Turftoe96 wrote:This is merely an avatar test

You pass.

go99 wrote:I do accept that US is young and soccer is new being some of it but that's not enough to explain why countries with nowhere near the population and number of people playing the sport can produce a better product. It doesn't help that they all go about developing players differently than we do.

go99,
Keep in mind, this is much like the inner city basketball development. For many this is a way "out".

Tequilapark wrote:

go99 wrote:I do accept that US is young and soccer is new being some of it but that's not enough to explain why countries with nowhere near the population and number of people playing the sport can produce a better product. It doesn't help that they all go about developing players differently than we do.

Its simple, players in many other countries are not only developed by their coaches / academies, in addition to all the coaching, they play soccer at school during recess, they play it in the afternoons in their neighborhood, they play it at family get togethers, they play when they go to the beach, etc... Soccer is everywhere in day to day life, so its natural that a country for example Brasil, where kids start kicking the ball from the time they are able to walk, and grow up with soccer all around, plus they have great academies and coaches, will produce some of the best players int he world.

That's a little bit too much here. I am sure quite a few of you here took some vacation in Paris London Amsterdam or in anywhere Europe. Do you really remember 100 of people playing in the street all day long? Come on, Paris is like Dallas it is a city with cars and nobody is playing in the street on monday afternoon. Also the weather sucks in most europe and kids are not outside playing the ball with nobody watching. Kids are home with mommy doing their homework. they do play a bit more at school but that is not enough of a difference.----------------Interestingly, there is a real precise difference in the style of soccer between the countries with good weather and the countries with bad weather. Think about it: the Pro players showing the most creativity and crazy one on one skills are basically coming from all the "sunny" countries where (yes) kids can play outside under very low supervision (brazil, spain, portugal...).  The players from north europe have a different style (germany, holland) and you have France in the middle aggregating the good (or the bad) of it all (which has always been France strength in any regards anytime in the history). But, all those countries are able to produce great players so US should also be able to do it to. ---------------------------From that point of view, that's another great chance we have here in texas (and California), aside for this stupid rainy season we do have great weather and our kids can enjoy playing outside. Also when you drive around Dallas, you can see tons of soccer fields with tons of teenager/adults/children on it way more than in Paris (right, I know, I am from there).No, once again, I think US has a great chance to be a top nation of soccer, US should already be a top nation but we are not doing a good job at nurturing the kids.Come on parents lets get to work and put some positive pressure on our environment.

gababa wrote:

Tequilapark wrote:

go99 wrote:I do accept that US is young and soccer is new being some of it but that's not enough to explain why countries with nowhere near the population and number of people playing the sport can produce a better product. It doesn't help that they all go about developing players differently than we do.

Its simple, players in many other countries are not only developed by their coaches / academies, in addition to all the coaching, they play soccer at school during recess, they play it in the afternoons in their neighborhood, they play it at family get togethers, they play when they go to the beach, etc... Soccer is everywhere in day to day life, so its natural that a country for example Brasil, where kids start kicking the ball from the time they are able to walk, and grow up with soccer all around, plus they have great academies and coaches, will produce some of the best players int he world.

That's a little bit too much here. I am sure quite a few of you here took some vacation in Paris London Amsterdam or in anywhere Europe. Do you really remember 100 of people playing in the street all day long? Come on, Paris is like Dallas it is a city with cars and nobody is playing in the street on monday afternoon. Also the weather sucks in most europe and kids are not outside playing the ball with nobody watching. Kids are home with mommy doing their homework. they do play a bit more at school but that is not enough of a difference.----------------Interestingly, there is a real precise difference in the style of soccer between the countries with good weather and the countries with bad weather. Think about it: the Pro players showing the most creativity and crazy one on one skills are basically coming from all the "sunny" countries where (yes) kids can play outside under very low supervision (brazil, spain, portugal...). The players from north europe have a different style (germany, holland) and you have France in the middle aggregating the good (or the bad) of it all (which has always been France strength in any regards anytime in the history). But, all those countries are able to produce great players so US should also be able to do it to. ---------------------------From that point of view, that's another great chance we have here in texas (and California), aside for this stupid rainy season we do have great weather and our kids can enjoy playing outside. Also when you drive around Dallas, you can see tons of soccer fields with tons of teenager/adults/children on it way more than in Paris (right, I know, I am from there).No, once again, I think US has a great chance to be a top nation of soccer, US should already be a top nation but we are not doing a good job at nurturing the kids.Come on parents lets get to work and put some positive pressure on our environment.

I have not been to France, so can't comment. I am from Mexico and you do see a lot of soccer being played, not only academies, but informal games on the street.

I spent 25 days in Brasil earlier this year, visited Sao Paulo and Curitiba, soccer was everywhere, again, in addition to organized academy soccer, children and adults play together anytime they have an opportunity.

