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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 8, 2014 9:39:05 GMT -5
Well, the 01 - 03 ODP process is complete. whose happy, whose not, who doesn't even care.
all i can say, is it was freaking hot yesterday in peachtree city. props to all the kids in each age group. i saw some quality players and was impressed with the quality for the 2003s. good group, very few weak players, and their was a very good group of kids there. Parents were very nice and respectful as well. it was overall a fun 3 hours to watch the process. I barely watched my own kid, couldn't to be honest! focused my attention more on team mates and other quality players. Just was taking it all in.
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Post by reinalocura on Sept 8, 2014 10:19:34 GMT -5
As the parent of a very disappointed 02 boy who was told he was on a coach's short list (again) for the prelims - it's sad that he didn't get a chance to try at the state level. I'm not by any means saying he SHOULD make it, but since he is that close - I think it would be a great thing for him to experience the expected level of play. He tends to match the level of play that is occurring - and it would be intriguing to know if he could achieve "the right stuff" in the eyes of someone in the know.
That being said, I enjoyed being able to have a relatively free Sunday - only having to be one place instead of 2... :-)
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 8, 2014 10:50:33 GMT -5
your right though, the level of play was much better on sunday especially for the small sided games. on friday night, your kid could easily get put with some kids and have little opportunity for success. I told my kid don't even worry about if there are goals, just have your team keep the ball.
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Post by soccerfan30 on Sept 8, 2014 13:51:17 GMT -5
A couple of suggestions:
Ask the coach what he/she felt your son did well in addition to areas of improvement, this will give you tangible things to work on next year if he wants to try out again, I'm surprised many parents do not take advantage of this opportunity to get feedback that could benefit their child, maybe you did, not to imply you didn't but in my experience in ODP parents don't seem to ask.
Some kids don't show well in a tryout setting for various reasons, some of which may not be of their own doing however I would encourage kids to make themselves visible, be vocal (in a positive way), be proactive during games (not waiting for something to happen) and maximize every opportunity to be productive when they get the ball. Some players may be passive during the game and that's the only real opportunity they have to make an impression.
As much as the coaches try to get it right players can get overlooked, it happens at all levels of sports, even in the pro's when they have done background checks and scouted players for years. There are opportunities to get a second look once the teams are picked, I would encourage your coach and or DOC to reach out if you feel your son is capable. We had three boys make the state pool after getting a second look and one was an impact player. Parents complain about politics and lobbying but in my six years of being involved in ODP no one has ever told me I had to take a particular player, additionally a coaches credibility is on the line if he/she recommends someone and they don't deliver, coaches will be less likely to take input from that individual in the future.
Just remember every situation is an opportunity for personal growth, even the setbacks, framed correctly a potential roadblock can be a catalyst to push a player beyond what he/she may think they are capable of.
Hopefully everything will work out and best of luck
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Post by silverback on Sept 8, 2014 15:17:13 GMT -5
Excellent advice soccerfan.
I would absolutely recommend following up with the ODP coaches for input. As they say, you can't fix what you don't know. I would also discuss the ODP feedback with your club coach. If your club coach disagrees, as stated above, he/she can always follow up with the ODP coaches for more input and can definitely get your child a second look - happens all the time. But more important, if there is some deficiencies, it allows you, your son/daughter and your club coach to work together to improve.
Also, by talking to the ODP coaches, you get to know them and can show them you are committed to the program, which they will like to hear. But I would approach it in terms of what your child needs to work on to make the team, not questioning why they didn't make it. As Soccerfan states, frame it correctly and it will be very beneficial, especially since many of the coaches tend to stay with the same team over the years.
At young ages, it's all about development/improving and you can't be "thin skinned" if you child is not selected. I remember hearing a great story at region camp where Clint Dempsey didn't make his state ODP team (texas) until U15 and we all know the success he's had since.
Lastly, I am a big fan of the ODP program. It might not be for everyone, but it's been a great experience for my kids (and me), getting to know players (and parents) from other clubs, more training (for relatively little money), and region camp is a lot of fun. I have also gotten to know a lot of the coaches of the various clubs and regardless of all the garbage you read on the other forum, the coaches really do care about the kids and are excellent coaches.
... my two cents
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Post by parentsoccerfan on Sept 8, 2014 22:14:32 GMT -5
The ODP Tryout results seemed to be the talk of practice tonight. My kid is a couple of years away from the process but I admit to being a little discouraged after hearing that some really (what I thought were) top players did not make it. I guess I am perplexed by the whole process knowing that these kids play almost year round and seem to be at the top of their age group. For those that have been through the process or participated in it, are there any characteristics of players that make it that stick out to you? Also, the rumor seems to be that no defensive players are picked, just attacking ones are selected. Is this true? And, if so, if my kid is more defensive-minded, should we not even pursue it?
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Post by soccerparent on Sept 9, 2014 5:43:52 GMT -5
I have heard this as well; however my daughter plays center back and did make it her first year of eligibility. Trust me when I say you've never seen a more defensively-minded kid! I don't know if her making it was a fluke or if she deserved to be there--she seemed to fit in well. After the first year she chose not to try out again. She didn't love it enough to commit to the very long commute that would have been required. She also didn't have any friends from her own team there and that definitely made a difference.
