Do defenders get recruited???

[NoGoal]

This is really a myth. While we all appreciate the notion of being versatile, but there is a danger of being just good at many positions and not excel in any one position.

Its been my observation and experience that a player needs to be excellent at a position. Being excellent at any given position requires that the player play that position most of the time and be successful at it. There are lots of "off the ball" movements and positioning that goes along with playing any position and those can only be developed with time and increase in soccer IQ of that particular position.

Its the age old argument of being a generalist (mile wide and inch deep), versus specialist (narrow but deep). Its not to say that the specialist cannot do other things. Its just that the specialist didn't train to be mile wide. (Yes, generalist can excel at a subject deeply but then its an oxymoron isn't it - that's called a specialist with good general knowledge, and had to gain the deep knowledge somewhere by focusing on it).

I realize most of you are not saying don't get excellent at any given position, but with all the new parents and discussion about playing all positions, there is a danger of losing the big picture of becoming the best player that any one kid can become. That's usually associated with focusing on a particular position.

The problem with being great at one position is there is always someone better. If the player eventually plays college soccer. What happens when she can't beat out other players at her only position?

 

[chargerfan]

This is really a myth. While we all appreciate the notion of being versatile, but there is a danger of being just good at many positions and not excel in any one position.

Its been my observation and experience that a player needs to be excellent at a position. Being excellent at any given position requires that the player play that position most of the time and be successful at it. There are lots of "off the ball" movements and positioning that goes along with playing any position and those can only be developed with time and increase in soccer IQ of that particular position.

Its the age old argument of being a generalist (mile wide and inch deep), versus specialist (narrow but deep). Its not to say that the specialist cannot do other things. Its just that the specialist didn't train to be mile wide. (Yes, generalist can excel at a subject deeply but then its an oxymoron isn't it - that's called a specialist with good general knowledge, and had to gain the deep knowledge somewhere by focusing on it).

I realize most of you are not saying don't get excellent at any given position, but with all the new parents and discussion about playing all positions, there is a danger of losing the big picture of becoming the best player that any one kid can become. That's usually associated with focusing on a particular position.

I agree with this as well. I guess im being contradictory. Maybe it's best to be excellent at one position, while being capable of filling in if needed in other positions? I am not sure being versatile means you can't develop excellence in one position.

 

[Legendary FC]

I like this comment and completely agree with you. My question is, how do you approach the coach with this without seeming like one of "those parents". I would like for my daughter to play various positions to stay versatile, but it is the coaches team and he has a set lineup.

It is up to your daughter to speak to the coach. Your job is to help load her lips and to explain to her your thoughts and ideas about what would be beneficial to her.

 

[Legendary FC]

This is really a myth. While we all appreciate the notion of being versatile, but there is a danger of being just good at many positions and not excel in any one position.

Its been my observation and experience that a player needs to be excellent at a position. Being excellent at any given position requires that the player play that position most of the time and be successful at it. There are lots of "off the ball" movements and positioning that goes along with playing any position and those can only be developed with time and increase in soccer IQ of that particular position.

Its the age old argument of being a generalist (mile wide and inch deep), versus specialist (narrow but deep). Its not to say that the specialist cannot do other things. Its just that the specialist didn't train to be mile wide. (Yes, generalist can excel at a subject deeply but then its an oxymoron isn't it - that's called a specialist with good general knowledge, and had to gain the deep knowledge somewhere by focusing on it).

I realize most of you are not saying don't get excellent at any given position, but with all the new parents and discussion about playing all positions, there is a danger of losing the big picture of becoming the best player that any one kid can become. That's usually associated with focusing on a particular position.

My dd was told by most of the coaches that she had an interest in their particular program that they recruit "soccer players" and not a particular position. Most of her teams starting lineup played a position other than their current position in club. Unfortunately what a club coach, a parent or a player may think is their best position, might not actually be the case when they are viewed by their future employer (school).

 

[Legendary FC]

The problem with being great at one position is there is always someone better. If the player eventually plays college soccer. What happens when she can't beat out other players at her only position?

I know the answer. She either sits the bench, transfers, hopes the other player gets injured or hopes for a bunch of blowout games so that she can play.

 

[Legendary FC]

I agree with this as well. I guess im being contradictory. Maybe it's best to be excellent at one position, while being capable of filling in if needed in other positions? I am not sure being versatile means you can't develop excellence in one position.

