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At young ages, defenders are often taught that clearing the ball means either knocking it safely out of bounds or booting it as far upfield as possible. Though this can be effective for youth soccer players in America, it is a habit that must be broken for growing defenders who wish to play at higher levels.

In this post, we’ll discuss what clearing the ball should look like in various scenarios. We’ll explain what defenders should do in high, medium, and low-pressure situations to clear the ball effectively, so youth soccer players can begin to grow this facet of their game and become more valuable assets for their teams. Continue reading “Clearing the Ball with Purpose: How to Relieve Pressure Effectively as a Defender”

The decision whether or not to move up an age level is one that many youth soccer players in America face. It can be tough. You want your child to do well, and while they may be happy to dominate players in their normal age group, that may not be the best for their long-term development as a player.

But moving your child up to a higher age group is not always the right decision either. Is it better for your kid to be a star in their age group or a role player on a more competitive team? Should you be pushing your child to compete at the highest possible level, or find a team that will give them the most playing time? Continue reading “Playing Up: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Competing in Older Age Groups”