What a GREAT WEEKEND!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

What a GREAT WEEKEND!

Thank you everyone for making our Sherkston Shores Team Building Retreat such a HUGE success! Our goals for our weekend were to have fun, team build and learn... well check, check and check again!...

Some highlights: campfire with marshmallows and hotdogs; training on the beach and sand dune climbing; watching English Premier League while having breakfast served to us in the restaurant; madness in the arcade with the whole team climbing into the hurricane machine and then watching the boys hack the basketball game; Keegan hitting the jackpot with the game shooting out tickets for 10 minutes; endless FIFA Tournaments; private technical training with Clayton; our Boardroom Meeting; fantastic games; and getting absolutely drenched on Sunday!

On the serious side, I am amazed at how hard the boys worked all weekend long... 6 hours of training each day... Well done!

Exhibition Game Summaries:
Your Welland Wizards earned a win and a draw over the weekend!

Welland 4 - Roma 3
In a rousing performance our team prevailed 4-3 over Roma on Saturday afternoon. Our boys played brilliantly and dominated the game for long stretches... fantastic team work, decision making and toughness!
Your Welland Goals by: Matthew (2), Lucas and Liam

Welland 2 - Fort Erie 2
After taking a 2-0 lead into the half against Fort Erie, our battle weary boys (who before the game trained for over 3 hours in the cold wind and hard-driving morning rain) worked hard for a draw against Fort Erie (Erie's last goal was waaaaaay off-sides LOL!)....and we nearly won it in the final seconds if not for an outstanding save by the Erie Keeper...
Your Welland Goals by: David and Juan

Players, I am proud of you! You worked very hard, you were so much fun to be with, you learned alot about "The Beautiful Game" and you grew as a team... CONGRATULATIONS! ...I'm sure you will all go to bed early tonight!

Parents, thank you again for all your help... this weekend would not have happened without you and your support... special thanks go to Keegan's Mom (Aurelia), Devin's Dad (Rob), Zack's Dad (Eric) and Colton's Dad (Rowen) who stayed over-night with us...

NO PRACTICE TUESDAY NIGHT.... next practice wiill be this Thursday, May19 at Glendale School (6;30 to 8:00pm)... I will send an email out shortly re our Season Schedule and Practice Plans moving forward...

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.