Positional Rotation
“He’s / She’s a forward” Insisted a parent.
Young children often start their sporting journey driven by the desire for enjoyment and fun, but external factors can sometimes hinder their dreams. Coaches and parents, to shield them from failure, often place a strong emphasis on results or performances, potentially limiting these young players to a single position. Consequently, this can be disheartening for some children, causing them to lose their initial passion for the game. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, there are still young players who persevere with unwavering enthusiasm and a hopeful outlook on the future of their chosen sport
Is there a growing sense of reluctance in society when it comes to permitting our young individuals to venture into uncharted territory? Are we quick to brand them as failures when they try something new, make mistakes, or embark on a journey of self-discovery? Isn’t this the very process through which we acquire knowledge and grow? Reflect on our own school experiences – were we exclusively confined to a single subject, or were we encouraged to explore, learn, cultivate new skills, experience setbacks, and reflect on our untapped potential? Consider the possibilities that might have emerged if we had been restricted to following just one subject and nothing more
“Somewhere along the line, our need for success increased by the speed at which we believe we need it. So that we can only overtake our peers in the race.”
Keep in mind that success varies from person to person, and there isn’t a single universally applicable formula or timeline for reaching it.
Here are some considerations to bear in mind as you chart your course:
Success is a personal and subjective concept – it means different things to different people.
It’s important to define what success looks like for you, rather than comparing yourself to others’ definitions.
Achieving success takes time and effort – it’s not an overnight process.
It’s important to enjoy the journey and celebrate small wins along the way.
Comparing yourself to others only leads to feelings of inadequacy and can hinder your progress.
Focus on your own goals and what you need to do to achieve them, rather than getting caught up in the race to success.
We must change our perspective from viewing 'failure' to acknowledging 'learning opportunities.' We must adopt a growth mindset that perceives challenges and mistakes as opportunities for personal development, prioritising progress over the pursuit of perfection.
Have coaches and parents truly considered the incredible benefits that come with rotating players through different positions during a game? This approach not only offers players a chance to experience different roles on the field, but also enables them to gain a deeper understanding of their teammates' roles and responsibilities. By putting oneself in another player's shoes, children learn to appreciate the unique challenges that come with each position, and they develop a sense of empathy for their teammates.
Moreover, rotating players also helps them anticipate the actions of the opposing team from various positions. This is especially true for sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball, where the positions are highly specialised. Children playing different positions learn to see the game from different perspectives and develop a better sense of spatial awareness. As a result, they become more versatile players, able to adapt to different situations and think on their feet.
Encouraging children to participate in different positions opens up a world of endless possibilities and opportunities for growth and development. It allows them to explore their strengths and weaknesses and discover new talents they never knew they had. By stepping out of their comfort zones, they develop a growth mindset and become more resilient in the face of challenges.
Rotating players through different positions is a win-win situation for everyone involved. It not only enhances the player's skills and understanding of the game, but it also creates a more cohesive and empathetic team.
Total Football
The idea of positional rotation dates back to 1974 with the concept of “totaalvoetbal” or “Total football,” popularised by Johan Cruyff and embraced by the Dutch sports culture. Johan Cruyff famously described total football as a strategy where attackers can play as defenders and defenders as attackers, allowing for maximum flexibility and movement on the field.
The extensive demands on player versatility and stamina have made it difficult to maintain Total Football in its true form. However, its fundamental principles are still seen in today’s game. For instance, strikers are required to defend when losing the ball, defenders are expected to possess the passing vision, and midfielders are expected to have the 1v1 skills to escape difficult situations
“For young players, the benefits of playing in different positions are massive”
It’s a prevalent issue for coaches and parents to confine young players to a sole position, limiting their capacity for development and learning. What drives this trend? Is it rooted in a fear of failure, parental expectations, or an unwavering pursuit of victory at any cost?
This type of mindset is counterproductive to the development of young players, Here are some reasons why:
Limiting young players to a singular position can hinder their overall development. They may miss out on opportunities to learn new skills and techniques that could benefit them in the future.
It can also limit their growth opportunities. By focusing on one position, they may be less likely to explore different positions that could ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and successful athletic career.
Labelling young players can also create unnecessary pressure and stress. They may feel like they have to live up to a certain standard or expectation, which can be overwhelming and take away from the joy of playing sports.
Ultimately, the goal of youth sports should be to help young players develop a love for the game and a desire to continue playing. By limiting their opportunities and putting unnecessary pressure on them, we risk turning them off from sports altogether.
Young players can gain valuable insights and experiences in inclusive, holistic, and enduring player development settings. By providing such opportunities, we can empower them to develop a comprehensive understanding of the sport. As influential figures in the sports community, we have a critical responsibility to nurture this progression. Effective communication is essential, and the “Athletic Triangle” must work together to understand both short-term and long-term concepts and their individual and mutual benefits. Insufficient communication can lead to confusion and conflicting information for young players.
Providing quality opportunities for young players to participate in various positions supports an ‘open door’ approach to their development, allowing them to learn and grow. At its core, this concept provides every young player with the chance to explore different positions throughout the season, without constraints. As coaches, it is important to maintain ongoing communication with parents to explain the rationale behind this approach, ensuring its recognition for the long-term benefit of each young player.
“Let the players experience different positions and the different challenges that these positions create”
It is important to offer young players a variety of playing opportunities to help them develop their skills and reach their full potential. By allowing them to try out different positions on the field, they can gain a comprehensive understanding of the game and learn how to adapt to various situations and challenges. This approach also fosters a growth mindset, where players are encouraged to continuously learn and improve, rather than being limited by their current abilities or position on the field.
However, we must remember to be patient and empathetic when imparting these valuable developmental principles to our youth. Simply exposing them to new situations, roles, or responsibilities and expecting instant results is unrealistic. These principles take time and care to flourish and yield positive outcomes. Instead of focusing on immediate success, we should concentrate on the players' long-term development and advancement.
Young players and their parents are likely to confront a variety of emotions and challenges, such as issues with confidence, feelings of unhappiness, confusion, overthinking, and lapses in positioning also enjoyment. How should parents and coaches respond when players make mistakes?
Here are some additional factors to consider when introducing new concepts to young players:
Provide clear instructions and guidance to help them understand their roles and responsibilities.
Encourage open communication and feedback to address any concerns or issues.
Set realistic goals and expectations to help players stay motivated and focused.
Recognise and celebrate progress and achievements along the way.
Be adaptable and willing to make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Example:
A recent article about the English and Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane, revealed that he used to aspire to be a goalkeeper when he was younger. This raises an interesting question as to whether his experience as a goalkeeper has contributed to his development as a forward. It's worth considering whether he would have been as successful if his parents had insisted that he continue playing as a goalkeeper.
“They don’t need to specialise at a young age. They need to go through all the situations”
Before you enroll your child in a sport, take some time to think about your objectives. Are you mainly interested in winning or in your child's comprehensive understanding of the game? Are long-term goals and participation important to you? Remember, this could be a new experience for both you and your child. It's essential to educate, inform and exercise patience. As coaches and parents, let's avoid placing unnecessary restrictions on young players from an early age.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Prioritise your child’s enjoyment and well-being over their winning record.
Encourage your child to develop a well-rounded understanding of the game (Different Positions), including teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill-building.
Be patient and supportive as your child learns and grows in their sport.
Remember that young children are still developing physically and emotionally, so it’s important not to push them too hard or limit their potential.
As a coach or parent, it’s important to educate yourself on the best practices for youth sports and to create a positive and inclusive environment for all players.