My dd played a different position in club for most of career than she plays in college and she was good enough to be an ODP/Pro Plus player at the other position. Focus on being a good soccer player not a particular position. Once you get to U17/18/19 then specialize.

 

[mirage]

The problem with being great at one position is there is always someone better. If the player eventually plays college soccer. What happens when she can't beat out other players at her only position?

I suppose you ride the pine most of the time.

Since most colleges carry 25~30 players on the roster, the math is simple. If you don't like that, you can quit or move on. It is what it is. What makes you think that if you're not good enough to be on the field in the best position for the player, that the same player would be better than others elsewhere on the pitch?

I made the comment with playing for some college in mind. I also realize that some players do end up playing different positions too. But there has to be a fit on both sides. Its a part of the recruiting process to find the right match between the player and the coach, including where they see your kid playing. Clearly, I believe education quality comes first but set that aside for moment and deal only with the soccer aspects.

We differ in the fundamental underlying brief how best to go about development and getting recruited to the next level.

 

[mirage]

..........Focus on being a good soccer player not a particular position. Once you get to U17/18/19 then specialize.

What exactly is a "good soccer player" without the context of particular position?

Waiting until U17+ to specialize, is simply too late for most. I know you'll disagree so lets agree to disagree on that point.

 

[NoGoal]

I suppose you ride the pine most of the time.

Since most colleges carry 25~30 players on the roster, the math is simple. If you don't like that, you can quit or move on. It is what it is. What makes you think that if you're not good enough to be on the field in the best position for the player, that the same player would be better than others elsewhere on the pitch?

I made the comment with playing for some college in mind. I also realize that some players do end up playing different positions too. But there has to be a fit on both sides. Its a part of the recruiting process to find the right match between the player and the coach, including where they see your kid playing. Clearly, I believe education quality comes first but set that aside for moment and deal only with the soccer aspects.

We differ in the fundamental underlying brief how best to go about development and getting recruited to the next level.

Have you been reading the thread? Forwards and attacking mids are converted as wingbacks in college, because there is a shortage of outside defenders who are great at attacking down the flanks. That is why a player who knows multiple positions and is accepting of changing positions in college will thrive.

Example: All of the incoming Stanford freshmen players are great forwards on there club teams. Yet, it doesn't mean they will be great forwards at Stanford. It's why KP, JH and SS will play wingback at Stanford. There is always someone better out here.

 

[NoGoal]

What exactly is a "good soccer player" without the context of particular position?

Waiting until U17+ to specialize, is simply too late for most. I know you'll disagree so lets agree to disagree on that point.

Let me guess, your DD played only one position her entire club career.

 

[Legendary FC]

What exactly is a "good soccer player" without the context of particular position?

Waiting until U17+ to specialize, is simply too late for most. I know you'll disagree so lets agree to disagree on that point.

A good soccer player can receive a pass under pressure, turn under pressure, dribble under pressure, complete a pass under pressure. They can defend 1v1, defend 2v2, defend 3v3, defend 1v2 and so on and so forth. They can strike a ball with power and accuracy. They can pass on the ground and switch the field with an accurate ball in the air. They can run at a defender with step overs and other attacking moves. They have a soccer brain that gets them in the right position to make plays. THEY MAKE PLAYS and influence the outcome of the game. Soccer players will play anything and play it well. I like soccer players.

 

[Sheriff Joe]

Let me guess, your DD played only one position her entire club career.

That's me.

 

[Legendary FC]

What exactly is a "good soccer player" without the context of particular position?

Waiting until U17+ to specialize, is simply too late for most. I know you'll disagree so lets agree to disagree on that point.

Let's agree to disagree. My dd played multiple positions up until her U18 season and could have lead the Southwest conference in scoring had forward been her only position. She doesn't play forward in college.

 

[NoGoal]

A good soccer player can receive a pass under pressure, turn under pressure, dribble under pressure, complete a pass under pressure. They can defend 1v1, defend 2v2, defend 3v3, defend 1v2 and so on and so forth. They can strike a ball with power and accuracy. They can pass on the ground and switch the field with an accurate ball in the air. They can run at a defender with step overs and other attacking moves. They have a soccer brain that gets them in the right position to make plays. THEY MAKE PLAYS and influence the outcome of the game. Soccer players will play anything and play it well. I like soccer players.

I agree, there have been many players at multiple levels who have made changes in position. My guess they wanted to play on the team or the head coach approach and suggested to try this position...since, there is a opening.

