Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interesting discussion. DD is U16, moving to U17, playing ECNL.

She's consistently been playing along the back line or in a defensive midfield role since about U13 or U14.

She can play anywhere in the back and feels most comfortable there, but has stepped in at center defensive mid as well. I think she even played up top once this year, but that was the 2nd half of a lopsided game in her teams favor.

Like others have said certain traits fit certain positions. She always was big/tall for her age so the coach kinda gravitating to having her play there. She's now 5-foot-10, so that thought process seemed to work out ok.

I would say, don't get pigeon-holed into one position. Try many and you'll end up where you should be.

Physical traits are one of factors for sure. Coaches will also see their individual skills and place them where they think they can best contribute.

Being rotated through various positions is a good thing for the development of your DC.

Yeah - PP here. Didn't mean just physical traits. They will look at skills, decision making, etc and if they are worth their salt, will make a good decision on what positions players should play. She ended up there initially because of the combo of her size at her age and her decision making. That has only improved as she has gotten older.

Anonymous wrote:Interesting discussion. DD is U16, moving to U17, playing ECNL.

She's consistently been playing along the back line or in a defensive midfield role since about U13 or U14.

She can play anywhere in the back and feels most comfortable there, but has stepped in at center defensive mid as well. I think she even played up top once this year, but that was the 2nd half of a lopsided game in her teams favor.

Like others have said certain traits fit certain positions. She always was big/tall for her age so the coach kinda gravitating to having her play there. She's now 5-foot-10, so that thought process seemed to work out ok.

I would say, don't get pigeon-holed into one position. Try many and you'll end up where you should be.

Physical traits are one of factors for sure. Coaches will also see their individual skills and place them where they think they can best contribute.

Being rotated through various positions is a good thing for the development of your DC.

Interesting discussion. DD is U16, moving to U17, playing ECNL.

She's consistently been playing along the back line or in a defensive midfield role since about U13 or U14.

She can play anywhere in the back and feels most comfortable there, but has stepped in at center defensive mid as well. I think she even played up top once this year, but that was the 2nd half of a lopsided game in her teams favor.

Like others have said certain traits fit certain positions. She always was big/tall for her age so the coach kinda gravitating to having her play there. She's now 5-foot-10, so that thought process seemed to work out ok.

I would say, don't get pigeon-holed into one position. Try many and you'll end up where you should be.

Anonymous wrote:Center backs are usually one of the best (or the best) player on the team. Also one the tallest players. The problem is I’ve seen the same players get stuck at center backs so that the team’s defense doesn’t fall apart, meanwhile the other kids get rotated around. It is beneficial for the center back to become very specialized and proficient. But the other kids get more development holistically in soccer.

Not sure I agree with the first sentence here but in general at early ages you should try to play as many positions as possible this helps you learn the game and skills needed to play at a higher level. Once you get close to 16 you will have a certain skillset that makes you more prone to be successful at certain positions (can be physical qualities as well ie: I dont want my centerback to be 5'2 or he/she will be a liability on set pieces and arial balls) same way that you dont usually see a 6'1 center mid, they generally dont have quick enough feet or ball mastery to play in tight spaces. Each position has its own nuances, and if your on a higher level team by the age of 16 its highly unlikely that your truly skilled enough to play all positions. Coaches move players around to maximize the team output, which may mean you dont play the position your truly best at, but the position you help the team most at. Thats where as a parent you need to evaluate, is this the best place for my kid to develop to reach his/her goals ......not an easy journey.

Center backs are usually one of the best (or the best) player on the team. Also one the tallest players. The problem is I’ve seen the same players get stuck at center backs so that the team’s defense doesn’t fall apart, meanwhile the other kids get rotated around. It is beneficial for the center back to become very specialized and proficient. But the other kids get more development holistically in soccer.