How Technical are the Girls?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Coach here:

Players are as technical as their coaching environment demands them to be.

The younger they start the easier it is of course and it does take time. That being said a lot can be done in just a couple years if hard work is put in.

Having coached both boys and girls I'd say the main difference is just speed and power. In fact due to the slower nature of the womens game I would say it's even more important to be technical for them, despite what the top 1% of teams can get away with.

I agree with most of what you said except in the bolded area above. My DD’s coach didn’t emphasize the importance of technical skills and barely focused on it during practice. It was me that encouraged her and stressed the importance of technical skills to her several years ago.....including juggling (LOL).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coach here:

Players are as technical as their coaching environment demands them to be.

The younger they start the easier it is of course and it does take time. That being said a lot can be done in just a couple years if hard work is put in.

Having coached both boys and girls I'd say the main difference is just speed and power. In fact due to the slower nature of the womens game I would say it's even more important to be technical for them, despite what the top 1% of teams can get away with.

I agree with most of what you said except in the bolded area above. My DD’s coach didn’t emphasize the importance of technical skills and barely focused on it during practice. It was me that encouraged her and stressed the importance of technical skills to her several years ago.....including juggling (LOL).

You miss the point. The poster clearly means that if a coach stresses it then it is stressed, if a coach doesn’t stress it then it is not. Your stressing it as a parent is great but as you said it was you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coach here:

Players are as technical as their coaching environment demands them to be.

The younger they start the easier it is of course and it does take time. That being said a lot can be done in just a couple years if hard work is put in.

Having coached both boys and girls I'd say the main difference is just speed and power. In fact due to the slower nature of the womens game I would say it's even more important to be technical for them, despite what the top 1% of teams can get away with.

I agree with most of what you said except in the bolded area above. My DD’s coach didn’t emphasize the importance of technical skills and barely focused on it during practice. It was me that encouraged her and stressed the importance of technical skills to her several years ago.....including juggling (LOL).

You miss the point. The poster clearly means that if a coach stresses it then it is stressed, if a coach doesn’t stress it then it is not. Your stressing it as a parent is great but as you said it was you.

Parents should always stress technical training. If your player is not terribly technical, then selecting a team that the coach emphasizes technical development AS WELL AS doing outside work is important.

If your player is very technical then finding a team with similarly skilled players is more important than the coaches focus on technical development when they may be more ready for tactical development. These kids should still highly emphasize technical development away from team activities on their own. Most likely they had already which accounts for their current technical level. This doesn’t mean that the coach doesn’t work on the technical aspect but it is a different ratio than what the previous player should expect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coach here:

Players are as technical as their coaching environment demands them to be.

The younger they start the easier it is of course and it does take time. That being said a lot can be done in just a couple years if hard work is put in.

Having coached both boys and girls I'd say the main difference is just speed and power. In fact due to the slower nature of the womens game I would say it's even more important to be technical for them, despite what the top 1% of teams can get away with.

I agree with most of what you said except in the bolded area above. My DD’s coach didn’t emphasize the importance of technical skills and barely focused on it during practice. It was me that encouraged her and stressed the importance of technical skills to her several years ago.....including juggling (LOL).

You miss the point. The poster clearly means that if a coach stresses it then it is stressed, if a coach doesn’t stress it then it is not. Your stressing it as a parent is great but as you said it was you.

Parents should always stress technical training. If your player is not terribly technical, then selecting a team that the coach emphasizes technical development AS WELL AS doing outside work is important.

If your player is very technical then finding a team with similarly skilled players is more important than the coaches focus on technical development when they may be more ready for tactical development. These kids should still highly emphasize technical development away from team activities on their own. Most likely they had already which accounts for their current technical level. This doesn’t mean that the coach doesn’t work on the technical aspect but it is a different ratio than what the previous player should expect.

There are very few coaches or programs in the US that focus on technical skill(specially below u12). Many parents know absolutely nothing about soccer. No one is telling them the importance of technical skill development in the u- littles. In fact it is the opposite. Everyone is telling them how great their kid is even the coach. Their kid is on a “top” team and they have a winning record, why would anything change? Why waste time and effort on technical training and drills. Seriously coaches do not give a rats ass about technical play or players. They do not use them.

Look at the parents on this board(juggling, possession, tight space ball control, accurate passing under pressure, etc) are unimportant. Girls travel soccer is not a technical game. What is valued more clever, skillful, intelligent play or aggression? It’s aggression. Do not think... just run hard. It’s not like you are going to run in to a player or team that will punish you for that type of play.

Soccer IQ and the technical skills are not really part of the girls game. It’s not needed till the older age u17 and up. At that time the girls and parents realize how important it is but it’s too late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coach here:

Players are as technical as their coaching environment demands them to be.

The younger they start the easier it is of course and it does take time. That being said a lot can be done in just a couple years if hard work is put in.

Having coached both boys and girls I'd say the main difference is just speed and power. In fact due to the slower nature of the womens game I would say it's even more important to be technical for them, despite what the top 1% of teams can get away with.

I agree with most of what you said except in the bolded area above. My DD’s coach didn’t emphasize the importance of technical skills and barely focused on it during practice. It was me that encouraged her and stressed the importance of technical skills to her several years ago.....including juggling (LOL).

