Boys and girls soccer development is the same in terms of what skills to teach. The way they are coached needs to be different at times. For the last 15 years I have worked with coed groups together and what matters most is the skill. The physical side is the main difference [speed and strength]. Therefore, when working on technical elements, training together shouldn’t matter.
The main difference
Physical elements such as running speed and strength are what sets most apart.
Therefore, when playing in a actual game or scrimmage that is the advantage to the boys.
Speed of play can be faster for boys, but only if they have better passing skills.
The power of the pass would be the thing that sets them apart, but control and accuracy has to be good.
Will girls get injured playing boys in soccer?
Some of the best girls I have seen grew up playing pick-up games against boys…
Will girls get injured playing against boys?
Girls can play against boys no problem, BUT the skill level should be the same, if not better for boys.
The reason is because when the boys are clumsy with & without the ball, there is a higher chance for injury.
Things I think of are boys kicking the ball out of control or running over a girls, from the boy not being able to control his movements.
There should be a maturity level from both sides with the understanding that we share the same passion, and are looking to help each other improve.
Being physical is natural for boys and so they will use it, but it’s important that they don’t truck a female player over. Respect the physical difference.
Boys don’t want to lose nor do girls, so people are going to usually do what they need to win.
Although, when boys are more skillful they can evade collisions, meaning less injuries.
Read up on common soccer injuries.
Fun competitive coed pick-up games
Girls should play against boys in soccer for fun competitive pick up games or training yes.
I’m not saying girls should play in boys leagues, just that training & pick-up games is perfectly fine.
Boys and girls soccer development is about the same when it comes to what they both need.
The girls should be tough and quick because the boys play faster naturally and play more aggressively.
I think playing against boys makes the girls become quicker on and off the ball.
Some of the best girls I have ever seen grew up playing against boys in pick-up soccer games.
Boys can train with girls to improve technique
It doesn’t matter who you train with as long as the attitude and training is right.
Boys and girls soccer development doesn’t have too many differences.
As long as it’s done in the right setting and working on the right elements, both will improve.
For example, working on technical skills it doesn’t matter.
Now if it’s more game like and intense I don’t really recommend it.
The KEY is that the boys playing understand that they can’t go in hard on tackles and such.
If boys are trying to work on their aggression and being physical then I don’t recommend boys playing soccer with girls.
But if it’s to improve technically than go for it!
Youth soccer boys will be the first to tell you that girls can play some soccer.
© ArturVerkhovetskiy / Depositphotos.com
Respecting each other as people
Boys and girls soccer development playing together is great because it creates opportunity for them to mature.
It’s a great opportunity to teach them character in sports.
Many kids are not comfortable hanging out with the other gender, so playing sports is a great way to improve in this.
In my experience girls do a better job at a young age [6-10] than boys with not getting embarrassed.
Older ages kids defiantly both mature, but I find that girls are a little more comfortable in the others presence.
It’s really impressive to see boys and girls have confidence in who they are.
Girls and boys playing soccer together for fun, or training helps because it fast tracks the experiences.
Extra skills training boost confidence
In boys and girls soccer development there are different playing personalities [especially as boys often seem to want to show off more, and actually try a skill move that you wouldn’t see at a Saturday game].
Who cares if they never do a ‘skill move’ in a game?
What’s important is that they know how to do the skills properly and work on their skills in practice until they become more confident.
This will happen each training session…
The result will be them being able to get out of tight situations in a game when other players would be clumsy with the ball.
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