Better Soccer Coaching / Better Soccer Coaching / The Dug-Out

Overcoaching

Sharks — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:56:09 GMT

An interesting audio interview about overcoaching.

[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6740000/newsid_6748900/6748901.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm#[/url]

Playing Up a Year

Gav — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:24:06 GMT

I'm curious to know people's opinions on this as it's become a hot button topic at my club. I find there's more and more kids playing a year above their regular age level. Usually it's a coach has recruited them to play or the parents have pushed for it.

I personally don't agree with a U8 playing U9 for example. As a coach I'm also dealing with my club's U9 coach poaching good U8 players before I even have a chance to see them! I've since managed to get a grip on it and invariably those that play up ultimately come back down. I have 2 kids now who played up and wanted to come back. They were skilled enough to handle it and both actually scored a few goals but the overall experience was not good according to their parents - both socially and from a coaching style perspective.

I've always felt the drawbacks of playing up (especially as a youngster) far outweigh any perceived benefits. I did it twice as a teenager in 2 countries and while I could hold my own, I can't say I enjoyed it - it was hard to fit in and the older kids had their cliques.

Any opinions/experiences/horror stories/fairy-tales... on playing up a year?

New Member

Tom Gass — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:46:38 GMT

I coach in the Seattle area of the States. Got into coaching because of the kids. Played in High School but that was it. Slowly have learned as I've gone along. Taken a couple coaching courses. Been at it a total of 9 years or so starting out at the YMCA moving in to Club soccer. Began to get more serious about it 4 seasons ago when I took over my youngest son's team at U7. At the same time my older son had joined a new club that wasn't select but the coach gave them additional opportunities through tournaments and training. This began to open my eyes to the possibilities and I started to start buying books and videos and attending clinics. Since I began offering more opportunities I started attracting betting players. Although we are a rec team I try to make it a select experience and genuinely develop the players and the team. My understanding took another quantum leap when my older son joined a premier team. I was well aware of the speed of play difference between rec and premier but really began to appreciate the difference as I watched the team develop. I was lucky enough to be asked to assist the coach which mostly means shagging balls and filling in here and there but he is very knowledgeable and has taken my understanding to a new level. I was already on the same page but he helped me see things that I wasn't seeing and understand the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities of players within a system, something I think even very good coaches don't always fully appreciate. The fact that he was mentored and trained (in coaching) in the Dutch method, has influenced me strongly also.

Anyway, I've been come quite obsessed. My wife calls me the "soccer stalker". ;)

Introduce Yourself

Noel — Wed, 23 May 2007 10:09:33 GMT

I know its not my forum but I always think its a good idea on forums for its members to introduce themselves here and explain briefly what they do

warm ups needed for under 8s

craigyrose — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:38:37 GMT

hi all

im looking for some good warm ups on match days for my under 8s team we are newly formed and to be honest i am struggling a bit myself any advice would be fantastic

craig

Specializing at one position – what age is the right age?

Dwyer — Thu, 17 May 2007 15:54:26 GMT

Canuck suggested this one. I know that with my under 9s most players are already established as defender, midfielder or forward. This might be because they had a great first game in that position, or because John Terry is their favourite player and they want to be like him.

Any thoughts on how to break out of this cycle?

Slow Defenders

Gaffer — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:26:00 GMT

I run an under 11's team,last Sunday we played against a team with a quick striker.We struggled every time the ball was pushed into space(past are back 4).Our 2 centerbacks are good players (1 is a good tackler)(the other reads the game well).We push up field to (try)and catch are openents offside,when the ball is played into space we just could'nt catch the lad.I'm considering telling are defenders to defend deeper(but this will encourage teams to push further up the field).Any idea's?

Quick trough-balls from midfielders to strikers

tonyr — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:41:14 GMT

I'm currently coaching an U9 team and after a bit of help.

I've 2 quick strikers, both pretty small but very skillful and with very good shots...I've also 2 very skillful (but greedy Midfielders).

I've lost count of the times in the last few matches where a quick through ball would've left a striker 1:1 or ever 2:1 with the goalkeeper but instead my midfielders dribble through the defence or else see the pass but too late. Net result - we are scoring half of what we should be.

