Here is west central Ohio it has been a difficult winter to prepare for the spring soccer season. As we approached our first tournament we had been able to get outside exactly one time. Such was the snow and cold weather this winter. I'm not complaining. We played indoors and practiced in gyms as we could. As the weekend of March 15 & 16 approached I made formational, system and lineup plans as best I could. They night before the tournament began I went so far to script the line ups and rotations for each of the three games we would play that weekend knowing full well I would not stick to the script.
Our first opponent had already played a few games so we were playing catch up from the start, so to speak. Although they had a much better run of play early we found ourselves up 1 - 0 on a penalty kick. The opponent quickly asserted itself and won the match 1-3. They were certainly ahead of us at this point in the season so the loss itself was not disappointing. They way we played did concern me though.
To be honest, there were so many issues to address I struggled to find a starting point. Thankfully we did not play again until the next day so there was some time to gather my thoughts. I spoke with various team members and listened to their input, but still struggled with where to begin addressing things. So, I did what I often do in such situations - I said my prayers, went to bed and slept on it.
When I awoke in the morning I did not go off script, no, I tore the script up and started over.
I had had it in my mind that we would play a 4-5-1 formation with a zonal system defensively and a wide open counter attacking style of play. We have the wings to do this both in quality and in quantity. It just didn't click in that first game and the question I ended up struggling with was whether to stick with the script or scrap it in favor of something else.
I had to consider the experience level and soccer IQ of the players we were dealing with. I do not think I over estimated either, but I also did not factor in the rather limited experience playing in different systems. "My" system was far different than what most, especially the new additions, were accustomed to. I allow a huge amount of freedom of movement and play. The exchange is the players must take on a huge amount of responsibility for this freedom. In hindsight, I was too ambitious too early in the process.
So, my solution was to scrap the formation while maintaining the zonal defending system. The freedom of movement remained but the rotations were also simplified by reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. This is a formation predicated more on channels or lanes to align in than is the 4-5-1. It is far easier to understand and requires less thinking in the moment.
We begin clicking in the second game of the tournament. Although we lost 0 - 2 it was light years better than the first game with credit going to the "new" formation and simplified play with in it. I would go so far as to say, we were the better team in many facets of the game. Just not in the one that counts the most - the scoreboard.
The third match of the tournament went our way. We played our best match of the tournament against an opponent that had fared well against our two common opponent. We ended up winning 1-0 and generally controlled the run of play. The opponents generated too many chances for my liking, but our goal keepers were up to the task. Our attack missed too many chances but converted on the one we needed to for the win.
A week later we played our first league game. We were able to practice outside twice and that undoubtedly helped. Still, I was nervous about the match. To make matters worse we would be missing 4 key players for this match. We came out strong and although the match was tied 0 - 0 at half there was little doubt about who the better team was that day. The second half things began to click as we scored 3 while maintaining the shutout.
The point I seek to make to fellow coaches is simply this - when things are not going as expected you face two basic choices: 1) persevere with the belief that what you are doing will work with time or 2) go ahead and admit you might have had it wrong and change things up.
I recall a coaching mentor early in my career who never changed formations or systems of play. He steadfastly believed in "his" way. Any changes he made were to try different combinations of personnel in an effort to find the right combination. It quite literally took almost 4 years of discussions before he decided to finally change formations within his program. It didn't seem to matter that current personnel were better suited to playing something else.
I also witnessed another coaching colleague who changed formations and systems of play on a match by match basis which was no good either. His players were largely inexperienced and his reason for the constant changes was in trying to find a competitive edge against each opponent.
My reason for change was grounded in the recognition that nothing was working as I had envisioned. Even when I narrowed it down to a few specifics to focus on improving I realized the players were likely lacking confidence in what I was asking them to do. The formation and system were fine. They players are sound. The two just were not as good of match to one another as I had thought. No problem. It was easier for me to change than to ask eighteen 17 & 18 year olds to do so.
Sunday
Summer Camps Schedule is beginning to fill up.
Good Sunday Morning!
We are back!
Our Grand Lake United spring seasons are underway and the summer camp schedule is beginning to fill up.
