For those of you who have kids involved in team sports - do you find them to be better than their age peers because they are more aware of the way the game works ? My 7 year old loves soccer, has played since he was 4, and is very good (he was just asked to join a new program that is mainly for 9 year olds, ds just turned 7 in June, and is small for his age). I can't decide if he's just really skilled at soccer, or if his knowledge of the game is what makes him so good...?
DS16 has played soccer since he was 6 and he is very good at it. He presently plays junior soccer and senior soccer and personally I think it is a combination of a number of things that make him successful:
1. His extensive knowledge of the history and rules of the game. This also includes his passion in following the various clubs and leagues around the world.
2. His physical skills, which I think are not only as a result of practice but also having the ability to observe the skills of others and adapt it into his own play.
3. Thinking. This is more difficult to explain but something that has been described to me by more than one of his coaches. DS is mathematical and his present coach is convinced he sees the field as a grid and as such has an uncanny ability shoot for goal at angles that makes it difficult for the goalie to save. It also allows him to predict and direct play as he seems to sense where the other players are. I don't know if this final point makes sense but perhaps it will sound familiar to you in some way with your DS
HTH,
matmum
