Monday, May 6, 2013
Great Shot caught on Film!
Wednesday Night Nutrition Seminar
Parents,
I've heard from some of the assistant coach's that some of the parents would like me to offer the nutrition class on a practice day.
I've already offered it to a friend of mine, Tim Gessner, for his u14 girls team--on their non-practice day. That date is set in stone now, since he has already changed around his schedule to make it work, along with the girls on his team. We only practice 2 days per week (1 day less than last season), and are lucky to have all the girls at those 2 practices as it stands now.
It is not a mandatory thing. It's something that I know will help them, but if you can't get your daughter there, or she has other activities that you believe come first, then please do what you think makes most sense. It absolutely won't be held against them.
Brian
I've heard from some of the assistant coach's that some of the parents would like me to offer the nutrition class on a practice day.
I've already offered it to a friend of mine, Tim Gessner, for his u14 girls team--on their non-practice day. That date is set in stone now, since he has already changed around his schedule to make it work, along with the girls on his team. We only practice 2 days per week (1 day less than last season), and are lucky to have all the girls at those 2 practices as it stands now.
It is not a mandatory thing. It's something that I know will help them, but if you can't get your daughter there, or she has other activities that you believe come first, then please do what you think makes most sense. It absolutely won't be held against them.
Brian
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Game Comments vs. Kings Elite 2
Girls,
Very good game. As I said at halftime, we needed to go up another goal or two, so something goofy doesn't happen... We were a much better team and need to make sure we don't put games like that in referee's hands. I know that was a tough loss, especially considering how hard you girls worked (with only two subs too), and you really did so many good things that game.
I saw some good overlaps which set up some good crosses, we picked up from last game by playing away from pressure, stepping into and winning balls for the most part. Girls, outside of us not finishing on many great opportunities, and about 1/2 of our team really struggling with our left foot in every aspect of the game, we really played a good game! Just an fyi... In order to HELP YOU with your left foot, when I see times that we don't use it when it is an obvious situation that it should have been used, you will be subbed out. Using your left foot is simply discipline in making yourself do it, along with practicing with it on your own--left foot juggling, and left foot passing against a wall, such as side of your house.
Obviously Ciara stepped to the ball and cleared it, and the girl ran into her and fell down. Ciara did everything right, but again, we can't put the game in the refs hands. Ciara, DO NOT play timid as a result of that call. Continue to play smart and hard as I witnessed the last two games from you! And Olivia, it was a perfect penalty shot. The fact you even got close to the ball was amazing (what are you, 3 out of 4 saves this season on PK's??!).
Enjoy your day girls, and I'll see you all at practice Monday. You worked hard, and even though the result didn't show it with the 1-1 tie, you pretty much dominated the game!
Brian
Very good game. As I said at halftime, we needed to go up another goal or two, so something goofy doesn't happen... We were a much better team and need to make sure we don't put games like that in referee's hands. I know that was a tough loss, especially considering how hard you girls worked (with only two subs too), and you really did so many good things that game.
I saw some good overlaps which set up some good crosses, we picked up from last game by playing away from pressure, stepping into and winning balls for the most part. Girls, outside of us not finishing on many great opportunities, and about 1/2 of our team really struggling with our left foot in every aspect of the game, we really played a good game! Just an fyi... In order to HELP YOU with your left foot, when I see times that we don't use it when it is an obvious situation that it should have been used, you will be subbed out. Using your left foot is simply discipline in making yourself do it, along with practicing with it on your own--left foot juggling, and left foot passing against a wall, such as side of your house.
Obviously Ciara stepped to the ball and cleared it, and the girl ran into her and fell down. Ciara did everything right, but again, we can't put the game in the refs hands. Ciara, DO NOT play timid as a result of that call. Continue to play smart and hard as I witnessed the last two games from you! And Olivia, it was a perfect penalty shot. The fact you even got close to the ball was amazing (what are you, 3 out of 4 saves this season on PK's??!).
Enjoy your day girls, and I'll see you all at practice Monday. You worked hard, and even though the result didn't show it with the 1-1 tie, you pretty much dominated the game!
Brian
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Vs. Twisters (parents, not important you read, but probably good for the players).
Great Game Girls! Last season we were up 2-0 at halftime, and they came back to tie us 2-2. We played them also last season in tourny, and they knocked us out, and went on to win tourny. They are a good team. You held off their pressure at the end for the win! Great job.