The U19 A team played well at the Ohio Galaxies College Showcase. We went 1-2-0, but considering it was our first time outdoors due to snow and cold, we did well. Our opponents had all played in early tournaments further south of us so we were playing a little catch up early on. By Sunday afternoon it looked like we shook a lot of the rust off.
Yesterday this team played in it's first BPL game and came away with an impressive 3-0 win over the S.P. S.C. at Ohio Northern University. ONU has a new turf field and it is really something. Thanks to the Polar Bears for hosting the game! The team is back in action next weekend in the Early Bird Classic.
The Grand Lake United B team is eleven days out from it's first action of the season, a MVYSA game at home vs the Raiders. This is a newly formed team and a younger group overall. I am interested to see how they come together.
Summer Camps
If you have not already done so, get in touch with Conceive Believe Achieve Soccer now for your summer camp needs. We offer team camps, small group training and specialized goalkeeping camps. Contact us at tbrown@wcoil.com or 567-204-6083
We are back!
Our Grand Lake United spring seasons are underway and the summer camp schedule is beginning to fill up.
The U19 A team played well at the Ohio Galaxies College Showcase. We went 1-2-0, but considering it was our first time outdoors due to snow and cold, we did well. Our opponents had all played in early tournaments further south of us so we were playing a little catch up early on. By Sunday afternoon it looked like we shook a lot of the rust off.
Yesterday this team played in it's first BPL game and came away with an impressive 3-0 win over the S.P. S.C. at Ohio Northern University. ONU has a new turf field and it is really something. Thanks to the Polar Bears for hosting the game! The team is back in action next weekend in the Early Bird Classic.
The Grand Lake United B team is eleven days out from it's first action of the season, a MVYSA game at home vs the Raiders. This is a newly formed team and a younger group overall. I am interested to see how they come together.
Summer Camps
If you have not already done so, get in touch with Conceive Believe Achieve Soccer now for your summer camp needs. We offer team camps, small group training and specialized goalkeeping camps. Contact us at tbrown@wcoil.com or 567-204-6083
Wednesday
R.I.P Mother.
Obviously I have not been making posts on this blog in recent weeks. My mother long suffered from Alzheimer's and in late December was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the good fight hanging in until this past Friday when she finally succumbed to these diseases that so ravaged her. She is at Peace now... and so am I. We miss her terribly, but celebrate her life and the wonderful caring, loving mother and "Mom Mom" she was to us. Held tenderly in our hearts forever.
Ruth M. Brown
June 5, 1925 - February 21, 2014
June 5, 1925 - February 21, 2014
Monday
Doing what is BEST.
On the pitch, we've got to do what is best for the TEAM.
Off the pitch, we've got to do what is best for the individual.
Wednesday
Exciting News for Grand Lake United.
Fielding spring club teams from the West central Ohio area has always been a struggle. More so in some age groups than others. This is why I am extremely pleased to announce we will be fielding two teams in the U18 /19 age group!
Our U17 team last spring had a very successful season going undefeated in the MVYSA league, winning our division at the Pacesetters Tournament and winning the Creek Classic. I have no doubt that the success of this team spurred interest within players looking to become a part of our success. The looming World Cup and the United States successful qualifying for it has generated some excitement as well. There's a bit more going on here though. The young men who comprise the team have been tremendous recruiters for our program and these teams. That only happens when teammates genuinely like and care about one another. This is a tight knit group confident in themselves and in their teammates.
I have seen this type of growth before in high school programs, at the college level and in amateur sports. It is the result of leadership within the player ranks. When the core group of players have "it" the opportunity for special exists. I have considered the best course of action for a coach when this occurs is to simply not get in the way so as to mess it up.
Yes, there will be some issues about assignments to the two teams. That is a good thing in my estimation. Everyone should want to play soccer with their friends and strive to be a member of what they perceive to be the best team. I understand that. Assignments to the teams will be one of the larger roles I play with this... program. I can offer no guarantee of getting it 100% right. I can only avow to do my very best in the context of Program, TEAM, Individual Player and prioritized in that order.