I say if your kid wants to give it a shot, go for it, especially if he is technically good with the ball. Good luck!
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 9, 2014 12:33:40 GMT -5
Yes they tend to look for more technical players which are usually fwds and mids, but theres defenders that make it. They want kids that can control the ball and not just clear it every time its at their feet
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Post by momager on Sept 10, 2014 0:38:02 GMT -5
The ODP Tryout results seemed to be the talk of practice tonight. My kid is a couple of years away from the process but I admit to being a little discouraged after hearing that some really (what I thought were) top players did not make it. I guess I am perplexed by the whole process knowing that these kids play almost year round and seem to be at the top of their age group. For those that have been through the process or participated in it, are there any characteristics of players that make it that stick out to you? Also, the rumor seems to be that no defensive players are picked, just attacking ones are selected. Is this true? And, if so, if my kid is more defensive-minded, should we not even pursue it? My oldest son tried out for the first time this year (he's a u17 player; '98 age group). He plays left back and some center back. Our tryouts were cut short due to weather (lightning and threat of downpours). So I was surprised that after only 90 mins some players were already selected. There is a large group of boys that will need to be further evaluated at the first practice. I have a daughter as well who is an '03 player, however she did not want to try out this year due to school activities as well as Club. I did not push her - probably will try next year though. She is also a defender and plays right back and center back. The few players that I knew who made it were mainly midfielders. One defender I thought was a lock did not appear on the list. Not sure what's going on there. Anyway, it was a successful tryout for my son and we are all looking forward to it.
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Post by dreaddy on Sept 10, 2014 10:34:59 GMT -5
ODP is looking for the technical players, regardless of what position they play with their club. Since so many coaches teach defenders to be destroyers (win the ball, get it up field) instead of creators (win the ball, possess it and build from the back) it makes it more difficult for defenders to make the team. As mentioned, the technical players on a club team usually play midfield or forward.
The Georgia ODP teams (and indeed all of Region III) are all dedicated to teaching a possession game, starting with building out of the back.
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Post by momager on Sept 11, 2014 11:06:24 GMT -5
ODP is looking for the technical players, regardless of what position they play with their club. Since so many coaches teach defenders to be destroyers (win the ball, get it up field) instead of creators (win the ball, possess it and build from the back) it makes it more difficult for defenders to make the team. As mentioned, the technical players on a club team usually play midfield or forward. The Georgia ODP teams (and indeed all of Region III) are all dedicated to teaching a possession game, starting with building out of the back.
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Post by momager on Sept 11, 2014 11:08:55 GMT -5
I don't know if I would agree with you on your generalization about defenders & that coaches can easily train them. If you want to make generalizations, I could say that just about anyone could be a striker/forward. My son's coach has been his coach for 5 years & they have a great possession game with technical defenders. It may just be that way at your club.
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 11, 2014 11:32:39 GMT -5
I don't know if I would agree with you on your generalization about defenders & that coaches can easily train them. If you want to make generalizations, I could say that just about anyone could be a striker/forward. My son's coach has been his coach for 5 years & they have a great possession game with technical defenders. It may just be that way at your club. I think you're taking personal what he's saying. He didn't say that EVERY defender is like that or that even your kid is like that, but unfortunately most of them are. It doesn't mean that no defenders are technical. My kid played CB when we were in 8v8 and was very technical at the same time so she had no problem making ODP, she now plays forward at 11v11. I also don't believe that ANYONE can be a striker/forward either and also don't believe that ANYONE can play defender either. Each kid has their own strengths. I will tell you that my kid did a lot of technical training on her own and didn't just rely on her regular practices
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 11, 2014 11:38:29 GMT -5
defenders are in general under appreciated! they are so critical with possession and it all starts with them. its a different mentality for sure. our right and left back were both former stikers and mid fielders. they are both technical on the ball and have a high soccer IQ for a young age. they both constantly play through the keeper, which showed at odp tryouts. both made the 03 roster and both primarily play left and right back.
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 11, 2014 11:55:12 GMT -5
defenders are in general under appreciated! they are so critical with possession and it all starts with them. its a different mentality for sure. our right and left back were both former stikers and mid fielders. they are both technical on the ball and have a high soccer IQ for a young age. they both constantly play through the keeper, which showed at odp tryouts. both made the 03 roster and both primarily play left and right back. again I think its not all defenders, my kids team has had defenders that all they can do is clear the ball and cant turn it and do something with it (those kids are no longer in our team). both our current outside backs used to play forwards before and are technical and able to move the ball up and down the field and not just boom it. The reality is this..when you go for ODP tryouts they don't care what position you play at your club, they care about what you can do there. You can ask some of the kids that are in ODP and they will tell you that they play a different position at ODP than they do at their club.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 11, 2014 12:12:42 GMT -5
i think the reality is by the time they got to full field scrimmages vs small sided, they all ready knew who had made it. so what position a kid play was really a moot point. it was clear which kids had a quality first touch, received the ball away from their bodies, opened up and turned away from defenders when they received and then played nice simple balls. in the small sided games, position was irrelevant, except for the fact defensive players tend to stay back, forwards went up, and a middy literally hung around the middle. but the kids still moved around.
