It's all a function of confidence.

Let me try to see if there is another reason why our players dont do well after U12.

Lets say they start training early. Lets say they are given the task of analysing their potential opponents game early. Lets say that they are given possible plans to try out so they can test it out in training. Lets say they start to understand their own game and their own strengths and weaknesses and they have worked to improve both.

Lets also say that they have confidence in their team mates and know that all will fight. All will give their best. Would they be more confident? Would we get better results after 12? Afterall that is what their competitors have.

But still they fight with one hand and one leg tied. Last minute preparation if at all. The organisers dont even ensure that they have good accommodation and proper rest. Even the food is left to chance. But still they fight. And then when they dont come back with the medals, we say they have no fighting spirit. Actually who doesnt have the fighting spirit?

If we give them the same facilities and resources and they dont perform, then it is fair to blame them. But not before.