Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Because Clubs are TOO BIG with not enough practice fields for the players they take $$$ from---you get screwed up times.

When my kid is going through puberty and main growth years (middle school years)--sleep is of high importance. Stupid f*cking soccer isn't so important the kids miss out on 4 hours of sleep a few times a week.

Maybe you are all disillusioned your kids are the next Messi.

In fact, academies elsewhere in the World take into account sleep and nutrition as an integral part of player training/development. It's only here where we don't care about the kids that we make stupid decisions.

Anonymous wrote:Why do most Clubs not take in the body of a player's work over the course of an entire year????

It seems time and time again evaluations are based on a few hours of tryouts---even when current coach and former age group coach give strong recommendations for movement up.

If a kid is a playmaker all year, plays the entire game and responsible for 95% assists on goal and no other Coach, but game coach has ever seen him/her play in a GAME SITUATION---why is this given no weight?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

HOLD UP! What are you going to do next Fall? Are you going to walk your kid to the bus stop in his pajamas? Make sure one of his seat partners wakes him up when he arrives at the school. Come on now. As kids get older things change. It's part of life and growing up. When you got your first job did you tell your first job that you couldn't start until 11:00 because in college you were used to sleeping in until 10:00. Later practice time allows him to complete homework, less traffic, allow kid to distress before going to practice instead of running from one place to the other while in traffic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

1. 11v11 does not start until U13
2. Generally clubs schedule older kids for later practices, and by older I mean high school age kids.

Jesus the stupid shit folks worry about.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Really helpful, thanks. My kid is rising U11 and his joy in the game is currently rooted in his speed and in shooting. He hasn't really encountered the need for great technical skills yet since he's fast (and not super analytical...) but I suspect this will change next year when he's on a more competitive team. I'd love advice on how to get him more focused on technical skills this summer in a way that keeps things fun. Or is it better to let this develop naturally?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Later practice times for an 11-year old/U13 next Fall---who has to be at the bus stop by 6:50am next year is our main concern.

Getting home at 9:30pm is late for an 11-year old. Kid usually sleeps 8:45pm-7:15am.

I could care less about the 11v11. I do care about the late school night---won't be in bed until after 10pm.

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

People will ALWAYS continue to cry about this when their kid is the one not making it. Everyone is on the same boat. OMG the change to 11v11 is so detrimental to his understanding of the game. Oh please, he can either play or not, the kid will adjust and learn the different spacing. Oh he is not getting enough touches. Touches and learning is done in and outside of practice. Games is where you go out and display what you have learned. SO MANY EXCUSES.

By the time my kids were done with U12, the 9v9 games were a joke. It was like watching a tennis ball going back and forth. At the end of U12, they NEED to move to 11v11.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

People will ALWAYS continue to cry about this when their kid is the one not making it. Everyone is on the same boat. OMG the change to 11v11 is so detrimental to his understanding of the game. Oh please, he can either play or not, the kid will adjust and learn the different spacing. Oh he is not getting enough touches. Touches and learning is done in and outside of practice. Games is where you go out and display what you have learned. SO MANY EXCUSES.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.

It's a birth year - who cares whether it's called U12 or U13? Nobody lost anything - they went from playing with kids their own age with a July 31 cut off to kids their own age with a December 31 cutoff. The old way, the player with the 8/1 birthdate was the winner, now it's the player with the 1/1 birthdate. It was 11v11 at U13 before, it's 11v11 at U13 now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coming to this discussion late, but some thoughts from a U18 parent. Coaching and teams are very important early on, but the best thing you can do for your young player is get him/her individual technical training. 1 - 2 times per week. I did this not knowing how important it would be, and I am so happy I did it. By HS age in club, technical skills are what distinguishes great players. At U9 - U12, its pure athleticism. You could give the A team a basketball or a tennis racket, and they would win. From about U13 onward, its all technical skills.

I see thing with one of my kids - not the fastest on the field, but his technical skills are superior to most. Definitely not a college player, but he'll always have a place on a club team/HS team just because his technical skills are so good.

Because of the birth year change, I found that U13 this tryout season was still athleticism trumping good technique. [b]Many of the kids are still only 11-years old now at tryouts--and most of the Fall.[/b]

There were kids out there with truly amazing technical skill and touch that were passed over by the kids that run around like maniacs, but not really accomplishing much.

I still think there are many coaches that mistake activity for efficiency. They miss nuance. There are a lot of kids that still can't keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling or even control a ball when a hard pass or air ball comes at them, that get moved ahead. While the kid with the perfect one-touch passes right to a teammate's foot and controlled bursts is neglected.

I watch the field movements at tryouts and I am amazed every time. This is why I think Club is not the best route for a lot of kids that would benefit more from smaller groups and more personal attention.

This problem has been around forever - pre or post age group change. If you are in the last 3 mos of the age group, you are at a disadvantage. There's no change that will ever change that.

Nobody lost an entire developmental year prior....u13 is now a younger group period. There weren't 11-year olds playing U13 prior to birth year change.

11-year olds have different needs than 12/13.

it's a jump up to 11v11 sooner than in the past. it's also focusing less on the teachings needed for 9-12 year olds.