Some advice needed

First, I apologize if this topic/question has been covered already. My son has only been involved in the academy/select community since around July of this year moving from the rec leagues. I did some research when deciding to take him to academy and settled on a large, north Dallas club. He performed well enough that he was invited to play with them and so far has performed very well. Our only concern now, shared by my son, is the insistence on the coaches/club to focus on passing/winning method over technical/creative method. I know the creative and technical teams/coaches exist however where are they found and with what clubs? We drive a long distance from south of Dallas so I guess we are not in the know when it comes to this information. Any and all information is greatly appreciated, thanks.

hunden97 wrote:First, I apologize if this topic/question has been covered already. My son has only been involved in the academy/select community since around July of this year moving from the rec leagues. I did some research when deciding to take him to academy and settled on a large, north Dallas club. He performed well enough that he was invited to play with them and so far has performed very well. Our only concern now, shared by my son, is the insistence on the coaches/club to focus on passing/winning method over technical/creative method. I know the creative and technical teams/coaches exist however where are they found and with what clubs? We drive a long distance from south of Dallas so I guess we are not in the know when it comes to this information. Any and all information is greatly appreciated, thanks.

That is true about many coaches/clubs, they teach the passing/winning concept. Now this is very important and works most of the time but at the same time are they promoting creativity? That's what makes Soccer so exciting. I have been at practices or games where a player tries someting creative and the coach totally shoots the player down for attemting it. Why? You have to allow the player some creativity. I know of coaches one in particular in the South where this is promoted and his team is one of the top in their age bracket. There are several coaches/teams in the Soutern part of DFW who are very good. Going North isn't always the best option. If you're looking for a team down South with what you're looking for I would try DT South.

[quote="soccerkix"]

hunden97 wrote:That is true about many coaches/clubs, they teach the passing/winning concept. Now this is very important and works most of the time but at the same time are they promoting creativity? That's what makes Soccer so exciting. I have been at practices or games where a player tries someting creative and the coach totally shoots the player down for attemting it. Why? You have to allow the player some creativity. I know of coaches one in particular in the South where this is promoted and his team is one of the top in their age bracket. There are several coaches/teams in the Soutern part of DFW who are very good. Going North isn't always the best option. If you're looking for a team down South with what you're looking for I would try DT South.

I would echo the recommendation of DT South

soccerkix wrote:

hunden97 wrote:First, I apologize if this topic/question has been covered already. My son has only been involved in the academy/select community since around July of this year moving from the rec leagues. I did some research when deciding to take him to academy and settled on a large, north Dallas club. He performed well enough that he was invited to play with them and so far has performed very well. Our only concern now, shared by my son, is the insistence on the coaches/club to focus on passing/winning method over technical/creative method. I know the creative and technical teams/coaches exist however where are they found and with what clubs? We drive a long distance from south of Dallas so I guess we are not in the know when it comes to this information. Any and all information is greatly appreciated, thanks.

That is true about many coaches/clubs, they teach the passing/winning concept. Now this is very important and works most of the time but at the same time are they promoting creativity? That's what makes Soccer so exciting. I have been at practices or games where a player tries someting creative and the coach totally shoots the player down for attemting it. Why? You have to allow the player some creativity. I know of coaches one in particular in the South where this is promoted and his team is one of the top in their age bracket. There are several coaches/teams in the Soutern part of DFW who are very good. Going North isn't always the best option. If you're looking for a team down South with what you're looking for I would try DT South.

I'd agree with soccerkix. You might even consider having your boy play on a team that will play D2 or Plano Premier next year - but has a very good skills coach. That way his creativity isn't discouraged because the coach is so worried about winning or losing. Too many of the D1 aspiring coaches at U11-U13 sacrifice development of 90% of their players in order to get wins. They will let their superstar player(s) be as creative as they want, but if your child is not one of the studs on his team, he will most likely get reprimanded for trying the exact same thing that the coach allows his star player(s) to do.

I really don't think having your boy play in a D1 team matters much until the kids are 13-14 years old. What matters most is being on a team with a good coach who can teach nice fundamental skills who also promotes creativity. Once your boy becomes a teenager, he'll decide then whether he wants to put in hours a day to become a star player or not, until then you just need to make sure who he is playing for is giving him good instruction, teaching him sound fundamentals in his skills, and encouraging him to be creative. Just my opinion.

