Pigeon hole the player

[Unregistered]

When I was in junior high, I joined the basketball team. I played pickup ball since I was young and already had skills... but since I was one of the tallest kids at the school the coach took one look at me and put me as the center. So for 3 years I was stuck in that position. I didn't want to play center. I had better ball handling skills than the guards. But that is where the coach "needed" me. Just because I was the tallest kid around... does that mean I should play center? After all, in college I would have actually been the right size for a guard and way too small to play center. Was it really important to do what is "best for the team" at that age?

Just because a player develops early defensive skills, does that mean he should always play defense because the team "needs" him there? Or how many times have I seen the lightening fast player in ODP that can only play forward and has no defensive skills whatsoever (or footskills for that matter for all those kick and chase coaches out there)? You're not doing that kid any favors come college. Or right footed wing players who couldn't make a left cross if there life depended upon it.

[Unregistered]

Good questions. IMO coaches should be rotating players, side to side, back to front at least until they reach high school. I'd even include GKs in that rotation.

[Unregistered]

When I was in junior high, I joined the basketball team. I played pickup ball since I was young and already had skills... but since I was one of the tallest kids at the school the coach took one look at me and put me as the center. So for 3 years I was stuck in that position. I didn't want to play center. I had better ball handling skills than the guards. But that is where the coach "needed" me. Just because I was the tallest kid around... does that mean I should play center? After all, in college I would have actually been the right size for a guard and way too small to play center. Was it really important to do what is "best for the team" at that age?

Just because a player develops early defensive skills, does that mean he should always play defense because the team "needs" him there? Or how many times have I seen the lightening fast player in ODP that can only play forward and has no defensive skills whatsoever (or footskills for that matter for all those kick and chase coaches out there)? You're not doing that kid any favors come college. Or right footed wing players who couldn't make a left cross if there life depended upon it.

i agree with this post. however, my child was placed in a position for 3 years with his team because the coash needed him there, when he asked to move he was placed on the bench. hows that for fair and best interest of the child?

[Unregistered]

Coaches and many on this site think the kids and parents should do what is right for the team all the time. Then after you do what is right for the team they end up cutting you because you did what they wanted and you don't develop. It happens all the time and smart parents are involved and should be a pain to the club and coach to make sure their kid has the best chance to develop.

There are a lot of very bad coaches out there.

[Unregistered]

Skill is skill. My daughter was a sweeper from about 3rd grade through high school. When she was recruited and went to college, she started as a forward. If you have the basic skill, the coaches will see it.

[Unregistered]

Skill is skill. My daughter was a sweeper from about 3rd grade through high school. When she was recruited and went to college, she started as a forward. If you have the basic skill, the coaches will see it.

This is not always true some coaches are offended when they are questioned and will sit players just to punish them.

[Unregistered]

Skill is skill. My daughter was a sweeper from about 3rd grade through high school. When she was recruited and went to college, she started as a forward. If you have the basic skill, the coaches will see it.

No it isn't. Top colleges are looking for central defenders. There is a huge difference how you develop a central defender and a sweeper. If your kid is playing at forward now, it's probably because she can run fast and kick hard, both characteristics coaches like in a sweeper, but don't mistake those qualities for skill.

[Unregistered]

i agree with this post. however, my child was placed in a position for 3 years with his team because the coash needed him there, when he asked to move he was placed on the bench. hows that for fair and best interest of the child?

You were with that team 2 years too long.

[MommaP]

sorry

No it isn't. Top colleges are looking for central defenders. There is a huge difference how you develop a central defender and a sweeper. If your kid is playing at forward now, it's probably because she can run fast and kick hard, both characteristics coaches like in a sweeper, but don't mistake those qualities for skill.

Kids should be rotated at the younger ages. You coaches that just care about winning games are not developing players. Parents, there are other teams you can play on... go to other tryouts and talk to other coaches. If your kids is tired of being stuck in one spot, leave the team. That coach is not developing your child, he is trophy hunting.