Now, at the profesional level, there are also differences, for example, a team like FC Dallas, has one practice per day, usually from 8 or 9am to noon if I am not mistaken; in Brasil, pro teams practice twice per day, a 3 hour session in the morning, break for lunch then another practice in the afternoon, this makes a big difference.

Soccer is a serious business in Brasil, I visited the Atletico Paranaense training center, its an amazing facility, separate from their stadium, players for example, before the beggining of the season, are called into the center and dont leave for two weeks, training and concentrating on the game, when they start playing, they are ready mentally and physically, the center has first class accomodations, pool, 9 or 10 fields (with different types of grass so they can replicate the conditions of the field they will play in on the road), gym, tennis court, sand fields (to strenghten the legs), etc... Basically what they do is produce players and then export them, big business.

True10 must have known one of my son's coaches. Ex Dallas Burn and World Cup player....NOT a good coach at all.

Ibystander wrote:Seems like there's a lot of complaints regarding the lack of development coming from the big clubs. What's stopping you guys from trying the independent clubs? $680 vs $2,500 and some small change per year, that should entice some people.

But then the U-11s won't be seen by the NCAA D1 college coaches at their games and they will lose out on all of that scholarship money!

happyfeet wrote:

Ibystander wrote:Seems like there's a lot of complaints regarding the lack of development coming from the big clubs. What's stopping you guys from trying the independent clubs? $680 vs $2,500 and some small change per year, that should entice some people.

But then the U-11s won't be seen by the NCAA D1 college coaches at their games and they will lose out on all of that scholarship money!

AH AH Ah. Very funny. I will tell that to my son's coach, I am sure he will have fun too

Finally a few may be starting to see the light about recruiting being more important than developing. The reason that people believe that independants are not doing very well is Classic League system. While it may be true that at U-11,12, and maybe 13 that classic has the best teams in the area beyond that age group it stops there. Why? Because that is the young age when physical size can turn the outcome. None of the players have become tactical geniuses and 2 players can dominate the field. As time moves forward and real coaches began to bring teamwork along with a strong committment to technical development into the picture the status quo changes. Now even I will admit for the most part the upper echelon of Div 1 is still the best teams the bottom of D1 50% of D2, and 70% of D3 teams are just hanger-ons. By this I mean the coach is usually happy just making sure the team doesn't finish 9-10 and become relegated. So that he or the club can taut the fact that there team is in classic. The parents to can say my little johnny plays in the classic league. Oh really! Independants usually began life with the kids none of the big clubs wanted or can not afford the big clubs in their early years. Then through a system that involves team comradery, skill building, and a little bit of fun these teams began to become stronger. The only problem is that Classic only allows 2 NEW teams a year to join its ranks. By the time a lot of the independents get there they are U-19s. So unfortunately while they continue to beat D2 and D3 teams at tournaments on a regular basis there is no chance for them to move up and show their progress in Classic. The independents are there and they are good there just in Plano and Arlington enjoying soccer and learning. You want better soccer and more development from these clubs and coaches! Open up classic and make the the 2 relegated D2 teams and 3-10 in D3 play a qualifying tourney against the top 10 plano and the top 10 arlington teams and let the chips fall where they may. For the Classic higher ups this should be a no brainer. A grand scheme to put even more money in our account while at the same time ensuring that Classic has the best teams available to play in its league. Start it at U-13, the initial qualifiers should have a few seasons to develop their talent or steal their talent which-ever. This makes since financially as well as what is best for the sport. The only problem is if the Classic leaders are to afraid of the big bad 4 or 5 clubs that run NTX to really do something that would allow a more deverse group of soccer playing kids the opportunity to play at the supposed top level of NTX soccer. Then and only then they could call Classic the BEST not just the ELITE.

I found this article on Soccer America:

