u/Old_Eye3440

Because I know immediately where we need to focus. But I have to give credit to the kids- their effort was there. I never felt for one second they gave up. The other team was stellar- we play u10- they were extremely well trained, had boys who nail the ball in the net from the top of the box and an all around solid team.

My team gave effort. Really good positive effort. We’re still very disjointed and playing like individuals on a team, versus a team. So I’ll take suggestions on how to really get better at holding space on the field versus “it’s just me and I have to take the ball all by myself” style of play. And positions- I’m thinking of breaking it down to assignments per position in a way they understand versus throwing them out there during the game (which happens) and they (the kids) end up lost.

I suspect the lack of cohesiveness comes from not knowing where to go. Am I right? All help needed please.

Also using scoreboard soccer to guide my sessions. Other ideas welcome. Again u10- competitive rec. (we travel regionally)

Background: In my world, and opinion, I have run into coaches in rec, yes, rec, and now older teams who are basing their team's success purely on the players' skill level, not their skill as a coach to develop the team.

Am I wrong that this seems just a bad approach? I'm helping with a team, and the head coach asked for feedback, and I called out things we can work on. The feedback I received focused on the players on the team, and it feels like I'm on a fantasy football team where we're somehow not responsible for, or don't have control over, their development and are instead at the mercy of their performance.

This way of thinking, and now a culture, is so prevalent that entire seasons are assumed based on who the coaches get in a draft where players are ranked. .

I'm just lost. Lost in how this makes sense. I get not stacking teams, and honestly, it makes perfect sense, but is it not my job as a coach to DEVELOP THE ENTIRE TEAM?! How did this start?! Why? I'm old and I can tell you my old man coaches who had cigarettes and short-shorts did not give a crap about our skills outside of how hard we worked and operated as a team. Nor did the crazy Brit who trained us as a club team focus on "getting the best players" and giving up instantly. We, WE were a team. Not individual players performing.

I can't fight city hall, but I'll be damned if I join what I don't agree with. When did soccer become an individualized sport?! Is this only prevalent among coaches who never played? Sorry for the rant. Curious is all if others deal with this.

Please break down the rules for “offsides” via the build out line for me as a coach.

I know from the leagues rules it’s more or less no striker/offensive player beyond the line if there’s no defender. Also extra thanks for any ways to break it down for kids who are mostly 9 (some 8) years old. Thank you!

We’re about to embark upon 7v7 competitive rec for u10.
My question is this: how important are positions? Like really truly teach roles and positions?

I’ve always coached younger kids and have found positions to be a loose term- meaning here we defend here we attack and focus more on how to spread our offer support and support our teammates.

All feedback welcome. Thank you!

I'm a Grassroots coach, moving up with my son as he transitions to u10 and beyond. I am in the middle of US Soccers 9v9 course (why not?) and am curious- what's a good read for players-turned-coaches/parents like myself ?

Hello! We face a team next week and I know them well. And yes this is rec u8, small field and our league has us playing 7v7. (Please trust I know of the lunacy of this entire setup. Don’t get me started on how we have u11 and no u10- SIGH)

Their main player is destined to be a kicker in high school as his goal scoring is 98% happening from kickoff. And good for him truly for the accuracy and aim.

So my question is what’s a good way to stop it? Again this is u8. I round robin the goalies and thank them for their service versus dedicating one kid. Also I have a slow yet extremely tall kid on our team. Like he’s 8 and is 5’2. No joke (dad is 6,8?!)

Also I want to add I like to see all kids actually play. Not just boot the ball for kickoff goals. I love passes!!!