My son plays on a competitve team. At practice he is aggresive and one of the best. When it comes to game time, he seems to be totally overwhelmed. He looks confused and lets opposing players do whatever they want. It is a u9 team and he knows how to play, but games are troubling. Any advice on how to (pump) him up for games?
Sounds like the common "social relation" issue.
When young players practice and get to know with their own teammates, they have a tendency to play more aggressive and be outgoing.
However, when facing other teams and "unknowns" they tend to be "shy" and look as though they are "holding back".
These are usually the "good kids". When I say good kids I am not talking about skill, but rather the well mannered ones.
Let them know that you UNDERSTAND this feeling they have and don't point it out as a criticism. Let them know it is OK and a NORMAL emotion.
However, let them know that soccer kind of goes against the way we should act in life. When we play, we act as though we are rude.
We are always getting in peoples way. (defending)
We are always taking people's stuff without asking. (the ball)
We are always cutting in line. (finishing and fast attacking)
This little "life lesson" often helps the kids understand that it is OK to rude to strangers in the game of soccer, even though this behavior is discouraged in life.
