I smirk when I hear parents say "KICK IT !"

Often times at youth soccer games, more specifically at the 08U, 10U, and 12U levels, I often hear parents and fans along the touchlines (on the side) state

KICK IT !

Remember, when you have given up on the ball and KICKING IT the ball is given back to the other side.

DO WE REALLY WANT THAT ?

From a technical skill perspective, yes we want the player to kick the ball appropriately.   

BUT 

 

We also want the player as to when to make the RIGHT decision as to WHEN to kick the ball.

 

Can a 8U ( 6 or 7 year old ) kick the ball spectacularly from the defending half of the field  to  1) another player in transition or 2) score a goal!

NO!

In the defending 1/3 of the field, the player (6 or 7 year old - who is still learning the game ) - we need the player to 

Possess the ball with more graceful touches on the ball with first touch, then second touch and then third touch and so on.    

THEN

To make the right decision because at this point, the player would have won the 1 v 1 situation and then make the right decision to 

1) pass the ball (OR)

2) keep possession (OR)

3) yes if in the attacking half or attacking 1/3 of the field, then SCORE ( yes KICK IT ! )

 

But as I described the ball the words from the PARENTS should NOT ALWAYS BE

 

KICK IT