1. You guys switched fields more than ever. Both from the back, and also from the midfield. VERY HAPPY! Keep that up. And defenders, your spacing when we had the ball, and being far enough back to recieve and swing the ball was well done!! Midfielders, I was so happy to see you guys so quickly look turn and play away from pressure. I have been preaching this the entire year, and was wondering when it would "click". I'm glad it clicked against a good team too! That means so much!
2. Most proud of this one--You were VERYaggressive in coming back to win balls. Against the HEAT last week, we didn't do this, and they stepped to win every ball. We "were that team" last night! I think I can sum it up with what I said to Morgan. I said, "Morgan, I am not most proud of you for your goal (even though it was a great finish and very important goal), or for the skill you showed weaving in and out of girls the first half, but I was most proud of how you checked back hard to recieve the ball not allowing the defender to step in front of you!" Remember girls, we can't score without the ball! You all did this well.
3. Moving without the ball to be options! This made it easier on on the girls with the ball. And then after you passed it, you continued to make YOURSELF an option, instead of watching.
4. Skill!!! All of you showed many skillful moments. But, Jenna, I will focus on this with you. I know with your speed, it's hard for me not to put you up front as a constant scoring threat (and trust me, you'll get your time up there); but I listened to Coach Eric (who really is a smarter guy than me!), and he continued to talk about your importance as a defensive midfielder in not only your defense on the ball, but also setting up our offense when you get the ball. You totally controlled the middle of the field. Your speed, and WORK RATE on defense was great. Jenna, do you remember last season where I had to constantly get on you to work hard during games?? Wow, you have turned that around. I'm guessing it's for what I call "the love of the game". You were everywhere on the field. But, I don't think you understand how much you were such a huge part in setting up the offense playing that role as a defensive mid. You used so much skill to make the other team make it almost impossible to gaurd you. When you didn't have a quick open pass to make, you were able to keep possession with the ball at your feet, allowing our team to work hard in getting open on the attack, or as a drop to continue to keep possession. You were able to continually keep possession and look up field until you saw our best opportunity, and then make those great passes; but also getting yourself open as an option after you passed (last year you would watch after your pass, thinking your job was over)! And if they stole the ball from you (rarely), you want "APE POOP" to quickly win it back. I never thought I'd say this, but that was your best game ever, and I am not sure you even had a shot on goal. But you were so responsible for so many of our scoring opportunities!
Another great example of skill, and being a smart player. Ciara, they finally saw us trying to switch fields from the back. The started to overplay that switch. You recieved the ball and noticed they were looking to cut your pass off. Instead of FREAKING OUT and making the bad pass, or the "safe" thing of just clearing it ahead (which sometimes is the right thing to do); you instead quickly cut the ball back into the middle of the field, and dribbled forward keeping possession for us, and then made a good pass! Ciara, you did it another time when you got it about midfield. They cut your "change of fields" off again, and this time you got very aggressive and drove the ball to the goal for a nice shot! Knowing when to pass, dribble, and clear is VERY valuable, specifically for a defender. Very proud you are beginning to see this! Now we just need to work on that "retaliation" when you get fouled, but I'm afraid that this is just something that was genetically handed down from your dad (JOKE!!).
5. Running through the ball. Girls, knowing when to run through a 50/50 ball, versus knowing when they have the advantage and we then need to play "patient defense" by a "pressure and delay" on the ball. So many of you ran through the ball. Anna does this to perfection and comes up with the ball so many times! Sophie does this well (scares me sometimes doing it as our last defender, but she times it well!). I do want to talk about the goal that Morgan had a GREAT finish! With an incredible goalie like Olivia, who has fantastic punts, this sets up many opportunities for our forwards to run through the ball. Kylie, you ran through that ball so well. You were coming at it so hard, that the defender practically peed herself and turned sideways. You ran right through it, pushing the ball forward for Morgan to then do her thing. So well done! And Kylie, I know I consistently give you credit for your leadership and workrate, and skill--I don't take that for granted and will always give it to you as long as you continue to give it! Another solid game.
