Reply to VYS Soccer - better or worse?

Forum Index » Soccer

Reply to "VYS Soccer - better or worse?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous] The former assistant technical director for that age group was under the impression that U9s and U10s can't pass the ball. He considered 1v1 skills much more important. I disagree rather emphatically, but he's not alone in that -- a lot of McLean coaches have had the same approach.  So if you want to come in here and say you're not a fan of that guy's style, OK. That's a legitimate debate. [/quote]

You're debate then is with U.S. Soccer, not VYS.   U.S. Soccer has consistently emphasized the technical over the tactical at U9 ever since Jurgen/Claudio's arrival and 1v1 attacking has always been one of the highest priorities at U9.  VYS has likewise emphasized the same principles.   This isn't a new thing.   Eddie Lima used to actively discourage U9 players from passing the ball (much to many parents' surprise), instead asking them to challenge themselves to beat players 1v1 and think creatively.  The new regime has continued that emphasis - just as all clubs under U.S. Soccer's leadership should.  Why? We want our young players to be comfortable on the ball and be able to handle pressure and create for themselves, rather than kicking or passing it away at the first sign of pressure.  You need to build a strong foundation to enable more advanced possession/tactical play later.  This means that the kids will lose the ball a lot, and will give up a goals, but it is better from a long-term development perspective.   The teams that are instead teaching their kids to pass to avoid pressure and "string passes together" at U9 may win more games and score more goals, but they will be doing their kids a disservice in the long run.  I cringe when I hear U9 coaches joysticking various tactical demands and emphasizing "shape" over skill.  Even more so when it's a parent from a sideline who thinks he is Jose Mourinho and directs the kids accordingly with all he/she learned about tactics from watching that morning's BPL pre-match analysis.  It's a U9 game - relax, let the kids play, solve their own problems on the field, and gain confidence on the ball first and foremost.  Tiki taka can wait.

That's not to say that you don't teach passing and receiving.  Both 1v1 attacking and passing/receiving are "5" priorities at U9 in the U.S. Soccer Curriculum.  But the focus is on the proper passing TECHNIQUE in practices, not the tactical elements of passing in games, which comes later at a more appropriate stage of young kids' psychological/developmental curve.  Far too many youth coaches in this area emphasize the latter.   Thankfully, VYS (and most of the better clubs in the area) do not.
[/quote]

+1000[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics