- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : September 2010

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Monday Night it is...

Hi Parents and Players... I got a hold of nearly everyone and the majority went with this Monday night, 6:00-7:00pm, at the WSC Field 7...

Sorry to those who can't make it but no worries, we will have lots of time together in the fall... As I mentioned my plan for the hour is to introduce the bigger field to players, to talk about some of my plans, introduce the new coaches and have a bit of a workout...

IMPORTANT: Please do me a big favour and bring your own soccer ball as I don't have the supply from the club yet...

See you in a couple days!

Coach Jim

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Big News!

Parents and Boys, today I was confirmed as coach for the 2011 U11 Select Boys team!

I'm thrilled, excited and have lots of ideas (like this blog) for our team... We have great experienced assistant coaches ready to help and we are now developing an off-season program that will include team building, technical and fitness training...

We want all of you to join us in our voluntary offseason program as much as possible. The offseason program will be open to all year 2000 boys that are interested. The final team will not be set until next April. I will send you all an email within the week with a plan for some fall pre-tryouts/practices... keep coming back to this, your blog website, for team updates and info... please stay in touch and let me know if you have any questions...

Thanks!

Coach Jim

Shooting

Hi boys!

This is one of the first technical skills we are going to be working on... please watch these videos, practice what you see and get ready to shoot the ball better than you ever dreamed of!!!!!

How to kick a soccer ball
How to fix your soccer shot

Player Development Sessions

Hi Players and Parents, Coach Rob has designed technical training sessions for us... they will be on Tuesdays starting October 26... here is the link with details....

Some World Cup Highlights

Found some fun videos.... enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4fpYAyP1fM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRKUKV3fFRU

Nike - Write the Future!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE

PLAYER ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1) MENTAL ATTITUDE/APTITUDE FOR THE GAME & TEAM PLAY

i. Commitment to Game – The player exhibits good Team Player attitude. He is confident in his abilities and doesn’t second guess himself. The player is coachable/respectful at all times. He shows up for practices, listens, makes progress, shows good competitive sportsmanship and applies lessons well. Shows a desire to play soccer for the love of the game. Focused at games and practices. Eager to learn because he is aware of his own strengths and weaknesses. Always makes best effort. Rarely late. Player has courage and plays with urgency, willing to sacrifice.

ii. Game Sense – The player understands the tactical side of the game. Player understands the principles of attacking and defending, and rules of the game. Aware of situational play, transitions well between attack and defend mode, can make fast decisions and makes a positive difference in most plays with his teammates. Communicates with team-mates. Knows when to be “selfish” and knows when to be “unselfish”. Can “shake-off” mistakes.

iii. Positioning/Spatial – A player’s ability to read the game as it develops and to position themselves in the most advantageous area from which to support their team effectively. The player moves to space. The player understands their position and his position on the field. Understands the format the team is playing. Adjusts his play to support those around his and usually makes the BEST choice during play. Player is always moving.

2) SKILL CATEGORIES

i. Dribbling/Ball Control - Player’s ability to move the ball quickly, while under complete control combining pace, deception, and skill. Using both feet, inside and outside, under control, under pressure. Composed manner, shielding and seldom losing possession. Attacks opponent straight-on, makes opponent commit. Player works towards achieving 100 juggles/kick-ups using both feet (including inside/outside of feet), thighs, head and chest.

ii. Passing/Serving/Crossing – To accurately pass the ball at the correct pace to a teammate. Proper passing/receiving technique, passes to feet of teammate and to space, can keep the ball on the ground and lofted as needed. Uses both feet and all parts of the feet. Anticipates opportunities/plays for team-mates. Communicates with team-mates.

iii. Receiving/First Touch – Shows for the ball and receives cleanly. Eyes on the ball, body behind the ball. Checks away. Uses either foot to trap the ball. Uses their body effectively to trap air balls. Does not wait for the ball, runs to the ball to receive it and always moves to open space to minimize a challenge.

iv. Shooting/Striking – The ability to strike on goal with a variety of techniques from differing ranges and angles, with composure, showing the touch to score goals. The ability to drive long passes from goal and corner kicks. Proper shooting technique, on goal, off passes and volleys. Head down and eyes on the ball

v. First to Ball/Winning the ball – The “smarts” and ability to get to the ball with efficient and fast movements in all areas on the field. Winning possession of the ball, shows courage. Overall speed with the ball. Overall speed without the ball. Quickness & reaction time.

vi. Fitness – Overall endurance, ability to work hard the entire practice session and in games. Athletic abilities of running, quick change of pace and direction (agility), leaping, and strength on and off the ball. Game fitness.

vi. Defensive Technique – Understands transition to defense. Demonstrates ability to contain attackers and knows when to challenge (tackle). Understands Goal Side. Communicates with team-mates. Wins the ball under control (not just clearing). Provides defensive support to team mates.