Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

What age group are you referring to? We have a player who plays just like this at u11. Lots of moves, but almost zero productivity. I was just wondering if this kid will grow out of that later on down the road, or if they will continue to ball hog and lose it for years to come yet.

Not PP, but we have a “flashy” striker on our U13 team who is in love with his own dribbling, to the point where he’s given away several goals because he either misfires the easy tap-in or he wants the spectacular hero shot and hangs onto it too long and loses the ball. We lost the playoffs because he raced in and “assisted” the winning goal over the crossbar (it would have gone in if he’d left it alone). And rainbows. Soooo many rainbows 🫠

He struggled this year on the bigger 11v11 field, where you have to move the ball efficiently and can’t get hung up on small 1v1 battles. After the playoffs he denounced the rest of the team on Tik Tok, blamed them for the loss, and announced he was quitting soccer. So I guess in answer to your question, the ballhogs either figure out the tactical part quickly once they move to the larger pitch with more teammates, or they flame out.

It's interesting because there are lot of ways to look at the ball hog. On one side, the ball hog is getting the most touches and on the ball which allows him to be in more situations more often. On the other side, the ball hog is killing the team because of his selfishness. I think you need a healthy amount of selfishness to be successful at football. It is a team sport, but end of day teams don't become pros. Individuals do. But, if you can't play in a team environment, that is a massive problem. So, it is a balance. Advancing yourself while also functioning well in a team environment and making others better if you can. The best players can better themselves and the team.

Sounds like the kid you experienced had bad guidance about the sport. Hate to see kids quit the game but sounds like it was probably for the best for all involved.

Agree, it’s a hard tightrope to walk. Selfishness can serve kids well at younger ages, but it gets in the way when they move up to the next level. Kids get stuck in 7v7 mode where it’s easier to dominate with ball skills alone and not have to rely on teammates.

I think he probably won’t quit the sport completely, but will drop down and play with his own grade next year (he’s a red shirt 6th grader which is why, agewise, he was with our team of 7th graders). His parents are too heavily invested to allow him to walk away. He’s burned some bridges with his insults and behavior, though, and at some point he’s going to have to play with his original teammates again in high school. Hopefully by then he’ll have matured enough to see the big picture and make better decisions, both on the field and off.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

What age group are you referring to? We have a player who plays just like this at u11. Lots of moves, but almost zero productivity. I was just wondering if this kid will grow out of that later on down the road, or if they will continue to ball hog and lose it for years to come yet.

Not PP, but we have a “flashy” striker on our U13 team who is in love with his own dribbling, to the point where he’s given away several goals because he either misfires the easy tap-in or he wants the spectacular hero shot and hangs onto it too long and loses the ball. We lost the playoffs because he raced in and “assisted” the winning goal over the crossbar (it would have gone in if he’d left it alone). And rainbows. Soooo many rainbows 🫠

He struggled this year on the bigger 11v11 field, where you have to move the ball efficiently and can’t get hung up on small 1v1 battles. After the playoffs he denounced the rest of the team on Tik Tok, blamed them for the loss, and announced he was quitting soccer. So I guess in answer to your question, the ballhogs either figure out the tactical part quickly once they move to the larger pitch with more teammates, or they flame out.

It's interesting because there are lot of ways to look at the ball hog. On one side, the ball hog is getting the most touches and on the ball which allows him to be in more situations more often. On the other side, the ball hog is killing the team because of his selfishness. I think you need a healthy amount of selfishness to be successful at football. It is a team sport, but end of day teams don't become pros. Individuals do. But, if you can't play in a team environment, that is a massive problem. So, it is a balance. Advancing yourself while also functioning well in a team environment and making others better if you can. The best players can better themselves and the team.

Sounds like the kid you experienced had bad guidance about the sport. Hate to see kids quit the game but sounds like it was probably for the best for all involved.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

What age group are you referring to? We have a player who plays just like this at u11. Lots of moves, but almost zero productivity. I was just wondering if this kid will grow out of that later on down the road, or if they will continue to ball hog and lose it for years to come yet.

