Another super Y question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My son had his first practice yesterday, and he is a bit discouraged. During the regular season, he plays for one club, on their middle team. He tried out for and was selected for Super Y with another club, He was the weakest player at the pratice - the other boys on the Super Y team are really good. He's concerned about being able to succeed. He was one of the better players on his regular team, and isn't used to being a weaker link on the team. Is this typical for Super Y, and what advice can I give my son?


Jesus, most people complain about the Super Y team being bad overall. Quit your complaining and understand that it is a better opportunity to play with better kids for the summer than a team of hacks.

Wow, I am not OP, but as someone who was the worst player on her basketball team as a kid, I can definitely relate to feeling uncomfortable in that situation at the beginning. It's normal, and you press through, but it is not unreasonable for the kid to feel bad about it for a few practices. Geez.

It is also more likely that the kid is overreacting after one practice with kids he has never played with before. Perhaps many of the players came from the same team and all he is seeing is players who are comfortable with each other and just needs some time to catch up.

It is an overreaction and is worth the "jesus" eye roll kinda comment.

Relax, its summer soccer, it should be fun and in his case it looks like it will be challenging which is a GREAT thing even if he is blind to that now.

[Anonymous]

It is an overreaction and is worth the "jesus" eye roll kinda comment.

I am sure you feel that way, as the person who made the comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You never want to be the best on your team. If you are your playing at too low of a level. You only get better playing with better players. Confidence should never be gained from success against lesser opponents. You're supposed to be better than them. True confidence is gained when you succeed at a higher level than you are accustomed to.

Agree. If you're the best player on the field, you're on the wrong field. Being in the bottom third of a team is exactly where you want to be for Super Y in most scenarios. Golden opportunity to push himself to get better and pick up the speed of his game. We have to stop expecting our kids to always be frontrunners. There are a handful of kids who truly fit that mold and many of them will either burn out or move on to another sport. Be content with the middle of the pack. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

[Anonymous]

You never want to be the best on your team. If you are your playing at too low of a level. You only get better playing with better players. Confidence should never be gained from success against lesser opponents. You're supposed to be better than them. True confidence is gained when you succeed at a higher level than you are accustomed to.

Agree. If you're the best player on the field, you're on the wrong field. Being in the bottom third of a team is exactly where you want to be for Super Y in most scenarios. Golden opportunity to push himself to get better and pick up the speed of his game. We have to stop expecting our kids to always be frontrunners. There are a handful of kids who truly fit that mold and many of them will either burn out or move on to another sport. Be content with the middle of the pack. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

OP here, thank you, this is very helpful, and I will share it with my son!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You never want to be the best on your team. If you are your playing at too low of a level. You only get better playing with better players. Confidence should never be gained from success against lesser opponents. You're supposed to be better than them. True confidence is gained when you succeed at a higher level than you are accustomed to.

Agree. If you're the best player on the field, you're on the wrong field. Being in the bottom third of a team is exactly where you want to be for Super Y in most scenarios. Golden opportunity to push himself to get better and pick up the speed of his game. We have to stop expecting our kids to always be frontrunners. There are a handful of kids who truly fit that mold and many of them will either burn out or move on to another sport. Be content with the middle of the pack. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Being content with being in the middle of the pack is what prevents you from being YOUR very best. When we say we want the very best for our kids and then turn around and teach them to be content with being in the middle is poor parenting. Im not saying your kid should be the next Messi just the best THEM they can be. This mentality translates to other parts of life outside of soccer. If I could give your kid advice. I would tell them give your best effort at EVERYTHING you do. You might not see the results today but you will in the future. Develop great habits today and you will find success in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You never want to be the best on your team. If you are your playing at too low of a level. You only get better playing with better players. Confidence should never be gained from success against lesser opponents. You're supposed to be better than them. True confidence is gained when you succeed at a higher level than you are accustomed to.

Agree. If you're the best player on the field, you're on the wrong field. Being in the bottom third of a team is exactly where you want to be for Super Y in most scenarios. Golden opportunity to push himself to get better and pick up the speed of his game. We have to stop expecting our kids to always be frontrunners. There are a handful of kids who truly fit that mold and many of them will either burn out or move on to another sport. Be content with the middle of the pack. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Being content with being in the middle of the pack is what prevents you from being YOUR very best. When we say we want the very best for our kids and then turn around and teach them to be content with being in the middle is poor parenting. Im not saying your kid should be the next Messi just the best THEM they can be. This mentality translates to other parts of life outside of soccer. If I could give your kid advice. I would tell them give your best effort at EVERYTHING you do. You might not see the results today but you will in the future. Develop great habits today and you will find success in the future.

Everyone has a different definition of success. Being the best at something is not what everyone aspires to. To some success is the journey not the result. Quality of relationships, self contentment, quality of life and mind. Achievement and success are your own to define.