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**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Nine of ten parents don't know what development is nor do they recognize it when they see it. Win/loss records and playing time are about the only things they can relate to. Some of them sort of get it over time, but can't quite put their finger on it nor talk intelligently to a coach or club board about it. They know something is going on, but they're not quite sure what it is and what they're seeing. So looking to them to define it is going to get you nowhere. About 1 in 5 coaches kind of get it, and maybe 1 in 10 really get. I know most A and B licensed coaches will take offense to that but sadly, it's true. The truth of the matter is that development really isn't grey. It's pretty black and white. Pretending it's this nebulous, hard to define, subjective thing is bull. It either happens, or it doesn't.

You speak a lot of sense. I just think that coaches and clubs can and do look at development differently to parents. Hence the grey area comment.

I also think that coaches aren't given the opportunity at some clubs to properly develop players and an attractive playing style due to pressure to win. That is why we often see players smashing the ball forward rather than taking a touch and looking to pass & move. Then again how many coaches work weekly on individual technical aspects of the game and team shape, patterns of play etc???

**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

You speak a lot of sense. I just think that coaches and clubs can and do look at development differently to parents. Hence the grey area comment.

I also think that coaches aren't given the opportunity at some clubs to properly develop players and an attractive playing style due to pressure to win. That is why we often see players smashing the ball forward rather than taking a touch and looking to pass & move. Then again how many coaches work weekly on individual technical aspects of the game and team shape, patterns of play etc???

Ours does. Westside. Every practice.

**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

Ours does. Westside. Every practice.

Ours does as well, and we are Westside too. But this has nothing to do with the club. We have an incredible coach.

**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

You speak a lot of sense. I just think that coaches and clubs can and do look at development differently to parents. Hence the grey area comment.

I also think that coaches aren't given the opportunity at some clubs to properly develop players and an attractive playing style due to pressure to win. That is why we often see players smashing the ball forward rather than taking a touch and looking to pass & move. Then again how many coaches work weekly on individual technical aspects of the game and team shape, patterns of play etc???

True there's always pressure to win but I think these coaches are being extremely nearsighted because I don't for a minute believe that quality development and attractive soccer is somehow incompatible with wining, long term or short term. In fact, I think it results in more winning in both the long and short term. The development versus winning trade off fallacy is a myth perpetuated a long time ago and it's wrong.

**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

True there's always pressure to win but I think these coaches are being extremely nearsighted because I don't for a minute believe that quality development and attractive soccer is somehow incompatible with wining, long term or short term. In fact, I think it results in more winning in both the long and short term. The development versus winning trade off fallacy is a myth perpetuated a long time ago and it's wrong.

The pressure comes from losing games trying to play the right way and parents leaving teams. Coaches get 'scared' and resort to a more direct style rather than playing out of the back and through midfield. It is a safety first mentality and tactic. I have seen this over many years.

I agree that coaches who stick to a development plan should see success and more wins than losses over a significant time period. It doesn't happen over night though which seems to be another common misconception!

**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 05:17 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

The pressure comes from losing games trying to play the right way and parents leaving teams. Coaches get 'scared' and resort to a more direct style rather than playing out of the back and through midfield. It is a safety first mentality and tactic. I have seen this over many years.

I agree that coaches who stick to a development plan should see success and more wins than losses over a significant time period. It doesn't happen over night though which seems to be another common misconception!

It also seems the coaches you are referring to might be doing it wrong.

A coaches number one job is to understand their team and put them in appropriate developmental situations.

Likely a very young team will play a very direct style of play, as they mature more of the skills will creep in and they will begin to pay out of the back, with a more possession oriented style. If a coach has his team play in an appropriate style, it should always fit.

What it sounds like you described is a coach who insists they will only coach one style, no matter what the age, force the team to get used to it. There are many coaches like that out there. If you have one, I suggest finding a different team.

**Unregistered** · 04-22-2014, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by Unregistered View Post

The pressure comes from losing games trying to play the right way and parents leaving teams. Coaches get 'scared' and resort to a more direct style rather than playing out of the back and through midfield. It is a safety first mentality and tactic. I have seen this over many years.

I agree that coaches who stick to a development plan should see success and more wins than losses over a significant time period. It doesn't happen over night though which seems to be another common misconception!

I just don't see it that way. Have seen 8 year olds move the ball around beautifully and they win consistently. The kids' instincts will move to where the coach pushes them. it's just that most coaches don't believe it or have no idea how to teach it. Even if they try (which is rare) they panic as soon as they play a tough team and will push the kids back to boot ball because the coach can't process and read the game. They can start playing the right way at age eight within 3 or four practices and still put the ball in the net. It's not witchcraft, it simply takes some coaching ability and enthusiastic kids, which are pretty abundant.