What to do when coach has kid playing a position they don't like?

[Anonymous]

For the 20-21 season my kid's ECNL coach is playing my kid in midfield but my kid doesn't like playing midfield as my kid has always been a wing or forward. My kid has lost interest in soccer due to this. The coach feels my kid should be in the midfield but it has really discouraged my kid from playing and has lost that swagger. My kid used to look forward to playing in games, but now dreads it. What are my kid's options at this point?

[Anonymous]

You have to find out why your son wants to play forward/wing? Is it because he just want to score all of the time?

[Anonymous]

Well, your son is playing at a high level isn’t enjoying playing. That could mean he may not like soccer that much. Have him work on explosive speed because that’s what separates outside positions.

Otherwise, your coach just may think DS isn’t good enough to play a position OR is so good at midfield he must play midfield.

[Anonymous]

My DD plays offensive, prefers winger to mid-field too.
We tell her as along as as she's not playing defense (very different skill set), she needs to be flexible and a team player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD plays offensive, prefers winger to mid-field too.
We tell her as along as as she's not playing defense (very different skill set), she needs to be flexible and a team player.

Please encourage positional names or numbers; “defense” can give a limited mindset

[Anonymous]

Talk to the coach and sort it out. There's likely more to the story than just a change in position.

If you can't work it out with the coach, find a coach and team better suited for your player and your family's objectives.

[Anonymous]

You should encourage DC to talk to the coach. Ask to play the preferred position. If the coach doesn't think DC is ready for the preferred positions, ask what they need to work on to play those positions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have to find out why your son wants to play forward/wing? Is it because he just want to score all of the time?

I would say that's part of it but not all. Naturally my kid is an attacker has always been an attacker since U8. Moving the ball up the field just just doesn't provide inspiration compared to playing wing or forward. It probably doesn't help my kid doesn't gel with the coach like the coach from last year.

[Anonymous]

Personally I would be happy my kid wasn't "swaggering" any more. Gross.

[Anonymous]

You should sleep with the coach, clearly.

[Anonymous]

Your coach has the prerogative to put whatever line up he feels is best for the TEAM.

If your child isn't happy it maybe time to find a different team that will accommodate them.

But you have to be honest with yourself in order to play the chosen position you may have to step down a level where your Childs talent level for that position is more suitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to find out why your son wants to play forward/wing? Is it because he just want to score all of the time?

I would say that's part of it but not all. Naturally my kid is an attacker has always been an attacker since U8. Moving the ball up the field just just doesn't provide inspiration compared to playing wing or forward. It probably doesn't help my kid doesn't gel with the coach like the coach from last year.

Coach here. Coaches can definitely ignore their bias and shortcomings, so I wouldn’t doubt the coach’s inability to connect is a factor. That’s not a slight against DS coach, but it’s true in all professions. Keep your son positive, he’ll do well. All he needs to do is believe in himself, work hard, and ALWAYS give best effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, your son is playing at a high level isn’t enjoying playing. That could mean he may not like soccer that much. Have him work on explosive speed because that’s what separates outside positions.

Otherwise, your coach just may think DS isn’t good enough to play a position OR is so good at midfield he must play midfield.

Explanation from coach is that my kid is able to get ball out quick and needs my kid in the midfield as there aren't many on the team that can do that. I agree it will help my kid grow but when your kid comes home from playing crappy in a position they don't like and is upset to the point of crying it's frustrating to see as there's nothing I can do.

I've had my kid workout with an academy team and it went well. Will be practicing some more with that team in the spring to see it's a good fit. Most likely will make switch if all is good.

[Anonymous]

Probably it has to do with a coach that has to give another player more than 90% of the game in one single position. That player doesn’t not really delivers but it takes your son’s position and time. I guess that players parent is one of those pain in the a$$ always threatening the coach that they would leave if his DS is not given the full game. The DS always is a starter and knows he has it easy so is never challenged and puts no extra effort in the games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, your son is playing at a high level isn’t enjoying playing. That could mean he may not like soccer that much. Have him work on explosive speed because that’s what separates outside positions.

Otherwise, your coach just may think DS isn’t good enough to play a position OR is so good at midfield he must play midfield.

Explanation from coach is that my kid is able to get ball out quick and needs my kid in the midfield as there aren't many on the team that can do that. I agree it will help my kid grow but when your kid comes home from playing crappy in a position they don't like and is upset to the point of crying it's frustrating to see as there's nothing I can do.

I've had my kid workout with an academy team and it went well. Will be practicing some more with that team in the spring to see it's a good fit. Most likely will make switch if all is good.

Also you should hold coach accountable. Did he provide a preseason meeting on expectations or has he been winging it? How does he justify his decisions and/or evaluations? Just make sure it’s not a situation of “trust me I’m the coach”. If he (or she) can’t show his/her math or actually discuss his reasoning, he may just be reliant on being in charge of talented players/good athletes.