Let slip the dogs of war

I’ve been renamed Teflon at work because nothing can stick to me since the boss discovered the game of soccer and developed an increasingly disturbing crush on Hope Solo. Knowing I’m untouchable gives me the freedom this morning to spend a couple of hours working on my coaching manuscript while everybody else rushes to finish some ‘urgent’ project or other.

Today, I decide to deal with how I select which players fill my midfield.  A lot of coaches like to put boys who can pass the ball in their midfield. They go for little, dinky guys with quick feet and an eye for a through ball. Not me. I have a simple question I put to all my prospects at the first practice of the year. Do you play football or lacrosse? If they answer yes, they are immediately in the frame for a slot in the middle of the park.

Why? Simple really.  That’s the job which suits them best. Every football player or lacrosse player I’ve ever worked with has had a mean, nasty violent streak, was willing to run all day long, and slavishly obeyed orders. Tell one of these kids to run through a wall/take out the opposing team’s best guy and they will do it. No questions asked.

These boys may not be able to kick the ball properly, usually lack basic skills and can be utterly embarrassed when faced with opportunities around the goal but they more than compensate for these deficiencies with their capacity for unrepentant thuggery. In U-10 soccer, you can’t underestimate the power of physical intimidation and the fact lacrosse/football types are usually polished trash-talkers is an added bonus.

Every game of soccer is a battle and that’s why in midfield you want to let slip the dogs of war, barking and biting and, very occasionally, if the chance presents itself, even passing the ball.