Any suggestions for some drills that may help?

Thanks in advance

Competitive Age

MikeM — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:28:32 GMT

I'm a coach of a local under 11 football team. I'm of the opinion that my job as coach at under 11 is to help the kids with the basics, help them to develop their knowledge and hopefully to give them an opportunity to enjoy themselves with their friends on a Saturday morning.

I also encourage our selections to give all players a run during games but I've noticed this year that the competitive edge among the managment team has increased dramatically. This means that some of the weaker kids are not getting a run which is making me fell like a bit dispondant with the setup. Don't get me wrong I'm a firm believer that we need to get competitive at some stage but is under 11 the right age to start streaming the team ???

MikeM.

8v8 field setup question

MLKimages — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:11:51 GMT

I'm an assistant coach for a GU9 A team - 8v8. This is our first year together so we are still trying to get most of the players learning ball control and positioning.

I have one initial question as to how most teams are playing field positions. We have been playing a 1-2-1-2-1 - which is more defensive. Defensive diamond with one sweeper, 2 fullbacks and one stopper. Offense is 2 mids and one striker. This is obviously showing in our games as most of the time we are playing defensively - with offensive breaks.

What are some other options to add a bit more offensive to our layout without hurting defense?

Thanks,

Michael

NEW MEMBER

ginnybrowne — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:46:06 GMT

:D HI ALL JUST JOINED YOU FELLOW COACHES,PRESENTLY COACHING LOCAL ACADEMY 4YR TO 6YR OLD'S DIFFICULT AT TIMES DUE CONCENTRATION LEVELS,HAVE TAKEN ON MORE COACHES TO EASE WORK LOAD,26 CHILDREN EVERY SATURDAY MORNING,LIVE [email][/email]FOR IT.HELP

Using their head and cheast

ucunited — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:09:31 GMT

Hello, I have a U10 girls' soccer team. The ages very from 7 years old to 10 years old.

Some girls use their head during games, but others seem to be scared with the ball. Sometimes we practice this skills; however, I'm observing that it is coming naturally on some girls.

What would you recommend? Is there any exercise to develop this skills effectively.

Thank you.

soccer cheats

luke — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:25:47 GMT

Hi I would like to know what people think of players, clubs and refs cheating at soccer I personally think they should be lined up against a wall and someone should bring 2 bullets ( incase the cheater survives the first, survivers will be shot again ) and shoot them, I'm also for video ref.

passing to the open space

Hurricanes Coach — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:43:23 GMT

Hi, I coach a U12 boys team and have some talented players but I can't seem to get them to pass to the open space and move after they pass.

Does anyone know of any good drills to get this accomplished?

Thanks

Johnny

Beckham to AC Milan

SCW Editor — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:17:51 GMT

LA Galaxy's David Beckham, 33, is going on loan to AC Milan from January to April next year.

Not sure LA Galaxy fans will be too impressed, any injuries he gets will not be shrugged off easily at his age. Good for England though - coming off the bench with 10 minutes to go a fit, competitive Beckham will be outstanding.

My biggest problem with football coaching

Nick — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:24:49 GMT

I have a real problem with coaches who make kids run around doing 'fitness training'.

Most coaches only have 1-2 hours a week training and what i dont understand is that they believe that making them run around the pitch or doing shuttle runs for that 1 hour is really going to make a difference to these kids.

1 hour of fitness a week will never make a difference.

Football training should mean exactly what it says. FOOTBALL training.Leave the fitness aspect to the professional players who train everyday.

I have no problem with giving the kids knowledge about keeping fit and maybe giving them excercises they can do themselves but concentrate on the football guys please.

Why also is it worse in pre-season? I bet there is a huge number of you who make your first training excercise of the new season a fitness excercise.

It's Match Day! What do You Have Your Players do 15 Minutes Before Kick-Off?

Gav — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:38:14 GMT

Our season here is over but as I'm preparing for some indoor winter training in the new year, I've started to make notes and put together a list of goals and accomplishments I'd like to see my team progress through next season.

