Solid Practice Sunday AM

Monday, June 25, 2012

Solid Practice Sunday AM

We had a strong practice yesterday morning. Almost everyone was early! As a coach, I love that.

The pre-practice message to the boys was this: Well done on getting stronger, you have come a long way… we have taken another step in our journey. Our success thus far should be the motivator to achieve more – we have to make sure this is only the beginning. The way you work on your own, the way we train together, and the way we play together – as a team, we all have to continue to raise the bar. We cannot be satisfied with beating Fort Erie and think “OK we have made it”... we have another big challenge on Friday when we play at Grimsby.

After I ran the boys through a warm-up, Clayton joined us to work on possession, movement, maintaining shape, decision making, and transitioning to attack to create advantages in numbers. As always I took notes for my library!

In one drill which required the boys to go 1v1, Clayton used a great current example of poor defending that we all saw in the Spain-France quarter-final where French defender Florent Malouda gave up on a play and lazily walked back, letting a Spanish player run past him and attack for the first goal of the game… It was great to see that when Clayton mentioned it most of the boys knew exactly what he was referring to! “No stopping to have a cup of coffee”!

I especially enjoyed running the boys through a drill that worked on 4 different type of passing combinations (wall pass, double pass, lay-off with runs and a simple exchange)… once we felt the boys had a good handle on what we were asking of them, we moved to small-side games where the boys could use the passes in “game-type” scenarios. We encouraged them to think, to make smart and quick decisions and to be creative without giving the ball away.

I was very happy with the effort of the boys as we worked them for 2 hours and by-in-large they stayed focussed and competitive through-out.

A special thank you again to Clayton who has chosen our team to work with as his demo team for his C Licence in the US. Next Sunday we will begin video-taping the practices. As a coach, I am very fortunate to have excellent coaches like Clayton, Frank DeChellis, Rob Lalama and Gerry D'Angelo to share insights with, learn from and lean on. As players, the boys are benefiting greatly from them volunteering their time and getting exposure to different soccer teachers.

See you at practice at the WSC tomorrow at 6:00pm (5:45pm!)

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.