Not PP, but we have a “flashy” striker on our U13 team who is in love with his own dribbling, to the point where he’s given away several goals because he either misfires the easy tap-in or he wants the spectacular hero shot and hangs onto it too long and loses the ball. We lost the playoffs because he raced in and “assisted” the winning goal over the crossbar (it would have gone in if he’d left it alone). And rainbows. Soooo many rainbows 🫠

He struggled this year on the bigger 11v11 field, where you have to move the ball efficiently and can’t get hung up on small 1v1 battles. After the playoffs he denounced the rest of the team on Tik Tok, blamed them for the loss, and announced he was quitting soccer. So I guess in answer to your question, the ballhogs either figure out the tactical part quickly once they move to the larger pitch with more teammates, or they flame out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

A technical player is a master of the techniques of the game (first touch, passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling the ball all under pressure.) These type of players have a high speed of play. Many time you can see them waiting for other players. If you try to tackle them or press them the ball is off their foot before contact is made. They take a bad pass, make it good and are equally good with either foot. Coaches have to ask which is their dominant foot. They are sometimes faster with the ball at their feet vs without it.

The difference between a technical player and other types of players is the ability to play under pressure and in tight spots. Any player can see the field and pass with no pressure.

THIS. Very well said. The common misconception in our area is that a technical player is a player who is flashy with the ball. To the PPs point,it is so far from that. A technical player has the proper technique to execute a variety of skills with high success, with both feet, under pressure. Can your child collect a lofted ball one touch into controlled movement consistently with both feet? Can they chip accurately 15,20, 30 yards with both feet? Can they trap the ball consistently with both feet while checking to the ball under pressure? Do they open up their hips and collect the ball with the correct foot when receiving the ball? Can they make accurate passes consistently with both feet and over different distances? Can they dribble at speed with both feet? Can they find solutions to problems quickly without touching the ball (ie body feints and deception). Do they capture enough information off the ball to make good decisions? Like the other posters said, can they turn a crap ball into a good one consistently. Could go on and on. But notice how none of these technical skills are fancy moves. Technical players make the game simpler because they are so good at controlling the ball and making good decisions under pressure. They don't complicate the game they make it easier. The next time you see a "technical" player start looking for their end product. What is the actual result of their actions and how long did it take for that action to materialize. If you have to take 6-7 touches to make something happen, you're not that technical. In fact you're the opposite and inefficient with the ball. Technical players make the same thing happen in 3 touches or less and this is what you see when you turn on any high level league on the weekend.

You’re mixing intelligence with technical.

You can have a technical player who can make all the passes, control, dribbles, etc but will often make the wrong decision on the field which = intelligence

On the flip side you can have a player not blessed technically but is super intelligent and therefore makes the correct choice

Example = Alexi Lalas

You lost any credibility citing Alexi Lalas

So true. 😂. And yes, I combine the two because they inherently go together. Good actions are built from good intelligence. You're not making good actions without good connections to your mind.

Exactly! Some seem to imply that kids with a lot of technical ability and moving well with the ball is going to lead to some sort "Harlem Globetrotter" style of soccer. That's simply not the case. Kids that are highly technical and agile with the ball are also going to generally possess high levels of field intelligence and athleticism as well. I think one or two people on this and various threads want to equate athletic ability to size, aggression and (more stupidly) genetics. This is a major failing of many coaches in the area. Stay away from teams/coaches that value aggression and size over all else.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

What age group are you referring to? We have a player who plays just like this at u11. Lots of moves, but almost zero productivity. I was just wondering if this kid will grow out of that later on down the road, or if they will continue to ball hog and lose it for years to come yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

A technical player is a master of the techniques of the game (first touch, passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling the ball all under pressure.) These type of players have a high speed of play. Many time you can see them waiting for other players. If you try to tackle them or press them the ball is off their foot before contact is made. They take a bad pass, make it good and are equally good with either foot. Coaches have to ask which is their dominant foot. They are sometimes faster with the ball at their feet vs without it.

The difference between a technical player and other types of players is the ability to play under pressure and in tight spots. Any player can see the field and pass with no pressure.

THIS. Very well said. The common misconception in our area is that a technical player is a player who is flashy with the ball. To the PPs point,it is so far from that. A technical player has the proper technique to execute a variety of skills with high success, with both feet, under pressure. Can your child collect a lofted ball one touch into controlled movement consistently with both feet? Can they chip accurately 15,20, 30 yards with both feet? Can they trap the ball consistently with both feet while checking to the ball under pressure? Do they open up their hips and collect the ball with the correct foot when receiving the ball? Can they make accurate passes consistently with both feet and over different distances? Can they dribble at speed with both feet? Can they find solutions to problems quickly without touching the ball (ie body feints and deception). Do they capture enough information off the ball to make good decisions? Like the other posters said, can they turn a crap ball into a good one consistently. Could go on and on. But notice how none of these technical skills are fancy moves. Technical players make the game simpler because they are so good at controlling the ball and making good decisions under pressure. They don't complicate the game they make it easier. The next time you see a "technical" player start looking for their end product. What is the actual result of their actions and how long did it take for that action to materialize. If you have to take 6-7 touches to make something happen, you're not that technical. In fact you're the opposite and inefficient with the ball. Technical players make the same thing happen in 3 touches or less and this is what you see when you turn on any high level league on the weekend.

