Happy Magical Father's Day to Wizards Dads and Game Summary

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Magical Father's Day to Wizards Dads and Game Summary

Happy Father's Day Dads... hope you were all able to sleep in!

Game Summary: Showing Heart

The boys played one of the more exciting games we have had together on Friday night in Pelham.

In the first half we played our type of game and really controlled the game for long periods with “Pass & Move”, winning balls and playing with confidence. We did well challenging for balls and not "playing with the ball" in the defensive third. I have been stressing to our players that we cannot get caught watching the ball or "playing with the ball" in the defensive third; be first to the ball, win the ball, be decisive and get the ball cleared WIDE.

In the second half, even the players admitted that with a 2:0 we took our foot off the gas pedal, yet again… Pelham came to play and we let them gain momentum because we started to ball watch and stopped challenging the ball. I need to work on that from my coaching… I need to be better in getting the players ready to start the second half on the front foot. It’s come up a number of times this season, where we just come out flat in the 2^nd half.

What to focus on Defensively:

· challenge the ball, no ball watching

· control the ball first, forget trying to hit fancy one-timers! We just give the ball away when not sticking to the basics… ball control is #1

· first defender immediate pressure

· second player provides support

· third and fourth players keep shape

One of the more pleasing things for me during the game was when Colton nearly saved the PK… tremendous effort that was inches away from a spectacular save… many of his teammates encouraged him and supported him loudly… I heard things like “That’s OK Colt, we will get it back” and “don’t worry about it Colton” and “close Colton”… I loved this, that is what being a teammate is all about, pick-up and support your teammates!

The other thing that pleased me was once the game was tied, with about 15 minutes left in the game, you could see that my boys decided that enough was enough, that they would fight to get the win. We showed great fortitude. A lot of teams would have went into a shell… we fought out of the mini-shell we went into and controlled the last 10 minutes beautifully… and it paid off with a last minute goal for the win. We showed heart!

All in all, we played well again but aside from the London FC and Roma games we really have not put together a complete game. Things to work on: maintaining focus, eliminating ball watching, the defensive principles described above, and shooting.

Re Improving Shooting… get over the ball with balance, supporting foot beside the ball and pointing towards target, lock your ankle, strike the middle of the ball and follow through with your leg and hips… here are some of a tutorial videos I like… since there is no practice today, take time to watch these over and again and practice your technique at home! All players need to spend time on their own working on their technique and conditioning.

How to Fix Your Soccer Shot

Shooting Low vs High

Placing The Ball With Accuracy

Cape Fear Academy – Shooting Basics

This Week: We have practice on Tuesday at WSC 6:00pm and play Fort Erie at home on Wednesday night! See you Tuesday night!

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.