I would like to say I will coach both teams exactly the same but that will not be the case. Our core fundamentals will be the same with each team. Our systems of play will be similar, but we will play to the strengths of each team and the individuals who comprise the teams. Our formations may or may not be the same or similar. We will work to discover what works best for each team.
I'm excited. It looks like we will have 36-40 players to comprise these two teams. That is a tremendous player pool for our semi-rural area. An extraordinary number of players, in fact. I aim is to provide each of them with a quality playing experience in the 2014 spring season. Wish us Good Luck and keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark together on this venture. And of course, I will keep you updated throughout the process!
Our U17 team last spring had a very successful season going undefeated in the MVYSA league, winning our division at the Pacesetters Tournament and winning the Creek Classic. I have no doubt that the success of this team spurred interest within players looking to become a part of our success. The looming World Cup and the United States successful qualifying for it has generated some excitement as well. There's a bit more going on here though. The young men who comprise the team have been tremendous recruiters for our program and these teams. That only happens when teammates genuinely like and care about one another. This is a tight knit group confident in themselves and in their teammates.
I have seen this type of growth before in high school programs, at the college level and in amateur sports. It is the result of leadership within the player ranks. When the core group of players have "it" the opportunity for special exists. I have considered the best course of action for a coach when this occurs is to simply not get in the way so as to mess it up.
Yes, there will be some issues about assignments to the two teams. That is a good thing in my estimation. Everyone should want to play soccer with their friends and strive to be a member of what they perceive to be the best team. I understand that. Assignments to the teams will be one of the larger roles I play with this... program. I can offer no guarantee of getting it 100% right. I can only avow to do my very best in the context of Program, TEAM, Individual Player and prioritized in that order.
I would like to say I will coach both teams exactly the same but that will not be the case. Our core fundamentals will be the same with each team. Our systems of play will be similar, but we will play to the strengths of each team and the individuals who comprise the teams. Our formations may or may not be the same or similar. We will work to discover what works best for each team.
I'm excited. It looks like we will have 36-40 players to comprise these two teams. That is a tremendous player pool for our semi-rural area. An extraordinary number of players, in fact. I aim is to provide each of them with a quality playing experience in the 2014 spring season. Wish us Good Luck and keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark together on this venture. And of course, I will keep you updated throughout the process!
Monday
One of the tougher aspects of coaching.
Coaches in general often think they can "coach up" anyone and make them a contributing member of a team. In most cases the object of their attention is the would be star with a horrible attitude. This is not always the case though. I myself am in the midst of trying to figure out how to coach up a young man who is good kid and loyal to our team. Yet over the last 3 springs he has fallen behind his teammates in his development.
Players all develop at different rates but rarely does the disparity grow to this extent. "Mark" is basically the same player he was three seasons ago. Individual player rankings of our team from years ago would have found Mark middle of the pack. Now, Mark is the last player on a 19 man roster.
I have the power to cut Mark from the team, but have been reluctant to do so for a number of reasons. Family friend, attends the same high school as my son, he's very athletic and in a way he needs soccer and perhaps more specifically, this team. This is one I am loath to give up on and so I continue to try.
One of the tougher aspects of coaching is recognizing when to let go of a favorite player. I know Mark cannot compete with his current teammates. He lacks game vision to an extraordinary degree. This is undoubtedly related to the fact he learns differently than most. I feel I have failed Mark as I have not discovered a way to properly teach him. It is not that Mark is incapable of learning - he is a bright intelligent young man. He's just not catching on as his teammates have and continue to do.
Keeping him with this team would be a disservice to his teammates especially if there is an expectation on Mark's part that he would receive playing time commensurate with that of his teammates. Mark is the weak link on the pitch when he's in the game.
Now, in fairness, Mark is playing up an age group with this team. When that decision was first made 4 years ago, this was appropriate for Mark. As time has passed and his teammates have left him behind, this team is no longer appropriate for Mark to be on. His teammates have been patient, understanding and helpful. Many have tried to mentor him and help him develop his game further with the same frustrating results I have had. Mark's teammates appreciate he does not belong with this team and it's beginning to show as Mark continues to struggle with his play.
