Age Change Discussion/Impacts (Except for August Birthdays Playing "Down")

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For Arlington it appears at the younger age groups they are separating based on date of birth (Aug-July) and for the HS age groups they are also taking into consideration Grade. So August and Sept kids who didn't "reclassify" are going to scrimmage with the older age group at least for the first scrimmage.

Thread OP and this is very helpful! TY! - Waiting to see what our club does as we come out of the winter hiatus.

we are in a similar boat. There hasn’t been any communication from our club, which seems like it has to come out any day now because this is starting to get a little elongated at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For Arlington it appears at the younger age groups they are separating based on date of birth (Aug-July) and for the HS age groups they are also taking into consideration Grade. So August and Sept kids who didn't "reclassify" are going to scrimmage with the older age group at least for the first scrimmage.

Thread OP and this is very helpful! TY! - Waiting to see what our club does as we come out of the winter hiatus.

I realize that this isnt the August thread haoever. After all the arguing it's ironic that Arlington is the first one to start grouping August and September birthdays with their grade during tryouts.

[Anonymous]

Arlington did not do this for all older kids. August birthdays who are grade level were with the younger kids. They went strictly by the August 1 cutoff for my child's age group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington did not do this for all older kids. August birthdays who are grade level were with the younger kids. They went strictly by the August 1 cutoff for my child's age group.

This is not the August thread so Im trying not to comment here. But only grouping younger Aug birthdays with their grade is even more of a smoking gun. In BY Aug birthdays are already playing on a grade up team. When switching to SY older players will probably want to continue playing with their current team for college recruitment reasons. Which is why Arlington is leaving olders alone.

[Anonymous]

I am also interested in what our club does because we have not heard anything. Except our super y tryouts are for the new age grouping and they are starting this month so maybe it's a first step into looking at the new age groups.

[Anonymous]

Thread OP - I won't report any real discussion, but the other thread was tiresome. Mainly interested in how clubs all over are dealing with the change and really impressed with the feedback so far. Thanks everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

Yep, our experience as well. So many kids who were faster/could make 1 defender miss now are faced with 2 more defenders on the 11v11 field. Actual teamwork/passing is necessary (including the fitness for the big field).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

Two players can pass faster than one player can run. American kids jump to 11v11 too soon. Stay on small fields longer. This way when players are bigger passing and ball control are maintained. Bigger bodies makes 11v11 the same as 9v9 if you delay the jump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

You're obviously not a soccer person

Sound like an academic who didn't play sports

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

Two players can pass faster than one player can run. American kids jump to 11v11 too soon. Stay on small fields longer. This way when players are bigger passing and ball control are maintained. Bigger bodies makes 11v11 the same as 9v9 if you delay the jump.

Technical comes before tactical

If before U15 your player doesn't have individual 1v1 skills and proficiency with manipulating the ball along with being able to solve problems quickly in small spaces, they will never reach the highest levels

Passing is easy to learn later

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

Two players can pass faster than one player can run. American kids jump to 11v11 too soon. Stay on small fields longer. This way when players are bigger passing and ball control are maintained. Bigger bodies makes 11v11 the same as 9v9 if you delay the jump.

Technical comes before tactical

If before U15 your player doesn't have individual 1v1 skills and proficiency with manipulating the ball along with being able to solve problems quickly in small spaces, they will never reach the highest levels

Passing is easy to learn later

Agreed. I think a lot of clubs exploit our lack of knowledge and push towards 11v11 earlier for larger roster sizes and more $$$

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

Two players can pass faster than one player can run. American kids jump to 11v11 too soon. Stay on small fields longer. This way when players are bigger passing and ball control are maintained. Bigger bodies makes 11v11 the same as 9v9 if you delay the jump.

Technical comes before tactical

If before U15 your player doesn't have individual 1v1 skills and proficiency with manipulating the ball along with being able to solve problems quickly in small spaces, they will never reach the highest levels

Passing is easy to learn later

Agreed. I think a lot of clubs exploit our lack of knowledge and push towards 11v11 earlier for larger roster sizes and more $$$

They use the parents egos and ignorance against their own kids

Parents who want to see passing that leads to winning games while their kid isn't developing as an individual player

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is a Q4 birthday and made the u13 ECNL/GA team for the older SY team (e.g. playing up, when they could play u12 again). Our DC will be playing a SY up since they'll be 1. a starter and 2. playing against better competition at every practice. Since 9v9 play only happens once a week at games, I don't buy the small vs big field argument. My kid plays well on 11v11, though I could see some kids benefitting from a confidence boost by staying at their SY if they have superior technical skills. 11v11 is different game from 9v9 and some kids that excel at 9v9 don't excel at 11v11 and vice versa. My kid plays better at 11v11, so I have no concerns missing out on an extra chance at 9v9.

This is interesting insight. Do you mind providing more insight on what you're of players may excel more when they move to 11v11 over 9v9? And vice versa?

DP - but it's almost like a different sport (depending on how big those 9v9 fields were). So much more space and time for defenses to actually shut down one dominant player. Some kids have outgrown the field and develop bad habits that "win", much like 12 year old little leaguers hitting pop flys that would be an out but are home runs on the small field. Of course good coaching could stop the bad habits and everyone could get more time on the ball 9v9, but high level just defaults to whatever wins. 11 v 11 you really need top end speed/endurance to replicate what works on 9v9.

Makes sense, thanks. Was talking to a coach once and they were saying a player who was could be great at 9v9 by dribbling through several players, on a 11v11 field may turn on a player and look up to see there's still a whole lot of field left. They may have to modify their game to pass more. Also, striking a bigger ball may take time for some players to replicate their shot power.

Two players can pass faster than one player can run. American kids jump to 11v11 too soon. Stay on small fields longer. This way when players are bigger passing and ball control are maintained. Bigger bodies makes 11v11 the same as 9v9 if you delay the jump.

Technical comes before tactical

If before U15 your player doesn't have individual 1v1 skills and proficiency with manipulating the ball along with being able to solve problems quickly in small spaces, they will never reach the highest levels

Passing is easy to learn later

Agreed. I think a lot of clubs exploit our lack of knowledge and push towards 11v11 earlier for larger roster sizes and more $$$

My kid's club tries to keep most everything small-sided in practice where the focus is on ball movement and control. We almost never do 11v11, except in games, to the point that parents complain about that! We constantly try to build out of the back and focus on strong defending and ball movement. We only play direct if forced in survival mode OR really trying to score at the end of a game. Downside is unless we have a unicorn forward we struggle to score (and its hard keeping those forwards at our club -- they tend to get recruited by bigger name clubs nearby). Still fun part -- we often can compete with much stronger teams, although maybe we lose 0-1 or 1-2 and sometimes can tie them. The flip side of that coin? We go against a weaker team, where we can move the ball well, we often can only win 1-0 or 2-1. Some parents don't like this dynamic, but it seems like our kids are getting what they need, and when they can move the ball, it's simply beautiful to watch vs. teams that can barely string together 3 passes. At least that's what the club is selling. Should we be buying?

[Anonymous]

Imagine what would have happened if you kept the forwards.

As a parent Ive gone though playing 11v11 early and my assessment is that its not what you want to do with your kid. 11v11 is a different game and requires different skills. Stay small sided game as long as you can. Then the jump to 11v11 will be easy.