Best Path for Development??

With all of the recent changes in the soccer landscape, AP, DA, new leagues, etc. All in the name of development and improving the quality of soccer in the U.S.
I'm curious to see what everyone thinks is the best path for development as far as game play goes.

Come on big dog, no one answer is right or wrong. Each and every path depends on the kid.

You could add one more option though: Training

Everything depends upon the level of the kid. Put her in competition that is too difficult and she will have less success, less touches, she'll begin to lose confidence and take less risks which leads to stunted development. If the competition is too easy then her success will be enormous, high touches, confidence high and will take greater risks but at some level of easier competition she won't be challenged anymore or pushed to her limits. Different levels play the game at different speeds. There is no one correct answer as it depends upon the level of the player.

I've never been one for exclusivity, but in this instance, if that exclusive league in theory draws the majority of talent, will never draw all the talent, would it not in theory be high level football and in turn good for development.

At least for those invited to the party.

AtThePitch wrote:Come on big dog, no one answer is right or wrong. Each and every path depends on the kid.

You could add one more option though: Training

I agree, there is no right or wrong answer here. But, hypothetically, given only 1 choice for game play, pick one.
I couldn't edit the poll once it was posted, but obviously Training trumps all 3 choices.

Tons of unstructured touches #1 (pick ups, indoor, futsal, small sided, etc)

Training #2.

Exposure to multiple levels of competition and playing styles #3 (including boys)

Multiple coaching voices #4

Exclusive league way down the list

You know my position on this. It's mostly an issue of physical attributes.

There's some very talented players that have no business playing up or against boys due to their physical limitations.

There's some gifted athletes that absolutely need to be pushed by boys or older girls.

Playing boys isnt really about physical IMO..it's about picking up how boys solve problems differently than girls. Its learning how to play with deception as a key tool in the bag. And to be frank not all boys teams can offer much benefit...it's those high level boys teams that are sophisticated and immersed in technical side of the game.  DDs teams have schooled a good # of boys teams over the years that didn't offer them much technical challenge. A smaller # of boys ran circles around our girls, and it wasnt because they were physically dominant.

So if a top girls team gets drilled in the boys league, it's an issue of problem-solving. Got it.

Sho'Nuff wrote:So if a top girls team gets drilled in the boys league, it's an issue of problem-solving.  Got it.

Maybe they weren't as top as they think they are.

4-3-3 wrote:

Sho'Nuff wrote:So if a top girls team gets drilled in the boys league, it's an issue of problem-solving.  Got it.

Maybe they weren't as top as they think they are.

bumping so it can't be edited.

Sho'Nuff wrote:

4-3-3 wrote:

Sho'Nuff wrote:So if a top girls team gets drilled in the boys league, it's an issue of problem-solving.  Got it.

Maybe they weren't as top as they think they are.

bumping so it can't be edited.

What's to edit? No spelling mistakes on that one. I edit because I usually post quickly from a phone. You may have me confused with someone who is afraid to speak their mind?

4-3-3 wrote:

Sho'Nuff wrote:So if a top girls team gets drilled in the boys league, it's an issue of problem-solving.  Got it.

Maybe they weren't as top as they think they are.

Or maybe they just get beat by boys. Isn't it to be expected?
USWNT gets drilled consistently by u17 and up MNT. Doesn't make them any less of a top women's team.

We're talking young players. Clearly at u15 and above once boys are full on with puberty, the physical mismatch is too big a hurdle.

Ulittles getting drilled by boys is not because the boys are more physical. If anything the girls are more physical and the refs let them get away with murder when playing boys.

When my boy was at U9 he was the best right mid in a top team. He was fast tall with skills. However when I showed off him to one of best coaches, he offered me 2 advice:

1. Put him on the Forward/Striker position to challenge him.
2. Play up, even 2 years as long as he feel comfortable.

It was very tough for him for the first year to play forward since he was facing the best defenders most of the time, but he did come out of his comfortable zone and improved huge.

Currently he is still one of the best forwards and mid fielders in the top division, while non of his U9 teammates who was also top then are still in top.

Until today I still think these two advice are the best suggestion for his development.