Changing skill levels

[Unregistered]

Here's a topic for general discussion --

I have a u13 boy at a big premier club. (So I'm relatively new to competitive soccer). We joined the club last year, and each year I have seen a boy start out as one of the better players and by the end of the season they are one of the worst.

One played center back and played almost every minute of every game. This year, the poor boy can't receive a pass, gets beat out, loses the ball. The coach rarely starts him and has moved him to a wing position. It is clear to me that he's in danger of being cut. (He's not my son!)

Here's my question : is it that he's stopped developing and the rest of the team has kept improving so it looks lIke he's gotten worse, but in reality he's just been passed? Or has he gotten worse? Why? How do you lose the ability to receive a pass and control the ball? Does puberty enter into it? (He's 12 or 13).

Anyway just curious about this phenomenon, and also doing my part to foster discussion on the NY board!

Leslie

[Unregistered]

Here's a topic for general discussion --

I have a u13 boy at a big premier club. (So I'm relatively new to competitive soccer). We joined the club last year, and each year I have seen a boy start out as one of the better players and by the end of the season they are one of the worst.

One played center back and played almost every minute of every game. This year, the poor boy can't receive a pass, gets beat out, loses the ball. The coach rarely starts him and has moved him to a wing position. It is clear to me that he's in danger of being cut. (He's not my son!)

Here's my question : is it that he's stopped developing and the rest of the team has kept improving so it looks lIke he's gotten worse, but in reality he's just been passed? Or has he gotten worse? Why? How do you lose the ability to receive a pass and control the ball? Does puberty enter into it? (He's 12 or 13).

Anyway just curious about this phenomenon, and also doing my part to foster discussion on the NY board!

Leslie

Thanks for the discussion starter

It just a guess but it's probably a combination. At these ages changes happen quickly

The other players are probably getting better. I have also seen some players who are going through growth spurts lose their coordination.

Additionally center back is a funny position. It's usually played by larger players who can command the area with their size. Once the other kids start to catch up in size that advantage and the confidence that goes along with it are gone.