Number of weekly practices advice

[Anonymous]

DS has moved to a smaller club that practices 2x per week vs. former club 3x. Difference is that now he’ll only be practicing with his team as opposed to multiple teams. Do you guys think this is enough to warrant quality over quantity (coaches are equally as good, motivating, skilled etc) or should we supplement DS’ training with a 3rd day of private or something else? He’s a U13, not going pro but is with strong travel club that doesn’t have a DA. He’d like to play HS eventually but maybe not beyond.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS has moved to a smaller club that practices 2x per week vs. former club 3x. Difference is that now he’ll only be practicing with his team as opposed to multiple teams. Do you guys think this is enough to warrant quality over quantity (coaches are equally as good, motivating, skilled etc) or should we supplement DS’ training with a 3rd day of private or something else? He’s a U13, not going pro but is with strong travel club that doesn’t have a DA. He’d like to play HS eventually but maybe not beyond.

Many benefits to supplemental training, especially with 2x weekly practices. In addition to getting touches and more individualized training, it can put the player in a different social environment with different coaches. I recommend it highly. Our son went from 2x to 3x after switching clubs but wanted to continue the supplemental session because it gets him out the same players/coach rut that regular practice can sometimes create. You cannot really use the supplemental training to learn and hone other qualities for which team practice is ideal.

[Anonymous]

Two trainings per week are probably ok if he will only face rec level competition and does not really care about soccer. However, if he wants to play for a top team and/or compete for high school spots in a competitive district, two practices are not enough. Plus, his team will be at a huge disadvantage to teams that practice 3-4 times per week. It is going to be a tough year for you guys.

[Anonymous]

If your kid and you are up for it, supplement with HP Elite or something similar. Focus on skills work vs. team dynamics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Two trainings per week are probably ok if he will only face rec level competition and does not really care about soccer. However, if he wants to play for a top team and/or compete for high school spots in a competitive district, two practices are not enough. Plus, his team will be at a huge disadvantage to teams that practice 3-4 times per week. It is going to be a tough year for you guys.

Ugh, yeah I know. I’m hoping he will try out for ODP or really do anything else to get in another practice. I doubt he’ll stay for more than a season or two before he goes back to the more intense bigger club but in the meanwhile need to prevent backward slide.

[Anonymous]

Before you go and dump more money into another program, see how the trainings are conducted. It's not the amount of training time, it's about the quality of the training. He might be able to just work on his own tech skills and physical development. At U13 he probably knows a lot of the basics, try mastering a few skills.

[Anonymous]

Why did he move to smaller club? If he was cut from a bigger club then i would say he is right where he needs to be. 3x per week and bigger club doesn't exactly mean better or stronger club. and ODP is what it once was. Honestly if he isn't good enough to make A DA or ECNL team. He is fine with a small club with 2x per week training. Where did he last play and where is he now would help out with advice from the board.

[Anonymous]

**isnt**

[Anonymous]

Practice as much as possible?