6. Simply being able to apply what we work on at practice into the games.... Talk was great, moving off the ball was great, passing was MUCH better. You girls listened and did the things we have been working on so well! You lined up perfect on the free kicks. I know I might have seemed like a grouch at Monday's practice when I yelled at you girls for not being able to repeat what coach Eric was saying. But, we continue to teach you girls things, and you were continuing to do them wrong in games. That's when I realized some of you (ok, a lot of you), were not listening during practice. And that's why I tested you last Monday and found out that over half of you had no idea what Coach Eric had just clearly explained. Lesson learned, right?? After my toungue lashing, I could see the mental involvement was MUCH higher. You put everything together for yesterdays game. I thank you for that. But please remember--listening, understanding, and asking questions if you don't understand is EXPECTED--especially from this day forward. You are all old enough. And I hope you saw how it paid off in yesterdays games. And a last note about this. If you girls are missing practices, you really need to get to the next practice 5 minutes early and ask the girls what they worked on.
7. I know I called out a few girls in this email, and it's almost not fair I don't talk about anyone... my gosh, does Sheena ever have a bad touch on the ball?!, and I used to SCREAM at molly's lack of hustle last year, and does she EVER stop now, or not win a 50/50 ball for us to keep possession; and hannah's skill and workrate and HUGE SOCCER IQ as a defender; and Hope making great overlaps; and Megan playing under control with the ball and attacking the goal always getting her foot in there to get that touch; and Danielle being so good at every positioin (wow, that is a great help when we don't have many subs), and how much Delaney has helped this team by filling in as a REALLY GOOD defender, especially considering we are short of defenders--great goal too delaney :)! And Taylor showing great skill by giving off a Maradonna pass/layoff (really!!!), I could go on and on with each of you, and if I forgot someone, so sorry. But I will finish by telling you that you each have someone very special backing you up in goal. I've seen girls like Sydney Hiance who was ranked number ONE of America's top Goalies her Junior and Senior Year in highschool, and who started for UK for 4 years. I really mean this. In my opinion, and some others, Olivia is at the level Sydney was when Sydney was in 7th-8th grade. Olivia, just understand how hard she continued to work each year, both in season and off season. Keep it up, we all appreciate you, and GREAT PK SAVE AGAIN!!
1. You guys switched fields more than ever. Both from the back, and also from the midfield. VERY HAPPY! Keep that up. And defenders, your spacing when we had the ball, and being far enough back to recieve and swing the ball was well done!! Midfielders, I was so happy to see you guys so quickly look turn and play away from pressure. I have been preaching this the entire year, and was wondering when it would "click". I'm glad it clicked against a good team too! That means so much!
2. Most proud of this one--You were VERYaggressive in coming back to win balls. Against the HEAT last week, we didn't do this, and they stepped to win every ball. We "were that team" last night! I think I can sum it up with what I said to Morgan. I said, "Morgan, I am not most proud of you for your goal (even though it was a great finish and very important goal), or for the skill you showed weaving in and out of girls the first half, but I was most proud of how you checked back hard to recieve the ball not allowing the defender to step in front of you!" Remember girls, we can't score without the ball! You all did this well.
3. Moving without the ball to be options! This made it easier on on the girls with the ball. And then after you passed it, you continued to make YOURSELF an option, instead of watching.
4. Skill!!! All of you showed many skillful moments. But, Jenna, I will focus on this with you. I know with your speed, it's hard for me not to put you up front as a constant scoring threat (and trust me, you'll get your time up there); but I listened to Coach Eric (who really is a smarter guy than me!), and he continued to talk about your importance as a defensive midfielder in not only your defense on the ball, but also setting up our offense when you get the ball. You totally controlled the middle of the field. Your speed, and WORK RATE on defense was great. Jenna, do you remember last season where I had to constantly get on you to work hard during games?? Wow, you have turned that around. I'm guessing it's for what I call "the love of the game". You were everywhere on the field. But, I don't think you understand how much you were such a huge part in setting up the offense playing that role as a defensive mid. You used so much skill to make the other team make it almost impossible to gaurd you. When you didn't have a quick open pass to make, you were able to keep possession with the ball at your feet, allowing our team to work hard in getting open on the attack, or as a drop to continue to keep possession. You were able to continually keep possession and look up field until you saw our best opportunity, and then make those great passes; but also getting yourself open as an option after you passed (last year you would watch after your pass, thinking your job was over)! And if they stole the ball from you (rarely), you want "APE POOP" to quickly win it back. I never thought I'd say this, but that was your best game ever, and I am not sure you even had a shot on goal. But you were so responsible for so many of our scoring opportunities!