Having been involved in soccer in the USA since 1967, I have had
the pleasure of seeing it grow beyond anyone's expectations. The shear
number of players is staggering to say the least. FIFA stats indicate
that the USA now leads the world in registered youth players.
So why haven't we been able to develop more technically elite field
players? The answer to this question lies in the developmental
paradigms that have emerged in the USA.
Instead of focusing on the development of individual players, we
have focused on team development. We are measuring our success based on
team results rather than on individual results. For our youth players
the structured game has become the developmental paradigm. Many youth
teams, U-14 and under, are playing more than 50 structured games per
year while some players play 75 to 100 games.
Structured games are games played in leagues and tournaments with
results and or standing acknowledged. With this being the norm our
youth players now engage in practice activities that are geared toward
game preparation and results instead of individual player development.
The environment of these structured games has counteracted the
original intended purpose of having the game be the best teacher and
helping young players develop. Players are not getting adequate touches
on the ball and players at an early age are being pigeon-holed in
specific positions.
In addition, undue pressure to win is being created because of
published standings and results. Finally, we are seeing players at a
very early age becoming disenchanted and burned out because they do not
have the technical skills to adequately compete at the highest levels.
When players do survive these conditions, we quite frequently see that
their technical skills, creativity and decision-making techniques are
underdeveloped.
The style of play at this point is most commonly seen as very
direct vertical soccer. So we find our youth development programs stuck
in a results-centered process that produces technically deficient
players.
It is now necessary to refocus our training procedures. The U.S.
Soccer Federation quite clearly states, "The most fundamental skill in
soccer is individual mastery of the ball and the creativity that comes
with it. This should be a priority in training and games, especially in
the early years. As this skill is mastered, the rest of the game
becomes easier — both to teach and learn. Practices should be built
around facilitating the development of the skills necessary to move and
control the ball well."
This message is clear and concise, that is, youth players should be
encouraged, motivated and coached to develop individual ball skills.
Refocusing the paradigm requires a new emphasis on individual skills.
We know that effective skills development comes from constant
repetitive activities and that it take years of deliberate practice to
develop an elite athlete.
We also know that athletes respond to and are more motivated by
immediate objective feedback and measurable goals than any other form
of coaching.
But when player development isn't judged by game results, how does
a coach ensure that the players (and their parents, who constantly seek
reassurance that their children are progressing) receive the feedback
that inspires them to improve their game? The answer is to use
technology.
Our society's use of advanced communication technology offers some
very valuable tools to help coaches refocus on a player's development.
Coaches can now use the Internet and specialized programs that will
give coaches and players immediate objective feedback on soccer skills
and techniques.
These programs focus on objective activities for individual
players. The results are captured in the program and can be reproduced
and distributed immediately to the players. Thus, giving players a
clear picture of their basic strengths and weaknesses. Now, as coaches
help players become more technically sound through activities that
focus on individual skills the results can be easily tracked and
measured.
Coaches can also use objective activities such as dribbling
courses, shooting and passing contests, and juggling contests to help
players develop technical competency. The results of these objective
activities also allow players to quickly set and measure objective
goals. These objective goals help motivate players to work on
developing advanced skills on their own.
By refocusing our player development paradigm we will start to see
our players become more comfortable and creative with the ball. This
will lead to more self-confidence and give our players the opportunity
to become world-class elite players.
(Brad Partridge is the Director of Coaching for Palm Beach United FC
in West Palm Beach, Fla. He is also the head coach of the Women's
Premier Soccer League's Palm Beach United and the creator and owner of
the CAPS — Comprehensive Assessment Program for Soccer
. Partridge has a USSF National Youth License and has the NSCAA Premier
certification. He can be contacted at Partpro@aol.com or 561-745-3009.)

Yep great article, that sums all we have all being saying all along. Focus on individual player development and not team result. Stop focusing on winning at young age. It is also interesting to confirm that we have tons of players here in the US and that a lot of progress have been made since the 70s. I think we have local coaches that recognize all that already. Watch, will see team USa bring the world cup home in our life time...When that happen we need to make sure we find each others on facebook, all get together and celebrate decently...

If everyone agrees that individual development is the key why do we continue to see the classic league with so many teams and kids and parents wanting to continue to throw money its way. I have coached in other states and the system I found most conusive to delevop was 1 in which the majority of league play was removed from the equation. The system was one in which the state cup was the final decisive factor for for higher play. Teams registered for D1, D2, or D3 depending on where that particular team wished to play. Based on the # of entries a state league was set up and teams in each division met 1 weekend a month to play round robin type games until all teams had played one another. The top 12 teams qualified for the State Cup finals. This allowed for coaches to schedule tourneys and competitive scrimmages through out the year. The better coaches would usually opt for a set up of 2 weekends of competitive scrimmages followed by a tourney weekend and than a state league weekend. The 2 scrimmage weekends we would meet and play what we called a classic ( 3teams each play each other once usually on a sunday afternoon) this allowed ample playing time for all 18 players while allowing the coach to focus the teams attention to particular aspects of the game which needed improvement without the worry of winning or losing ( just development). The following tourney weekend would allow for the coach to see if the players had learned from the scrimmages and tweak ideas for the State League weekend. Then we would repeat the process using what we saw as weaknesses as the coaching points for the following weekends. This system seemed to work very well and the clubs enjoyed having more weekends available to offer tourneys to fund the clubs. By taking away the never ending cycle of win at all cost coaches could spend alot more time on player development than just team development. By the way this did not take away from the premier league as the 2 teams representing our state were given automatic entry into the state cup finals. I wonder NTXsoccer would be willing ,for the sake of soccer, to implement something like this.

Sure, as long as you can find a way to keep the cash coming to the big clubs and leagues.

C'mon people, wake up here. We are the ones not teaching our kids how to play soccer. I am shocked at the shear volume of kids who cannot receive, possess, pass, or kick a ball correctly. That's not the coaches fault. It's our fault. Play with your kids. Teach them the basics. They learn from us. A coach can only take them so far in that regard. Ultimately, they are back in our hands (er, feet). Mostly, kids are going to quit soccer because they can't play the game. The ones that can play are going to leave them behind. Way behind. Time is ticking 99's...oh, and it takes two feet, equal power. Good luck.