- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : November 2010

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Coaching Certification Clinics in 2011

Hi Parents, some of you have expressed interest in acquiring coaching certifications.

GREAT NEWS! I have learned that clinics are being hosted by Club Roma on Jan 15th and 22nd, and in Grimsby in March.

I will be attending the sessions at Roma in January. Please let me know (within the next few days) if you are interested and I will give you the info/help you get booked for the January clinics.

Thanks
Coach Jim

Friday, November 26, 2010

Registration for 2011 Winter Indoor Session

Hi Parents and Players,

Registration for the 2011 Winter Indoor Session is underway (Final Day to Register is December 11)... As you know I highly recommend signing up and playing if you can - the more touches the better! ... and invite your friends to join as well!!!!!!!

Click here for the link

Coach Jim

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Practice/Tryout: MOVED TO SATURDAY AGAIN

Hi Parents and Players,

As we did last week, we are moving practice to Saturday 2:00 - 3:30 pm (at our same Niagara College location). Again the weather looks to be very wet Sunday but dry on Saturday... it will be cooler though, so dress appropriately...

Much of the practice plan will be the same as last week as I found a couple of the drills were very effective. Players, as always spend time practicing your juggling, your step-overs, Cryuffs and roll-overs - we will continue to focus on these basic moves (over and over) so that they become second nature for you!

I can't stress enough that these skills are the BASICS and NECCESARY if you want to play TRAVEL SOCCER...

See you on Saturday...and remember, TOUCH THE BALL EVERYDAY!

Special Schedule Notice:
This will be our last practice/tryout for 2010. We will take a December break and then resume our practice/tryout off-season program indoors in January... I will have more information on the when and where later.

Coach Jim

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Practice/Tryout this week MOVED TO SATURDAY

Hi Parents and Players,

We are moving practice this week from Sunday to Saturday afternoon, 2:00 to 3:30 pm at our same Niagara College location... the weather looks to be very wet and windy on Sunday, but Saturday is supposed to be 14 celcius and cloudy - perfect!

Boys, are you watching the videos and practicing your moves? Really spend some time juggling and practicing the step-overs, roll-overs and Cryuff turns - we will continue to focus on these basic moves (over and over) so that they become second nature for you! These skills are the basics and neccesary if you want to play travel soccer...

See you on SATURDAY ...and remember, TOUCH THE BALL EVERYDAY

Coach Jim

Monday, November 1, 2010

Good Practice Again Boys!

Well, we did it again, another great practice yesterday... I'm introducing lots of new technical skills and your up for the challenge!

Boys, I hope you could feel what I saw out there - with every rep of every drill, you were getting better and better with the Step-Over and the Cruyff! KEEP IT UP!

Practice these two moves on your own during the week so that next Sunday's practice will be even better. At this time of year we are only together for an hour-and-a-half per week, so you need to practice on your own during the week what you are learning on Sunday's ... this is why I loaded the youtube videos last week... for you to watch them, study them, and then practice them... Trust me, mastering these skills will raise you from being a good player to being a GREAT player...

In the meantime here is a Best of Cristiano Ronaldo video for you to enjoy... do you recognize any of those moves we are practicing?! Yes, the Beautiful Game! This video is sick!!

So, see you next Sunday - same time, same place
...and remember, TOUCH THE BALL EVERYDAY!

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.