1. Klingenberg-UNC attacking mid, US WNT-wingback
2. Solo-Club team forward, college/US WNT-GK
3. Dunn- can play wingback or forward. Played both as a Pro and US WNY.
4. Heather O'Reilly- Stanford forward, US WNT- wingback
5. Lauren Chaney- UCLA forward, US WNT- holding mid
6. T.M.- USC incoming freshmen, plays forward at club and plays centerback for U19 YNT
7. Refer to the Stanford incoming freshmen mentioned earlier
8. Gorloski- UCLA player, played forward in club, at UCLA-wingback
9. Cerda-UCLA player, played forward in club, at UCLA-wingback
The list can go on and on.

 

[NoGoal]

I agree, there have been many players at multiple levels who have made changes in position. My guess they wanted to play on the team or the head coach approach and suggested to try this position...since, there is a opening.

1. Klingenberg-UNC attacking mid, US WNT-wingback
2. Solo-Club team forward, college/US WNT-GK
3. Dunn- can play wingback or forward. Played both as a Pro and US WNY.
4. Heather O'Reilly- Stanford forward, US WNT- wingback
5. Lauren Chaney- UCLA forward, US WNT- holding mid
6. T.M.- USC incoming freshmen, plays forward at club and plays centerback for U19 YNT
7. Refer to the Stanford incoming freshmen mentioned earlier
8. Gorloski- UCLA player, played forward in club, at UCLA-wingback
9. Cerda-UCLA player, played forward in club, at UCLA-wingback
The list can go on and on.

Correction not Heather O'Reilly. I meant Kelley O'Hara-Stanford forward, pro/US WNT wingback.

 

[mirage]

Have you been reading the thread? Forwards and attacking mids are converted as wingbacks in college,....

Yes I have and you've actually responded to my earlier question about this exact subject as I found it odd that there were shortage of outside backs that attacked. You might recall that I said its a common playing style for the boys side.

You see less of it on the girls side

I am expressing a general soccer view but it appears that there's no point because the girls game is so different than boys that we cannot have a generic discussion.

 

[mirage]

A good soccer player can receive a pass under pressure, turn under pressure, dribble under pressure, complete a pass under pressure. They can defend 1v1, defend 2v2, defend 3v3, defend 1v2 and so on and so forth. They can strike a ball with power and accuracy. They can pass on the ground and switch the field with an accurate ball in the air. They can run at a defender with step overs and other attacking moves. They have a soccer brain that gets them in the right position to make plays. THEY MAKE PLAYS and influence the outcome of the game. Soccer players will play anything and play it well. I like soccer players.

Ok your right. I guess generically, good soccer players can do all of those things and more.

It does not, however, make any of the attribute into an elite player. All of those things are simply compulsory to play the game at the high level. Maybe we're discussing in parallel. The characteristics and attributes are requirements and not a differentiator. What separates outstanding players from others is how they use all of those abilities. And for that, you need to have it in the context of positions on the field.

 

[mirage]

Let me guess, your DD played only one position her entire club career.

Well, my daughter never played soccer.

My son does and he's aways been an attacking player and has been recruited as a forward and will play forward in college. He's been playing a forward since U13 90% of the time. Other 10% as an attacking mid when needed.

 

[Legendary FC]

Ok your right. I guess generically, good soccer players can do all of those things and more.

It does not, however, make any of the attribute into an elite player. All of those things are simply compulsory to play the game at the high level. Maybe we're discussing in parallel. The characteristics and attributes are requirements and not a differentiator. What separates outstanding players from others is how they use all of those abilities. And for that, you need to have it in the context of positions on the field.

You having a boy makes a lot of sense. Girls have their positions changed all of the time and some players are very one dimensional and don't see nearly as much field time as the players that her coach can plug in all over the field.

 

[NoGoal]

Yes I have and you've actually responded to my earlier question about this exact subject as I found it odd that there were shortage of outside backs that attacked. You might recall that I said its a common playing style for the boys side.



I am expressing a general soccer view but it appears that there's no point because the girls game is so different than boys that we cannot have a generic discussion.

IMO, There is a difference in college player needs between the boys and girls. There are far more college women soccer teams than men soccer teams, yet they will have approximately the same number of DA clubs/teams. In D1 the mens only has 205 teams vs women having 332. It's why there is a shortage of attacking women fullbacks (wingbacks) and why there are more attacking players converted on the women side than on the mens side.