And I agree with both these two posters.....

My 97 bb played Arlington from u-11 to u13..... His coach was not to overly concerned with the wins or losses. His focus was more on player development. Had he been on a higher division team, he might not have gotten the individual attention her received. These guys are right, classic league coaches' are under a tremendous amount of pressure to win games at all cost. Leaving the (not ready for prime time) players on the bench....

BB was definitely not ready for prime time back then. This year bb tried out for two d2 teams and made both of them, giving him an option as to where he wanted to play.... Both coaches picked him because they liked his technique and tactics.... Along with the fact that he is a lefty that has been taught to play with his right as well.....

Good Luck, and Texans south does have what you are looking for....

Thanks for the recommendations. R1, can you give me some examples of good skills coaches? Distance is not an issue if the coach is reputable and knowledgeable. I like the idea of playing my son on a D2 team to allow him maintain his style of play as well. He is already being told not to dribble in practices and he is not too happy about it. Thanks again.

Hunden . You have steped over a threshhold . Where your bb may have been the stud of his rec team . Once you enter the relm of academy all of the kids were the studs on their rec teams . Your bb will have to learn to fit in, in this environment. promote individual play by playing small sided 3v3 type games , on the side. Passing and ball movement is not always a bad thing . Just look at it as a developement. Ball hogs at u-14 get double/triple teamed and stuffed. This may lead to your bb shuting down cuzz he can't figure out whats wrong.

Hunden don't let Plantit fool you, or downgrade you son's abilities. Plantit is one of those SKILL HATERS.
I have seen kids enter into Academy and classic league and still be able to dribble at will. Even in classic 1. But they were the kids that had parents that had to fight to keep them dribbling while they were young(5-12) or the kids that played lots of soccer in a free to dribble environment. Passing and ball movement isnt a bad thing just its not the only thing or even the main thing at early ages. My kids like many have practice 3 times a week. Their practice schedule is two technical practices and one tactical practice. Its all about having a balanced training, so if "everyone" agrees that technique is more important than tactics at early ages, then their practice schedule should reflect that. I'll bet that a team that Practices Real technique for 1 hour then scrimmages for 30 minutes twice a week, and practices tactics once a week, will beat the team that focuses on tactics 3 times a week. And the kids Truely Develope much faster. The point is that technique/skills is the key to a successful soccer player. Most great skillful players are great passers, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zidane, etc.. Most of the posters on this thread are trying to lead you into the right direction. I have to advise you that i DT south has many Latino players that usually learn their skills/technique outside of practice. In that "Free Dribble environment". If your kid isnt getting that environment outside of practice you may need to go to a team that focuses on that in practice. What age is your kid?

AND! wrote:Hunden don't let Plantit fool you, or downgrade you son's abilities. Plantit is one of those SKILL HATERS.
I have seen kids enter into Academy and classic league and still be able to dribble at will. Even in classic 1. But they were the kids that had parents that had to fight to keep them dribbling while they were young(5-12) or the kids that played lots of soccer in a free to dribble environment. Passing and ball movement isnt a bad thing just its not the only thing or even the main thing at early ages. My kids like many have practice 3 times a week. Their practice schedule is two technical practices and one tactical practice. Its all about having a balanced training, so if "everyone" agrees that technique is more important than tactics at early ages, then their practice schedule should reflect that. I'll bet that a team that Practices Real technique for 1 hour then scrimmages for 30 minutes twice a week, and practices tactics once a week, will beat the team that focuses on tactics 3 times a week. And the kids Truely Develope much faster. The point is that technique/skills is the key to a successful soccer player. Most great skillful players are great passers, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zidane, etc.. Most of the posters on this thread are trying to lead you into the right direction. I have to advise you that i DT south has many Latino players that usually learn their skills/technique outside of practice. In that "Free Dribble environment". If your kid isnt getting that environment outside of practice you may need to go to a team that focuses on that in practice. What age is your kid?

You have no IDEA how wrong you could be. Several on here know my BB's and know they are not gifted with Physical presence, nor speed. I love skill. But you are trying to inform a parent that is making the transition from rec to a competitive environment. Dribble at will? Yea until they lose the ball and wonder what the hell just happened. I have seen several talented players mature through the system and it breaks down to efficiency,fundementals , and decision making. Want over dribbling attend an ODP practice. Trust me, in this environment if you want your kids to touch the ball ( ALOT ) . Go play some 3v3 leagues . No pressure, no coach. " and " whatever ??? ask him where his kids dribble around traffic cones. D-1 doubt it! Put ur kid with a coach he loves , with kids of similar skill, sit back and enjoy the ride .