As coaches we know there is always that one player who, because their level of play is lacking, breakdown every exercise. They are the one who always loses possession of the ball for their team often by self-inflicting pressure. They are the one that opponents always seek to isolate and take advantage of because they lack self-discipline and will repeatedly stab or dive in effectively eliminating themselves from play. Mark has become that player on this team.
Thankfully, there is another option for Mark. We will field a "B" team this next season. Previous attempts to move Mark down to his own age group have been met with emotional responses. This is not unexpected, but the degree to which it manifested itself was. Mark and his family essentially gave me an ultimatum that he either plays with our team or he won't be playing at all. I am hopeful the idea of still playing up but doing so on the "B" team will be palatable to Mark and his family. He needs to play and will not get that chance with the "A" team. With the "B" team he should play the majority of each match.
If Mark and his family are not agreeable to this, I will have to accept the challenge of their ultimatum and cut him from the team. Even if that means he will not play soccer at all. What it comes down to is the necessity of doing what is best for the team with an understanding that no one person is more important than the collective team.
I am making one last attempt to bring Mark up to speed with this team. If it is unsuccessful, I will move him to the "B" team and continue working with him in that setting. I will need to take a step back from where that group from where the "A" team is now. I am hopeful "re-taking" a season of soccer lessons will be enough to help Mark develop his game further. As a coach, this is my "Hail Mary" attempt to reach Mark. I pray that it works.
Players all develop at different rates but rarely does the disparity grow to this extent. "Mark" is basically the same player he was three seasons ago. Individual player rankings of our team from years ago would have found Mark middle of the pack. Now, Mark is the last player on a 19 man roster.
I have the power to cut Mark from the team, but have been reluctant to do so for a number of reasons. Family friend, attends the same high school as my son, he's very athletic and in a way he needs soccer and perhaps more specifically, this team. This is one I am loath to give up on and so I continue to try.
One of the tougher aspects of coaching is recognizing when to let go of a favorite player. I know Mark cannot compete with his current teammates. He lacks game vision to an extraordinary degree. This is undoubtedly related to the fact he learns differently than most. I feel I have failed Mark as I have not discovered a way to properly teach him. It is not that Mark is incapable of learning - he is a bright intelligent young man. He's just not catching on as his teammates have and continue to do.
Keeping him with this team would be a disservice to his teammates especially if there is an expectation on Mark's part that he would receive playing time commensurate with that of his teammates. Mark is the weak link on the pitch when he's in the game.
Now, in fairness, Mark is playing up an age group with this team. When that decision was first made 4 years ago, this was appropriate for Mark. As time has passed and his teammates have left him behind, this team is no longer appropriate for Mark to be on. His teammates have been patient, understanding and helpful. Many have tried to mentor him and help him develop his game further with the same frustrating results I have had. Mark's teammates appreciate he does not belong with this team and it's beginning to show as Mark continues to struggle with his play.
As coaches we know there is always that one player who, because their level of play is lacking, breakdown every exercise. They are the one who always loses possession of the ball for their team often by self-inflicting pressure. They are the one that opponents always seek to isolate and take advantage of because they lack self-discipline and will repeatedly stab or dive in effectively eliminating themselves from play. Mark has become that player on this team.
Thankfully, there is another option for Mark. We will field a "B" team this next season. Previous attempts to move Mark down to his own age group have been met with emotional responses. This is not unexpected, but the degree to which it manifested itself was. Mark and his family essentially gave me an ultimatum that he either plays with our team or he won't be playing at all. I am hopeful the idea of still playing up but doing so on the "B" team will be palatable to Mark and his family. He needs to play and will not get that chance with the "A" team. With the "B" team he should play the majority of each match.
If Mark and his family are not agreeable to this, I will have to accept the challenge of their ultimatum and cut him from the team. Even if that means he will not play soccer at all. What it comes down to is the necessity of doing what is best for the team with an understanding that no one person is more important than the collective team.
I am making one last attempt to bring Mark up to speed with this team. If it is unsuccessful, I will move him to the "B" team and continue working with him in that setting. I will need to take a step back from where that group from where the "A" team is now. I am hopeful "re-taking" a season of soccer lessons will be enough to help Mark develop his game further. As a coach, this is my "Hail Mary" attempt to reach Mark. I pray that it works.
