A Quarter Final Thriller For Our Moms

Sunday, May 13, 2012

A Quarter Final Thriller For Our Moms

We gave FC London Academy Elite a Quarter Final Battle they won't soon forget. Losing 0:1 to the eventual tournament winner is nothing to hang our heads about... our boys noticed that the London coaches were losing their cool as we took the game to them - and they loved it!

This was a great weekend for our team. I loved watching the team grow. They played through adversity and with pride and class. A few things to remember:

we played in a group with Toronto based teams
we played three games with no subs and one game with one sub
we played in three ganmes decided by only one goal
we won a heart-stopping penalty kick shoot-out
we were knocked out at the Quarter Finals stage by the eventual tournament winners in a super-close and very entertaining 0:1 game
we hit a total of 10 goal posts and cross bars in our four games
when we had the wind at our backs we only surrendered 2 goals in the entire tournament

Besides the very emotional PK win yesterday that propelled us into the play-off, the lasting memory for me was after getting knocked out of the tournament - the players did not want to go home.

After my post game talk, I asked the boys to gather up their things before we head home and the boys said ``no lets stay``... we talked for a few more minutes and I looked over and saw the parents waiting on the other side of the field and again asked the boys if they wanted to pack up. One player responded ``we don`t want to leave yet``... another said ``yeah, lets stay here a bit longer``... the boys just wanted to hang-out and chill together for a few more minutes... 20 minutes later we had to tell the boys it was time to go home. I told them we had practice on Tuesday and I heard a few ``Yeah`s`... This was so very rewarding for me as their coach. We have a true team...

The boys have formed a bond and that was one of my biggest goals heading into the season. IMO, this aspect of coaching, team building, is very often over-looked. The boys feel accountable to each-other. They will work hard for each-other and they will fight for each-other. We had one boy who had strep during the week, and another who was in bed with a fever on Friday.... but they came to play all weekend long. I saw players working together, encouraging and cheering their team-mates on.

This is what the last two weekends were about. I am pleased. This has been a great kick-off to our 2012 season.

UP NEXT: We will have practice on Tuesday, I will send out the details tomorrow evening. Next weekend is the Champions League Final and like last year I will arrange a Champions League Pizza Party for the team.

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.