Total Team Effort Puts Us On TOP!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Total Team Effort Puts Us On TOP!

Boys, you did a heck of a job tonight... I hope you all see how the hard work we have put in, the running at Sherkston, the long practices, the Strength and Speed training with Tuukka, the Conditioning Nights with Coach Frank, the early Sunday AM practices, the drills - with me jumping on you when it was ugly ;-) ... ALL has had a HUGE PAYOFF!

Tonight we made very few errors... you worked as a team, you rose to the occasion and really controlled the game from whistle to whistle.

I am very pleased with the concentration level... doing the little things right makes all the difference. We had a short spell where we went back to passing the ball blindly, but for the most part, you were focussed on defending, ball control, possession, and attack.

Our crosses where awesome... I am pleased with how quickly you picked that up from training.

PRIDE IN DEFENDING
Defensively you were superb... my back four worked together and communicated, we were decisive and strong in clearances and we worked hard to not just kick the ball away, but to win possession and start the counter attack... we even had two attempts on net by our defenders! Everyone got involved in defending... it all works well when the mid fielders are defending and forwards track back... Fort Erie had only four shots for the entire game! Very well done.

It's rewarding for me as coach, to see you guys getting stronger and stronger, understanding the game and how to play it more and more... you are a great group to coach. Thank you. You gave me great memories tonight.

Rest well tonight, you earned it! ... and then back to work!

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.