Developing Tactical Awareness in Young Players: Teaching Decision-Making and Positioning

Tactical awareness is what separates good players from great ones. While technical skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting are essential, knowing where to be, when to act, and how to read the game is just as important.

At AU Sports, we believe tactical understanding should be introduced early, but in a way that’s fun, engaging, and age-appropriate. Young players don’t need to learn complex formations, but they do need to understand the basics of decision-making and positioning.

Here’s how grassroots coaches can help players of all ages develop tactical awareness in a natural and effective way.

1️⃣ What is Tactical Awareness?

Tactical awareness is a player’s ability to:

✅ Read the game – Anticipate what’s happening and react accordingly.

✅ Make quick decisions – Choose the best option under pressure.

✅ Understand positioning – Know where to be in different situations.

✅ Communicate effectively – Work as part of a team.

📌 Example: A young footballer who doesn’t just chase the ball but understands where to position themselves to receive a pass or cover space.

2️⃣ Start with Small-Sided Games

Small-sided games (3v3, 4v4, or 5v5) are one of the best ways to develop tactical awareness naturally.

🚀 Why?

🔹 Players get more touches on the ball – more opportunities to make decisions.

🔹 They must constantly think about space and positioning.

🔹 There are fewer players, so more responsibility on each one.

🔹 Players learn to read the game quickly – the game moves faster in smaller spaces.

📌 Tip: Instead of stopping play to explain tactics, let players learn by experience. Ask questions after the game: “What could you have done differently in that situation?”

3️⃣ Teach Players to ‘Scan’ the Field

One of the biggest tactical weaknesses in young players is ball-watching—they focus only on the ball rather than their surroundings.

👀 Encourage players to:

✅ Look around before receiving the ball.

✅ Check where teammates and opponents are positioned.

✅ Be aware of space and movement.

📌 Drill Idea: Set up a pass-and-move drill where players must call out a teammate’s name before receiving the ball—this forces them to look up and scan before playing.

4️⃣ Use Game-Like Scenarios

Players learn best when tactics are introduced through real game situations rather than boring lectures.

🎯 How to do this?

🔹 Conditioned games – Add rules that encourage positioning (e.g., “Only one defender in the box at a time”).

🔹 Phase-of-play drills – Practise specific tactical moments, like playing out from the back.

🔹 Role-playing – Assign players different roles and discuss their responsibilities.

📌 Example: In cricket, set up a fielding drill where players must adjust their positioning based on where the batter hits the ball. This improves tactical awareness naturally.

5️⃣ Encourage Decision-Making Without Fear

Too many young players hesitate because they fear making a mistake. Tactical awareness improves when players are free to make decisions without constant correction.

🚀 Create an environment where:

✅ Players feel comfortable making mistakes.

✅ Coaches ask questions instead of just giving instructions.

✅ Players learn from trial and error.

📌 Tip: Instead of shouting instructions, ask players why they made a decision. This helps them process information and improve their tactical thinking.

6️⃣ Position-Specific Awareness

As players get older (8+), they should start understanding different roles within a team.

⚽ Football Example:

🔹 Defenders learn about positioning and tracking runners.

🔹 Midfielders learn about controlling space and switching play.

🔹 Forwards learn about movement to create chances.

🏏 Cricket Example:

🔹 Batters learn about shot selection based on field placement.

🔹 Bowlers learn about varying deliveries depending on batter strengths and weaknesses and field placements.

🔹 Fielders learn about angles and cut-off positions.

📌 Drill Idea: Assign specific tasks in small games—e.g., “For the next 5 minutes, focus on staying in space and not chasing the ball.”

7️⃣ Teach Players to ‘Think Ahead’

Tactical awareness isn’t just about reacting—it’s about predicting what will happen next.

🚀 How to develop anticipation?

✅ Play games with time limits – Forces quicker thinking.

✅ Encourage “If, Then” thinking – “If the ball goes wide, where should I be?”

✅ Use game analysis – Watch matches and discuss positioning.

📌 Tip: Show clips of professional games and ask players what they would do in certain situations.

Final Thoughts: Build Tactical Thinkers, Not Just Athletes

Tactical awareness is what separates good players from great ones.

🎯 Coaches should:

✅ Use small-sided games to develop decision-making.

✅ Encourage players to scan the field and think ahead.

✅ Let players learn by experience, not just instruction.

✅ Focus on game scenarios, not just isolated drills.

✅ Help players develop confidence in their decision-making.

📌 Coaching isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about creating smart, adaptable players who can think for themselves!

👇 How do you develop tactical awareness in your players? Let us know in the comments!