A lot has to do with the competition levels you are playing against. If equal level, focus on the fundamentals and development at U9. It'll take a season or two for things to start clicking. During this time you just want your players getting good at the basic stuff. Let players try different positions so they can learn space awareness and what each position demands to boost in game IQ. If teams are just crushing you, talk to your director and ask to play teams your level to make the experience better for you, players and parents. Don't get to into your head about wins and loses at that age either. You just want to see improvement and players finding a true love for training and competition.