 Posted 14/05/2008 23:20:45
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My 8 year old son has played in midfield until easter when one of our defenders had a bad game and he was put into defence where he has played until the end of the season. He has played exceptionally well in this position and won 3 man of match awards and has stood out as one of the best defenders in the team.
He enjoys playing football and will play where ever the manager wants him to play, but prefers to play in midfield where he can push forward more.
He is a good midfield player and I feel that the teams midfield hasn't played as well without him, but at the same time he has stood out as a good defender.
What is the best way forward for the summer tournaments and next season, is it best to keep him in defence where im worried he may start to loose his passion and enjoyment for the game or move back into midfield where he would be happier playing and how is it best to approach the subject with the manager?
Anyone got any advice?
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Posted 15/05/2008 15:00:31
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| Your son is only 8, therefore I would suggest seeing if you can get him some time at striker! Why get him locked into a label as defender or midfielder. He should be allowed to opportunity to see the game from all perspectives. For example: I have a u14 girl that has been a sweeper/defender most of her career, but during shooting drills witnessed first hand how awesome her shot can be! Furthermore, I already knew of her blazing speed and athletic ability, so I thought why not give her a chance to make some awesome outside runs down the field? Although she still needs to be subbed out and reminded that she needs to be actively involved in transitioning, she has adjusted wonderfully! I still occassionally drop her back to help defend, but I have not ruled out using her speed up top! You might just have a wonderful 8 year old striker on hand! Has he played goalie? Miller
Miller
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Posted 17/05/2008 14:46:09
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| I agree with Jim that at the age of 8 it is all about his development as a player. I would use this tact when approaching the manager, ask that your son is exposed to differing positions to develop his whole game. Again I would not see him labeled as a midfielder because if Man Utd came calling for a good defender, you wouldn't want to turn it down. Gordon
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Posted 19/05/2008 15:12:47
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| you can approach direct to the manager or coach to discuss about your son position's issues. parents are always welcome if any queries. u8 is always individual development! they'll play alot of games and different positions to gain exposure and experience! good coaches wont lock them into one position. especially defence! easier to play.
Phuabh
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Posted 28/05/2008 06:24:51
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| I agree with all of the comments below . coaching 8 year olds myself I dont believe we as coaches can afford to play our players only where thier specific strengths are . We have a responsibility to the players we coach at this young age to develop thier skill levels to play in all positions . Keep your son interested in the game by letting explore different positions at this age there is no harm playing him for the majority of the game in his strongest position and the changing his position for a few minutes to effectively make him play a different role . Grant
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Posted 19/06/2008 09:40:56
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| Hi If this helps, we are due to start at under 8's in September and have decided we will play our league matches and then friendlies when no league games. Which as the structure of our league is based on playing small groups of teams with similar ability, we have at least every other Saturday free for friendlies. In our league fixtures we are going to play players in two different positions in a match to start with, as we don't want to confuse them, and then in friendlies try them in other positions. Therefore if they exile whilst in friendlies we can then try it in a league game. At this age we believe the childs development comes first.
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Posted 20/06/2008 14:42:30
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i think u're too obsesses in players positioning play. as what u said, children football is development comes first. children football is all about individual love of the game, dribbling, passing, shooting, having fun, etc...from playing and training under correct guiden, children develop their own playing style. and also develop good and bad habit.. your team are only 8. development of their individual technique is out most importance. create an optimal training environment with systematic training, fun, variation, challenging, responsibilities, education, etc.. give them support, encouragement, more chances to participate in the game and motivate them more often will help them to participate more and develop into better player.. not only that, from optimal training, they will build from interested in football to enthusiasm in football. that will make them more eager to learn. i think friendly games and matches every week is much and too high motivation for them. should start from low motivation, end up with high motivation..you can inject different training plan in between matches..
Phuabh
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