Kids soccer for startups

I loved this post from Bryce Roberts on lessons startups can learn from kids’ soccer, so I thought I’d share some of my experiences as a U-Little coach and how the issues relate to startups:

1.  ”Spread Out”-  The number one thing yelled at young soccer players- parents hate it when their kids all run to the ball.  As a coach, I NEVER tell my players to spread out and would fine the parents who yell it if I could.  
Why not?  well, kids have no idea what it means and it is way more fun to play with the ball, but most importantly, it’s bad coaching. Great players learn to play in tight spaces and come out of the bunch with the ball.  
Space is a luxury; If you’re a startup that doesn’t have a bunch of competitors and you’re in a good market, it won’t last.  Hire people who have no problem heading straight into the bunch.  

Get used to playing in the bunch and emerge with the ball.

2.  ”Pass the ball”-  Ugh.  I hate it when parents yell this at kids.  It’s borne of good intentions, but giving up the ball before you have to is always a bad idea.  If you can score without passing, DON’T PASS.  This has two implications:  
A.  You’ll never make good decisions without a ton of practice making decisions, so let your employees act on what they see and
B.  Don’t partner unless you absolutely have to, or it creates a much easier path to getting the job done.  

Keep the ball.  

3.  ”Stay in Position”  Not sure if I hate this one worse than “pass the ball” or not.  Great players know where to go on the field regardless of the position they play.  Derek Jeter has done some great things being out of position.  Being great means stopping the ball where it needs to be stopped- not worrying about what position you’re in.      Hire folks who judge the issue and stop it where it needs to be stopped.  

Stop the ball where it needs to be stopped.  

And most of all, Have Fun!