Team Activity & Training Update

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Team Activity & Training Update

Hi everyone, I trust you all had a great Easter!

WSC Fitness Nights:

We resume tomorrow night at the ND Track from 6:00-7:30pm. I want everyone coming out for these nights as a normal practice night. Please let me know if you cannot make it (thanks to those who already have). It looks like we have settled on Thursday night for this training. Last week we had 60 players out! Parents please join us! – we need parents to monitor stations so that coaches can follow their players around the circuit.

Practice Shirts:

We will have “Official Team Practice Shirts” this year. I have a supplier who will do up dry-fit type workout shirts with screening for approx. $15.00 per shirt. I have some sample shirts for sizing which I will bring with me on Thursday night to size up the boys.

Regular Practice Schedule:

We will go with our regular practice schedule from last year – Sunday AMs and Tuesday PMs. I will push the start time for Sunday to 8:30am so that we finish by 10:00. I do not want to conflict with church times so please let me know if that is a problem. Tuesdays will be 6:00 -7:30pm until June when I will push that to 6:30-8:00 for the summer weather. As always I will send reminders regularly and have the practice schedules posted on the left column of our team blog. Given the weather can be tricky in April, I will confirm Sunday and Tuesday Practices via email by Friday and Sunday respectively. As you know, we are not allowed on any fields yet - so for now we will practice at Chippawa Park in Welland, between the baseball diamond and volleyball court, off of First Avenue.

Sherkston Shores Preseason Training Camp:

Please mark down May 4-6 for our 2^nd Annual Preseason Training Camp – details to follow shortly

Parent Meeting:

I am finalizing the Parent Package which includes the team budget. I will set up a parent meeting within the next two weeks at one of our practices.

Thanks everyone - I think that’s it for now… as always please let me know if you have any questions. See you tomorrow night!

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.