Working through the 'cult' of offense with youth players

[Mike Wethington]

Our team has been very successful at the level we play at. I am beginning to see a disturbing trend however in that our girls (U12/U13) who primarily play offense forming into a clique who don't value the contribution of our more defensive players. I see this beginning to drive a wedge in our team as the contributions of our defense are not valued by the offense. Girls notice these types of attitude and it has a negative impact on team dynamics.

It seems that soccer at this age is all about the 'cult' of offense (scoring goals) and not about stopping the other team from scoring. As coaches, we all know that without a strong defense there is no offense. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to impart this on preteen girls?

[Heath Oberle]

There are several things that I do to help this issue when it occurs (or to prevent it from ever occurring): I make sure that my players, although having a primary or dominant position, play all positions across the pitch. Not only does this help them to appreciate/understand the roles and efforts of their teammates, but it makes them a better all-around player. Another thing I do is to immediately praise the player that started the play that led to a goal. The goal scorer is the last person I applaud after a goal. They are receiving all the praise from the parents and, often, their teammates. I take that time to praise the defender that won the ball back and started the counter, then the player who had the assist, and finally the goal scorer. These are just a few ideas that may help out. Best of luck!

[Kenneth Kincaid]

Mike, if you have a game where you have outscored the opposition by many goals and it is deep in the second half switch the offense and defense. The defensive players get a chance to score and the offensive prima donnas see what it is like to sacrifice for the team and fight to get the ball up front to the offense.

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