You’re mixing intelligence with technical.

You can have a technical player who can make all the passes, control, dribbles, etc but will often make the wrong decision on the field which = intelligence

On the flip side you can have a player not blessed technically but is super intelligent and therefore makes the correct choice

Example = Alexi Lalas

You lost any credibility citing Alexi Lalas

So true. 😂. And yes, I combine the two because they inherently go together. Good actions are built from good intelligence. You're not making good actions without good connections to your mind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

A technical player is a master of the techniques of the game (first touch, passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling the ball all under pressure.) These type of players have a high speed of play. Many time you can see them waiting for other players. If you try to tackle them or press them the ball is off their foot before contact is made. They take a bad pass, make it good and are equally good with either foot. Coaches have to ask which is their dominant foot. They are sometimes faster with the ball at their feet vs without it.

The difference between a technical player and other types of players is the ability to play under pressure and in tight spots. Any player can see the field and pass with no pressure.

THIS. Very well said. The common misconception in our area is that a technical player is a player who is flashy with the ball. To the PPs point,it is so far from that. A technical player has the proper technique to execute a variety of skills with high success, with both feet, under pressure. Can your child collect a lofted ball one touch into controlled movement consistently with both feet? Can they chip accurately 15,20, 30 yards with both feet? Can they trap the ball consistently with both feet while checking to the ball under pressure? Do they open up their hips and collect the ball with the correct foot when receiving the ball? Can they make accurate passes consistently with both feet and over different distances? Can they dribble at speed with both feet? Can they find solutions to problems quickly without touching the ball (ie body feints and deception). Do they capture enough information off the ball to make good decisions? Like the other posters said, can they turn a crap ball into a good one consistently. Could go on and on. But notice how none of these technical skills are fancy moves. Technical players make the game simpler because they are so good at controlling the ball and making good decisions under pressure. They don't complicate the game they make it easier. The next time you see a "technical" player start looking for their end product. What is the actual result of their actions and how long did it take for that action to materialize. If you have to take 6-7 touches to make something happen, you're not that technical. In fact you're the opposite and inefficient with the ball. Technical players make the same thing happen in 3 touches or less and this is what you see when you turn on any high level league on the weekend.

You’re mixing intelligence with technical.

You can have a technical player who can make all the passes, control, dribbles, etc but will often make the wrong decision on the field which = intelligence

On the flip side you can have a player not blessed technically but is super intelligent and therefore makes the correct choice

Example = Alexi Lalas

You lost any credibility citing Alexi Lalas

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

A technical player is a master of the techniques of the game (first touch, passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling the ball all under pressure.) These type of players have a high speed of play. Many time you can see them waiting for other players. If you try to tackle them or press them the ball is off their foot before contact is made. They take a bad pass, make it good and are equally good with either foot. Coaches have to ask which is their dominant foot. They are sometimes faster with the ball at their feet vs without it.

The difference between a technical player and other types of players is the ability to play under pressure and in tight spots. Any player can see the field and pass with no pressure.

THIS. Very well said. The common misconception in our area is that a technical player is a player who is flashy with the ball. To the PPs point,it is so far from that. A technical player has the proper technique to execute a variety of skills with high success, with both feet, under pressure. Can your child collect a lofted ball one touch into controlled movement consistently with both feet? Can they chip accurately 15,20, 30 yards with both feet? Can they trap the ball consistently with both feet while checking to the ball under pressure? Do they open up their hips and collect the ball with the correct foot when receiving the ball? Can they make accurate passes consistently with both feet and over different distances? Can they dribble at speed with both feet? Can they find solutions to problems quickly without touching the ball (ie body feints and deception). Do they capture enough information off the ball to make good decisions? Like the other posters said, can they turn a crap ball into a good one consistently. Could go on and on. But notice how none of these technical skills are fancy moves. Technical players make the game simpler because they are so good at controlling the ball and making good decisions under pressure. They don't complicate the game they make it easier. The next time you see a "technical" player start looking for their end product. What is the actual result of their actions and how long did it take for that action to materialize. If you have to take 6-7 touches to make something happen, you're not that technical. In fact you're the opposite and inefficient with the ball. Technical players make the same thing happen in 3 touches or less and this is what you see when you turn on any high level league on the weekend.