Another great example of skill, and being a smart player. Ciara, they finally saw us trying to switch fields from the back. The started to overplay that switch. You recieved the ball and noticed they were looking to cut your pass off. Instead of FREAKING OUT and making the bad pass, or the "safe" thing of just clearing it ahead (which sometimes is the right thing to do); you instead quickly cut the ball back into the middle of the field, and dribbled forward keeping possession for us, and then made a good pass! Ciara, you did it another time when you got it about midfield. They cut your "change of fields" off again, and this time you got very aggressive and drove the ball to the goal for a nice shot! Knowing when to pass, dribble, and clear is VERY valuable, specifically for a defender. Very proud you are beginning to see this! Now we just need to work on that "retaliation" when you get fouled, but I'm afraid that this is just something that was genetically handed down from your dad (JOKE!!).
5. Running through the ball. Girls, knowing when to run through a 50/50 ball, versus knowing when they have the advantage and we then need to play "patient defense" by a "pressure and delay" on the ball. So many of you ran through the ball. Anna does this to perfection and comes up with the ball so many times! Sophie does this well (scares me sometimes doing it as our last defender, but she times it well!). I do want to talk about the goal that Morgan had a GREAT finish! With an incredible goalie like Olivia, who has fantastic punts, this sets up many opportunities for our forwards to run through the ball. Kylie, you ran through that ball so well. You were coming at it so hard, that the defender practically peed herself and turned sideways. You ran right through it, pushing the ball forward for Morgan to then do her thing. So well done! And Kylie, I know I consistently give you credit for your leadership and workrate, and skill--I don't take that for granted and will always give it to you as long as you continue to give it! Another solid game.
6. Simply being able to apply what we work on at practice into the games.... Talk was great, moving off the ball was great, passing was MUCH better. You girls listened and did the things we have been working on so well! You lined up perfect on the free kicks. I know I might have seemed like a grouch at Monday's practice when I yelled at you girls for not being able to repeat what coach Eric was saying. But, we continue to teach you girls things, and you were continuing to do them wrong in games. That's when I realized some of you (ok, a lot of you), were not listening during practice. And that's why I tested you last Monday and found out that over half of you had no idea what Coach Eric had just clearly explained. Lesson learned, right?? After my toungue lashing, I could see the mental involvement was MUCH higher. You put everything together for yesterdays game. I thank you for that. But please remember--listening, understanding, and asking questions if you don't understand is EXPECTED--especially from this day forward. You are all old enough. And I hope you saw how it paid off in yesterdays games. And a last note about this. If you girls are missing practices, you really need to get to the next practice 5 minutes early and ask the girls what they worked on.
7. I know I called out a few girls in this email, and it's almost not fair I don't talk about anyone... my gosh, does Sheena ever have a bad touch on the ball?!, and I used to SCREAM at molly's lack of hustle last year, and does she EVER stop now, or not win a 50/50 ball for us to keep possession; and hannah's skill and workrate and HUGE SOCCER IQ as a defender; and Hope making great overlaps; and Megan playing under control with the ball and attacking the goal always getting her foot in there to get that touch; and Danielle being so good at every positioin (wow, that is a great help when we don't have many subs), and how much Delaney has helped this team by filling in as a REALLY GOOD defender, especially considering we are short of defenders--great goal too delaney :)! And Taylor showing great skill by giving off a Maradonna pass/layoff (really!!!), I could go on and on with each of you, and if I forgot someone, so sorry. But I will finish by telling you that you each have someone very special backing you up in goal. I've seen girls like Sydney Hiance who was ranked number ONE of America's top Goalies her Junior and Senior Year in highschool, and who started for UK for 4 years. I really mean this. In my opinion, and some others, Olivia is at the level Sydney was when Sydney was in 7th-8th grade. Olivia, just understand how hard she continued to work each year, both in season and off season. Keep it up, we all appreciate you, and GREAT PK SAVE AGAIN!!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Nutrition Seminar Date Change and Game Comments
Nutrition Class-
There are way to many girls out from both teams this Wednesday due to final track meet. Let's reschedule for next wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 at WieFit. Please bring chairs and don't come in until Group Fitness clears out. Again, Please try and make this a priority, moreso than even a practice. Thanks.