You miss the point. The poster clearly means that if a coach stresses it then it is stressed, if a coach doesn’t stress it then it is not. Your stressing it as a parent is great but as you said it was you.

Parents should always stress technical training. If your player is not terribly technical, then selecting a team that the coach emphasizes technical development AS WELL AS doing outside work is important.

If your player is very technical then finding a team with similarly skilled players is more important than the coaches focus on technical development when they may be more ready for tactical development. These kids should still highly emphasize technical development away from team activities on their own. Most likely they had already which accounts for their current technical level. This doesn’t mean that the coach doesn’t work on the technical aspect but it is a different ratio than what the previous player should expect.

There are very few coaches or programs in the US that focus on technical skill(specially below u12). Many parents know absolutely nothing about soccer. No one is telling them the importance of technical skill development in the u- littles. In fact it is the opposite. Everyone is telling them how great their kid is even the coach. Their kid is on a “top” team and they have a winning record, why would anything change? Why waste time and effort on technical training and drills. Seriously coaches do not give a rats ass about technical play or players. They do not use them.

Look at the parents on this board(juggling, possession, tight space ball control, accurate passing under pressure, etc) are unimportant. Girls travel soccer is not a technical game. What is valued more clever, skillful, intelligent play or aggression? It’s aggression. Do not think... just run hard. It’s not like you are going to run in to a player or team that will punish you for that type of play.

Soccer IQ and the technical skills are not really part of the girls game. It’s not needed till the older age u17 and up. At that time the girls and parents realize how important it is but it’s too late.

Pretty much sums it up. Don’t look to clubs to develop your player technically. You must do that on your own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pretty much sums it up. Don’t look to clubs to develop your player technically. You must do that on your own.

Coach again:

While I think parents play an important part in a players development, if your coach isn't developing your player technically - LEAVE. There are plenty of coaches out there to desire very technical players - not all of them know how to develop the skills however. They may not be the team that wins the most games, but if you're willing to spend some time to actually look, you'll find them.

Don't be afraid to ask, don't be afraid to shop around. Watch some practices, some games etc.

[Anonymous]

For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

You have to have a good touch meaning, when you receive the ball, your touch puts the ball where you want it...not 5 yards in front of you. You need to receive out of the air and with every part of your foot. You need to be able to pass with both feet. You need to be able shoot with both feet...fine if one is stronger for free kicks and penalties, etc., As far as dribbling "moves" go, you can't beat a fake shot then cruyff. And lots of body feints. I mean someone can go on and on I'm sure but get your kid a kick wall and have her pound that thing and work on her touch. Have her juggle and pop that ball up in the air and use different parts of her body to settle it. There are tons of 1v1 dribbling moves. Have her find 2 or 3 and have her master them. This is for U13 and U14 at least. Older kids will need other skills mastered by then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

Yes, it is called a pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

You have to have a good touch meaning, when you receive the ball, your touch puts the ball where you want it...not 5 yards in front of you. You need to receive out of the air and with every part of your foot. You need to be able to pass with both feet. You need to be able shoot with both feet...fine if one is stronger for free kicks and penalties, etc., As far as dribbling "moves" go, you can't beat a fake shot then cruyff. And lots of body feints. I mean someone can go on and on I'm sure but get your kid a kick wall and have her pound that thing and work on her touch. Have her juggle and pop that ball up in the air and use different parts of her body to settle it. There are tons of 1v1 dribbling moves. Have her find 2 or 3 and have her master them. This is for U13 and U14 at least. Older kids will need other skills mastered by then.

This is good advice. In my DD’s GA/ECNL older age group, the teams that lose are the teams whose players have poor first touches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

Yes, it is called a pass.

Truth

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

Yes, it is called a pass.

Truth

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

Yes, it is called a pass.

Truth

+1000

There’s a soccer article about soccer that is says “Can’t Pass, Can’t Play”. This is so true as passing is so important and happens constantly in soccer. The next important aspect is first touch. If one has a bad first touch, then he/she can’t control the ball to properly pass or dribble the ball.

But besides Passing and First Touch, what do people think about other soccer skill(s) that is/are important?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For coaches and/or seasoned soccer parents:

Are there certain soccer moves (skills) that are most effective to use during games for U13 above older?

Yes, it is called a pass.

Truth

+1000

There’s a soccer article about soccer that is says “Can’t Pass, Can’t Play”. This is so true as passing is so important and happens constantly in soccer. The next important aspect is first touch. If one has a bad first touch, then he/she can’t control the ball to properly pass or dribble the ball.

But besides Passing and First Touch, what do people think about other soccer skill(s) that is/are important?

There is skill which is also simply comfort with he ball. Kids with high technical level do not really plan doing a move they are just comfortable to work the ball as they feel they need to do. Comfort with the ball comes from having a ball at your feet a ton.

Everything else are attributes. Size, speed, strength, IQ. Some can be improved upon or taught but not all.

[Anonymous]

Even at the top collegiate level, there’s very little emphasis on technical skill in the women’s game. Even the best all time program at UNC is famous for emphasizing aggression and athleticism over technical ability.

This is why players like Heath and Lavelle stick out so much, and why ultimately US women’s soccer will be surpassed by other countries with a (male) tradition emphasizing technical ability that has been passed on to their girls’ development as well.