positioning, holding and making the ball do the work.

Coaches

Getting the right formation for my players was the biggest thing.  We have tried a number of formations with varying success.  Holding midfielders, attacking midfielders, wing backs, etc.  In the end we have settled for a simple 3-3-2, a formation the players could visualise and understand.  This is not to say trying other formations is out of the question.  As the players, and coaches, become more experienced then changes can be introduced.  Maybe using tactic boards and setting the players out in training will help.

Players over the last couple of seasons had found their positions at 6v6 and 7v7.  This season, as subs have been made, I've asked players to play in different positions.  It's opened my eyes to how players adapt and I believe they have a lot more understanding of the game from playing various positions.

The Pitch

The pitches we have played on have varied.  Ours started as a small 11-a-side pitch played to the 6 yard box.  Markers were used to mark between the edge of the 6 yard box to the touchline.  We have since changed this and have dotted-lines where we had markers.

Other pitches have been similar with one being marked in red within a rugby pitch.  A couple of players forgot early on and proceeded to run the ball out but they quickly adapted.

Summary

So, what do we make of 9v9?  Personally, I think it is a huge step forward and great for player development.  The transition from 7v7 to 11-a-side has been made a lot easier by its introduction.  From what I've heard from parents, they agree and can see the benefits.  The extra space allows kids to put a foot on the ball and think before being closed down by 2 or 3 opposition players.  Overall, it's definitely the way forward!