Gotta love 1st time poster who have all the answers. If you have some CRED, have some balls and don't create a new screen name .

AND i'm a Vargina

hunden97 wrote:Thanks for the recommendations. R1, can you give me some examples of good skills coaches? Distance is not an issue if the coach is reputable and knowledgeable. I like the idea of playing my son on a D2 team to allow him maintain his style of play as well. He is already being told not to dribble in practices and he is not too happy about it. Thanks again.

Play him with eqally talented players, with a coach he responds to. His style may be dominating at a certain level. step the level up and see how he responds. Ur son may not be a d-2 player . He may be able to do what he wants . Challenge vs pacify him.

plantit wrote:

AND! wrote:Hunden don't let Plantit fool you, or downgrade you son's abilities. Plantit is one of those SKILL HATERS.
I have seen kids enter into Academy and classic league and still be able to dribble at will. Even in classic 1. But they were the kids that had parents that had to fight to keep them dribbling while they were young(5-12) or the kids that played lots of soccer in a free to dribble environment. Passing and ball movement isnt a bad thing just its not the only thing or even the main thing at early ages. My kids like many have practice 3 times a week. Their practice schedule is two technical practices and one tactical practice. Its all about having a balanced training, so if "everyone" agrees that technique is more important than tactics at early ages, then their practice schedule should reflect that. I'll bet that a team that Practices Real technique for 1 hour then scrimmages for 30 minutes twice a week, and practices tactics once a week, will beat the team that focuses on tactics 3 times a week. And the kids Truely Develope much faster. The point is that technique/skills is the key to a successful soccer player. Most great skillful players are great passers, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zidane, etc.. Most of the posters on this thread are trying to lead you into the right direction. I have to advise you that i DT south has many Latino players that usually learn their skills/technique outside of practice. In that "Free Dribble environment". If your kid isnt getting that environment outside of practice you may need to go to a team that focuses on that in practice. What age is your kid?

You have no IDEA how wrong you could be. Several on here know my BB's and know they are not gifted with Physical presents nor speed. I love skill. But you are trying to inform a parent that is making the transition from rec to a competitive environment. Dribble at will? Yea until they lose the ball and wonder what the hell just happened. I have seen several talented players mature through the system and it breaks down to efficiency,fundementals , and decision making. Want over dribbling attend an ODP practice. Trust me in this environment if you want you kids to touch the ball alot . Go play some 3v3 leagues . No pressure no coach. " and " whatever ??? ask him where his kids dribble around traffic cones. D-1 doubt it! Put ur kid with a coach he loves , with kids of similar skill, sit back and enjoy the ride .

These guys are both a little right, and wrong - you see, passing is a skill, shooting is a skill, dribbling is a skill - all need to be worked on at this age. Kids can be creative passing or dribbling or shooting even. The problem is when you have a coach who restricts any one of those things to the detriment of your child's development. All these skills should be encouraged and developed as fully as possible to the exclusion of none.

Here is an example of what I see as a problem with the coaches around here - I honestly have not seen a coach here in N. Texas teach proper shooting technique during a practice - and I've taken my boys to many different skills sessions, camps, and practices with many different "top club" teams. Its a mystery to me why they don't teach "how" to shoot the ball. Shooting is not a skill that is taught by anyone that I've seen. (I'm not talking about shooting with the laces, they all say that - but that's only a part of it, there is much more to it - it would be like a batting coach in baseball saying "hit it with the fat part of the bat" and not teaching anything about the batter's stance, turning the hips, or the follow through, etc.). Now, that being said - I do see many of the latino players with proper shooting technique, so I know they must be getting taught by someone.

Shooting is as important a skill as passing or dribbling. Scoring more than your opponent is how you win a game. Not to say that I don't see coaches having shooting practices, but what I haven't seen is a single coach taking the time to break down a player's shooting technique simply and effectively down to the fundamentals - the approach, strike and follow-through of a good shot.

