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**Guest** · 06-09-2023, 09:15 AM

Most players and parents are *not familiar with teams outside their own ...

**Guest** · 06-09-2023, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

Learning to play well is the first priority in a competitive player's development, whether their goal is to play at a high level in high school or continue to play in college. The only way to learn to play with the speed and skill needed is to play on a team that plays at a high level. To accomplish that requires a complete team of strong players.

There are only 5-10 (or less) teams in each age group in the state that fit that description. Because that's how many players at that level we have in Massachusetts who are willing to make the commitment needed (time, travel, effort) to be on one of those teams. There are certainly players on other teams that could play at that level, but are on other teams that better meet their range of other personal priorities. Soccer isn't their top priority, and fair enough.

Parents of U14 or lower players - If you haven't seen a U16 or U17 game between two top teams, go watch a game or two to see how the game is played at that level (which is similar to what the top HS teams play). It will give you a clearer idea of the level of play your player should be working toward.

Most players and parents are that familiar with teams outside their own, or at best outside their league. Also, there are a number of changes underway in the leagues. There are a couple threads here on Mass. girls teams that may help give an overview:

http://talking-soccer.com/TS4/forum/...scape-may-2023

http://talking-soccer.com/TS4/forum/...ague-landscape

Nobody cares!

**Guest** · 06-09-2023, 01:44 PM

Players are made during their own time, when no one is watching.

**Guest** · 06-09-2023, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

Players are made during their own time, when no one is watching.

That's 100% correct

**Guest** · 06-09-2023, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

Parents of U14 or lower players - If you haven't seen a U16 or U17 game between two top teams, go watch a game or two to see how the game is played at that level (which is similar to what the top HS teams play). It will give you a clearer idea of the level of play your player should be working toward.

Agree with much of what you've posted but this part is a head scratcher for me. I find it hard to imagine a HS team that resembles a top U17 club team. Are there top HS teams to play this kind of game?

**Guest** · 06-10-2023, 02:50 PM

Maybe not identical but enough to be an eye-opener for younger players and their parents.

The primary thing to look for is the speed of play. I don’t think many U14 players appreciate the difference.

And of course all the older teams are more physical. I’m not suggesting the Stars - CFC U19 game as the point of reference for a U14. But it’s important for players to start to play in a way that’s physical, but clean, where they don’t get pushed off their line, or moved off the ball, etc.

There are some private schools where the roster is made up mostly of top club players. Top D1 varsity teams are more or less all club players, though not always the top teams.

I know it varies by town, but I’m surprised there aren’t more people that have seen the top 10 - 16 D1 teams play each other.

**Guest** · 06-10-2023, 03:49 PM

[QUOTE=Guest;n4499378]Learning to play well is the first priority in a competitive player's development, whether their goal is to play at a high level in high school or continue to play in college. The only way to learn to play with the speed and skill needed is to play on a team that plays at a high level. To accomplish that requires a complete team of strong players.

I can't say I agree with anything you've said. This part in particular, you haven't spoken any facts, just your feelings. "The only way"? That's your assumption. Doesn't seem like your giving any sound information, just pushing an agenda.

**Guest** · 06-12-2023, 01:08 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

I can't say I agree with anything you've said. This part in particular, you haven't spoken any facts, just your feelings. "The only way"? That's your assumption.

Look at an example from a recent actual game between two very good U16 teams. Both teams were very skilled, on offense and on defense. Every position had a strong player. There was very little time to make a pass or a play before the defense was on the player with the ball. Every mistake was taken advantage of by the other team, in that they got control of the ball and passed it on. And both teams created mistakes with their press and by moving to intercept passes. Plus, a fairly physical game.

So two complete teams of strong players who each played very well as a team. The only way to play successfully is to play a fast and physical game. Either team would take apart a slower team. Or a less complete team, as having several good players won't be enough to allow them to consistently maintain possession and attack. Soccer is a team sport. Every position on the field.

Keeping in mind that it is very difficult to recreate game situations in training, then, what is your suggestion for how players get to that level and continue to develop? How do players train individually for this type of game situation? How do players learn to play this type of game without a complete team of players, who play at that level, and regularly face opponents at that level?

**Guest** · 06-12-2023, 02:58 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

Look at an example from a recent actual game between two very good U16 teams. Both teams were very skilled, on offense and on defense. Every position had a strong player. There was very little time to make a pass or a play before the defense was on the player with the ball. Every mistake was taken advantage of by the other team, in that they got control of the ball and passed it on. And both teams created mistakes with their press and by moving to intercept passes. Plus, a fairly physical game.

So two complete teams of strong players who each played very well as a team. The only way to play successfully is to play a fast and physical game. Either team would take apart a slower team. Or a less complete team, as having several good players won't be enough to allow them to consistently maintain possession and attack. Soccer is a team sport. Every position on the field.

Keeping in mind that it is very difficult to recreate game situations in training, then, what is your suggestion for how players get to that level and continue to develop? How do players train individually for this type of game situation? How do players learn to play this type of game without a complete team of players, who play at that level, and regularly face opponents at that level?

Agree with this. A Stars Blue or NEFC GA, or other top clubs would handle a high school team, even a good one. High school will not have the depth of a club team. Maybe the bigger programs will have more than a handful of higher league club players but the rest are DPL or like. Too many great players spread across multiple schools, in club, the best all play on the same field. The level of practice is more intense, level of play is faster, overall competition is better.

**Guest** · 06-12-2023, 03:10 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

Look at an example from a recent actual game between two very good U16 teams. Both teams were very skilled, on offense and on defense. Every position had a strong player. There was very little time to make a pass or a play before the defense was on the player with the ball. Every mistake was taken advantage of by the other team, in that they got control of the ball and passed it on. And both teams created mistakes with their press and by moving to intercept passes. Plus, a fairly physical game.

So two complete teams of strong players who each played very well as a team. The only way to play successfully is to play a fast and physical game. Either team would take apart a slower team. Or a less complete team, as having several good players won't be enough to allow them to consistently maintain possession and attack. Soccer is a team sport. Every position on the field.

Keeping in mind that it is very difficult to recreate game situations in training, then, what is your suggestion for how players get to that level and continue to develop? How do players train individually for this type of game situation? How do players learn to play this type of game without a complete team of players, who play at that level, and regularly face opponents at that level?

its a good question, but the system is not designed to challenge strong players, professional pathway aside. Too many teams, too many leagues, too much focus on age and not ability. its a volume-based business

**Guest** · 06-12-2023, 03:14 PM

Originally posted by Guest View Post

Agree with this. A Stars Blue or NEFC GA, or other top clubs would handle a high school team, even a good one. High school will not have the depth of a club team. Maybe the bigger programs will have more than a handful of higher league club players but the rest are DPL or like. Too many great players spread across multiple schools, in club, the best all play on the same field. The level of practice is more intense, level of play is faster, overall competition is better.

High School soccer isn't about any of these things you talk about.