Hello everyone. I've come here for some coaching advice. I am taking on a rec team this spring and have a pretty good team with the exception of a few, who are slow and lack technical ability. Where is the safest position for these 3 players? Hate to start off on the wrong foot.
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Age group? -
U12 girlsComment
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My suggestion would be to focus on developing those weaker players and avoid trying to "hide" them. If you care about GU12 rec soccer results then I would recommend that you find a replacement more suitable for the role.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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Not really sure I can do much to develop these few girls, if you saw them, you'd understand. They are just not athletically inclined and since it is a rec team we don't turn anyone away. My problem is that I want to be fair and give these girls a chance to play and have fun without the remainder of the team becoming frustrated from getting their butts kicked. Is that so bad? This is not high level soccer and my job here is not to turn these kids into professional soccer players. I'm just looking for advice on where to put these slower girls where they can make an impact. Snarky remarks not needed. Thanks.Comment
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I don't think you are wrong to ask. If parents want their kids to "develop", I hardly doubt rec soccer is the place for that in this day and age. With that said, slow players on the back line is probably your best bet. Maybe a forward if they have a good shot. Definitely keep them off the wings.Comment
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Goalkeeper?Comment
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Possibly. But they are a little fearful. Will definitely be exploring that option. Thanks.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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You will find the striker position is the safe haven for these players. Everywhere else they will be exposed in a second. I coached rec for 5 yrs.Comment
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Love coaches like you all. First question is what do those particular girls want? You shouldn't assume that just because they are on your team that they actually want to be developed. That might be far more work than those girls want to put into soccer. Believe it or not, that is not a crime or even unusual, especially at the rec level, especially with girls who are usually more interested in the social aspects of the team. Don't let your zeal for soccer ruin the experience for the kid by trying to make soccer into something more in their lives than they actually want.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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Not really sure I can do much to develop these few girls...
Then you are not a soccer coach. Focus at U12 should not be on winning. Ever. If you "hide" player you are removing an opportunity for them to improve. Set a culture where if they, or anyone, makes a mistake it's okay. Half of them won't be able to tell you the score 30 minutes after the game is over anyway.Comment
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At the rec level kids and their families are looking to play and play for fun. Development isn't necessarily in the picture but there will be an expectation of decent playing time. Agree that up top is a good place to place them - they can do the least amount of damage there. The last place you want a slow player is in your last line of defense. But sprinkle them in with 1-2 other stronger players up top who can score. Rotations will be key. Don't sub in all 3 weak players at once.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
Good that you want all to improve because many coaches will write those kids off.Comment
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It's rec for Pete's sake. You shouldn't be worried about winning (or, as you said it ... not losing badly), instead you should be asking where the best place is to hold the team party at the end of the season. Every kid should play in different spots and it is your job to see that they all play equal time and have fun doing it. There is no trick here and you won't get a bonus if you win all of your games. You think you are doing them a favor and it sounds like you have grand plans for the stars of your team (your kid most likely and a friend or two) but you want to make sure the kids you don't know do not derail them ..... give us a break. I sure hope you are a trolling leprechaun.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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You don't get it. Lots of kids are out there just to run around, get fresh air. Just like some go skiing to ride the green trails, and have no desire to be on the bumps. Some kids just want to learn how to skate, but don't want to play hockey. Some kids take swim lessons so they won't drown, not to race. Some kids learn to ride a bike so they can feel the wind in their face, and not to wear a silly tight suit.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
Sometimes, kids just want to have fun. That's OK, and that's what's great about the game. There is a level for all. These kids are just running around, and they aren't bothering any of the top players.Comment
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For those of you giving this guy a hard time, please lighten up. It appears that he's trying to do the right thing by all of these kids and understands that it's rec. I coached rec at one point and it's can be really tough. You need to make if fun for all of the kids as best as you possibly can. While putting one of these kids on defense may seem safe, the first (or second or third) time they get beat and the other team scores, the more they will not like it and their teammates may blame them. I agree with the others that say to try them up top as strikers. A missed shot is a lot less damaging then watching someone go by you and score. And you never know, they might score up top and if they do, that could be the best encouragement for them to improve. Good luck and just ignore all of the stupid parents that you are sure to encounter. I often found that to be more difficult than anything else.Comment
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