So find a coach that has a comprehensive set of skills he teaches - including dribbling, passing, and shooting. Avoid the long-ball, kick and chase coaches.

plantit wrote:

AND! wrote:Hunden don't let Plantit fool you, or downgrade you son's abilities. Plantit is one of those SKILL HATERS.
I have seen kids enter into Academy and classic league and still be able to dribble at will. Even in classic 1. But they were the kids that had parents that had to fight to keep them dribbling while they were young(5-12) or the kids that played lots of soccer in a free to dribble environment. Passing and ball movement isnt a bad thing just its not the only thing or even the main thing at early ages. My kids like many have practice 3 times a week. Their practice schedule is two technical practices and one tactical practice. Its all about having a balanced training, so if "everyone" agrees that technique is more important than tactics at early ages, then their practice schedule should reflect that. I'll bet that a team that Practices Real technique for 1 hour then scrimmages for 30 minutes twice a week, and practices tactics once a week, will beat the team that focuses on tactics 3 times a week. And the kids Truely Develope much faster. The point is that technique/skills is the key to a successful soccer player. Most great skillful players are great passers, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zidane, etc.. Most of the posters on this thread are trying to lead you into the right direction. I have to advise you that i DT south has many Latino players that usually learn their skills/technique outside of practice. In that "Free Dribble environment". If your kid isnt getting that environment outside of practice you may need to go to a team that focuses on that in practice. What age is your kid?

You have no IDEA how wrong you could be. Several on here know my BB's and know they are not gifted with Physical presents nor speed. I love skill. But you are trying to inform a parent that is making the transition from rec to a competitive environment. Dribble at will? Yea until they lose the ball and wonder what the hell just happened. I have seen several talented players mature through the system and it breaks down to efficiency,fundementals , and decision making. Want over dribbling attend an ODP practice. Trust me in this environment if you want you kids to touch the ball alot . Go play some 3v3 leagues . No pressure no coach. " and " whatever ??? ask him where his kids dribble around traffic cones. D-1 doubt it! Put ur kid with a coach he loves , with kids of similar skill, sit back and enjoy the ride .

Yes dribble at will. Which means you should pick and choose when and where to dribble and not be afraid to make those decisions. Not robatic about your ways. Your statement "wonder what the hell just happened" tells your whole story. Kids shouldn't be afraid to make decisions on the pitch. They shouldn't have egnorant people that would say something like that because their decision wasnt the right one, or they lost the ball. Kids will sometimes dribble when they need to pass and pass when they need to dribble, they will learn if they are allowed to. My Kids played academy and classic and dribbled at will and still do. And ODP. Remember what Dribble at will means. Overdribbling is a relative to who is coaching, or watching. Some say Ronaldinho over dribbles some say he should take people on more. Most say Brazil would have been better off with him on the field, over or under dribble or not. Never said anything about overdribbling, just dribbling at will.
Look at the US national teams. Why with all the sucess that N texas has there are no strikers from N. texas on any of the national teams from age 14 thru 18. There are a few from some areas that are not close to being as competitive as N. texas but they are still able to put out twice as many national team strikers as NT. And almost all of the players from N.texas that did make the national teams are Latino americans. Why....skills/technical abilities and not the bull you are trying to sell "efficiency,fundementals , and decision making" which are great for the people that dont have skills. You are so much a Skill Hater that you didnt even realize that you left out Skills. Not the fundemental skills either. LOL Can you tell me why the Number one Club in the US, the Dallas Texans, do not have any national team players in U14- u17 ages. Just curious.

AND! wrote:

plantit wrote:

AND! wrote:Hunden don't let Plantit fool you, or downgrade you son's abilities. Plantit is one of those SKILL HATERS.
I have seen kids enter into Academy and classic league and still be able to dribble at will. Even in classic 1. But they were the kids that had parents that had to fight to keep them dribbling while they were young(5-12) or the kids that played lots of soccer in a free to dribble environment. Passing and ball movement isnt a bad thing just its not the only thing or even the main thing at early ages. My kids like many have practice 3 times a week. Their practice schedule is two technical practices and one tactical practice. Its all about having a balanced training, so if "everyone" agrees that technique is more important than tactics at early ages, then their practice schedule should reflect that. I'll bet that a team that Practices Real technique for 1 hour then scrimmages for 30 minutes twice a week, and practices tactics once a week, will beat the team that focuses on tactics 3 times a week. And the kids Truely Develope much faster. The point is that technique/skills is the key to a successful soccer player. Most great skillful players are great passers, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zidane, etc.. Most of the posters on this thread are trying to lead you into the right direction. I have to advise you that i DT south has many Latino players that usually learn their skills/technique outside of practice. In that "Free Dribble environment". If your kid isnt getting that environment outside of practice you may need to go to a team that focuses on that in practice. What age is your kid?

