I didn't bash anyone. If blame is to be assigned, it should be with the coaches who are not providing the appropriate feedback and correcting this problem. And I'm not talking pace of play or ability to compete. I'm talking basic skills, like being able to receive a ball. Why do we set the standard at a lower level for girls? Almost every DA boy can receive the ball with some reasonable first touch. Many can control a ball sent to them in the air. Why then is that not a similar expectation of girls playing at the same level? They are just as capable. But no one is challenging them that this is a gap they have and must correct.

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Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Yes maybe more finishing or striker clinics for kids who do not have the basic ball skills will solve everything.

No one thinks or says that, but the ability to finish and basic ball handling skills should really be something any DA or ECNL player can do. It's not, particularly on the girls' side where physicality is widely preferred and under-officiated by refs (meaning I think they let games get out of control). I am amazed out how few girls have the ability to control and aerial ball. It's sad really.

LOL. I'd have loved to have seen some of you playing Gods and Goddesses at 13-17, or ever for many of you. Takes a lot of courage as an adult to knock a bunch of kids anonymously behind a keyboard.

Don't be so defensive. If it were rec ball, then I'm just happy if everyone is having fun and seeing the field. But at the highest levels, it is not wrong to expect technical skill. Would you put in a kid in AP Calculus who can't do basic math?

It’s not defensive, just honest. The kids in those leagues, when compared with kids outside those leagues, do have a lot more of that skill, but no one is perfect, especially under pressure against others with a lot of talent. The analogy would be to put you, for example, in all your HS glory (assuming you played) of controlling the ball and finishing, against pro players. You wouldn’t look as hot as you do on the HS field, where the pace of play and pressure is an order of magnitude lower. This is why you see the phenomenon of former star players in lower leagues often times struggling in DA/ECNL, in the same ways you describe. It can take awhile to adjust to the tempo, and some never do. For you to bash kids trying to do that serves no good purpose to anyone.

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Yes maybe more finishing or striker clinics for kids who do not have the basic ball skills will solve everything.

No one thinks or says that, but the ability to finish and basic ball handling skills should really be something any DA or ECNL player can do. It's not, particularly on the girls' side where physicality is widely preferred and under-officiated by refs (meaning I think they let games get out of control). I am amazed out how few girls have the ability to control and aerial ball. It's sad really.

LOL. I'd have loved to have seen some of you playing Gods and Goddesses at 13-17, or ever for many of you. Takes a lot of courage as an adult to knock a bunch of kids anonymously behind a keyboard.

Don't be so defensive. If it were rec ball, then I'm just happy if everyone is having fun and seeing the field. But at the highest levels, it is not wrong to expect technical skill. Would you put in a kid in AP Calculus who can't do basic math?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Yes maybe more finishing or striker clinics for kids who do not have the basic ball skills will solve everything.

No one thinks or says that, but the ability to finish and basic ball handling skills should really be something any DA or ECNL player can do. It's not, particularly on the girls' side where physicality is widely preferred and under-officiated by refs (meaning I think they let games get out of control). I am amazed out how few girls have the ability to control and aerial ball. It's sad really.

LOL. I'd have loved to have seen some of you playing Gods and Goddesses at 13-17, or ever for many of you. Takes a lot of courage as an adult to knock a bunch of kids anonymously behind a keyboard.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Yes maybe more finishing or striker clinics for kids who do not have the basic ball skills will solve everything.

No one thinks or says that, but the ability to finish and basic ball handling skills should really be something any DA or ECNL player can do. It's not, particularly on the girls' side where physicality is widely preferred and under-officiated by refs (meaning I think they let games get out of control). I am amazed out how few girls have the ability to control and aerial ball. It's sad really.

+1 (especially after witnessing an ECNL team play recently)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Yes maybe more finishing or striker clinics for kids who do not have the basic ball skills will solve everything.

No one thinks or says that, but the ability to finish and basic ball handling skills should really be something any DA or ECNL player can do. It's not, particularly on the girls' side where physicality is widely preferred and under-officiated by refs (meaning I think they let games get out of control). I am amazed out how few girls have the ability to control and aerial ball. It's sad really.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Yes maybe more finishing or striker clinics for kids who do not have the basic ball skills will solve everything.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Yet sadly - not so much. Finishing is a joke, and ball handling is just sad to watch.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

But every club claims to have superior development? With the amount of BS and marketing coming from the local clubs about how they all play the right way, you would think at least basic of footskills would be addressed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Completely agree with this. There is a severe lack of technical skill education in this area - even for "elite" teams.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.

On the girls side its not really speed of play. You would be surprised by the lack of technical skills of some of the players at u13/u14 ECNL/DA level in this area. It just takes a few players to slow the speed of play down. Many times there are more then a few payers who lack the skills needed to not break play. It’s more the aggression and physicality that is tough to find in the next level down.

Anonymous wrote:If your DD is borderline on talent she should be fine. DA/ECNL is so diluted that anyone can join as long as you can pay for it dont let these posters tell you different. Every team ECNL/DA does horrible in the national showcases.

Younger ages I agree, she should be fine since 12 is still a development-heavy age. If she's borderline talent beyond U14/15 - she will be a bench warmer. DA/ECNL are highly competitive leagues (don't believe any of the posts that say otherwise).

Anonymous wrote:The point is that OP should focus on finding a coach and environment where DD can develop the sills and knowledge to then get to a club where DD can practice and play with players that will drive her to play quicker. No need to waste time and money in ECNL/DA if you don't get that level of training.

Uh huh. Yes, because ECNL/DA don’t have those environments but that one MSI classic coach does....

Please, stop the variations on this ridiculousness already. Sorry your DS or DD couldn’t make one of the rosters, but those environments give you exactly what was stated as helping development the most.

The point is that OP should focus on finding a coach and environment where DD can develop the sills and knowledge to then get to a club where DD can practice and play with players that will drive her to play quicker. No need to waste time and money in ECNL/DA if you don't get that level of training.

Anonymous wrote:Is the speed of play the ability to read a game situation and appropriately apply the necessary skills to execute a play? If it is, then skills training and the right coaching is more important at u12 than playing at the most competitive level. I know plenty of girls that have played for non-ECNL/DA teams at U13 and U14 and developed into exceptional players who went on to ECNL/DA at U15 where they displace girls who would have been better served playing for a team that focused on developing players. ECNL/DA is the place you go once you have the skills and knowledge.

The problem is that you don't experience the same speed of play in practice. It is most apparent in game situations. This is not to say that players can't get there by another route, but the better the competition in practice and in games, the more challenged players will be. Why do you think people complain about dilution? It's because they think their DD's would develop better playing against the best.