Coupled with that, is a list of things I'd like to address that I feel we should improve on and work on. One of those that I thought may be a good topic for this forum is pre-match preparation/warm up and trying to put some routine and order around what you may run your group through 15 mins prior to kick-off.

I'd be really interested to hear what types of on the pitch routines you put your groups through. Is it always the same? Do you split the group up? Do you try to have them very regimented and looking like they mean business/to intimidate?! I don't suppose anyone has their U8's doing the 'Haka' yet? ;)

I've seen everything at our matches and observing other teams from players working in pairs or threes with a ball, the entire team in a line endlessly blasting shots at their poor Keeper, to kids standing around or playing on the swings and then I've seen the very regimented army-like approach where there's light jogging and quick passing in a circle that all looks like they've been practising the drill for 8 hrs a day!

For what it's worth, my group is U8 - I'd suppose that what some teams may do at U16 could be different. Whatever the case, I think the key is to get the team focussed on the game and get the blood flowing. I'd be very interested to hear what others do with their teams beforehand.

Coaching quick feet

Dwyer — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:47:34 GMT

Many of my under 8s are only just starting to acquire basic skills. A common problem throughout the team is that they are slow. Watching them turn is like watching oil-tankers in the English Channel.

I'm aware of speed training techniques and agility ladders etc. But should I be using these with under 8s? Any other tips to build up their speed and dynamism?

Thanks

Passing and moving as a team

Marcus — Wed, 23 May 2007 10:52:34 GMT

Hi guys,

I coach an under 9's and under 10's team and am having real trouble in getting the under 10's to pass the ball and moving forward together. before the season i thought that maybe they were too young too learn this but now the seasons finished i can see were far behind a lot of the teams, due to them being able to get the ball down and play. they pass, they move and they all go forward and back together. where as my boys in defence just hoof it up field and then sit on the edge of area waiting for it to come back. i have spent hours on passing drills and games in training but it doesn't seem to be having much effect during games. any suggestions?

Need Advise coaching soccer games

Soccerdad — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:54:27 GMT

Hello Coaches,

I could use some advice coaching soccer games. I coach recreational soccer and we have only one practice each week. I pride myself in learning and loving the game and teaching it as best I can, in fact my team is probably the best in the area clubs.

The problem is I am an emotional coach and this tends to show up at game time. More times than not, I start out nervous before the game then tend to lose focus on my emotions in the excitement of the game and start yelling onto the field too much (micro-managing). I hate this about myself and desire to be a more composed coach. What can I do to be a better coach in this area? Is their a pre-game routine I can use?

Don't get me wrong I am not abusive out on the pitch. I just have a hard time shutting up and letting the kids make their own decisions.

Thanks.

Soccerdad

Conducting a U8 Tryout/Trial: What Drills to Run

Gav — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:54:57 GMT

I've been asked to take over my club's Under 8 Select or Rep Squad. This is the first year/age group for my club where kids have to tryout and get selected or cut. I expect around 30 kids to tryout and I select the 13 or 14 best for the team.

It's been many years since I attended these as a player and now as a coach I'm drawing a bit of a blank as to what simple but effective drills and excercises I might run the kids through that will help me identify the most skilled. I know many of them and in fact have a reasonably good idea who will make the grade already.

I'm looking for coachability and attitude along with good game sense and ball skills. Keeping in mind, they're just 7 years old, does anyone have any ideas or experience with conducting a Tryout for this age group? I plan to have perhaps 4 "stations" that I'll run them through and rate them. They'll be broken into groups and at the end I'll likely have a larger game/scrimmage so that I can get a good idea who may shine in a more realistic/pressurised game scenario... who's got some heart, I suppose.

I'm grateful for any ideas and experience - drills that would be appropriate for U8s.

Building a Team

nollster — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:59:06 GMT

I've been able to attend quite a few of our association's teams matches this season. One match in particular was of special interest -- my friends U12 Boys were playing a team coached by a former coach from our association. The relationship with the ex-coach is tense, at best, as he was essentially asked to leave because of the way he treated the players. It was a hard fought game with our side dominating the match with the occassional break by the opposition. Dover won the match handily 3-1. Following the game, I talked with our renegade coach who informed me that he had a player at fullback who'd never played there before because his regular was a no-show. Understand that his coaching philosophy is to have players feed his son the ball and let him try to score.

