Today, we are going to tackle a few questions that Anon left as comments on my previous post.

That’s right, we!

First of all I want to make this clear. This will not be a monologue, but rather a conversation or a dialogue.

That means you, my loyal readers will have the responsibility to comment and leave your opinions and/or experiences to add to the conversation.

Warning-There is no correct answers or wrong answers. The conversations will serve as a guide to allow everyone to ask the relevant questions and to challenge the current status quo.

Please remember this, it is the understanding and application of thought which counts, not the right or wrong answers. I will do my best to give you my thoughts, you may agree or you may disagree. Take what you like and leave the rest. I can live with that.

Remember to engage in the conversation. That means you have a responsibility to add to this post, to share your thoughts and experience. Ask questions and let’s debate, let’s challenge the status quo. Normally 1 out of 650 readers takes the time to comment on an individual post (average, lately its been responsive, thank you)

That simply means that the comments represent the vocal minority instead of the silent majority. Even if you agree with what’s being said, take a moment and respond. I would love to hear from you.

All right, lets begin the conversation.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Anon for his comments and questions. It means the world to me.

The comment was left in response to my post,

Soccer Career: Don’t Shoot Yourself In The Foot.

Anon posted a link to a YouTube video, which showed a 5 year old juggling a ball. If you get a chance, take a look.

Thanks for the link and I did take the time to watch the video.

“I look at this and think, my kid could do this if he would really drill it, but then, he doesn’t like to do that, he wants to play, mess around with a few moves, try to juggle a bit, then play a game and he doesn’t want to do the kind of drills it is necessary to get this skill level.”

A quick disclaimer; nothing against the boy in this video, absolute superstar.

Some quick questions Anon, has your child seen this video?

Answers, no, why not?

Yes, what did he think about the video? More importantly, how did he feel about the kid in all his YouTube glory? Was he impressed?

The comment you left on the previous post had I’d, I, my, I’d, I, I, I and you guessed it, I for a total of 8 times in a couple of short paragraphs. You need to stop asking questions that relate to you or how certain things make you feel and start finding the time to answer your child’s questions. Does he have any questions?

Ask him after you read this post and make sure to leave his answers as a comment. I would love to hear from your son; after all, this is about him.

“I look at this and think, my kid could do this….”

Absolutely agree with you 100%. He can do this if he really wants to achieve this. Your child with your love and support can achieve anything his heart desires, anything. Notice the wording Anon; I’m talking about your child. What he feels, wants and likes. I know what you want.

Before we get caught up in the glitz and glam of YouTube, the video depicts a young boy juggling a ball.

Once again, fantastic effort.

The kid is 5 years old and seems to juggle a ball like a seal. But what else do we know about this child? Is this kid preparing for the circus or to play soccer? Some of the best jugglers of the ball are not even soccer players. Have you seen some of the freestylers out there today? Are these guys’ soccer players or entertainers?

Juggling the ball does not make you a soccer player even at the age of 5.

“….then play a game and he doesn’t want to do the kind of drills it is necessary to get this skill level…”

You talk about skill level, what skill level? The boy is very talented at juggling the ball, extremely talented, maybe the best for his age group.

However,

Can he control the ball?

Can he trap the ball?

Can he dribble the ball?

Can he run with the ball?

Yes, juggling the ball is a skill, but it definitely doesn’t make up your skill level. When your child eventually trials with all the big clubs in Europe, they will not ask him to juggle the ball. They will not ask him for tricks or to look clever. They will look at his physique, his presence, his persona, his fitness, his intelligence, his strength, his passion and his soccer smarts.

They will also look at his touch, his speed, speed of thought and vision. They will not ask him to juggle the ball. Sigh, some of the players in the Premier League today aren’t the best jugglers in the world. But they are without a shadow of doubt some of the best players going around.

“…because he wants to play his own games, he isn’t going to achieve the skill level of this kid…”

Kids at the age of 5 should not be compared. This kid can juggle, but I bet your kid is good at something the YouTube kid struggles with.

The fact that your boy plays soccer and plays his own games is fantastic. He does what ever he wants. This attitude is great and should be harnessed. Do you want your son to be a sheep or a wolf? Great players, great leaders don’t become great because they follow instructions or follow the mob mentality. Learn to incorporate some basic skills into his play. If he is having fun, (sorry, of course he’s having fun), he will not even recognise the drills or the skills sessions.

Remember at the age of 5, fun, fun, and fun. Forget about everything else and concentrate on making it fun.

“I’d like to believe that just letting him take charge of his own development will eventually be better for him as a player. But I don’t think that.”

In the last post when I talk about taking control of your soccer career, I’m not asking a 5 year old to take charge of his soccer. Whether you’re a player, coach or parent, the lesson is the same. Anon, you as the parent should guide your child to the best of your ability without pressure, intimidation or discipline. Your child is young so pass on the wisdom, the experience of players that have travelled the path you seek for your child. Guide, protect and harness your child’s spirit. Let him enjoy the game and the rest will fall into place.

“I think the focused drills of the kid in the video would be much better for player development, but much worse for my kids fun. Am I wrong?”

Last time we talked Anon, you informed me that you never played the game and that you were not athletic. No big deal. But if you want to talk about player development you need to seek a coach (a great one of course). Ask for assistance and ask the relevant questions like you have here. Knowledge, information and wisdom are your greatest ally. Learn from past mistakes and avoid these. Remember the status quo claims up to 80% of kids playing soccer before they even become teenagers. Learn from this and change your approach. If you do what the majority of parents do, you will get the same results.

“…but much worse for my kids fun.”

At the age of 5, fun is the most important aspect. But ask your child what he considers to be fun. Ask him what he enjoys and work your way from there.

“…Am I wrong?”

Of course not. This is not about wrong or right answers, it’s about thinking and challenging the status quo. It’s about the kids at the end of the day.

“…I let him do his thing, no forcing any drills on him..”

Great stuff Anon, let him enjoy himself, he’s only 5 years old. But more importantly let him express himself. Protect, preserve and honour his enthusiasm for the game. That should be your number 1 goal at the moment.

Drills, specific training and conditioning will come with time. We must remember your child is young. What would happen if that child in the video was unhappy? You could be the best ball juggler in the world or the most skilful player in the world but it counts for doughnuts if you quit the game.

Don’t be the reason why your child quits the game. Remember success comes with time, patience  and perseverance.

If you have any feedback, thoughts or questions, I’d love to hear from you. Add to the conversation.

“May the winds of destiny blow you to the stars.”