Center Forward Questions

My son is 8 and has been playing soccer for 4 years now. It is Parks & Rec soccer. Over the years we have had different coaches and they always play him center forward. Our new coach is now telling us center forward cannot go past the center line.

Is this true? He is so confused and getting frustrated. What can center forward do? He can almost at anytime on any part of the field gain control of the ball take it down the field and score. Now we think he isn’t going to be able to do this and have to adjust the way he plays.

Thank You, Soccer mom

THE ANSWER

Well, let me see if I have get this right, the coach is telling him that he is not permitted to pass the center line while his team is in the possession of the ball or? If his team is in the possession of the ball, then he should obviously be near the opponent’s goal.

However, if his team is not in the possession of the ball, he should try to be just behind the center line (at his own side of the field) in order to cover up for his teammates. However, he should not participate at 100% in the defense. His task is to score goals, and therefore he needs to save his energy when he receives the ball near the opponent’s goal.

Hope this helped /Mirsad