Hard Fought Draw

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Hard Fought Draw

The boys worked hard tonight and earned a 1-1 draw with Grimsby. I loved the effort and grit in a very entertaining game. At times we slip into some of the old habits of ball watching, letting the ball hit the ground, and not being wide and deep enough in our shape, but then we also see the boys move the ball around very well, communicate with eachother, execute wall passes, work hard to keep possession, move the ball into space and create scoring opportunities. Our passes being "Quick, Early and Accurate" was inconsistent tonight though... we will continue to build on that part of our game.

As coach, when we create more scoring opportunities than our opposition and our defensive effort allows only one goal, all I can I say is job well done. Draws can leave players with mixed feelings, the "would of, should of, could of" type questions. Let's be sure to let them know we loved watching them play their hearts out and point out that they were a few inches here-or-there from the win... A very good effort... always things to work on but loads to be proud of!

Raffle Results
We had Mario Mascitelli, the President of the Welland Soccer Club join us in the club house to draw the winning ticket. In front of an enthusiatic crowd of players and parents, Mario pulled the winning ticket... drum roll please................ The winners were the Jesik family. The Jesiks are going on vacation and are not able to attend the TFC game this Saturday. They graciously donated the TFC tickets back into the box for another draw. The second ticket drawn and winner of the TFC tickets was Mr. Joe Peidl from Niagara Falls. Congratulations Mr Peidl! I contacted him when we got home and he was thrilled.

A special thank you to Gary Talosi from Dundee Wealth Management in Port Colborne for the TFC Tickets, the anonymous donor of the Tony Roma's Gift Certificate, and to D'Angelo Printing for printing the raffle tickets free of charge!

The proceeds from the raffle will be recorded and sorted out shortly. It's a little more complicated than I expected as not everyone sold all their tickets and I have to work the calculator a bit!

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.