Several of my girls' teams at the high school level had similar problems. While we had good skill, the more physical team would run my players off the ball. It is frustrating to say the least; however, physicality is a part of the game. The key to teaching it is to make it FUN. Many of the girls have not experienced the contact inherent in the game. As coaches we need to introduce it in such a manner the players incorporate it into their "bag of skills" and learn not only not to fear it but enjoy it.
The only major problem I see is to ensure that the physical nature of the game is done in a legal manner with good sportsmanship. Physical play does NOT mean "cheap shots." I do not hesitate to give my kids a coach's red cards. If I see a cheap shot in a game that the ref misses, I bench the offending player.
Finally, before I address your question, please remember that in our practices, we do not run drills. We play games and games, as mentioned are fun. The stereotyped American football approach to contact with yelling and screaming to "hit 'em hard" and "dominate" has no place on our futbol turf.
The following is a portion of a practice variation of which I will run to let me kids have a fun physical experience:
"OK guys, FUNdamental 9-Step Practice Routine this week!!!!!"
After loosening up I continue my warm up by setting up lanes about 7 to 10 yards wide and 25 yards long. The progression is as follows:
Players run down the center shoulder to shoulder
Players run down the center shoulder to shoulder leaning hard against each other
Players start at the sides, meet in the center and while running the length of the lane try to push their partner out the other side going shoulder to shoulder.
One player with the ball, back to the partner (shielding the ball) trying to keep the partner from getting the ball - the partner is encouraged to push with the body.
Total time for above 10 to 12 minutes - it should go quickly.
Progress to 1 + 1 in which after the serve the offender shields the ball and defense has to get "in the shorts." ("In the shorts" is an expression I heard somewhere meaning getting up close and personal - on top of the opponent with physical contact, preventing the turn and progress,) Obviously you use different speeds but the key is to be physical. The actual play with speed restrictions does not start until contact is made. If you are working offense, the player must turn and score. If you are working defense you must prevent the turn and forward progress, forcing the player where you want her to go. Do not work both at the same time - pick one theme and work on it. To be redundant, remember to control the speed and format to permit the players to meet with success.
I modify the 1 v 1 to begin after contact due to a shield is made - then they play.
After several games, there is a break during which I will give the players positive, enthusiastic reinforcement. The key to motivation is that if you buy into it and are enthusiastic, the players will have a blast.
After the break I progress to small sided games in which I again stress contact defense (arms down and no cheap stuff). Again I will control the speed and force contact before play begins. In 2 + 2 one team will be on offense and one on defense for 90 seconds then they will switch. I would like to see the second defender try to legally force the second attacker from the ball and prevent the score. In 2 v 2 I will sit back and see what they have learned
Finally, of course we have the cooperative and competitive scrimmages followed by cool down and the end of practice with a brief, enthusiastic review of what we did and some homework - use your shoulder to shepherd your brother away from the dinner table and refrigerator.
As a coach it is important to be enthusiastically positive throughout the practice. The physicality will be new to many of the players and when they pick up on your incredible attitude they will have a ball. Physical play is fun!!!
Good luck and please remember that soccer is a game of speed and skill. Physical intimidation has no place in the game.
Len Marks