I've spent some more time since thinking about my team. We're a U10 team that moves players all around during a game. You can be a striker to start the game and a defender to end the game. Our keepers frequently become midfielders or forwards -- we strive to be able to place any of our players in most any position and succeed. We also like the maximum roster size so we can substitute freely to get fresh legs in the game. We don't have serious breakdowns in our level of play because our players are comfortable playing in different positions. So many of our coaches want to have 2-3 subs at most because they don't want their talent level to drop. I just don't see that as a way to build a team. How do you build your team?

What Would You Do? Player Shoving his Own Teamate After OG?

Gav — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:26:19 GMT

I had my U7 side at a tournament last weekend. We did really well as this team was sort of a make shift group with the idea that most of them would be selected by me for next year's full season Select level U8s. We only had about 4 full training sessions together to prepare and won our first match 5-0, drew the second match 2-2 and then they lost focus and we had an incident in the last match that has got me thinking quite a bit because I've not encountered it before. It's 7 a-side and I had a squad of 13 - 2 of whom I never wanted and won't deal with again because they're a disruption and not good enough anyway!

As I said, we weren't playing well in the last match. We were down 2-1 but the other team had the run of all the play (our keeper even stopped a pen!). With 10 minutes to go and me realising they all get a trophy afterwards for a great day, we had this incident involving one of the 2 buggers I was saddled with. A low cross came skipping across our 6 yd box and caromned in off one of my defenders shins for an OG. The boy who scored the OG had been terrific all tournament and played his heart out. He's my own son's best friend and he's quite an emotional lad. Well, the ball goes in his own net and he's in tears when this other nasty piece from my team walks up behind him and shoves him the back and says something along the lines of "you stupid idiot". My OG scorer walks off the pitch and the shoving kid os still on for the restart while we as a coaching team are trying to figure out exactly what happened. We get a sub back on and the shoving kid is done for the day anyway. I had a very brief word with him about it (he denied he did anything) all the while thinking I didn't want what had been a wonderful day of football spoiled by one stupid act so I let it go from there. It also turns out he had no parent at the tournament and came with another family.

Has anyone ever experienced this kind of thing? If so, how did you handle it? I've been thinking what I may do if something similar happens again and how I might handle it differently. The key in it for me was the kids were 10 minutes from going to their trophy presentation - had it happened in a league game in the middle of the season, I'm wondering how differently I might have reacted. It was still shocking and awful to see however.

Oh - and please someone respond to my other thread on U8 Tryout Ideas!!! It's getting lonely and I've got one coming up a week today ;)

attacking attackers

jmdale — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:43:01 GMT

I am running an u8s teams and wondered if anyone has an answer to my problem of encouraging some of my young lads to try and win the ball of the defenders. The lads have loads of confidents and ability when the ball is at there feet but once the defenders have the ball instead of trying to win the ball back they just drop away and let them have it resulting in us only having chances on goal if they are in the open,i also try them in different positions on the field with the same affect ,i dont want to knock there confidence in anyway so i was hoping that someone could give me some advice on how to give them more confidence against the opposition.?

Who are the world's most underrated players?

SCW Editor — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:19:07 GMT

I want to find out who you all think are the world's most underrated players.

It was the perfromances of the Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc which got me thinking about this, but I think he is beginning to make people sit up and notice.

So I'm going to kick this off with Martin Petrov of Manchester City and Bulgaria.

One of the main players responsible for the revival of Manchester City this season, he has easily been City’s best player with the maximum assists and five goals to his credit. He is beggining to set the English Premiership alight.

A bigger club (sorry City fans!) may be on the horizon.

Girls team playing in a Boys league - U11

KTBR — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:01:05 GMT

Hello,
I'm thinking about registering my U11 Premier Girls team in a Boys league in the off-season, and would be interested in hearing feedback about that idea.
Thank you,
KTBR

Height of a Keeper

New_Trucker — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:32:22 GMT

Anyone have thought on the height of a keeper? My daughter is a keeper but is rather short. She understands that she has to be more aggressive in comming out to cut down on shot angles but occassionally she receives comments from people who think she's too short to be in goal.