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Post by soccerparent on Sept 11, 2014 14:47:51 GMT -5
defenders are in general under appreciated! they are so critical with possession and it all starts with them. its a different mentality for sure. our right and left back were both former stikers and mid fielders. they are both technical on the ball and have a high soccer IQ for a young age. they both constantly play through the keeper, which showed at odp tryouts. both made the 03 roster and both primarily play left and right back. I completely agree, although on my daughter's team, the girls sure do appreciate their center backs. Our club teaches possession from a very young age, and my daughter has always played defense (her preference--her coaches have tried to get her to move around to no avail--LOL!). She is technically good with the ball, but I think her biggest strength is her soccer IQ and the way she is able to see the field and create opportunities. Lord knows, speed is NOT her gift.
I think the key to being a good defender is knowing when to build from the back (most of the time for most) and when to clear it. My daughter has learned the hard way that it's better to get rid of the ball quickly if a ridiculously fast, talented striker is in your face. She's had her lunch stolen a couple of times.
The one year she chose to try out for ODP, she did make it, and this kid is purely a defender, body and soul.
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Post by momager on Sept 13, 2014 12:03:35 GMT -5
I'm not taking it personally just stating MY opinion. You seem to be the one with the issue, hence your well thought out & lengthy response. All I'll say is I'm specifically talking about a u17 boy playing regional club, high school varsity, and now ODP. He also was invited to 4 college ID camps this summer - as a defender. I don't need your validation about defenders in this great game. I just watch my son & revel in the fact that his speed can beat most forwards and he had double digit assists last year - as a defender - due to his passing skills.
Good luck to everyone this weekend.
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 13, 2014 14:45:51 GMT -5
Thats great about your son. Wont really say much more about defenders and odp..dont want to offend you.
Good luck to all the girls at prelims this Sunday and state tryouts on Wednesday.
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Post by rifle on Sept 13, 2014 18:58:03 GMT -5
I'm not taking it personally just stating MY opinion. You seem to be the one with the issue, hence your well thought out & lengthy response. All I'll say is I'm specifically talking about a u17 boy playing regional club, high school varsity, and now ODP. He also was invited to 4 college ID camps this summer - as a defender. I don't need your validation about defenders in this great game. I just watch my son & revel in the fact that his speed can beat most forwards and he had double digit assists last year - as a defender - due to his passing skills. Good luck to everyone this weekend. To whom is this directed? Seems to me the conversation has been just that.
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Post by momager on Sept 13, 2014 20:22:59 GMT -5
I'm not taking it personally just stating MY opinion. You seem to be the one with the issue, hence your well thought out & lengthy response. All I'll say is I'm specifically talking about a u17 boy playing regional club, high school varsity, and now ODP. He also was invited to 4 college ID camps this summer - as a defender. I don't need your validation about defenders in this great game. I just watch my son & revel in the fact that his speed can beat most forwards and he had double digit assists last year - as a defender - due to his passing skills. Good luck to everyone this weekend. To whom is this directed? Seems to me the conversation has been just that. Dreaddy mostly.
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 14, 2014 8:51:27 GMT -5
Good luck today!!!!
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Post by spectator on Sept 14, 2014 10:53:38 GMT -5
Well as of this morning we will NOT be going to ODP tryouts today. Her decision - although I am going to make her work off the $35 donation I made to GA soccer to sigh her up. Initially she and three teammates wanted to go. Now a all four decided they didn't want it. Her reason was school and honors classes taking more time - I am fine with that but I wish she'd thought it through before we sent in the $. One of her teammates mom texted me this morning that maybe she'd go pick up the tee shirt just so we would have something to show for it. Ha ha Good luck to all the girls today
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 14, 2014 12:11:33 GMT -5
Awww....maybe they will change their minds? Its a good experience
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Post by spectator on Sept 14, 2014 13:25:26 GMT -5
Nope. And I won't force it. I'm glad she has her priorities in order - school does come first and she's got all As right now and is primarily focused on that.
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Post by nishnolz93 on Sept 14, 2014 18:15:45 GMT -5
The girls tryout today was a good experience for my daughter. She was nervous until she got on the field. She really enjoyed it!
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 15, 2014 8:33:36 GMT -5
Did they tell the girls right after the preliminaries if they made it to state pool?
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 15, 2014 9:20:04 GMT -5
I talked to some people last night that went and was told that they were going to find out today. Im assuming theyre posting a list online. Eager to see who made it to the next round!
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Post by setpieces on Sept 15, 2014 9:41:39 GMT -5
Anyone know if the girls were separated into groups on each field for any particular reason or was it completely random? Seems like the smaller group on the far field had players had a little higher skill level so maybe they were being looked at more closely.
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Post by SoccerMom on Sept 15, 2014 9:52:52 GMT -5
its hard to know, in regular tryouts the ones that make it get sit out earlier and the ones that are on the fence play more because theyre still watching them. btw, the lists are up by tryout #
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