Re: Attack opponents weak areas or play to our strengths?

At the youth level, my general tendency would be to play the to your strengths, both positionally and in style. If you mastermind a tactical change too much, you risk screwing up your game and your players.

It all depends on how complex the tactic need to be to take advantage of the situation. If it's simple, and your team can adjust, maybe it's worth a try. If you are moving 2 or more players or changing your basic approach, my uninformed opinion would be don't do it.

For example, without changing positions you might instruct a central midfielder to play higher and wider to your opponents weak side (with the outside mid on that side tucking in and holding more). This might give your guy the ability to run at the weakness, than serve the ball back into the right (to your horses) on the resulting scramble. Another simple variation might be to try to isolate a weak wing defender/outside defender aganst one of your better/faster players.

If you elect to go with something like these type of options, than I would suggest you rehearse them first with some shadow play. This will help your guys see what you are trying to take advantage of and feel comfortable about the adjustment.

Whatever you do, don't change your basic style. If you are a "get it forward quickly and follow it" team, don't ask your guys to suddenly play possesion and build up. Your tactical changes must be within the context or your players understanding and comfort level.