General information and off-season plans

Thursday, October 7, 2010

General information and off-season plans

Hi Parents and Players,

I’m happy we were able to get two practices in on the big fields before the club closed them for the season. It was great to see 11 boys at the first practice and 9 boys at the second practice - in bad September and October weather! I hope the boys had as much fun as I did… I was so pleased on Tuesday when I called the end of practice at 7:00pm, the boys asked to do a few more reps of the last passing/shooting drill - and we finished strong !!!

OFF-SEASON PROGRAM

Formal try-outs will be in the March-April time-frame (the team does not have to be set until then). Until the spring I believe its absolutely necessary to get in as many practices and training sessions as possible and to attract as many newcomers to join us as well. These practices are not mandatory in any way, but please come to as many of our training activities as possible. If we want to develop our skills and be the best we can be, we have to commit to it and work hard!

Over the fall and winter I will be watching as many indoor games and talking to as many parents as possible. If you have any friends born in 2000 that want to join us in our off-seasons program and are interested in playing next year, please give them my name, number and our team blog web address.

Today I have a list of 21 boys who have indicated interest in playing next year. My goal is to have at least 25 serious boys at tryouts come March.

Regarding your schedules, just as we expect full commitment to this team during the in-season soccer schedule, we understand that there are other sports and activitites and encourage the boys to honour their current in-season commitments (i.e. if they have hockey, basketball, martial arts etc).

*ACTION ITEM FOR PARENTS: please send me a quick email to let me know what other teams your son is on and commitments you have time-wise. Before I set a formal off-season schedule for our team I need to know what works schedule-wise for you. Please let me know what nights / days and times work for you with regards to our soccer practices.

INDOOR SOCCER AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS

The indoor season started last week, it was great to see many of the boys playing. I believe you can still register to play if you contact the club immediately. The more playing time the better!

Player Development Sessions delivered by the Welland Soccer Club’s Technical Department for our age-group starts on Tuesday October 26. I would highly recommend it for all the boys if it fits your schedules. As always the more touches the better! Hopefully I will be assisting Coach Rob with the drills.

EXPECTATIONS FOR NOW

Boys, the only way to develop and become the player you want to be, is to practice. I am putting together an off-season program for you but the majority of your practice must be on your own time. Commit to touch the ball EVERYDAY… I can’t be more serious about this - even if it is just passing/shooting the ball against a brick wall and then juggling the ball for at least 15 minutes a day… Do it and trust me, you will see your first touch with the ball improve and by March you will be very proud of how far you have come.

Regarding Juggling… it is proven that ball juggling skills improve your first touch, and your ability to control the ball on the field. I have set a goal that by April every player should be able to juggle to ball at least 10 times… use both feet, your head and your chest… By the way, this Juggling goal is for me as well! I will do it with you! I will post a good juggling instructional video from youtube for you to watch...

COACH JIM'S 3 RULES

I have only three simple rules for the team, but they are important and we need them to be followed:

Be on time - it's so important to be on time and ready to go... our time together is limited so let's make the most of it!
Pay Attention - Players, when we are on the field, I need and will demand 100% of your attention... pay attention to the instruction and teaching so that you can get the most out of it, don't short-change yourself !
Play ALL OUT when I tell you to! - drills or games, 100% effort, always!

THIS BLOG

Finally, regarding our team blog… I hope you like this website and will find it a useful tool for communication and learning. I will post all team information here - everything I email will be here. I will use this blog to post videos for the boys to watch what we will be practising… please add this site to your Favorites and visit often…

As always please contact me at anytime... I am fired up, excited and honoured to be your coach!

Thanks

Coach Jim

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.