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7v7•U10•Parents

How do you handle a player who never practises outside the team?

Asked by HampshireSarah
1892 views 1 reply
My daughter loves her two weekly sessions and matches but has no interest in kicking a ball in the garden or doing extra practice. A couple of teammates do a lot more and are moving ahead technically. Should that matter at U11, or is enjoying organised football enough?

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

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UEFA C Coach

Sports Psychology Level 3 • younger-player environment

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I would not make extra practice a test of commitment at U11. If she loves her organised football, trains well and enjoys the team, that is already a positive relationship with the game. Children who play outside sessions will often gain more repetition and may improve some technical areas faster. You can be honest about that without making her feel guilty. If she wants to improve a particular skill, offer a five-minute idea she could try at home. Then leave the choice with her. What I would avoid is turning every free evening into another football requirement. Motivation changes as children grow. The player who does no extra work at ten may become football-obsessed at twelve, and the child doing hours now may eventually want less. Protecting enjoyment is still development.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

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D

DogWalkUK

Parent

If she is happy with her football I would not turn free time into a problem. Offer little ideas if she asks how to improve, but I would not measure commitment by garden hours at ten.

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