You’re mixing intelligence with technical.

You can have a technical player who can make all the passes, control, dribbles, etc but will often make the wrong decision on the field which = intelligence

On the flip side you can have a player not blessed technically but is super intelligent and therefore makes the correct choice

Example = Alexi Lalas

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

A technical player is a master of the techniques of the game (first touch, passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling the ball all under pressure.) These type of players have a high speed of play. Many time you can see them waiting for other players. If you try to tackle them or press them the ball is off their foot before contact is made. They take a bad pass, make it good and are equally good with either foot. Coaches have to ask which is their dominant foot. They are sometimes faster with the ball at their feet vs without it.

The difference between a technical player and other types of players is the ability to play under pressure and in tight spots. Any player can see the field and pass with no pressure.

THIS. Very well said. The common misconception in our area is that a technical player is a player who is flashy with the ball. To the PPs point,it is so far from that. A technical player has the proper technique to execute a variety of skills with high success, with both feet, under pressure. Can your child collect a lofted ball one touch into controlled movement consistently with both feet? Can they chip accurately 15,20, 30 yards with both feet? Can they trap the ball consistently with both feet while checking to the ball under pressure? Do they open up their hips and collect the ball with the correct foot when receiving the ball? Can they make accurate passes consistently with both feet and over different distances? Can they dribble at speed with both feet? Can they find solutions to problems quickly without touching the ball (ie body feints and deception). Do they capture enough information off the ball to make good decisions? Like the other posters said, can they turn a crap ball into a good one consistently. Could go on and on. But notice how none of these technical skills are fancy moves. Technical players make the game simpler because they are so good at controlling the ball and making good decisions under pressure. They don't complicate the game they make it easier. The next time you see a "technical" player start looking for their end product. What is the actual result of their actions and how long did it take for that action to materialize. If you have to take 6-7 touches to make something happen, you're not that technical. In fact you're the opposite and inefficient with the ball. Technical players make the same thing happen in 3 touches or less and this is what you see when you turn on any high level league on the weekend.

Anonymous wrote:Really great discussion. My son is U11 and a winger that is slender and he wants to focus on 1 v 1 this winter.

We recently discovered Next Star and the group training and 1 v 1 work in the general group session was great.

We are looking to attend the 1v1 sessions that finish this month in December at SoFive in Rockville. They are Friday’s. Check out the schedule: https://www.nextstarsoccer.com/schedule

Depending on the timing of futsal games this winter, we will attend the Next Star attacking clinics on Sunday afternoons.

I have my son intentionally try to go up against the best defensive player on our team. Iron sharpens iron and the kid is quick and tough to break down.

Finally, I am working on assembling pickups in Upper NW DC for 2012-2014’s. Small sided games with travel level players who can just play freely. I feel that is missing but just like basketball courts are empty in DC, so are the fields for pure free play. Having the ability to have touches free from scrutiny and ridicule is important.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.

A technical player is a master of the techniques of the game (first touch, passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling the ball all under pressure.) These type of players have a high speed of play. Many time you can see them waiting for other players. If you try to tackle them or press them the ball is off their foot before contact is made. They take a bad pass, make it good and are equally good with either foot. Coaches have to ask which is their dominant foot. They are sometimes faster with the ball at their feet vs without it.

The difference between a technical player and other types of players is the ability to play under pressure and in tight spots. Any player can see the field and pass with no pressure.

Anonymous wrote:My kid is still pretty young, but so far it seems like the kids who are really good technically are not so great tactically and vice versa. It's so interesting to kids with these fancy moves but making terrible decisions under pressure. They're doing all these juggles before practice and while waiting for instructions, and trying to show off their moves during scrimmages. But they hold on to the ball too long and either lose possession or make straight up bad decisions when passing. My child is the other way around -- not the best technically, but they have a pretty good vision for the field, they don't hold on to the ball too long, and mostly make good decisions about when and where to pass and when to shoot. They get a lot more playing time than the teammates with the fancy footwork. Not sure if that's coach specific or how it would be elsewhere too.