So when do they stop moving players positions around?

[Guest]

If you look at the top teams, I am sure most of the players there were the best on their town teams and probably all played center midfield/striker. Cant have 10 of them, so they move them to outside positions since they still tend to have the most skills. What I see in U13 and U14 is they start to move them to defense when better mid fielders join and cut defenders. At what point do they stop moving players from mid field to defense, just cut them and then recruit true defenders?

[Guest]

If you look at the top teams, I am sure most of the players there were the best on their town teams and probably all played center midfield/striker. Cant have 10 of them, so they move them to outside positions since they still tend to have the most skills. What I see in U13 and U14 is they start to move them to defense when better mid fielders join and cut defenders. At what point do they stop moving players from mid field to defense, just cut them and then recruit true defenders?

What is a "true defender"??

If it matters, my D's college team turns midfielders into defenders every year. One girl, in their last game, played LB, CM, and on the wing throughout the game. The most valuable player on the pitch is a defender with an attacking mindset. Heck, most pro teams have players who can play multiple positions during a season, during a game...during the same sequence.

When my D first moved to her club and it was the first year of 11v11, they brought in many new players (essentially the roster went from 11 to 20). Lots of new faces...new coach, looks around, and asks players where they want to play. Only 3 say in the back, 8 girls say CM, which is where my D had played. She quickly said "F that", went to the back and has been there ever since.

[Guest]

This was a few years ago (my D is now in college), but at her ECRL team, her coach had her play 2 of 3 positions every game (CM, LB, Wing). If I remember correctly, he took that approach with almost every player, having them in one position in the first half and another position in the second half. And between U15-U18, she had played every position at least once in a game except CB, CF and GK. For college, she was recruited as a AM, but also spent time at CF (even tho she had never played CF in a real game before)...no question, the experience gave her versatility that her college coaches have appreciated.

[Guest]

Be thankful they get different looks. It makes them understand the game at a higher IQ level.
I hate knuckleheads that keep kids locked in a position from very early ages. 7v7 9v9 & beginning 11v11. Kids will naturally gravitate to their natural strengths. They should have the opportunity to move around in the lineup

[Guest]

This was a few years ago (my D is now in college), but at her ECRL team, her coach had her play 2 of 3 positions every game (CM, LB, Wing). If I remember correctly, he took that approach with almost every player, having them in one position in the first half and another position in the second half. And between U15-U18, she had played every position at least once in a game except CB, CF and GK. For college, she was recruited as a AM, but also spent time at CF (even tho she had never played CF in a real game before)...no question, the experience gave her versatility that her college coaches have appreciated.

Exactly. Want to play? Provide value. Never mind that players don't typically play "a" position during a game. They need to be playing several different positions at any given moment.

[Guest]

Playing multiple positions esp at a young age is crucial for player development. By moving around the field, my d is exposed to different perspectives, challenges, and skills that are essential for her growth. Versatility makes a player more adaptable and well-rounded, which is key as they advance to higher levels. While some players may eventually specialize in a specific position, having a deep understanding of various roles strengthens their overall game intelligence or IQ. This experience will serve them well as they progress, ensuring they're not just good at one thing but exceptional in multiple areas. Being versatile is an extremely valuable commodity.

[Guest]

Exactly. Want to play? Provide value. Never mind that players don't typically play "a" position during a game. They need to be playing several different positions at any given moment.

D's coach always says "You can play great soccer from any position".

[Guest]

If you look at the top teams, I am sure most of the players there were the best on their town teams and probably all played center midfield/striker. Cant have 10 of them, so they move them to outside positions since they still tend to have the most skills. What I see in U13 and U14 is they start to move them to defense when better mid fielders join and cut defenders. At what point do they stop moving players from mid field to defense, just cut them and then recruit true defenders?

Most town teams I see put their best player at striker. CM's on town teams have a lot of neck problems from watching the ball sail over their heads all game.

[Guest]

D's coach always says "You can play great soccer from any position".

"Play where you are"

[Guest]

If you look at the top teams, I am sure most of the players there were the best on their town teams and probably all played center midfield/striker. Cant have 10 of them, so they move them to outside positions since they still tend to have the most skills. What I see in U13 and U14 is they start to move them to defense when better mid fielders join and cut defenders. At what point do they stop moving players from mid field to defense, just cut them and then recruit true defenders?

What level club teams do you see this at?

[Guest]

What level club teams do you see this at?

The one where the OP's kid who is a defender isn't on.

[Guest]

It's not the kid's choice, it is the club's. I agree it is good to learn multiple positions, but moving a U16 mid fielder to defense might not be as good for the TEAM as finding someone who has played defense for 5 years. I see my team (PDA White) do it a lot

[Guest]

It's not the kid's choice, it is the club's. I agree it is good to learn multiple positions, but moving a U16 mid fielder to defense might not be as good for the TEAM as finding someone who has played defense for 5 years. I see my team (PDA White) do it a lot

Good for what? Winning? Isn't the main point of youth club soccer player development? Help that midfielder develop their defensive skills/IQ instead of just bringing in someone else?

[Guest]

It's not the kid's choice, it is the club's. I agree it is good to learn multiple positions, but moving a U16 mid fielder to defense might not be as good for the TEAM as finding someone who has played defense for 5 years. I see my team (PDA White) do it a lot

Wholeheartedly disagree.

Nobody should be developed as a single-position player. With no study done, I'd be willing to bet half collegiate midfielders could be/are defenders. A CB on my D's team was listed as a MF her entire career. Showed up as a MF, they needed a CB, she played every minute of every game for the next four years.

[Guest]

Wholeheartedly disagree.

Nobody should be developed as a single-position player. With no study done, I'd be willing to bet half collegiate midfielders could be/are defenders. A CB on my D's team was listed as a MF her entire career. Showed up as a MF, they needed a CB, she played every minute of every game for the next four years.

Yep. A kid on my D's HS team spent her entire youth soccer time as mostly a F with some CM. Got recruited to college and has spent almost every minute of her time on the field at outside back in her first two years. Gotta be versatile.