How much play time should your kid get?

[Unregistered]

I was reading another thread where a person broke down the cost of tournament into a price per minute played. I'm all about getting the most bang for the buck so price per game or minute I have no objection with. So if your kids roster size is 14-18 players how much play time should each player get.? I can see both sides of equation option. 1) Your kid plays a complete or almost complete game and should become a better player thru extra play time. Option 2) Rotate players so they all get to play 2/3rds or more of the game, less play time and always a fresher pair of legs on the field. In years past I always thought it would be best for my kids to have less players on a team and that would equal more play time.


This had became apparent to me and some other parents this last weekend when we lost in the LO Cup final. We had 3 subs being that are star player was injured and not able to play. Every time our opponent would sub with 2-3 players with fresh legs, they just plain out ran us. So I guess if our girls are going to be competive at tournaments I'm going to ask our coach for a full roster even if my kid gets less play time.


I love our star forward and the girls love her too. I just wonder how much more effective she could be if she had a brake or 2 thru out the game instead of playing whole game?

My kid is not a star and my husband and I are happy with her playing her 60%-70% of the game. Yes we are parents that realize our kid is not the best player on the field.

[Unregistered]

The whole game LOL HAHAHA!

Any player in playing club should be happy with 50-60% play time. I don't think most are physically conditioned well enough to play a complete game with proper intensity unless it's a defensive player and even then a fast forward can wear them down. Do some play a whole game yes they do but a full bench and good rotation of subs wins games at ages U8-U15.. Just my 2cents worth.

[Unregistered]

Whole game are you kidding.

My son is the best player in the state and deserves to play the whole game because his dad is the best and a good looking guy. NOT! I think 50%-70% is a good number. Good coaches know when to sub players. I has seen certain matchups when subbing players is not a good idea or can cause huge momentum changes in the game.


Like mentioned above full benches win games, not just because of player quality. Just because injuries, illness and unforseen issues. Our goalie last year had an abcessed tooth up at Crossfire tourney and could not play, thankfully we had a player who stepped up to take his place and we finished in 3rd place.

[SodiumFan[2]]

I will have to say that that was one of the best games between these two teams and even though Sodium won it on a nicely executed play at the end, it was an all out war till the final whistle of the second overtime. Your girls, even though you could tell were very disappointed, should not hang their heads. Chalk it up to another great game between two outstanding teams. One of many more to come I'm sure. We were applauding at the end for both teams.

Now on to the question; my daughter, when she went from development league to club (U11) she played for a team that only had, if I remember, 13 players. Most of the time she played with 11 or 10. Needless to say, those who showed up, played. They played the entire season up until the last 4 games when a new player joined. Did these girls develop because of this? In my opinion, yes. It not only taught them ball skills, it taught them to never give up no matter what the odds or the score.(not to mention stamina) Back to present day; I believe a larger roster gives the players a chance to rest and regroup. Does playing time matter to these girls? Of course. If you have a player playing well, then she will remain on the pitch. But if she starts to get tired, she should sit to recharge. This also helps avoid injury. If a pair of players is playing well together, leave them in longer. Again, when they start to tire, substitue. Defenders, as mentioned, can sustain longer durations of play due to the start-stop nature of the position. Keepers are, well, keepers! LOL! So, in my opinion, a strong bench rotation is key to keeping the level of play on the field at its optimal level and injuries at bay.

Cheers! :)

[Unregistered]

My kid's coach thinks players improve when there's a lot of competition for playing time. They have to work damn hard in training sessions to earn minutes, and the starters know there are several players waiting to be subbed in if they are not performing. The team always has full attendance at practice and all-out effort during games. Seems to be working with this group. We expect a competitive tryout in August, too. Even better, all the basketball players have quit trying to do both sports, since they were relegated to the bench for missing so many practices.

[ESUFC Fan]

My player tends to play most of the time. Her breaks are very limited. Sometimes she would like a break but she is definately not a 50 - 60% player and sort of feels ripped for the amount of effort she puts out when she only gets that much.

I have to tell you that last year's evaluation with the ODP regional team was that she set the standard on endurance. The coach said that while it is not necessary to play 100% of every game, if you want to go to that division one level or world cup level then you better be able to do it and do it well. How do you get to that level of endurance? Running, running, running, playing, playing and playing.

To me it has always been frustrating with our team when we have players that have to "freshen" their legs half the game. We just don't have that many on the roster. It comes down to a level of fitness and over all general health. Obviously if you are nurturing an injury you must give it a rest. Ideally, every soccer player would be capable of truly playing an entire game.

Now let's speak to winning. If you have enough subs then those players that only do well for 10 minutes ( not div 1 material) can be subbed out and you can put in your next 10 minutes player. You can definately win games that way because most of the players can't give 110 for an enitre game. The reality is the competition is fierce to play Div 1 and most players won't have that opportunity. In fact, no player can give 110 for the entire game, for every game. A little rest is good.

My perference would be to have a roster of 16 -18 (accounting for injury) and have highly fit players that are able to rumble. But then, that is just one parent's opinion.

[SodiumFan[2]]

My perference would be to have a roster of 16 -18 (accounting for injury) and have highly fit players that are able to rumble. But then, that is just one parent's opinion.

You are exactly right here. That is why I really like our current roster of 18. (19 if you count the player from Grants Pass) If asked, each and every one of them could, and would, play the entire game and give it everything they have. Their strict conditioning regiment was evident by the 13 games in 2 weeks schedule the had in July.

Cheers! :)

[Kickinballz]

For regular season play nothing wrong with a 13-15 player roster for more touches and play time. For a tournament that requires stiff fees travel and hotels, go with a stacked bench. Most good soccer touraments are usually located in much warmer enviroments then OR/WA tournaments and wears players down. If all the World Cup teams have a full benchs is good enough reason for me.