FA Soccerstar Challenge: Where Can I get the Badges & Stickers?

Gav — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:52:39 GMT

I've spent some time perusing the FA site and looking at this programme. I think it'll be ideal for my U8 kids and I think I'll implement it in the Spring.

I know you can print off the certificate when the player completes the course... But what about the badges and stickers? The FA site says they're available and provide a link to another site. They have nothing there and an email reply stated they don't do it anymore.

Can any of you guys in the UK point me to a web site link where I can not only see the Badges and stickers but also possibly order some? I'd really like to add this part because we all know kids love badges and stickers and the badge especially would be terrific for them to sew on their team backpack.

I'd be really grateful for any help.

Offside

quarryrovers — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:32:37 GMT

Any tips and advice and good coaching tips appreciated. :D

Handling Kids when you have too many players

JimW13UK — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:56:16 GMT

I have had the problem of having enough players all summer - only had 5 and 6 players turning up to training during most of the summer. Another team folded and I picked up all of their players - so I had 10 of mine and picked up 6 from the other team and then got another 2 signings - so now I have 18.

All my lads have been with me for 3 seasons so far but they arent as good as some of the lads whove come over to me. I have the problem now of do I play the strongest side (yes I think I have to) and how do I keep us strong and give weaker lads a game - too many players. 1 of the 18 is an autistic lad that i've already told his parents I cant play him all the game and will only be able to give him 10 minutes her and there.

So thats 17 - 6 substitutes and 6 Substitutes parents to deal with as well. Would you rotate , guarantee them all a game or be hard and only make substitutions if required.

Back Pass Rule clarification

nollster — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:27:01 GMT

I swear that when my son and I watch an MLS match on TV, the ball is passed back to the keeper, he'll take a touch or two in the box then pick up the ball. They're not headers or unintentional passes to my recollection. Of course I tell my son that it looks like as long as he touches a back pass with his foot at least once, he can then pick it up. Well, it happened in our U10 match last week. Our defender was pressured, panicked and passed back to my son who took a touch then picked it up -- just like Dad said he could!! The whistle blew and there was an indirect at the 6!!:crying: Luckily the opposition shot right at Zachary who made the easy save. Can someone please clarify the Back Pass rule for me? Does the MLS have a variation of the rule that they use for their matches?

Refreshing results and over analysing!!

swift1 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:23:55 GMT

I would just like to comment how refreshing it is to see France who only a couple of months ago were supposed to be our (Englands) role model for youth development go crashing out because they just werent up to the task!!

This again proves that no country has some secret coaching formula to create world beaters its just simply a case of generations of players happening to come through at the right time - and the next generation are obviously not so great and wonderful except people like Nasri and Ribery but every team has a couple of good players regardless how great their youth development is!!

Dont for one minute think i dont agree that a good structered coaching system is not a completely good thing but as soon as England fail in anything yet a foriegn side do anything then they are wonderful and we need more work.

Are you honestly telling me apart from maybe three top seeded countries in the Euros other countries there has players to the class of Gerrard, Ferdinand, Owen, Rooney, Terry, Ashley Cole etc etc etc etc yet are Greece better because they qualified and we didnt of course they arent. Anyone who knows anything about football has to realise that over 90 minutes ANYTHING can happen and the game is way to scrutinised and over analysed.

Two weeks ago Holland werent given a chance in the Euro's then they had two good results and i heard said the other day its down to their academies...WHAT?? We all know about the famous Ajax youth set up but how successful have Holland and Ajax been in the last 10 years?? nothing exceptional, ok Holland reached a world cup semi but so have South Korea and Turkey, no disrespect to those two but again just because of a couple of good results in a tournament doesnt mean they are perfect!! Holland have had two good results now their whole countries structure is brilliant?? I would love to hear what our press would think of Cappello if England had performed like Italy have, yet there not hammering Donadoni and over analysing what every coach from grass roots upwards is doing!!

So just imagine if Scott Carson hadnt accidentaly let a ball slip through his hands and we had drawn 2 - 2 with Croatia and qualified would our game still be in such a bad state???