Game Comments- Parents, PLEASE make sure girls read this and watch the two videos before tonight (very short video's, and the second one, they only have to watch and listen to the first thirty seconds). I will be asking each girl who watched this. It will definately cut down on talk time tonight if they all see this.
It was very interesting that when I sent my comments to the coach's, that Coach Eric hadn't seen my email (I sent it to his work email); but when he sent me his comments, they were so exact. This is great because we both were seeing the same things on the field.
Good:
Talk was better. I'm hearing many girls talk. A huge improvement. Girls, I really believe the numbers game we play has created a great habit! We'll continue this as a warm-up before every game. We are going to learn a new word though, that with EVERY pass, I need to hear this word well before the person recieves the ball-- "Turn" or "Man On". "Turn" means you are telling the person recieving the pass that they have time to turn the ball up field (not much pressure behind), and "Man On" means you have pressure from behind, so you will need to either play back, or shield defender hard while holding onto the ball, until options open up.
First Touches were better. Again, not great, but MUCH better than usual. It is our second touch's that seem to get us in trouble. For example, I was SO happy with Morgans first touches. Really well done, out into space to beat a defender. But, the second or third touch was going to goalie. Morgan, great job though! We can't work on second touch until you master the first touch, and it really looked good that game!
Posession (from back) in 1st half--Saw some good possession in the first half (not so much second though). Our backs were switching fields and getting into good position to swing the ball (good job sophie, Ciara, Danielle, Delaney, Hope, Hannah). We need to make this much more consistant though. Second half, we began to clear many times, when we didn't even have that much pressure at times. Some of this was because the other defensive backs were not in position to be OPTIONS to pass back to. I saw that second half where a defender would recieve the ball, and the other defenders then reacted and tried to drop back to be options, but it was too late. Remember, see the play happening, and drop back as an option BEFORE she recieves the ball. That's being PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE--that 1/2 second is the difference of us clearing it ahead, versus keeping possession and building up an attack/switching fields from backfield. Again though, let's focus on the positive, which was times in the first half where you were options for one of your defenders to pass back to.
Fullbacks/Defenders and Goalie's defense on the ball: Our back four and Olivia continue to really defend well on the ball (not talking about when WE have the ball, but when other team does). Many of your girls used to "dive" into the ball, allowing the girl to make a move and go around. I've now witnessed great "patience" on the ball. You girls really play "pressure/delay" and Cover and Balance very well. And Olivia, your saves, talk, keeping the back four organized--it's been great.
Midfielders in first half, looking to switch fields: This was great, as we had been working a lot on this--playing away from pressure. This allowed Morgan many 1v1 opportunites on the wing. We got away from this the second half though.
Area's for Improvement:
Checking back to recieve the ball: I can't count the number of times our forwards or midfielders did not check back to recieve the pass and no idea if a defender was on approaching them or not. Almost every time, we would wait on the pass, or as the pass was coming, we began running the other way; each time, the defender would step in and win the ball. WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS on this tonight. Coach Eric will be running practice on this tonight and I will be playing a supportive coaching role this evening. Most of this is simply because your stance is "back to goal", versus being in a "sideways" on stance. Being sideways on allows you to see both defender and ball, so you know when you have to check to recieve, and possibly shoulder off or shield the defender's high pressure in order to win the ball. Playing with back to defender doesn't allow you to see if she is coming in with pace from behind. Here is a video that you all have seen: Watch this before tonight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGDtZ01-jY4
Always trying to Turn the ball into pressure: This goes along with how to check back to ball. Many times when we did recieve a pass at midfield or forward, we would try to instantly turn into our defender. Tonight, we are going to focus on checking back to win the ball, and instead of always turning (which is OK sometimes if you know you can turn), we are going to look to play ball back, while other striker or outside mid is making a forward run. This combination play has GOT to begin to become a part of our game. We have worked a lot on this in practices, but haven't done it in games. It will throw the defense off! Here is the video so you know what I am talking about. WATCH IT AGAIN (before tonight too). This is what we will be working on with Coach Eric at practice tonight--Simply pay attention to the forward checking back to the ball, and playing to teammates running forward for pass (just watch the first 30 seconds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxluDr_U7k
Winning Balls out of the air, specifically on goal kicks and goalie punts: The other team was much more physical on this. We watched the ball hit the ground, or watched them win the ball.
