time off during summer

[Guest]

for U13/U14 mlsn&ecnl level players - what's an appropriate amount of time to take off from soccer during the summer? what about for older mlsn&ecnl level players such as U16s/U17s?

[Guest]

2 weeks is my opinion.

[Guest]

In Europe, it's common for youth players, including those at high levels like U13/U14 and U16/U17, to take a break of about 3-4 weeks during the summer. This allows them to rest and recover physically and mentally before the new season starts. It's important to balance rest with maintaining fitness, so light training and staying active can help keep them in shape without overdoing it. Plus it helps from burning them out mentally over the years.

[Guest]

My D (now a rising senior in college) almost always took off June and July. Starting at U12, she started going to a 2 week residential soccer camp at the start of August, and carried that through all the way through high school (it was a great way to get back into shape for high school soccer). The only exception to this was the summer before she started high school when she had the opportunity to go on one of those week-long soccer trips in Europe (she trained and played for a week in the UK in early July).

[Guest]

anyone ever had a scenario where their kid's skill decreases materially if they take a month or two off during summer?

[Guest]

anyone ever had a scenario where their kid's skill decreases materially if they take a month or two off during summer?

Taking off doesn’t imply to completely abandon everything. The top players still juggle, go to camps, continue to run, stay in the gym, small sessions, etc, etc to keep sharp and in shape. Taking off simply suggests no league games, showcases, or tournaments, allowing your body to fully recover. However, working through out the summer is has always been the way to seperate yourself from the pack! While everyone else is laying around the pool and eating pancakes (lol), you’re trying to beat your juggling record, or building muscle in the gym.

[Guest]

anyone ever had a scenario where their kid's skill decreases materially if they take a month or two off during summer?

Not sure I would say the skills would decrease, but it will take longer for them to get back in form. My kid was out for 2-3 weeks before with an injury. When she came back her touch was off. It took about a week or 2 to get her rythm back. Think about it that way. The more time they take off the longer it will take for them to get back to what they were before taking the break.

[Guest]

Not sure I would say the skills would decrease, but it will take longer for them to get back in form. My kid was out for 2-3 weeks before with an injury. When she came back her touch was off. It took about a week or 2 to get her rythm back. Think about it that way. The more time they take off the longer it will take for them to get back to what they were before taking the break.

We took off about a month and my daughter is now rusty. She didn’t loose any skills but not as sharp. It’s normal for her as we do this every year and it usually takes a week or two to get back to her normal rythym.