What a Beautiful Day For a Run! (ND tonight 6:30-7:30pm) & Team Updates

Thursday, May 5, 2011

What a Beautiful Day For a Run! (ND tonight 6:30-7:30pm) & Team Updates

Hi all,
We have our regular Conditioning & Tactical tonight at the ND Track 6:30-7:30pm... Running Shoes ONLY for the track and bring lots of water...

FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Scratch Cards were handed out on Tuesday night and I have heard very positive reports on how great they are working!.... understand that the faster you complete your cards, the faster we collect the $$$ for the Retreat Weekend to bring down the cost.... Bring your completed cards tonight (with the $$$ collected) and receive your second card. Some parents are asking for more cards already! Zack's Mom (Amber) will collect the cards and $$$ and give you additional cards.

IMPORTANCE OF FUNDRAISING: If every player completes three cards we will have nearly enough $$$ to pay for all of the Team Building Retreat Weekend!

TEAM WARM-UPS & BAGS
Zackery's Dad (Eric) is co-ordinating the ordering and purchasing of these items... NOTE TO PARENTS: please come by the training tonight for sizing. Eric has all the details re pricing, sizing and ordering.... we have much more flexibility this year with pricing, what we can order and how...

TEAM BUILDING RETREAT WEEKEND (MAY 13, 14, 15)
I am finalizing the schedule/agenda over the next couple of days and will email to parents when complete. I will also include a check-list on what to bring. Cost is $195.00 plus tax ($220.35)... I will need payment from parents next week with the idea that parents will be re-imbursed based on how much we collect through the fundraising over the next few weeks... the goal is to fundraise enough to give back the entire amount to parents! I will be speaking directly with parents who have volunteered to sleep over with regards to schedule and cost.

NYSL LEAGUE SCHEDULE
The NYSL Coach's Kickoff Meeting is next Wednesday May 11... I understand they will distribute our league game schedule at that meeting. I will give it to you as soon as I have it.

SPECIAL THANK-YOU'S
Thank you parents for your support and enthusiasm and offering as volunteers to get our program off the ground! A special thank-you to Zack's Mom (Amber) for the unbelieveable job she is doing with the Scratch Card Fundraiser.... Also, thank you to Zack's Dad (Eric) for co-ordinating the ordering of warm-ups and bags... Mackenzie's Dad (Dave) gets kudo's for putting together the team First Aid Kit. .....and thank-you to Colton's Mom and Dad (Alissa and Rowan) for putting together the Gift Basket... Keegan's Mom and Dad (Aurelia and Dierk) have volunteered for car-pooling - thanks!

I can't thank ALL the parents enough.... YOU will make this a great summer of soccer for our boys!

As always please contact me with any questions you may have…

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.