It's Only Kids Football How to teach kids shape, positioning and movement
Aug 18, 2025
In this conversation, Michael Fox, a seasoned coach with 14 years at Peterborough United Academy, shares his insights on teaching kids about positioning and movement. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying concepts and using visual tools along with small-sided games. Michael discusses the value of rotating positions to help players gain diverse skills and perspectives. He also touches on handling parental expectations and the necessity of fostering emotional resilience in young athletes. His approach balances enjoyment with effective learning.
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Start Simple With Visual Roles
- Split the pitch visually and give simple positional roles to help very young children understand where to be.
- Use relatable terms like 'depth' and 'striker' and let others have freedom to explore.
Positioning Clicks Around Under-Nines
- Players noticeably grasp positional concepts around under-nines after more game time and coaching.
- Younger ages can still learn simple spatial ideas but avoid overloading them with detail.
Use Visuals And Game-Related Practices
- Use visual aids like cones and tactics boards to make positioning tangible and memorable.
- Build transfer from practice to match by referencing small-sided exercises like 2v1 or rondos.