On a final note, that team finished their regular season that game. They are in first place with 3 wins, 0 losses, and 2 ties. They only gave up 1 goal the entire season. Their goal on us was an incredible shot--nothing we could have done about that. No excuses, but we did play that team with three girls out (4 counting Mollie, since I couldn't put her back in after the head blow due to the new concussion laws). We had two subs, one being u11 and the other u12. So, don't hang your heads. If we can focus on the great learning opportunies above, we will be in good shape!
There are way to many girls out from both teams this Wednesday due to final track meet. Let's reschedule for next wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 at WieFit. Please bring chairs and don't come in until Group Fitness clears out. Again, Please try and make this a priority, moreso than even a practice. Thanks.
Game Comments- Parents, PLEASE make sure girls read this and watch the two videos before tonight (very short video's, and the second one, they only have to watch and listen to the first thirty seconds). I will be asking each girl who watched this. It will definately cut down on talk time tonight if they all see this.
It was very interesting that when I sent my comments to the coach's, that Coach Eric hadn't seen my email (I sent it to his work email); but when he sent me his comments, they were so exact. This is great because we both were seeing the same things on the field.
Good:
Talk was better. I'm hearing many girls talk. A huge improvement. Girls, I really believe the numbers game we play has created a great habit! We'll continue this as a warm-up before every game. We are going to learn a new word though, that with EVERY pass, I need to hear this word well before the person recieves the ball-- "Turn" or "Man On". "Turn" means you are telling the person recieving the pass that they have time to turn the ball up field (not much pressure behind), and "Man On" means you have pressure from behind, so you will need to either play back, or shield defender hard while holding onto the ball, until options open up.
First Touches were better. Again, not great, but MUCH better than usual. It is our second touch's that seem to get us in trouble. For example, I was SO happy with Morgans first touches. Really well done, out into space to beat a defender. But, the second or third touch was going to goalie. Morgan, great job though! We can't work on second touch until you master the first touch, and it really looked good that game!
Posession (from back) in 1st half--Saw some good possession in the first half (not so much second though). Our backs were switching fields and getting into good position to swing the ball (good job sophie, Ciara, Danielle, Delaney, Hope, Hannah). We need to make this much more consistant though. Second half, we began to clear many times, when we didn't even have that much pressure at times. Some of this was because the other defensive backs were not in position to be OPTIONS to pass back to. I saw that second half where a defender would recieve the ball, and the other defenders then reacted and tried to drop back to be options, but it was too late. Remember, see the play happening, and drop back as an option BEFORE she recieves the ball. That's being PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE--that 1/2 second is the difference of us clearing it ahead, versus keeping possession and building up an attack/switching fields from backfield. Again though, let's focus on the positive, which was times in the first half where you were options for one of your defenders to pass back to.
Fullbacks/Defenders and Goalie's defense on the ball: Our back four and Olivia continue to really defend well on the ball (not talking about when WE have the ball, but when other team does). Many of your girls used to "dive" into the ball, allowing the girl to make a move and go around. I've now witnessed great "patience" on the ball. You girls really play "pressure/delay" and Cover and Balance very well. And Olivia, your saves, talk, keeping the back four organized--it's been great.
Midfielders in first half, looking to switch fields: This was great, as we had been working a lot on this--playing away from pressure. This allowed Morgan many 1v1 opportunites on the wing. We got away from this the second half though.
