- Welland 2000 Wizards Team Blog - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (2012 U12 NYSL) : Great Practice Tonight & Coaches Thoughts

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Great Practice Tonight & Coaches Thoughts - "Touch The Ball Everyday"

Hi everyone, we had a great practice tonight, we did some agility, alot of technical work, and progressed to a small-sided possession-type game... we got in a ton of touches with the ball and the boys responded well. We ended with a team strategy session and the boys seemed to really understand what I was asking of them. They are a great group and I enjoy coaching them very much.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you that I had the chance to visit this weekend with two Hungarian friends of mine who played professional football in Hungary in the 60's. They played in Hungary's first division, the NB1, at a time when it truly was one of the best in Europe. I asked them about the training they had as youth soccer players, esp focussing on what they did in our team's age group.

We went through some drills and how to practice different techniques, and the same major theme was repeated throughout our conversation. It always boiled down to how much personal practice time players put in, or as they put it: "Me and the ball"...

As youth soccer players they practiced everyday all year round. Besides the team practices, they would play and practice soccer 6 hours a day, on their own or with a group of friends - "until the sun went down". The weather was irrelevant, rain or shine, blistering hot or freezing cold...they played soccer in the snow all winter!

What is interesting is that most of their personal training (or as they called it "Me and the ball" time) was very simple. One of the basics they would always do, from 8 years of age through to their professional years, was simply kicking a ball against a wall... concentrating on being on their toes, balanced with knees bent, striking the ball with different parts of the foot and alternating feet when receiving the bounce-back. They would do this until they got a rhythm going, similar to a boxer with a speed bag.

The juggling work was always very important for them... they would get together with friends and have competitions that would last for hours... juggling with both feet, inside foot, outside foot, laces, thighs, shoulder, and head.

They emphasized that the most basic things are the most important things... ball control and touch, which they would work on for hours during their personal time with the ball. They told me that tactics, systems and strategy were not a priority until the players hit the U15-U16 level.

Interestly, this is the same message that we got when meeting the AS Roma Academy Coaches, and through Tuukka's brother from the FC Inter Turku Academy, and from the Dinamo Zagreb Academy Coaches from Clayton's camp.

Now, of course what my Hungarian friends were describing regarding their hours and conditions of practice was in a different world, back in 1960's Communist Hungary. Our world is very different, our boys have lots of activities that pull them in different directions. But what resonated with me is this: "Me and the ball" or as I have been calling it, "Touch the Ball Everyday"...

This has been one of the themes for the boys since I took the team over two years ago.  Whether it's juggling, or kicking a ball against a wall, throwing a ball up the in air and trapping it, or setting up a dribbling course and dribbling around cones like we do at practice - "Touch the Ball Everyday".

I encourage our players at every practice to take some of the drills we do together and do them at home on their own. I ask them to put in at least 20 to 30 minutes everyday, working with the ball - on their own... I have joked with the boys that I want them to sleep with a soccer ball so that soccer was the last thing they think about before falling asleep and the first thing they think of when they wake up! (I actually slept with a football in my arms all through highschool, my mother thought I was nuts!). It's funny but I am always making the point that if it's important to them, they will do it- the extra work part!

Of course the "Touch the Ball Everyday" theme applies to many aspects of our boys lives. Let me relate it another way... We have a few budding musicians on our team!   From the age of 6, I played and then taught music, performed at parties, the Hungarian Hall, church, restaurants and weddings. With music, going once or twice a week for lessons was not enough, I had to practice on my own everyday - and for hours, to get to the point where I was moderately accomplished. Whether it is sports, school, or the arts, the key to success is the same - commitment and practice.

These are great life skills for our boys to develop. School work needs the same type of commitment, solving that difficult math problem takes time and practice. Becoming a better soccer player is no different. Going to practice twice a week and then playing a game is not enough. This is why I give them "Soccer Homework" in the form of instructional videos to watch and then practice - on their own...

Players must "Touch the Ball Everyday" and work at it on their own to raise their level. I'm glad that many of my players do. We will need that type of individual commitment to raise our collective level for next year.

Sometimes as coaches and parents we have a tendency to over-complicate things. The game is actually very simple.   There really is no secret to development. Hard work pays off. I wanted to share this note with you because I find it so interesting that the message I get from whom ever I meet up with in the soccer world is the same... "Touch the Ball Everyday"...

See you at practice tomorrow night at 5:30.
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.