Anonymous wrote:Since the beginning of time, the cocky kids always want to play forward. Of course, they are often a liability to a team because they are usually ball hogs. When you see this behavior, it's usually a sign of poor coaching.

It’s only poor coaching if said ball hog does not score any goals.

Since the beginning of time, the cocky kids always want to play forward. Of course, they are often a liability to a team because they are usually ball hogs. When you see this behavior, it's usually a sign of poor coaching.

My son jumped around various positions for the first few years of his playing soccer.

However he is a *very* fast runner (as a 6th or 7th grader he was easily outrunning boys in high school) and gradually began to move to striker positions starting around 5th grade. Basically anywhere the ball is kicked he finds a way to get there.

Therefore from what I have seen, a good coach will try to identify your kid’s natural strengths/skills and put them in a position where they can use them to contribute most to the team.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question...so if my U9 kid plays left back 95% of the time and maybe plays some center mid every once in a while, I should do what? Talk to the coach? Find a different team/club? He doesn’t complain about it and plays 100% of most every game but almost always left back. Sometimes swaps left for right for the second half.

Way too young to be in one position. Talk to the coach and see how it goes. Usually the coach who does this that early will just continue on doing. If so spring tryouts are coming up soon.

Left back is one of the hardest positions to play and the fact that your son plays 100% of most every game is a good thing, but he should play more than one position at this age. If you are happy with the team, you should talk to the coach. If you have a good coach, he will make adjustments. If not, you can always move to another club.

Anonymous wrote:Serious question...so if my U9 kid plays left back 95% of the time and maybe plays some center mid every once in a while, I should do what? Talk to the coach? Find a different team/club? He doesn’t complain about it and plays 100% of most every game but almost always left back. Sometimes swaps left for right for the second half.

Raise the issue. I’d they aren’t receptive, keep quiet and move Clubs next year.

So many kids suck at defense. They never learn. There is more competition as you age in the midfield and forward positions, learn ALL positions. We have a kid that is a fabulous striker, but miles and sucks anytime they pull him to try and play in the back. Physically he’s small as well, it is a detriment to him that at U11 the club plays him at striker and nowhere else. Barring Messi, height is needed and both his parents are t taller than 5’4”.

My first kid was a mega goal scoring striker his first 2 years. He then was center mid. Next club played him as a wingback. Then a true wing. He’s an attacking mid now at U14/15.

Little one was seen as a left wing first 2 years, then center mid, now possession club loves him at centerback at U12. Though when he is allowed to play up- he’s a relentless attacker.

I have been told again and again what great versatility and ability to read the field they have. If you can play anywhere, you are an asset.

They have been pigeonholed positions at times and we’ve moved for different experiences/styles/coaching. It is always interesting to me to see how different coaches see them in different roles.

Don’t accept anyone playing your kid only in one position U9-U12. They need to see the entire field and you never know what physical attributes they will end up with down the road. Your boy goalie might end up 5’6” when he’s 17.

Getting a chance to play keeper or in the back will benefit your attacking the skills down the road. I always tell them even if they aren’t comfortable or it’s not their first choice, learn the position and play hard, but if they bring up with the Coach in the younger years and he still never gives them an opportunity elsewhere, it’s time to move on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What age were they when they started playing a specific position? Was it up to the coaches? Did they have any input? How would you describe their playing? Was the position a match for their personality?
Looking to understand trajectory for a younger player who hopes to continue playing through HS.

A good coach at the younger ages will rotate players through every position. A good coach at the older ages won't necessarily do that, but may still move a player some and I've seen it be very good for the player. The players I worry the most about are those who only played midfield, or forward, or centerback. Diversity only helps recruitment.

Can you please explain this? The coach typically plays my U11 DD at Forward or Midfield. He rarely plays her at defense.

Anonymous wrote:Serious question...so if my U9 kid plays left back 95% of the time and maybe plays some center mid every once in a while, I should do what? Talk to the coach? Find a different team/club? He doesn’t complain about it and plays 100% of most every game but almost always left back. Sometimes swaps left for right for the second half.

Way too young to be in one position. Talk to the coach and see how it goes. Usually the coach who does this that early will just continue on doing. If so spring tryouts are coming up soon.

Serious question...so if my U9 kid plays left back 95% of the time and maybe plays some center mid every once in a while, I should do what? Talk to the coach? Find a different team/club? He doesn’t complain about it and plays 100% of most every game but almost always left back. Sometimes swaps left for right for the second half.

Anonymous wrote:What age were they when they started playing a specific position? Was it up to the coaches? Did they have any input? How would you describe their playing? Was the position a match for their personality?
Looking to understand trajectory for a younger player who hopes to continue playing through HS.

A good coach at the younger ages will rotate players through every position. A good coach at the older ages won't necessarily do that, but may still move a player some and I've seen it be very good for the player. The players I worry the most about are those who only played midfield, or forward, or centerback. Diversity only helps recruitment.

Anonymous wrote:Kids need to play a variety of positions. The more they play, the more comfortable they will be at a position if needed. That is a lesson we did not learn in club.

My daughter basically played a defender position from u12 on. College coaches saw her as a forward. Ultimately she ended up her junior and senior years playing defensive center mid.

Being able to play lots of positions greatly increases playing possibilities in the future.

Agreed. The kids who will struggle the most are those who only played a single position. Crystal Dunn is amazing anywhere you put her on the field. I think the only position she hasn't played is goalkeeper.

Kids need to play a variety of positions. The more they play, the more comfortable they will be at a position if needed. That is a lesson we did not learn in club.

My daughter basically played a defender position from u12 on. College coaches saw her as a forward. Ultimately she ended up her junior and senior years playing defensive center mid.

Being able to play lots of positions greatly increases playing possibilities in the future.

Anonymous wrote:What age were they when they started playing a specific position? Was it up to the coaches? Did they have any input? How would you describe their playing? Was the position a match for their personality?
Looking to understand trajectory for a younger player who hopes to continue playing through HS.

Honestly, just let it happen organically. As kids grow they may go throw different stages of different positions.

Worry about the technical skills and an overall understanding of the game. Kids are not to young to learn the tactics. Make sure they recognize the importance of every position.

What age were they when they started playing a specific position? Was it up to the coaches? Did they have any input? How would you describe their playing? Was the position a match for their personality?
Looking to understand trajectory for a younger player who hopes to continue playing through HS.