NHSA U-14 TRAVEL COACH KATIE KRUSE AND NHSA VP TOM SEASHOLTZ* Why don't the players just play the position that they are best at?
At the younger ages (u12 and below) it's important for the kids to get a chance to play all of the different positions on the field. This is recognized as a best practice in coaching and not moving the players around will interfere with their development and in-depth understanding of the game. It is considered unethical for a coach at the U10/12 level to lock a player into a fixed position.
* Why do the kids not seem to remember what to do on the field?
Kids brains are not developed to the same degree as adults. It is normal and expected for kids to forget what they did in practice or what the coach has told them during a game because they are often not ready to "learn" what was taught. Expect to see an erratic pattern of mistakes and successes. Remember, even professionals make lots of mistakes!
* Why do they feel so bad when the team loses - How can I help?
Kids at the younger ages don't have a strong concept of team. They equate results with how hard they tried. If they tried hard they feel OK about the game - win or lose! As they move into Win/Loss records, they may struggle when they don't win. This is part of growing up, but the result will soon be out of their minds as they move to the next activity for the day. As a parent, it's important not to psychoanalyze performance. The game is over and the kids need to move on. The best approach is to ask if they enjoyed playing and leave it alone. The worst approach is to talk about mistakes and the score and what they need to do better to improve. That's not why kids play.
* Why don't the coaches tell the kids what to do more in games?
It is discouraged for coaches to direct the movement of players during a game (coaches should keep this to a minimum). Results at older ages indicate that "over-coaching" results in players who lack creativity and are unable to solve soccer problems on their own. This is believed to result from frequent looking to the sidelines for the coach to direct their movements. We frequently see other teams do this and while it is frustrating to lose to a team due to their "over coaching" we should understand that our players will benefit from this as they move into their teens.
* Coaching for player development versus coaching to win - what does that mean?
Coaching to win means a willingness to sacrifice the best interest of the players development in order to secure a victory. This can be seen at games where - players are intentionally fixed into rigid defensive or offensive positions on the field. Such as intentionally directing a player to hold a forward position (which would be offsides at the older ages). Directing teams to just boot the ball down the middle of the field. It can also be seen where players who should clearly be playing up are held back in order for the team to secure more wins. Learning comes from success and failure - kids need to take risks to learn how to push the envelope and advance their skills in the game. Teams that fix positions, insist on passing after two touches, only play players in positions that will most likely result in success are not acting in the best interest of the players. They are acting in the best interest of the Adult Coach.
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