You have no IDEA how wrong you could be. Several on here know my BB's and know they are not gifted with Physical presents nor speed. I love skill. But you are trying to inform a parent that is making the transition from rec to a competitive environment. Dribble at will? Yea until they lose the ball and wonder what the hell just happened. I have seen several talented players mature through the system and it breaks down to efficiency,fundementals , and decision making. Want over dribbling attend an ODP practice. Trust me in this environment if you want you kids to touch the ball alot . Go play some 3v3 leagues . No pressure no coach. " and " whatever ??? ask him where his kids dribble around traffic cones. D-1 doubt it! Put ur kid with a coach he loves , with kids of similar skill, sit back and enjoy the ride .

Yes dribble at will. Which means you should pick and choose when and where to dribble and not be afraid to make those decisions. Not robatic about your ways. Your statement "wonder what the hell just happened" tells your whole story. Kids shouldn't be afraid to make decisions on the pitch. They shouldn't have egnorant people that would say something like that because their decision wasnt the right one, or they lost the ball. Kids will sometimes dribble when they need to pass and pass when they need to dribble, they will learn if they are allowed to. My Kids played academy and classic and dribbled at will and still do. And ODP. Remember what Dribble at will means. Overdribbling is a relative to who is coaching, or watching. Some say Ronaldinho over dribbles some say he should take people on more. Most say Brazil would have been better off with him on the field, over or under dribble or not. Never said anything about overdribbling, just dribbling at will.
Look at the US national teams. Why with all the sucess that N texas has there are no strikers from N. texas on any of the national teams from age 14 thru 18. There are a few from some areas that are not close to being as competitive as N. texas but they are still able to put out twice as many national team strikers as NT. And almost all of the players from N.texas that did make the national teams are Latino americans. Why....skills/technical abilities and not the bull you are trying to sell "efficiency,fundementals , and decision making" which are great for the people that dont have skills. You are so much a Skill Hater that you didnt even realize that you left out Skills. Not the fundemental skills either. LOL Can you tell me why the Number one Club in the US, the Dallas Texans, do not have any national team players in U14- u17 ages. Just curious.

Ur correct on 2 points . I will never say the Texans produce dynamic players. They produce physical players. One will find a nitch every once in a while I.E Clint . The other part regarding strikers is relevent, strikers are 1 in a million. Even on the top teams several of the goals are scored by other players. A great striker is very difficult to find. It doesn't mean if you dribble ur ass off your going to be a great striker. Dribbling at will implies decision making, you cannot have one without the other. The player does'nt dribble for the sake of dribbling, it must have a purpose. It's funny how you tag me as a skill hater , when most of my bb's style are predicated on skill . There is just a point where over dribbling can make the player look stupid. I. E does he not have any vision to see that the player 10 frekin yards away was not " WIDE OPEN ".

R1 wrote:

plantit wrote:

AND! wrote:Hunden don't let Plantit fool you, or downgrade you son's abilities. Plantit is one of those SKILL HATERS.
I have seen kids enter into Academy and classic league and still be able to dribble at will. Even in classic 1. But they were the kids that had parents that had to fight to keep them dribbling while they were young(5-12) or the kids that played lots of soccer in a free to dribble environment. Passing and ball movement isnt a bad thing just its not the only thing or even the main thing at early ages. My kids like many have practice 3 times a week. Their practice schedule is two technical practices and one tactical practice. Its all about having a balanced training, so if "everyone" agrees that technique is more important than tactics at early ages, then their practice schedule should reflect that. I'll bet that a team that Practices Real technique for 1 hour then scrimmages for 30 minutes twice a week, and practices tactics once a week, will beat the team that focuses on tactics 3 times a week. And the kids Truely Develope much faster. The point is that technique/skills is the key to a successful soccer player. Most great skillful players are great passers, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zidane, etc.. Most of the posters on this thread are trying to lead you into the right direction. I have to advise you that i DT south has many Latino players that usually learn their skills/technique outside of practice. In that "Free Dribble environment". If your kid isnt getting that environment outside of practice you may need to go to a team that focuses on that in practice. What age is your kid?

