9/10-yo rec flag football question

[Anonymous]

with my limited football knowledge i believe the QB throws/passes the ball to a running or catching player while a whole bunch of other players just try to out-run/block each other. my question is, if you DS is neither the QB or the go-to catcher/runner, does he still enjoy playing (not talking about being a good teammate etc., but actually playing the game)? DS9 learned a tough lesson last year playing rec basketball when he basically just ran up and down the court barely touching the ball, and ultimately was very frustrated (i posted a thread back then). now this year he started playing flag football in PE and extended day and really liked it, and was asking to sign up for flag football in the spring instead of soccer. my worry is in PE or extended day the teacher/staff make sure everyone gets their fair share of chance and in a very controlled environment. with rec games in 9/10-yos i don't believe the 'everyone is a star' mentality applies anymore (at least from what i could see in soccer that teams at this age do try to play to win most times if not all). i guess it'll be his choice to make but i'd like to know what we're signing up for if i need to be prepared to eventually see his sad face again...

[Anonymous]

Even if they have rules stating that all children must play at least 3/4 of the game (or something like that), it doesn't mean he'll get the ball. But, really, isn't that part of learning how to play team sports? Working together towards the common end: touchdown for the whole team?

On the other hand, if he really feels like he needs to be a primary part of the sport, maybe he should play tennis or swim.

I understand your frustration OP, I just don't think there is a solution per se.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even if they have rules stating that all children must play at least 3/4 of the game (or something like that), it doesn't mean he'll get the ball. But, really, isn't that part of learning how to play team sports? Working together towards the common end: touchdown for the whole team?

On the other hand, if he really feels like he needs to be a primary part of the sport, maybe he should play tennis or swim.

I understand your frustration OP, I just don't think there is a solution per se.

this is why i like baseball coz at least you get to bat a couple times a game.

[Anonymous]

It probably depends on the league, the coach, and the age of the players. DS is a lot younger (5) and started flag football this year. The coach was very fair in giving all kids equal time on the field as well as rotating positions so every child has a chance to experience each one. Each child also has a job on the field, they aren't just running aimlessly about.

If he wants to do it, let him do it. You'll be able to learn more about the game with him and see if its something he wants to do again.

[Anonymous]

When I played football (not flag football, but tackle), I never touched the ball. I was a defensive lineman, and loved it. I got to tackle people. And it was important for the game.

I was not big enough to play beyond HS, but you can really enjoy the game without getting the ball. Every is active in every play. Every player has a job to do to make the play successful.

If your kid will not be happy in a role where he does not touch the ball every time, then a team sport might not be for him. Team football means 11 people working together to achieve a goal. For example, if I could draw two blockers, one of my team mates would be unblocked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I played football (not flag football, but tackle), I never touched the ball. I was a defensive lineman, and loved it. I got to tackle people. And it was important for the game.

I was not big enough to play beyond HS, but you can really enjoy the game without getting the ball. Every is active in every play. Every player has a job to do to make the play successful.

If your kid will not be happy in a role where he does not touch the ball every time, then a team sport might not be for him. Team football means 11 people working together to achieve a goal. For example, if I could draw two blockers, one of my team mates would be unblocked.

this is too harsh. soccer and baseball and two team sports where every player CAN touch the ball no matter the position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I played football (not flag football, but tackle), I never touched the ball. I was a defensive lineman, and loved it. I got to tackle people. And it was important for the game.

I was not big enough to play beyond HS, but you can really enjoy the game without getting the ball. Every is active in every play. Every player has a job to do to make the play successful.

If your kid will not be happy in a role where he does not touch the ball every time, then a team sport might not be for him. Team football means 11 people working together to achieve a goal. For example, if I could draw two blockers, one of my team mates would be unblocked.

this is too harsh. soccer and baseball and two team sports where every player CAN touch the ball no matter the position.

i don't think it is-i think it is realistic

[Anonymous]

Your son can't touch the ball every time. Sometimes the play is about other kids and your child's role is decoy, supporting, or blocking.

However, if a coach doesn't make sure there's a play for every kid so that no child spends the whole season running aimlessly, then you need a new coach.

For example, my son's coach writes a play for EVERY boy, and asks after each game if anyone thought they were underplayed. Even in a play where a boy isn't the receiver, the child knows his role and where to run. There's no "aimless."

I wonder though, since this is the second sport you are worried about:
* Is your child running aimlessly because he isn't very good and doesn't know what he should be doing?
*Is the coach only coaching the top players?
*Is your child a reasonable listener?

Watch the games quietly and sort out if there is a problem with your child, the training, or the coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I played football (not flag football, but tackle), I never touched the ball. I was a defensive lineman, and loved it. I got to tackle people. And it was important for the game.

I was not big enough to play beyond HS, but you can really enjoy the game without getting the ball. Every is active in every play. Every player has a job to do to make the play successful.

If your kid will not be happy in a role where he does not touch the ball every time, then a team sport might not be for him. Team football means 11 people working together to achieve a goal. For example, if I could draw two blockers, one of my team mates would be unblocked.

this is too harsh. soccer and baseball and two team sports where every player CAN touch the ball no matter the position.

i don't think it is-i think it is realistic

tell me which sport where one player gets to touch the ball EVERY TIME. not even in football.

OTOH, it takes a special 9/10-yo kid to still enjoy a sport if he NEVER touches a ball.

[Anonymous]

Baseball. Pitcher touches the ball on every play. Football, QB. Baseball, may plays go to 1st. Soccer, all kids should have time near the ball. My DD was frustrated in softball when the ball did not come to her. She usually played 3rd base, which saw the ball a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Baseball. Pitcher touches the ball on every play. Football, QB. Baseball, may plays go to 1st. Soccer, all kids should have time near the ball. My DD was frustrated in softball when the ball did not come to her. She usually played 3rd base, which saw the ball a lot.

Soccer: you can see some kids run aimlessly and never get near enough to the ball to actually kick it. Sometimes it is skill. QB - not used so much in defense, no? Not so straightforward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baseball. Pitcher touches the ball on every play. Football, QB. Baseball, may plays go to 1st. Soccer, all kids should have time near the ball. My DD was frustrated in softball when the ball did not come to her. She usually played 3rd base, which saw the ball a lot.

Soccer: you can see some kids run aimlessly and never get near enough to the ball to actually kick it. Sometimes it is skill. QB - not used so much in defense, no? Not so straightforward.

i have watch total of 7 years worth of kiddie soccer and i cannot recall a player who's never able to kick a ball in a game.