In this episode, I answer a parent's question about whether to approach their U9 son's coach about moving him from striker to wing, where he seems to perform better.
I push back on the instinct to judge that parent — I've been there myself, watching my own sons and thinking they'd do better in a different role. Asking development questions early on shouldn't be treated as overstepping; it's no different than asking a relative for advice on advanced classes for your kid.
I don't give a flat yes or no, since it depends on the parent's relationship with the coach. Instead, I lay out an approach: ask the coach how they prefer to communicate and whether they're open to development conversations at all, then frame the ask around wanting your child to experience multiple positions over the season — not a specific change — and check for understanding on whether the coach will actually follow through.
I also share my own philosophy that practice should be "positionless," giving kids reps across multiple roles so they build broader fundamentals. I'd rather see my own kids in midfield, though my younger son loves center back and is thriving there — which makes it hard for me to push, even at home.
