Coach Jim Moving On...

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Coach Jim Moving On...

Hi everyone, with very mixed emotions I write to tell you that I have accepted another coaching position for 2013. I will be Assistant Coach to Tuukka Salonen and Manager for the Elite U13/U14 Soccer Academy Team... I'm thrilled to be part of the wonderful Academy that Clayton and Tuukka are building but will miss my team dearly.

The WSC will be naming a new Coach for next year's Welland U13 Wizards soon. There are a couple of names out there that many of you are very familiar with and I'm sure the team with thrive under the new coach.

I want to take this opportunity to thank "my boys", as I will always call them.

Together with my boys, we took our team from "worst to first".... we took a team that had not won a game in two years and won 82% of our league games, best in our league over the last two years... we racked up 32 wins and were the highest scoring team during the same period (I had the pleasure of watching my boys score 180 league goals) ... we won a tournament championship, and this year we were League Champions, on top of the table from the first week to the last, where ever we went we won... This is a unmatchable track record of success that speaks for itself.

More important than wins though, I saw this group of boys grow, develop and become better soccer players. I saw some of these players fall in love or more deeply in love with playing soccer. That is all this coach ever wanted, because when you work hard and do things the right way, player development, individual growth and team success will follow.

Thanks for everything boys. Every coach needs great kids to work with, and you guys are the best - I could not have done any of it without you. I will always look at these last two years with great fondness and pride... remember "Outwork Your Talent"!

Special thanks to Coach Rowan for being a great assistant and loyal friend.

I wish you all the best, and I'm sure we will see each other soon.

Coach Jim

Red Dawgs, Red Dawgs, Red Dawgs!
Crave the Burn, Crave the Burn, Crave the Burn!!
Hajra, Hajra, Hajra!!!

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.