You have no IDEA how wrong you could be. Several on here know my BB's and know they are not gifted with Physical presents nor speed. I love skill. But you are trying to inform a parent that is making the transition from rec to a competitive environment. Dribble at will? Yea until they lose the ball and wonder what the hell just happened. I have seen several talented players mature through the system and it breaks down to efficiency,fundementals , and decision making. Want over dribbling attend an ODP practice. Trust me in this environment if you want you kids to touch the ball alot . Go play some 3v3 leagues . No pressure no coach. " and " whatever ??? ask him where his kids dribble around traffic cones. D-1 doubt it! Put ur kid with a coach he loves , with kids of similar skill, sit back and enjoy the ride .

These guys are both a little right, and wrong - you see, passing is a skill, shooting is a skill, dribbling is a skill - all need to be worked on at this age. Kids can be creative passing or dribbling or shooting even. The problem is when you have a coach who restricts any one of those things to the detriment of your child's development. All these skills should be encouraged and developed as fully as possible to the exclusion of none.

Here is an example of what I see as a problem with the coaches around here - I honestly have not seen a coach here in N. Texas teach proper shooting technique during a practice - and I've taken my boys to many different skills sessions, camps, and practices with many different "top club" teams. Its a mystery to me why they don't teach "how" to shoot the ball. Shooting is not a skill that is taught by anyone that I've seen. (I'm not talking about shooting with the laces, they all say that - but that's only a part of it, there is much more to it - it would be like a batting coach in baseball saying "hit it with the fat part of the bat" and not teaching anything about the batter's stance, turning the hips, or the follow through, etc.). Now, that being said - I do see many of the latino players with proper shooting technique, so I know they must be getting taught by someone.

Shooting is as important a skill as passing or dribbling. Scoring more than your opponent is how you win a game. Not to say that I don't see coaches having shooting practices, but what I haven't seen is a single coach taking the time to break down a player's shooting technique simply and effectively down to the fundamentals - the approach, strike and follow-through of a good shot.

So find a coach that has a comprehensive set of skills he teaches - including dribbling, passing, and shooting. Avoid the long-ball, kick and chase coaches.

Shooting?????????? Not to a defender .. How many spend time on ( first def position ) turning, timing, shielding. The reason is most coaches know that the great forwards of today will become the great defenders of tomarrow, The exceptional forwards , they just haven't found, "YET". SOO why waste the time . when we move the forwards back they will know how to shoot.

I do agree most just watch to see if you make it . Rarely do they interject the correct form .

I agree with most of the statements. Passing and ball movement are important however I honestly feel that foot skills and creativity should be the focus for players at the Academy level. Our favorite professional team to watch is Barcelona and there is a difference between their style and someone like Manchester United. Messi is phenomenal dribbling through tight spaces and maneuvering the ball in traffic and that is how my son wants to play. Getting to that point seems to be the problem because some deem this type player a ball hog and the result is shunning that player on the field. I get it, it can seem that way to some parents and players. I like the point that was made about the coach not restricting the players though I think if the player is knowledgeable they can make the decisions on the field, dribble if need be, or make the optimal pass.

hunden97 wrote:I agree with most of the statements. Passing and ball movement are important however I honestly feel that foot skills and creativity should be the focus for players at the Academy level. Our favorite professional team to watch is Barcelona and there is a difference between their style and someone like Manchester United. Messi is phenomenal dribbling through tight spaces and maneuvering the ball in traffic and that is how my son wants to play. Getting to that point seems to be the problem because some deem this type player a ball hog and the result is shunning that player on the field. I get it, it can seem that way to some parents and players. I like the point that was made about the coach not restricting the players though I think if the player is knowledgeable they can make the decisions on the field, dribble if need be, or make the optimal pass.

