- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Getting Ready for Try-outs - Week 2

Players and Parents, Coach Marty and I are very pleased with the turn-out last week and can hardly wait to get going again this Wednesday.

We had 18 Players at Glendale last Wednesday (with 3 letting me know they couldn't make it)... great attendance and interest!

As for the session itself, the energy level was through-the-roof!

Keep working hard boys... it's your job to make me and Coach Marty's job hard in selecting the team... so make every second count and do your best always, that's all we ask for...

See you in a couple of days... please make sure you wear proper indoor soccer/running shoes, shin pads and WHITE shirts (no Club gear)... also, if you can't make it please let me know ahead of time with a quick email...

Thanks,
Coach Jim

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Schedule for Try-outs Part 2 - Indoor Time at WSC

Hello Parents and Players,

We have confirmed three additional try-out times, indoor at the WSC as follows:

Dates: February 7, 14, 21 (Mondays)
Times: 6:00 - 7:30 pm

We will be sharing the dome with another team to split the costs. The cost for the indoor time is $169.50 for the 90 minutes x 3 sessions = $508.50 / 2 teams = 254.25 per team. Parents, please budget $20.00 for these three sessions... I will have the exact amount after the 2nd session.

*Recap of Costs for Jan, Feb and March Try-out Sessions:
$30.00 per player (approx)- includes the cost of 9 school gym rentals ($10.00) and 3 dome sessions (approx. $20.00).

As always, be sure to bring your own water and wear indoor soccer shoes/running shoes and shin gaurds. Please wear white shirts. Try-out attendance expectations are outlined in the previous post.

Please let me know if you have any questions... see you at Glendale School this Wednesday!

Thanks
Coach Jim

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Schedule for Try-outs - Glendale School Gym

Hi everyone, Try-outs will begin Wednesday, January 26 in the gym at Glendale Public School. We will have 9 sessions at the school as follows:

January 26,
February 2, 9, 16, 23,
March 2, 9, 23, 30 (i.e. every Wed. except March 16 for March Break).

Times: 6:00-7:30 pm

Be sure to bring your own water and wear indoor soccer shoes/running shoes and shin gaurds. Please wear white shirts... and be prepared to work hard and HAVE FUN!

The one-time cost per player for these 9 try-out sessions (to cover for the school gym rental) will be $10.00. We will collect the $10.00 at Glendale. I am also working with other teams to get us a few sessions inside the dome. When those plans are finalized, I will give you the details, including shared cost for dome time. Any extra money we collect from our Glendale sessions will be used for dome time costs.

We are now entering the formal try-out stage. Team commitment and attendance will be a key part of the decision making process for the coaches. Coach Marty and I are preparing a player assessment and evaluation package which we will share with the players and parents so that you can understand what we are looking for in deciding on and developing our team.

See you next Wednesday (Jan. 26) at Glendale... Coach Marty and I can hardly wait to get started!

Thanks
Coach Jim

Friday, January 14, 2011

Team Development Sessions Cancelled - More to come!

By now I'm sure you have seen my email confirming that the Team Development Sessions, which were to start next Wednesday Jan 19, have been cancelled due to lack of enrollment (only 7 enrolled).

I am working on some other plans which will include a combination of try-outs in a school gym and in the dome at the WSC with another team. As soon as I nail down the details I will send you an email update and update the blog.

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.