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

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Well Done @ Practice Today Boys!

Wizards - great practice today... when you work hard, give your best effort, and you step up your concentration your results are amazing... loved the ball movement towards the end of practice - it was fun to watch!

Will get back to you soon on conditioning night with Tuuka and our practice shirt order...
Coach Jim

Friday, January 27, 2012

Practice Sunday AM - WSC (9:30-11:00)

PRACTICE REMINDER for Sunday AM 9:30-11:00 indoor WSC... and don't forget your soccer homework written assignment... you can type it up and email to me (james.tober@ontario.ca) if thats easier.

See you Sunday AM!
Coach Jim

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Updates From The OSA

Hi everyone, I want to share with you some information from the OSA on changes to soccer in Ontario which will be implemented over the next few years... the program is called "Long Term Player Development" and some general info can be found here.

Also, I wanted to share info on a new training program that all competitive coaches are required to take. It is called "Respect In Soccer" and some general info can be found here....

The Show Your Respect section also has sample code of conduct documents for coaches, parents, players and refs... I am attaching the parent document here for your review.

See you at practice on Sunday!
Coach Jim

Sunday, January 22, 2012

GREAT Practice Today!

Parents and Players, I'm so pleased with the practice today! We have a great group of players - it's only January and I saw a few plays out there that made me jump - even with the bum wheel... BTW, I iced my ankle all afternoon, and it was worth it - I had a great time with my team!

Players remember to sign and pin/tape/post your Commitment Sheets up in your room where you can always see it.... and remember to complete your homework assignment !

I will have more details soon re the conditioning training night with Tuukka... still waiting for my rental permit from DSBN...

In the meantime, let me leave you with the following link:

http://mastersfutbolacademy.ca/documents/Play_Soccer_with_Pele.pdf

This is the Pele book I spoke to you about... mark it as a favortite in your browser or print it and read it... fantastic book on Soccer basics from Pele himself! I re-read it all the time... I will save the pdf and email it to you, as well as the Commitment Sheet and Homework Assignment

Special special thanks to Coach Marty for helping out today - what a great coach! And thanks to all the parents (and grandparents) who volunteered to help me out today... I didn't use you all but will in the future, trust me!

Thanks
Coach Jim

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

2012 Team Practice Kick-Off this Sunday AM @ WSC

Hi everyone, I'm really happy to confirm we will be starting our team practices this Sunday AM indoor at the WSC from 9:30 - 11:00am.

My ankle is still very sore and I am on crutches for awhile but to help me out, this week we will have a Very Special Surprise Coach!

I know that some of you are playing hockey and may not be able to attend Sunday AMs regularly, however, I really need the boys together this Sunday AM. We will start practice with a Team Meeting. It is important that the parents attend the Team Meeting portion of our practice as well.

For Jan-Feb-March our Sunday AM practice schedule is as follows:

Place: WSC (indoor)
Time: 9:30-11:00am
Jan 22, 29
Feb 5,12, 19, 26
March 11, 18, 25

Dome rental is $150.00 for each 90 minute practice. I am proposing that we start some fund raising soon and the first $1,350.00 we raise will go towards dome rental costs.

I am also working with Clayton and his trainer Tuuka to develop a 10 week strength and conditioning program which will be at Glendale School on either Monday or Wednesday nights - still to be determined... will keep you posted...

So see you Sunday AM by 9:15 so that we can start right at 9:30 sharp.

Thanks
Coach Jim

Real Madrid v. Barca Tonight on GOLTV (7:30- 9:30pm)

Real Madrid v Barcelona Tonight - 7:30-9:30pm - Replay at 10:00pm

Hi everyone, if you have GOLTV you have a real soccer treat tonight! Real v Barca in Copa Del Rey Action! ... can hardly wait! If you don't have GOLTV you can probably find a free on-line feed.

Enjoy and Love The Game!

Coach Jim

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Start Of Team Practices Postponed Until Jan 22

Hi everyone, I messed up my ankle pretty badly yesterday! I wish at least it was doing something cool like playing soccer as opposed to just taking a step off a curb LOL!!!!!! At least the crutches are reminding me of great times in Grade 12-13 where when not on the Football Field, I was on crutches all the time LOL!

I was going to start our team practices at WSC this Sunday AM but now I will put that off for at least another week... I see a specialist in a few days so we will see then when I can actually put some weight on it...

Sorry to disappoint, I know you guys are itching to go... will keep you posted...

On the bright side, I found a place where I can get Dri-fit style Practice Shirts made for us for only $10.00 each! I will try to put the order in soon...can you pls email the sizes you want ie YM, YL, YXL or Adult S?

Thanks, talk to you soon... feel free to call me at home during the day, I'm bored stiff!

Coach Jim

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Great Day Today

Boys, you did yourselves proud today! Remember, you were competing with a year-round elite academy team and after 45 mins we were down only 1-2... awesome!

This was a great way to kick-off 2012, I can hardly wait to start up with our team practices soon! (details to follow) ...

Special Thanks to all the parents who drove and to Coach Danilo and his boys!

I'm very happy with what we showed today! Take pride in your work...

Coach Jim

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Soccer Opportunity for this Wednesday Afternoon

Hi everyone, short notice I know (apologies), but we have an opportunity to go and
play soccer in Brampton with members of a U12 SRSL team this Wednesday, from
2:00-4:00pm. The Brampton team is coached by a friend of Clayton's. We will be
going with some players from Coach Danilo's team.

If you are interested in this opportunity please send me an email or facebook message so that I can get an idea of numbers. If you want your son to go and can't drive, please reply as well - I realize that many parents will be working and that that may be a bit of an obstacle, but I will try to coordinate rides...... (We're looking for volunteers who would be able to offer transportation, because of course not everyone can or should drive)

I can only promise spots to the first 7 responses.

Cost would be no more than $10.00 to help pay for indoor field rental.

This is not an Exhibition Game or Team Practice.... Just a chance to get out and play
friendly soccer with other good players!

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.