There is a pretty fine line between "dribbling through tight spaces and maneuvering the ball in traffic" and a ball hog. From an '01 kid's perspective (not that I am one, but have had plenty of discussions with my son about this), nothing is more frustrating than passing and making a run so you can get the ball back only to have your "teammate" dribble directly into three opposing players and turn the ball over. Sometimes you have to dribble because you can't get a pass off, sometimes you can split a double team, and if you are 1 on 1 you should always take on the defender -- and all kids need to learn how to do all these things. But a kid who wants to focus on "dribbling through tight spaces and maneuvering the ball in traffic" actually retards the development of his teammates (other than perhaps the defenders!); ultimately, his teammates will stop passing into that black hole. Again, I suspect we are pretty much on the same page and all this is a matter of degree -- just wanted to make the point that there are 10 other boys on the field!

scrdad is very wise, on multiple levels. i believe he has experience with his 01 playing for a number of quality coaches and coaches with very different styles. i would be interested to know what age the poster's bb is? i think there is a difference, based on age and development, for when "coaches" will have the player try to work through things on their own in an attempt to help technical development progress and an age when the coach will incorporate shapes and utilization of teammates as the next stage in development of the player. the player needs to be proficient with his/her technical skills. they hopefully develop this early. one would also hope that as they develop and age that they learn additional fundamentals of soccer which include spacing, incorporation of teammates, and comprehension of tactical strategies. i have started to see parents who think their respective bb is alot better than they actually are. i have generally learned to let the coach direct my son as he is the professional and i am not. sometimes, one needs to let go of the ego. as i have often written, i am not a coach and don't tell my son's coach how or what to do. and, i can gurantee you that you or another parent can't tell me what to do with what i do professionally....

Fair enough, I guess we won't completely agree on this. The statement "Sometimes you have to dribble because you can't get a pass off" is contrary to what I understand futbol/soccer to be about. My understanding is to always dribble until you are pressured by a defender then either take him 1v1 or make the optimal pass. I will say that there can be a compromise between the two methods and when that happens it looks great on the pitch. I watched a team called Manchester United Red Devils play in a tourney over the summer and it was one of the best displays of passing and skills I have seen from the Academy age group yet.

hunden97 wrote:Fair enough, I guess we won't completely agree on this. The statement "Sometimes you have to dribble because you can't get a pass off" is contrary to what I understand futbol/soccer to be about. My understanding is to always dribble until you are pressured by a defender then either take him 1v1 or make the optimal pass.

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough (although the context of the comment seems to have been ignored). If you have space, obviously dribble until the tactical situation changes. What I meant by "sometimes you have to dribble because you can't get a pass off" is that the player might find himself in a situation that really calls for a pass (i.e., that he really should not try to dribble out of because it is virtually guaranteed that he will lose the ball) but because of the defense's positioning or the field location he might not be able to -- at that point, he needs to "dribble through tight spaces" or "maneuver the ball in traffic." But dribbling trhough tight spaces or maneuvering the ball in traffic simply for the sake of doing so is contrary to what I understand futbol/soccer to be about, and will (a)serve only to piss off the other kids who worked hard to gain possession of the ball in the first place and now have to go get it back and (b) stunt the growth of the other kids on the TEAM.

hunden97 wrote:Fair enough, I guess we won't completely agree on this. The statement "Sometimes you have to dribble because you can't get a pass off" is contrary to what I understand futbol/soccer to be about. My understanding is to always dribble until you are pressured by a defender then either take him 1v1 or make the optimal pass. I will say that there can be a compromise between the two methods and when that happens it looks great on the pitch. I watched a team called Manchester United Red Devils play in a tourney over the summer and it was one of the best displays of passing and skills I have seen from the Academy age group yet.

I'm a big fan of dribbling, and never discourage it, but its not always the best option when you are not under pressure. In fact, if the player is not under pressure, he can get his eyes up more easily and see what the field looks like.

Sometimes you have a forward wide open on the left side of the field with the opposing team's defenders out of position on the right side of the field - so your forward is wide open with defenders out of position. Regardless of whether the child has dribbling space or not, if he sees that situation, he should seek to exploit it (or at least recognize that its an option - he might choose not to make the pass, but he should be aware of the field and where the open space is - where his team's advantage is). Its like fast throwins, or putting the free kick back in play quickly - before the opponent resets its defense - take advantage of the opposition being out of position - its about transitioning from defense to offense, or from a stoppage to back into play - sometimes you can only take advantage by making a pass (can't get there quickly enough with dribbling).

