An Interesting Practice

Thursday, June 28, 2012

An Interesting Practice

Practice last night was very interesting… towards the end of practice I realized that the next day was the last day of school… ‘nuf said! We also had a girls team practicing on the field next to us which didn’t help with the concentration levels for drills...

We started with speed and agility drills, using techniques/lessons I have learned from Tuukka (Monday Nights) and Calvin Rosario (Sherkston AM Beach Workouts). The boys are getting stronger, quicker and faster. The footwork and conditioning is getting better. We ended with hill sprints (2 sets of 5) and I was pleasantly surprised with how much the boys enjoy that. Conditioning Levels really come out with these hill sprints. When I was playing football, I hated “The Hill”, but most of my boys eat it up, which is great.

Because we had use of the large field for practice, I wanted to utilize it for specific tactical work on corners, both attacking and defending. It was great because we nailed down responsibilities such as signals from the corner taker and near/far post runs, on a field that we play on, using the lines as guides for player positioning. This is something I don’t think I spend enough time on with the boys so it was important for me to get that work in. It went well. Hopefully we will be solid defending corners tomorrow night and maybe score a couple as well!

The third phase of practice was a shooting drill and this is where we completely lost focus and concentration. It was ugly, but I know the boys are better shooters than that. It did get better towards the end, and shooting with the left foot actually exceeded my expectations. It’s clear though - we need to be much better finishing in front of the net. We will continue to work on that.

As I mentioned at the top, in hindsight, it was a tough night to have a practice on… lots going on in the boys lives, ending the school year and the like. However, I ask parents to emphasize to your sons that concentration and focus must be better at practice. We have lots of fun and I know the boys are happy to be together and see each other and want to socialize, but there is a time to work as well. My message to the boys at the end of practice was “you play like you practice”… I told them I had a coach who used to tell us that “you can’t just turn it on like a light switch on game day”. It’s very true.

That said, the boys truly make me laugh sometimes with their personalities and sense of humour… This is a great group to coach!

See you Friday night in Grimsby… game day instructions to follow…

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.