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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 23/03/2009 03:21:26
Posts: 2,
Visits: 4
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| Due to a sign up error, we missed getting my 9 year old son on "his" soccer team. We've played spring and fall rec league soccer since he was 4. Just this past fall the pieces came together and he really started understanding positions, strategies, etc. At our first practice, even having missed a week of practice, it was clear that my son is the most skilled player on the team. I think most of the players are 8/have just come up from 6/7 last season. I spoke to my son about this and he said he wanted to be a leader for the team. I was excited about that because you can build the skills, but being able to build leadership abilities among a team is harder. But we had our first game yesterday and I almost cried. The goal tender was literally sitting down picking grass when the second goal was scored on him. I had a mini-argument with the defenders when they came off the field after first quarter because they didn't realize they could move up when the ball is in scoring position, the kids are still all over each other (not staying in their position). My fear is that my son's skills will regress while he's playing with this team. I think the coach is trying to get the younger players to recognize their potential, I'm anxious to see what happens at the next practice. Any ideas what I can do to help my son keep his skills sharp while he's team building? Thanks!
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 12/08/2009 13:07:40
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Wow! Competitive mom or what? 
I think that at age 8 he should still be 'enjoying' his football. And maybe you becoming 'intense' on the side line is setting him a bad example. You should certainly NOT be verbally abusing the defenders on his team.
I think you might wish to take a look at your 'goals' in being involved with your son's football, rather than his.
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 26/05/2009 11:45:44
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Mom, tactically, the athletes at age 7,8,9 really do not have a clue. At this age, it is not about winning. It is about developing technical skills.
I would suggest the following: Practice open field and closed field dribbling. Mostly, closed field dribbling. Dribbling around cones, chairs, trees or whatever. Learning to use the inside and outside of the foot. More than likely he plays the side of the ball, so, teach him also to play the top of the ball.
Turning the ball: Teach him how to turn the ball instead of running ahead of the ball to kick it back. Type in turning the soccer ball.
Juggling: He should start learning to juggle the ball with his thighs and shoelaces.
Shooting: Developing proper technique in shooting the ball. Keeping knee over the ball, keeping head down when shooting and looking where the ball was on the follow through.
All of these things are technique level that need to be properly developed. You could work in passing as well as he gets better with the basics of dribbling, juggling, turning the ball, shooting, etc.
There are a billion activities that are age appropriate for developing his soccer skills and keeping him sharp.
The biggest thing is let the coach, coach and let the athletes have fun and enjoy the game. The best teacher is the game itself.
Thank you for listening.
Larry D.
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 25/08/2009 04:24:57
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| I can understand your angst. My daughter came back from an academy inspection in Germany and because of system here in Canada can only play house league soccer in our little town. She has also taken on this role and doing so successfully but as her coach I NEVER put her gift upon my kids even though I'd love to. In reality I'm harder upon her than any other because leadership and respect are earned through hardwork and example. By you intervening you've undermined everything he's trying to accomplish and taken away his ability for him to lead. Try asking him as an "Equal" afterwards how he could help little Billy to clear the ball or move the ball forward. It will start him thinking about how to motivate and speak to others. Again I hate to say it but with you yelling thats the example you're giving him and thats what he will emulate. Believe me I know its hard. I left the military 16 years ago and have to remind myself almost daily as a person in a leadership position in civilian life that yelling doesn't always work and may more often than not lead to confrontation. If you're the coach NEVER EVER EVER have your son show how a drill is done in practice. Do it yourself first then have the best middle skilled player emulate it. it gives everybody a chance to better it. Your son may not be happy but when he gets his chance (generally last) to demonstrate he comes out with the show stealer or you may get a view as to what he has to work on, comparatively to the other kids on the team. Sometimes it can be a real eye opener for you being the parent and always be FAIR. Sometimes parents my self included can be blind. My daughters failure in Germany brought myself and my wife down to earth and got us thinking as to how we can help her. Hope that helps
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Forum Member
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Last Login: 04/09/2009 06:26:12
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Archie Graham (21/05/2009)
Wow! Competitive mom or what?
I think that at age 8 he should still be 'enjoying' his football. And maybe you becoming 'intense' on the side line is setting him a bad example. You should certainly NOT be verbally abusing the defenders on his team.
I think you might wish to take a look at your 'goals' in being involved with your son's football, rather than his.
Agree 100%
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