I have heard more and more comments (both here and at games) regarding playing time (or really lack of) and the failure of coaches at all levels to sub enough. It strikes me as a bit odd, because in my experience most coaches sub too often and it breaks up the consistency of their team's effort. Especially in HS, where the skill differences betwen players can be so significant. First, players in the HS game should be able to play 80 minutes. Especially with the 10 minute half-time break and the use of time-outs by both teams. I know this runs contrary to what many parents seem to believe, but in most instances a player needs to learn to pace themselves so they can perform well for an entire game. Obviously the unlimited substitution rules employed in HS allow for the opportunity to use reserves not just as a way to bring in a player with a different skill set (and fresh legs) but also to provide additional rest for starters - but to honestly believe that such additional rest is necessary (or always productive) runs contrary to soccer at most other higher levels and in most every other country. Second, just because the youth roster is typically 18, and there is an expectation that those 18 will all play, does not mean that an 18 player rotation is ideal for soccer - at any level. Most colleges will use no more than 3 -5 subs. That is a 14-16 player rotation. In closer games that can be at the low end and may only be a sub or two each half. No question that when a coach recognizes that fitness is a problem (and it is mid-eason) they are left with fewer options and will need to sub more, but rarely will they lock themselves into a particular "magic" number. Substitution should be on a case by case basis - and certainly not everyone in HS or college should expect playing time. Am I dead wrong on this?
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You are absolutely CORERECT! Two problems - One, too many high school coaches play the KICK and CHASE game which leads to games like hockey. No flow with sets of forwards being exchanged every 10 minutes.The other problem is too many parents putting pressure on high school coaches to play their kids. Coaches relent to this to keep them off their back. -
Right on the $
Right on point but prepare yourself for the vitriol of the "We need development" and "everybody should get a participation trophy" crowd,Comment
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Right and then you watch their kid walk up the field.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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100% correct, Harry.
IMO, competitive town and club teams, as well as middle school and high school teams are about competing for a championship. Try to win as many games as possible, make the playoffs then try to make a run in to the finals. Coaches need not apologize that certain kids do not get playing time. Letting lesser-talented players on the field for these teams just for the purpose of getting them into the game IS NOT FAIR to the kids who want to win.
There is a place for equal playing time. It is called "recreational soccer". Put your child in a rec league if you an equal playing time environment.
To my first point - coaches of competitive/school teams should always have a pre-season team meeting with parents present to bluntly explain their philosophy and what to expect, i.e. not every one will play in every game, kids who work hard in practice can earn playing time with sheer hustle, attitude and improvement. Remember, complaining parents usually do not ever see how their kids perform in practice. Are they goofing around, going through the motions? Or, are they working their butts off to impress the coach to earn a role?
I also believe that once a kid enters the 9th grade, it is incumbent upon the kid - not the parent - to address the coach directly if they have an issue with playing time, etc.
JBComment
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How about playing time between U12 and U14 on competitive teams. Any thoughts on what is the proper amount.Comment
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Assuming you are talking about a competitive club or town team....Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
At U12 I always tried to get everyone into every game. In lopsided games, I would actually play the subs more than the starters. In tight games, the starters played more than the subs. I could always figure out how to get even the weakest players 5 minutes per half at a place where they couldn't hurt the team too, much, i.e. left forward in 8 v. 8. Thus, whenever I was confronted by a parent, i would point to certain games where their kid played MORE than the others.
At U14, the tendency is even toward more playing time for the starters, less for the subs in cose games. I always tried to roster an appropriate number of kids so that most kids had a playing role on the team. But again, at this age the goal is to COMPETE, IMO.
Here's the truth - which hurts sometimes: most competitive team coaches pretty much know that during the course of a season there will be at least 1-2 unhappy parent/player regarding playing time (you can't make everyone happy). Coaches know this ... if you're going to tick off a player's parents, then make sure you tick off the parents of the weaker players.
Ouch, right?
But guess what? Either way you're going to lose players year to year. Which players would you rather lose - the better ones or the weaker ones?
I'll say this....show me a losing team with some talented players at U12, U13, U14 and I'll show you a team that is about to lose its talented players as sson as the season is over. No parent of a talented player wants his kid on an 0-8 team when that kid is good enough to start for a state cup contender.
JBComment
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HS Harry you are spot on. So is the above regarding HS age club and Varsity HS--it's about the result (especially in HS). Too many parental complaints in HS about playing time/position. Amazing that a parent of a HS player would call the Coach and complain rather than instructing their son/daughter to discuss it with the coach---too many "helicopter parents". If the team has quality depth and their is no lag in talent from players #7 through 18 then you can continually wear down an opponent, but those teams are few and far between. Fitness is always a high priority.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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For the most part, I think you're right on target here for HS players. I have however seen the other end of the spectrum. Coaches with good benches who dig in their heels in a tough game, refuse to sub in fresh legs and talent, and then proceed to loose. Or coaches that carry a short bench (14-16), loose a couple of key players to injuries, and then their season tanks.Originally posted by HS Harry View Post
So it is always good for a coach to get everyone (parents and players) to understand, at the beginning of the season, just how important good bench players are.Comment
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I disagree with having more then 16 on the bench at u-16 and over. You have five kids sitting there that is more then enough to cover an injury or two. If more then that then pull from your 2nd team.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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I view HS and club very differently. HS is about winning. If you can play the bench to your benefit or give them playing time in blowouts (which tend to account for a large number of the games in HS), great. If not, just play your best.
Club soccer, however, is a parent-funded activity that exists for 2 purposes: player development and, at the older ages, exposure to college coaches for recruiting. Both require that a player get substantial amounts of playing time. A coach should not take a player onto his team unless he can give them reasonable playing time.Comment
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You can't always do that. In state cup & other end of season competitions, the roster is frozen. If you suddenly only have 2 subs, things can get really ugly. With a strong bench (strong is the key word here), the second string can get plenty of playing time during the season, even with 17-18 on the roster. Then you are ready for those end of season injuries. A good second string is key for any sport. The best teams alway have deep pockets.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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Very good point. When parents are paying $$$ for their kids to play on a club team, coaches have to find a way to get them in games. That's a reasonable expectation.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
But I will say this again....do that too much and cost the team wins....you"re going to lose good players.
JBComment
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Re playing time in club soccer, I note that the Academy program requires that each player start at least 1/4 of the games. Very different from what HS is about.Comment
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