2012 Sherkston Training Camp Wrap

Monday, May 7, 2012

2012 Sherkston Training Camp Wrap

Hi everyone,

*This is a longer post than usual so first let me say that there will be no practice tomorrow (Tuesday), we will move it to Thursday, I will send the details of when and where shortly.

We completed our camp and everyone is in one piece - although very tired! We were blessed with great weather and I know the boys enjoyed themselves, learned a lot and will have many great lasting memories.

Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to all the parents for your commitment to our program and the camp – it wouldn’t be possible without you. Thank you to Rowan, Dennis and Neil for staying over and helping me and the boys throughout the camp - I owe you guys huge. Also thanks to Clayton, Pam and Calvin from Elite Soccer Development for helping us with the weekend program.

The biggest thank-you though goes out to my players! They worked their hearts out all weekend long!

Let’s remember what they did on Saturday:

They woke up at 6:00am and completed a 2 mile run on the beach… followed that with a 2 hour technical training session with Clayton… and then played the friendly match v Roma U14s - against players that are 2 and in some cases 3 years older. If that wasn’t enough for one day we also had a 60 minute boardroom tactical session and team meeting in the evening.

On Sunday morning they were back on the beach at 7:00am for a 90 minute agility training session, followed by another 2 hour technical session, and then the game with our Welland U13 friends.

I cannot be more proud on my players. The FIFA tournaments, COD, campfires with mega-marshmallows, and Arcade fun was all very well-deserved given the tremendous effort they put in this weekend! Thank you boys, I had a great camp with you!

As a coach, I am always evaluating and assessing what works, what doesn’t work and looking for areas to improve all aspects of our soccer program. Looking back, there are a few things I may do differently next year such playing the exhibition games in the morning and having the technical training sessions in the afternoon. This would ensure the players are not running on empty for the games after training all day long, and we could work on lessons from the morning games in the afternoon technical training.

Also, I am thinking about the work load - perhaps I asked them to do too much work physical work on Saturday, although in all honestly I cannot stress conditioning enough.

I will research and talk more with other coaches about the merits of playing exhibition games with older teams. I believe in the end it will be beneficial as they have now experienced a game situation that is physical and with some pressure.

Working more on the meal plan paid off. The food was healthy and fresh – no fried foods, lots of veggies. They even had steaks and garlic mashed for supper!

The boys also learned more about proper warm-ups and stretching. I am a little concerned about the amount of muscle pulls/strains… this should not be happening at their age. Parents, please make sure the boys do some of the stretching exercises everyday - when they do their individual at home work with the ball – remember “Touch the ball (and stretch) every-day!”.

One reminder for parents: please come-out and cheer our boys on at every game, but remember no direct instructions to the players. This includes comments such as: “cover this guy” or “move over here” or “let someone else take the throw-in”. This point was covered on page three in the Team Package handed out in the Parents Meeting under “Required From Parents”.

During the first water break yesterday the players came to me frustrated - by the direct instructions from some parents on the sideline. One player said: “we are trying to do what Clayton taught us but the parents are confusing us with go here, go there, cover this guy, cover that guy”. Please remember, no direct instructions to the players during the game.

I have one very big surprise for our team. Clayton is working towards his National C Licence and asked if he could use our team as a project for the practical portion of his studies. This means that from time-to-time he would join our Sunday morning practices and that some of those practices will be videotaped for training purposes. This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and our boys to develop and reach to the highest possible levels we can possibly achieve.

That’s it for now… the boys have a day off tomorrow, I will send the details for practice Thursday shortly.

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.