Since
I assume you are playing on a smaller soccer field, and likely with fewer
players, space can be a rare commodity with young children. Add that to the
mental development stage that this age player is in, which says that most are
still very self-centred and definitely NOT future-looking, and you can more
easily see why they are all drawn to the ball.
First you have to get them to acknowledge
that space exists! I find the easiest way to do this is to REALLY restrict space
and let them feel what THAT is like. Try setting up a "field" that is
about 20 x 10, complete with goals. Then play 6v6 (or some number that makes
sense for your roster size). The idea is to make them operate in a VERY
congested environment. After about 5 minutes, stop them and ask if this is easy.
It probably won't be. Ask why. They will probably pick up on the fact that it is
crowded.
Now, have them form a
circle holding hands. The circle should be about 5 yards max across. Drop hands
and put your "super defender" in the centre. You can even ask:
"Who feels like a super defender today" and put that player in the
middle. Give them a ball and ask the circle players to keep the ball away from
the "super defender". The circle players cannot move. After a short
time, stop them and ask the defender if it is easy or hard. It should be pretty
easy for the defender. Now ask the circle players how they can make the
defenders job harder. They should hit on the fact that if they had more space
they could move the ball more easily. Have them take 2 big steps backwards and
repeat. You should see a big improvement on the part of the circle players, and
you should see the defender running much more. Have them take 2 more steps
backwards (the circle should be at least 10 yards in diameter now, maybe a bit
more) and repeat. Should be even easier, and the defender should be getting
dog-tired. Talk again bout if it is easier or harder, and why.
Now,
ask the players to take 10 big steps backwards. The idea is to make the circle
at least 30-40 yards in diameter. Now repeat with a fresh defender. The
distances between the circle players should be right on the edge of the passing
distance of the players, maybe a bit more. Yes, this is dirty pool, but you need
to have them actually feel what is not enough, as well as what is too much
distance. This should fail, mainly because the defender should be able to
intercept the pass. If not, have them move back until it DOES happen. Now talk
about what size circle worked best for the attackers (the circle players) and
the defender. Ask the players to try to help their ball-carrying teammate out by
getting, and staying at that "perfect distance", of course in the
proper support positions relative to the ball carrier (back-square, through).
Scrimmage
on a "normal sized" field and freeze play when a good example of
bunching occurs. Point out the "perfect distance" idea (not where the
player is to stand) and let them move to where they think they can help the
most. Resume play. Repeat as necessary. Also freeze play when you see a really
GOOD example of support positioning, and point it out.