- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : BIG WIN - Practice & Game Update

Friday, July 15, 2011

BIG WIN - Practice & Game Update - TiAmo Schedule

Hi everyone, Coach Marty and I are so happy for the boys – what a great win! Coming back from a loss in Fort Erie and playing your hearts out the next night to win a tight game against Grimsby showed a lot of character! Well done boys – we have never been more proud of you! We are 7-3 and in second place in our division, having scored 55 goals! Take pride and be proud of your accomplishments… the best part is we are only scratching the surface with 2 Tournaments, 8 league games and the Billy Gray Cup left on our schedule…

SPECIAL GUEST COACH SUNDAY PRACTICE

This Sunday AM, Coach Lubos, the Great Goal Keeper from the WSC PSL Senior Men’s Team will be joining us at practice to run drills for keepers and to teach us some defensive strategy. Make sure to be at practice before 8:00am… Many of you will remember Coach Lubos from when we watched him win a Penalty Shoot-out in the Ontario Cup Game at WSC. We are lucky to have him come out a share his knowledge with us! I’m proud to show-off my team to him! PRACTICE LOCATION: GLENDALE

TWO ROAD GAMES THIS COMING WEEK

On Tuesday night we will be playing at Lincoln… make sure to be there and ready to play at 6:00pm

On Thursday night we are playing at West Lincoln, again, make sure to be there and ready to play at 6:00pm (this is the rescheduled first game of the season). Let’s go collect our 8^th and 9^th Wins of the season!

TIAMO FESTIVAL CUP

This morning I received our schedule for the TiAmo Festival Cup Tournament! Click here for the schedule. I will link the google map locations and tournament info to our schedule on right hand side column of this blog… On Saturday July 23 we play Roma at 11:15am and Niagara Falls at 3:35pm… On Sunday we play Richmond Hill at 10:10am… The Semi’s and Finals will start at 1:25pm on Sunday… Boys, let’s go and collect ourselves a Championship Trophy!

GENTLE REMINDER: Parents please bring the $55.00 for Tournament and Practice Field Fees as soon as possible…

Thanks and see you Sunday, 8:00am sharp at Glendale...

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.