MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Friday, December 24, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Hi everyone, let me take a few moments to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year ... with many U11 Wizards Wins! ;-)

Also, a special thank you to all (players and parents) for your hard work, commitment, encouragement and support. The success we will have in 2011 will come from all of our combined efforts!

As always, I found a few videos for you to enjoy until we start up again in January...

Video 1 is from the Pro Am Soccer Coaching / Coerver Coaching Essex Academy... I love this video because its shows kids working hard, and sometimes making mistakes too! The ball skills we worked on in the fall are all in this vid... lots of difficult moves, but lots of simple small things as well... the most important to me is that you can see the kids working hard - no standing around, all paying attention and in line on their toes ready for their next turn... This is the type of pace and tempo our practices will have!

Video 2 is called FIFA World Cup 2002 - Top Ten Super Skills... check it out! Not all moves turn into goals, but sometimes the moves are so good the defender has no choice but to commit a foul! ...again all the things we have worked on are in this video as well...

Also, I wanted to give you the link to the FIFA Ferenc Puskas Award nominees for the most beautiful goal of the year... This is why soccer is called the beautiful game!

It's not a secret that I'm a big Arsenal fan... check out this video of the Arsenal Goals of the Year!

Finally, the Best of Cristiano Ronaldo video seems to be everyone's favorite so I thought I would post it again.

So, have a great holiday and see you in 2011 at the indoor season ( I will be coaching a team with Coach Anthony Vadacchino), and at our Team Development Sessions... I'm looking forward to a great 2011 with the team!

PS. I was told it's NOT TO LATE to register for the Team Development Sessions... registrations will be accepted up to the week before the Sessions begin...

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.