Coach Jim's Updates

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Coach Jim's Updates

Hi Team and Parents,

A quick update on team activities and plans:

Currently we have 8 boys training on Thursday PMs at the Welland Soccer Club with Coach Frank DiChellis, and 9 boys training on Sunday AMs at Sinnicks in Niagara Falls with Clayton Rosario. Many boys are also playing indoor at the WSC Friday Nights! Lots of soccer being played and we LOVE IT!

I am planning on getting a few Team Practices indoor at WSC in the coming weeks - I will let you know details when I get the WSC booked.

We will take a Christmas break, and then in January-February-March we will have once/week Team Practices at the Sinnicks Complex in Niagara Falls. I am partnering with another team to share costs of rental of the dome and will let you know shortly the exact dates, times and costs. During the Jan-March time-frame there will also be other training delivered by the WSC Technical Department which the boys can join as well.

Speaking of Christmas, I would like to organize a Team Christmas Party for parents and players. I am targetting the afternoon of Saturday, December 10th or 17th... please mark on your calenders and let me know which of those days work for you...

Beginining in April we will start twice/week practices in gearing up for the season. And of course, one of the highlights of the year, we will have our Sherkston ShoresTraining Camp Weekend (before the May 24 weekend).

Request to Parents: please save our team’s blog address (http://wellandwizardsteamtalk.blogspot.com/) as a favourite in your internet browsers and ensure the boys see this blog regularly. I will start posting training and technical videos for the boys to watch which will show them all the same skills that I emphasize in practice. I will also post fun “Top 10 Goals” type videos as well... it is very important that the boys continue to develop their love for soccer (which is one of the main reasons why I created this blog)...Thanks!

Oh - and please make friends with me and each other on facebook! I post team related stuff on my profile.

Please let me know if you have any questions... talk soon...

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.