Training question

[Unregistered]

Sounds like the same issues on my kids U14 team too. Most kids can't receive a pass even if it is at less than 5 yards away, the pass will literally ricochet off the receiver's shin and bounce 10 yards in a random direction like an out of control superball, no clue what a simple give and go is, at times the wingers dribble the ball straight into the keeper's hands on breakaways because they have not mastered the art of taking a shot while dribbling the ball, no use of left foot and kids play on the left side of the field nonexistent because 90% of them cannot kick with the left foot, and lack numerous other basic skills that should have been mastered by U12 a full year before getting into full-sided play. In addition, complete lack of any understanding of how to play in the last 1/3 of the field, with very few goals scored at all and 95% of the goals scored on breakaway or free kicks or just freak luck. They played 2 tournaments this summer, two tournaments this fall, a few preseason scrimmages, 5 league games and did not score an earned goal by connecting passes and penetrating and passing through the 18 yard line through true attacking play until this past sunday. in this teams situation I would not blame the coach because the coach inherited this team in the summer and has a lot of work on his hands.

I understand that a coach has to work with the players he's be given and therefore can only do so much. However, this predominately scrimmage type format just doesn't seem to be working well. My child is actually one of the top players on the team and his technical skills are sound, more so because of a lot of touches at home. I guess I'm concerned because occasionally, he picks up a bad habit from some of the under-performing players and we have to correct it at home. In addition, since the team as a whole isn't very good, we are in a bracket playing teams that aren't very good, so my son isn't challenged enough. I think in the end, we'll have to switch teams at the end of the season.

[Unregistered]

Sounds like the same issues on my kids U14 team too. Most kids can't receive a pass even if it is at less than 5 yards away, the pass will literally ricochet off the receiver's shin and bounce 10 yards in a random direction like an out of control superball, no clue what a simple give and go is, at times the wingers dribble the ball straight into the keeper's hands on breakaways because they have not mastered the art of taking a shot while dribbling the ball, no use of left foot and kids play on the left side of the field nonexistent because 90% of them cannot kick with the left foot, and lack numerous other basic skills that should have been mastered by U12 a full year before getting into full-sided play. In addition, complete lack of any understanding of how to play in the last 1/3 of the field, with very few goals scored at all and 95% of the goals scored on breakaway or free kicks or just freak luck. They played 2 tournaments this summer, two tournaments this fall, a few preseason scrimmages, 5 league games and did not score an earned goal by connecting passes and penetrating and passing through the 18 yard line through true attacking play until this past sunday. in this teams situation I would not blame the coach because the coach inherited this team in the summer and has a lot of work on his hands.

You just described 99% of the teams/clubs in NJ. Most (especially higher academies) expect the play should already have these skills or would pick them up quickly. Sadly most players do not.