Leadership comes in different forms. I would say vocal, action or status. How important is it to have a player who is a leader on a team?
I find leaders on youth teams uncommon. Usually the better players become leaders in a vacuum but they may not be true leaders. Leadership requires confidence and respect. It is very rare for an average kid (in terms of play ability) to be a leader. Referring to my totem pole analogy--it is usually the top performing kids that get the de facto leadership role. It is quite uncommon to have true leaders before the varsity level.
Leaders are usually selfless and see the bigger picture--they are driven and want the team to succeed. They keep other players from doing things that are detrimental to the team, whether it is off the field, practice or game. Primarily, they keep the team practicing at a high level and don't let the team play sloppy. They inspire the team to win and not get down in games if things go bad. They aren't absolutely necessary but are very nice to have.
In my coaching, I haven't really seen one. My son Lincoln this lacrosse season is starting to step into the role though and do it. It is one of the things his True coaches also want him to do and he is starting to get the hang of it. That is pleasing to see. He is a selfless player and understands the team concept. Sometimes too unselfish and he needs to learn the balance.
My older son's teams have always lacked leadership. They have talent but no leaders. It isn't really anyone's fault, it just has never manifested itself and so his teams are up and down. I think a leader helps to smooth the curve or prevents the down dips. Player leadership might be less common than it used to be.
Vocal leaders obviously use their words to motivate and encourage or chew out or influence.
Action leaders inspire by their play and level of effort--sort of a do as I do
Status leaders have already achieved respect from other sports or within social groups and so are leaders by default--these are the weakest leaders.
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