The only thing wrong with the English game and football in general is over analysing,

Coaches of Britian keep up the good work and ignore the rubbish about our players havent got technique etc...............NONSENSE!!

Playing a fitter, younger team

Peeler — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:07:24 GMT

I coach a older team in a rec league in my local town. Considering our age and weight, we have done remarkably well this season. Finished 4th in league, and are in the semi-final against the best, unbeaten team in the league. They are young, fit, and aggressive, not to mention cocky, and they have already booked their buses for the final. Any ideas or advice on challenging this team? We are in our 40's and overweight, though full of skill and passion. They are in their 20's and full of speed, testosterone and steriods. My plan is to frustrate them and play a totally defensive game, and hope for a lucky break, or penalties. What do you think?

Has there been a better free kick?

SCW Editor — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:34:03 GMT

Love the angle and power of this

scoring one on one's

jaynard — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:47:17 GMT

I CURRENTLY PLAY FOR A GOOD TEAM, PROBLEMS IS I CAN NEVER SEEM TO SCORE A ONE ON ONE, ANYONE GOT ANY TIPS THAT CAN HELP ME, I ALWAYS SEE TO RUSH OR PANIC WHAT IM GOING TO DO, I TRY AND TAKE THINGS FROM THE GAME FOR NEXT TIME BUT ALWAYS DO THE SAME THING LOL, GIVE ME A HARD SHOT TO DO AND I CAN SCORE THOSE BUT NEVER THE EASY ONE'S, I GOT A GAME SUNDAY SO PLS HELP. THANKS

Fast & small and getting pushed around

mike_a — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:26:11 GMT

I moved down this year from coaching 12-14 YO boys to 9&10 Girls.

Well I have one young lady who is usually the smallest player on the field, I usually have her on the attack because she is extremely fast, agile and a great ball handler. She doesnt have the strongest shooting leg, so if she takes a shoot she really needs to be in close. Because of this reason I usually put her in with 2 more average sized girls with pretty good shots.

My biggest problem is that she gets pushed around a lot. Some of these defenders are probably 2-3 times her weight, just bump her and she goes flying. I dont want her to get discouraged, she has some great natural ability and is my best ball handler.

Any suggestions, tips or strategies that I can use to help her be more affective?

Thanks in advance.

defending, and passing

new coach — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:51:31 GMT

thank you for all the tips. My u-6 team is playing the final in two weeks,but the problem is that they dont want to pass the ball or defend. I want to know if anyone knows a game that will make kids pass and defend in the games.

defending, and passing

new coach — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:15:16 GMT

thank you for all the tips you coaches have given me. Now my team is in the final but the kids dont want to defend or pass the ball in the last 2 games.
What can i do to make them want to defend and pass the ball.The final is in 2 weeks. It is for u-6 kids

Summer football

bkennedy — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:38:31 GMT

Bring on summer football.

It's a beautiful sunny early summer day here in East Dunbartonshire Scotland. After months of playing in the rain, mud, snow and freezing temperatures it would have been lovely to get the boys together for a session today but logistically it can't happen.

The winter conditions in this country make it virtually impossible for young players to really show their skills and express themselves. I'm really determined that we give them the best chance to shine and playing on a dry pitch with short grass in the sunshine would really encourage then to show off the skills they have acquired over the course of the season.

However, after discussing the idea of training through the summer with the parents, it seems that it won't be possible. Apparently the parents "need a break". Yes, it must be tough for them. Oh well.

Girls playing in boys teams

SCW Editor — Thu, 31 May 2007 11:57:58 GMT

I'd be interested to know how many of you are coaching girls playing in a boys team.

Never having experienced coaching it myself my teams have played against a number of boys teams that have had a girl playing, usually one of the best players on the team. My boys have been kind of easy on the girls at first until they realise how good they are. If youth football is to develop for girls would it be better to have girls in boys teams right up to senior level or as it is now in the UK where Under 11 and above have to have separate boys and girls teams.

Is there a secret to coaching boys teams with a girl? Do any of you have special tactics to use her in surprise roles?