When are ODP Tryouts?

Mia Hamster wrote:

soccerdad1969 wrote:Good to know. Is this how they select girls to the training program, selecting so many girls from the first half of the year and so many girls from the bottom half, or is it based only on absolute talent/skills for the whole age group? If so, it still puts the girls that have been playing in my DD's instance '04 competition all year at a disadvantage against girls playing '03 competition (or insert any other year for comparison). Probably evens out a bit as they get older I reckon.

ODP selection is a great mystery.  The players selected are all talented players, but by they do pass over some "D1 star players" as well.  You will see big players and small players selected.  The vast bulk of players selected are from LHGC league, but there are a few PPL and Arlington league players.  I've heard of a few rec players making the cut, but have yet to actually meet such a player.  I don't believe there is a 'quota', but who knows.  

After observing ODP for a few years, a few common ODP player qualities I have noticed:

1) everyone is fit.

2) everyone has a very good first touch on the ball.

3) everyone has a strong understanding of the flow of the game (what alot of coaches call 'soccer IQ'.)  

4) everyone is a quick learner and they adapt to new field formations and positioning quickly.

InaB wrote:Actually, I think the "coachable" and being able to play as a team player are two primary attributes. They want strong, fit, talented players for sure, but if they are not coachable or do not want to blend in and work as a team, then the players won't make it.  Oops, and of course they want them to be able to juggle that ball across the field!  (edited to add last comment)

futbollove wrote:

Mia Hamster wrote:

soccerdad1969 wrote:Good to know. Is this how they select girls to the training program, selecting so many girls from the first half of the year and so many girls from the bottom half, or is it based only on absolute talent/skills for the whole age group? If so, it still puts the girls that have been playing in my DD's instance '04 competition all year at a disadvantage against girls playing '03 competition (or insert any other year for comparison). Probably evens out a bit as they get older I reckon.

ODP selection is a great mystery.  The players selected are all talented players, but by they do pass over some "D1 star players" as well.  You will see big players and small players selected.  The vast bulk of players selected are from LHGC league, but there are a few PPL and Arlington league players.  I've heard of a few rec players making the cut, but have yet to actually meet such a player.  I don't believe there is a 'quota', but who knows.  

After observing ODP for a few years, a few common ODP player qualities I have noticed:

1) everyone is fit.

2) everyone has a very good first touch on the ball.

3) everyone has a strong understanding of the flow of the game (what alot of coaches call 'soccer IQ'.)  

4) everyone is a quick learner and they adapt to new field formations and positioning quickly.

Agree with 1 and 2. But have never met a "D1 star player"
that wasn't selected.