Thursday
Wednesday
Sunday
Every time you step onto the pitch is a tryout.
This is a point I drive home to our young athletes every opportunity I have. You never know who is watching you. It might be a future employer. It might be your future spouse. It might be a rival coach seeking a guest player. Such has been the case this spring. Being undefeated in our league makes our roster a prime target for league coaches seeking guest players.
The simple truth is when a coach seeks a guest player they almost always ask for a specific player either by name or number. Such has been the case this spring. Each coach who has contacted me did so with a "list" of specific players he was intersted in having join his team as a league or tournament guest player. Sometimes the request is based on need and other times it is based on the coaches perception of "best player available." Perception is the key word here - the impression the athlete made on the coach. The athlete might have had a career day on the pitch the one day the coach observed him play, but that is the lasting impression of the athlete the coach has.
When a need arises for me to go outside of our club for a guest player I do the very same thing. I maintain a list of players we have played against in league, at college showcases, at ODP that I would ask to guest play if a need arose. Within the league I know the goalkeeper, defender, wing mid, center mid and forward I would ask to play for us if the need arises. I also have contacts for a couple of ODP individuals we might ask. These players are the ones that made favorable impressions on me with their play and their deportment in limited exposure.
By extension, every waking moment of every day of your life is a tryout. You just never know who is watching you. Opportunities are gained... and lost... based on your deportment and demonstrated abilities.
The simple truth is when a coach seeks a guest player they almost always ask for a specific player either by name or number. Such has been the case this spring. Each coach who has contacted me did so with a "list" of specific players he was intersted in having join his team as a league or tournament guest player. Sometimes the request is based on need and other times it is based on the coaches perception of "best player available." Perception is the key word here - the impression the athlete made on the coach. The athlete might have had a career day on the pitch the one day the coach observed him play, but that is the lasting impression of the athlete the coach has.
When a need arises for me to go outside of our club for a guest player I do the very same thing. I maintain a list of players we have played against in league, at college showcases, at ODP that I would ask to guest play if a need arose. Within the league I know the goalkeeper, defender, wing mid, center mid and forward I would ask to play for us if the need arises. I also have contacts for a couple of ODP individuals we might ask. These players are the ones that made favorable impressions on me with their play and their deportment in limited exposure.
By extension, every waking moment of every day of your life is a tryout. You just never know who is watching you. Opportunities are gained... and lost... based on your deportment and demonstrated abilities.
Thursday
Wednesday
Soccer team allegedly uses witchcraft to help win match.
You just cannot make this stuff up.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/19/zimbabwe-soccer-clubs-accused-witchcraft-as-new-controversy-flares/
HARARE, Zimbabwe – Animal bones, hair, feathers and river pebbles are secreted around sports fields. The goal posts have been sprinkled with urine. The soccer players, some of whom have smeared ancient herbal potions on themselves, take the field.
It's a typical soccer match in Zimbabwe, and the presence of such charms shows that, among many teams in Africa, it is as important to have the magical properties of witchcraft on your side as it is to have fit and talented players.
Now, the CAPS United team in Zimbabwe is calling foul after their rivals, a team called How Mine, allegedly used "juju," or witchcraft, during a key match this month. CAPS United said its officials checked out the dressing room of its opponents 15 minutes after the match started and found suspicious objects, including lighted candles and bottles of liquid arrayed in an 11-man team formation.
How Mine wound up winning the Nov. 10 match, and insisted the candles and filled bottles were used for Christian prayers. The win sent the team to the Premier League finals to contend for a $200,000 cup title on Nov. 30.
How Mine coach Philani "Beefy" Ncube, a self-avowed devout Christian worshipper, has denied he uses magical powers invoked by spirit mediums to influence matches and scare opponents, citing his membership in a church whose pastors use candles and bottles of water as Christian offerings.
Zimbabwean soccer administrators are investigating complaints that CAPS United officials broke into the How Mine dressing room after kick-off, and claimed to have found objects used in juju. Police will also investigate the break-in allegations that were likened to a burglary. Colonial era "suppression of witchcraft" laws have not been repealed or enforced since independence in 1980, except in murder charges involving killings for human organs used in tribal rituals.