You shouldn't yell at the player to pass, but should ask him "what are your options?" that way he knows he has some choices and can discover them for himself. (nobody, not even kids, want to be ordered on exactly what they have to do. With some kids, if you "demand" they pass - they might defy you and try to keep the ball - or reluctantly give it up because it wasn't their choice at that time. But if you let them know they have some choices/options, they might surprise you with their decisions they make).

I like your last paragraph R1, let the PLAYER decide what he should do on the field. I will continue to provide skills training for my son on the side and allow him to progress as a skills/technical player and let him make the decisions on the field as to whether he should pass or dribble in the games. He is smart, he will learn through experience what is the best decision.

The next issue is "why do players need to be creative?" Its because the coach cannot joystick the team from the sidelines (except for on set plays). Other than set plays, the rest of the game is players making choices based on what they see from their perspective.

The coach is on the sideline - just like the fans. How many times have you thought an offsides call was missed - that someone was offsides or not offsides, but some parent on your team - who was in a better position further down the field - let you know that the call was correct. Coaches have the same eyesight you do. They are stuck by the bench and can't see everything from the player's perspective. The players need to be able to see what is around them and make a decision for themselves based on what is available to them.

I've seen many times where a coach will get onto a kid for making what the coach thought was a "dangerous" pass while passing up what the coach thought was a better option - which it might have looked dangerous from the coach's perspective - but when looking from the endline (where I often sit) and see that the pass splits the defenders and that the defenders were 10 yards apart with no chance of getting the ball - to me from my perspective its obvious the player made the right choice - but the coach from the sideline thinks different because he's looking from a different spot. The coach sees the pass from a different angle than the player. Coaches have to develop decision-making ability in the players - teach them to make choices. That's the kind of coach you need to find, one that encourages your kid to be his own coach on the field.

R1 wrote:The next issue is "why do players need to be creative?" Its because the coach cannot joystick the team from the sidelines (except for on set plays). Other than set plays, the rest of the game is players making choices based on what they see from their perspective.

The coach is on the sideline - just like the fans. How many times have you thought an offsides call was missed - that someone was offsides or not offsides, but some parent on your team - who was in a better position further down the field - let you know that the call was correct. Coaches have the same eyesight you do. They are stuck by the bench and can't see everything from the player's perspective. The players need to be able to see what is around them and make a decision for themselves based on what is available to them.

I've seen many times where a coach will get onto a kid for making what the coach thought was a "dangerous" pass while passing up what the coach thought was a better option - which it might have looked dangerous from the coach's perspective - but when looking from the endline (where I often sit) and see that the pass splits the defenders and that the defenders were 10 yards apart with no chance of getting the ball - to me from my perspective its obvious the player made the right choice - but the coach from the sideline thinks different because he's looking from a different spot. The coach sees the pass from a different angle than the player. Coaches have to develop decision-making ability in the players - teach them to make choices. That's the kind of coach you need to find, one that encourages your kid to be his own coach on the field.

You are so right. The only way to get vision and instinct is to allow them to make choices. Thats why i say a kid needs to feel that he can DRIBBLE AT WILL without any fear that he will be scorned if his decision is not successful. DRIBBLE AT WILL only means that the player not his coach, not his parent, or his teammate, decides when to dribble and when to pass.

Don't Hate - Motivate

Best advice I can give is , go where your son is the most comfortable. Yes there is so many styles of soccer being taught. But who is the one that says the style they teach is the best.We have played for 3 coaches now and my son is having more fun and learning the game better than ever now , because he is having fun. And not to be disrespectful, he does not have to worry about coaches breathing down his neck and worrying about making a mistake. If you go somewhere and the player is having a great time he is going to learn alot more , than taking him to training and him worry about making mistakes , and getting yelled at. Academy aged players have so much soccer in front of them , and being with a coach and team that fits well for you will keep the player engaged in this game for a long time. Good Luck to you hope you find a good fit.

AND! wrote:You are so right. The only way to get vision and instinct is to allow them to make choices. Thats why i say a kid needs to feel that he can DRIBBLE AT WILL without any fear that he will be scorned if his decision is not successful. DRIBBLE AT WILL only means that the player not his coach, not his parent, or his teammate, decides when to dribble and when to pass.

And how many times must the coach allow the dribble at will kid to repeatedly dribble into a crowd of defenders and lose the ball before the coach benches him for poor judgment time after time after time?