Bryan37, I think it depends on how much your son weighs. My son gives up 10-15% of his body weight against his practice partners at every practice & I think it helps him tremendously on Saturdays. As long as it's not dangerous for your son, he should learn quite a bit in regards to technique, leverage, balance etc. It is harder for my son to muscle his partners when they are stronger & heavier then he is. Your situation is a better scenario then the other end of the spectrum where your sons partners are lighter & less skilled then he IMO.