Thoughts B4 We Meet Tonight!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Thoughts B4 We Meet Tonight!

HI everyone, I am so excited the weekend of our retreat is finally here! The full itinerary was emailed to you earlier this week.....a few thoughts and to answer some common questions that have been coming my way:

· we are meeting at 6:00pm at Sherkston Shores Resort

· directions from Welland:

o hwy 406 to East Main (the end), turn left and go under tunnel

o turn right onto hwy 140 to Port Colborne and follow all the way to hwy 3

o left onto hwy 3 towards Fort Erie

o turn right onto Empire Street (approx 15 mins from corner of 140 and hwy 3)

o Resort is found at the end of the road (approx 2K)

· when you arrive - do not go through the “toll gates”… veer to the right and park at the Visitor/Welcome Centre

· Clayton Rosario and Pizza and Refreshments will be waiting for us

· We will get a tour, go over the rules and get settled in our Cottages

· Nothing planned for tonight other than a lot of goofing around !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

· So far we only have one PS3 coming…. There are three cottages, please bring your PS3s or xBOXs or Wii’s etc etc

· Weather calls for rain, please bring lots of changes of clothes, hats umbrellas etc… hopefully will we use some sun screen, but it doesn't look like it!

The priorities for the weekend are Fun, Team Building and Learning… the "exhibition games" are actually further training opportunities… please don’t read anything into what position your son is playing, who starts a "game" etc… Coach Marty and I have worked out plans that will let me see a number of different combinations, rotations etc…. please feel free to come and cheer our boys on!

One final word to Parents --- thank you for helping me get this thing off the ground! This is our first time doing a Retreat... I'm sure we will look back at some things that went surprising well and some others that will cause us to say: "hmmm, let's do that different next time" ... in the end, it's about our boys having a great experience... I thank you in advance for your patience, encouragement and support!

See you tonight!

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.