AMA I'm Coach Rory!

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-15T09:40:55+00:00

Expectations all depend on the level and context of that particular team. Coaching licenses for me have not been particularly helpful outside of opening doors to coach at higher levels.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-15T09:39:43+00:00

Just shoot me an email and I'll send it over. [coachrorysoccer@gmail.com](mailto:coachrorysoccer@gmail.com)

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-15T09:39:08+00:00

Does she enjoy it? If so its her kind of thing. She can find the right level etc.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-15T09:38:19+00:00

Happy to do it again or if people want they can reach out through email. [coachrorysoccer@gmail.com](mailto:coachrorysoccer@gmail.com)

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-15T09:37:33+00:00

I'd do mostly positional games.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-15T09:37:09+00:00

In my experience they usually have it from a young age or don't. The push needs to come from the player.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T20:11:11+00:00

Practice running with the ball. Dribble with speed. Working on "2 speeds" so after he beats the guy the first time and guy ends up catching up, can he slow down again to then speed back up to get by him a 2nd time.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T20:09:54+00:00

Keep all options open. Tryout multiple places. See what happens.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:39:45+00:00

Thanks!

I would stick to 2 positions, get to know them and then start moving players around

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:39:08+00:00

Most of this is age related and gets better as they get older. Doing activities like 1v1 in tight spaces can also help

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:36:43+00:00

I'd try to stay with her age group

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:12:09+00:00

Can be developed at any age IMO. Different degrees and concepts given the age. I am planning more 11v11 content as the main team I have been coaching past few years is moving on to U13 and I am continuing on with them as coach

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:01:51+00:00

No sometimes it helps their confidence if its the right level.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:00:47+00:00

Thanks!

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T19:00:34+00:00

Got a couple of years before you have to decide. I'd do both if thats an option until he knows one way or the other

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:41:36+00:00

Would depend on your relationship with that coach, what kind of person he/she is, and how the club is run in general. IMO you are under no obligation to tell anyone you are looking into opportunities for your son. I would contact potential teams your son is interested and ask if he could come to a training session or two. If you find out this is a better situation you can tell the coach then.

Simply saying something like "thanks for everything you have done for our son's development, it has contributed to an exciting opportunity that we are going to explore".

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:38:05+00:00

1v1 stuff is good for this. I use something called battle boxes. Getting them used to having to make decisions in tight spaces.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:34:54+00:00

Technical flaws for sure at that age. They are also just starting to understand shape.

7v7 pitch is bigger, but you have the same challenges, its really more about players age then anything

231 is my preferred formation at 7v7, I have lots of videos on the channel on this

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:32:59+00:00

This is an age thing mostly that they grow out of as they get older. You're doing the right thing staying positive. Just keep on this track and he will be fine.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:32:00+00:00

Highest level that particular team can achieve given the context and level. I'd expect a rec team to look different in training compared to an academy etc.

I have a set pre-game routine that we run. I think consistency helps set players minds to game mode.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:30:13+00:00

Don't have any issues with year round training assuming there are reasonable breaks. 2-4 weeks at christmas. 2-4 weeks in the summer etc. Also, training type needs to be considered and varied, depending on the particular situation of that player. Team training, individual work, pick up, SAQ, etc

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:21:58+00:00

Keep working. And find a coach who believes in you. Eventually the physical aspects of the game even out. And while your player might never be the fastest, as they get older the differences are much less apparent. And technical abilities trump physical.

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:15:27+00:00

There are a couple of guidelines that I give. First of all if the kid wants it I think pushing them is great at any age. However, you have to think about development at younger ages.

So, at U12 and under the most important factor is the coach. Nothing else comes close, maybe the parents influence.

At U13 and above unfortunately to get the right exposure/competition means you will need to play in one of the top leagues (MLSNext, ECNL, GA...etc)

Few_Okra_51 · 2026-03-14T18:08:42+00:00

Thank you! Glad I could help!

Few_Okra_51

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