Area's for Improvement:
Checking back to recieve the ball: I can't count the number of times our forwards or midfielders did not check back to recieve the pass and no idea if a defender was on approaching them or not. Almost every time, we would wait on the pass, or as the pass was coming, we began running the other way; each time, the defender would step in and win the ball. WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS on this tonight. Coach Eric will be running practice on this tonight and I will be playing a supportive coaching role this evening. Most of this is simply because your stance is "back to goal", versus being in a "sideways" on stance. Being sideways on allows you to see both defender and ball, so you know when you have to check to recieve, and possibly shoulder off or shield the defender's high pressure in order to win the ball. Playing with back to defender doesn't allow you to see if she is coming in with pace from behind. Here is a video that you all have seen: Watch this before tonight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGDtZ01-jY4
Always trying to Turn the ball into pressure: This goes along with how to check back to ball. Many times when we did recieve a pass at midfield or forward, we would try to instantly turn into our defender. Tonight, we are going to focus on checking back to win the ball, and instead of always turning (which is OK sometimes if you know you can turn), we are going to look to play ball back, while other striker or outside mid is making a forward run. This combination play has GOT to begin to become a part of our game. We have worked a lot on this in practices, but haven't done it in games. It will throw the defense off! Here is the video so you know what I am talking about. WATCH IT AGAIN (before tonight too). This is what we will be working on with Coach Eric at practice tonight--Simply pay attention to the forward checking back to the ball, and playing to teammates running forward for pass (just watch the first 30 seconds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxluDr_U7k
Winning Balls out of the air, specifically on goal kicks and goalie punts: The other team was much more physical on this. We watched the ball hit the ground, or watched them win the ball.
On a final note, that team finished their regular season that game. They are in first place with 3 wins, 0 losses, and 2 ties. They only gave up 1 goal the entire season. Their goal on us was an incredible shot--nothing we could have done about that. No excuses, but we did play that team with three girls out (4 counting Mollie, since I couldn't put her back in after the head blow due to the new concussion laws). We had two subs, one being u11 and the other u12. So, don't hang your heads. If we can focus on the great learning opportunies above, we will be in good shape!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Nutrition Seminar Wednesday, May 1st 7pm
Parents,
I would like to hold a Nutrition Seminar for our team and Tim Gesner's
u14 team this coming Wednesday, May 1st 7:00pm at WieFit. Tim has been
inquiring about this for some time, and I've been trying to find an off night
for both teams.
First and foremost, I would like to have this for the girls
overall health--for both now and the rest of their lives. Having a very
good understanding of how their bodies work and process food will be
instrumental in all that they do, and living a healthy life.
Secondly, what you will find in the coming years (most the girls
are getting close to that age), that with their bodies changing, and not
growing in height any longer, those "growth spurts" that would
naturally lean them out, just don't happen anymore; therefore, you see
many girls picking up extra weight through bad eating habits. In terms of
soccer, I see it every year now with high school girls, where the additional
weight slows them down a step or too. I hate seeing this because I know
it's not so much due to bad eating habits, but more importantly, it's due to
lack of knowledge--which results in bad eating habits. This can many
times lead to even WORSE eating habits, such as trying to eat as little as
possible, and then having zero energy. This sort of under eating approach
will always result in overeating. And worst case scenario, this can
sometimes develop eating disorders...
And on the other end, there will be those girls who get tall and
stay very thin, and wish they could put on some extra good weight to help them
get stronger and faster, but they don't know how to either. This will
also be addressed.
This is the same seminar we charge $125-$200 (depending on the
format) for every client that has ever participated in our program. Obviously
I am doing this at no cost; what I get out of this is the opportunity to build
into girls that mean so very much to me. All I ask is that one parent,
if possible, be in attendance with their daughter. Otherwise, without
parents support, it's usually a lost cause...
I am confident that this will be the most important 60-75 minutes
your daughter will ever have in learning to live a healthy life.
Hopefully you all can make it, and change around schedules to get there.
Thanks,
Brian
P.S. A Group Fitness class will be finishing up about
7:00pm. So, please wait outside until they clear out. Also, I only have
about 20 chairs, so please bring chairs. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Pre Game Chant Challenge
We have a pretty great team so we should come up with a pretty great pre-game chant to get psyched up for the game.
The 3 criteria are:
1. Huddled-up
2. Moving whole body, together
3. Everyone's voice is included
Here are some good ideas from youtube, you can find some too.
Please bring your idea by next Monday's practice.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBDqpwx6uW0
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2H1s4QLwEU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjK5FYMelXo
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=pCpKeovReIg&NR=1
I know you can do it.
Coach Eric
The 3 criteria are:
1. Huddled-up
2. Moving whole body, together
3. Everyone's voice is included
Here are some good ideas from youtube, you can find some too.
Please bring your idea by next Monday's practice.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBDqpwx6uW0
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2H1s4QLwEU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjK5FYMelXo
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=pCpKeovReIg&NR=1
I know you can do it.
Coach Eric
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