A Good Lesson

Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Good Lesson

Last night we lost our first game of the season – but hey, if you would have told me in May that we would play to nearly mid-July before we lost our first game, I would have taken it!

Of course, it’s not about wins and losses though, it’s about developing the players and building a team that will compete at a higher level each year.

Yesterday was a good lesson for us… our opponents came to play, they were determined and physical. They wanted revenge for the 7 goals we scored against them in the season opener. Although we created enough chances to earn at least a draw, in all honesty, for most of the game we were second to the ball. Confidence can be funny thing, it can come and go even throughout the course of a game. We seemed to play with the hand brake on for most of the game, we lost shape going forward and never really opened it up for an extended period.

I let the boys vent a bit after the game and was very happy to see that they were upset about what happened. It means alot to them. Many of the boys were already focussing on next week’s game, which is great. That is a huge motivator for me.

As a coach, I feel I may have let the boys down a bit in our training as I really have not emphasized the “physical-ness” of the game. I want to teach them how to play the game of soccer first, technical and tactical.

The players grow at different rates and some are more physical than others based on that. Others are gentle giants and are learning how to be more physical week by week. At this age teach them how to play soccer, emphasize technical skills and knowledge of the game - then when they do get more mature physically they will have the full "tool box" to work with. That said, I will look to incorporate more physicality in our training.

All in all, we competed but we came up short. The good news is the boys showed me in our post game pow-wow that they understood what happened, that they were ready to get this game behind them and play again right away. Too bad we have to wait a week for our next game…

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.