The use of witchcraft is reportedly common in soccer across sub-Saharan Africa.
"It is part of a belief system in Africa but it is a taboo to speak out about it," a leading Zimbabwe soccer administrator said. "Juju is rampant, it's part of the game."
The official insisted on anonymity because of the taboo nature of the subject.
George Kandiero, head of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association who is a practicing herbalist and spirit medium, said losing teams "are always coming to us to find a good remedy, a good muti," the local word for traditional medicine. "Teams, big and small, want to enhance their performance or confuse their opponents."
Some players in Zimbabwe visit healers known as n'angas, take herbal inhalations of steam and scented smoke ahead of a match. Some sleep overnight in a house where ancestral spirits are believed to descend as a guiding omen.
Among juju charms are body parts of hyenas, snakes, crocodiles and owls. Gourds containing scales of snake skin, misshapen tubers of cactus, knots of river reeds, dead lizards, dry blood or sheep's offal have been hidden in sports arenas. Female witches are hired to sniff out and neutralize spells cast by others.
The most effective antidote to a rival's juju is believed by many to be baboon urine, either on the soccer field, near the gates to the ground, at the players' tunnel or behind the goal. Coarse salt can also be scattered to ward off perceived evil spirits and spells and a player's feet and hands can also be rubbed with animal or human urine or herbal potions, the administrator said, leading to a reluctance between opposing players to shake hands before a match.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/19/zimbabwe-soccer-clubs-accused-witchcraft-as-new-controversy-flares/
HARARE, Zimbabwe – Animal bones, hair, feathers and river pebbles are secreted around sports fields. The goal posts have been sprinkled with urine. The soccer players, some of whom have smeared ancient herbal potions on themselves, take the field.
It's a typical soccer match in Zimbabwe, and the presence of such charms shows that, among many teams in Africa, it is as important to have the magical properties of witchcraft on your side as it is to have fit and talented players.
Now, the CAPS United team in Zimbabwe is calling foul after their rivals, a team called How Mine, allegedly used "juju," or witchcraft, during a key match this month. CAPS United said its officials checked out the dressing room of its opponents 15 minutes after the match started and found suspicious objects, including lighted candles and bottles of liquid arrayed in an 11-man team formation.
How Mine wound up winning the Nov. 10 match, and insisted the candles and filled bottles were used for Christian prayers. The win sent the team to the Premier League finals to contend for a $200,000 cup title on Nov. 30.
How Mine coach Philani "Beefy" Ncube, a self-avowed devout Christian worshipper, has denied he uses magical powers invoked by spirit mediums to influence matches and scare opponents, citing his membership in a church whose pastors use candles and bottles of water as Christian offerings.
Zimbabwean soccer administrators are investigating complaints that CAPS United officials broke into the How Mine dressing room after kick-off, and claimed to have found objects used in juju. Police will also investigate the break-in allegations that were likened to a burglary. Colonial era "suppression of witchcraft" laws have not been repealed or enforced since independence in 1980, except in murder charges involving killings for human organs used in tribal rituals.
The use of witchcraft is reportedly common in soccer across sub-Saharan Africa.
"It is part of a belief system in Africa but it is a taboo to speak out about it," a leading Zimbabwe soccer administrator said. "Juju is rampant, it's part of the game."
The official insisted on anonymity because of the taboo nature of the subject.
George Kandiero, head of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association who is a practicing herbalist and spirit medium, said losing teams "are always coming to us to find a good remedy, a good muti," the local word for traditional medicine. "Teams, big and small, want to enhance their performance or confuse their opponents."
Some players in Zimbabwe visit healers known as n'angas, take herbal inhalations of steam and scented smoke ahead of a match. Some sleep overnight in a house where ancestral spirits are believed to descend as a guiding omen.
Among juju charms are body parts of hyenas, snakes, crocodiles and owls. Gourds containing scales of snake skin, misshapen tubers of cactus, knots of river reeds, dead lizards, dry blood or sheep's offal have been hidden in sports arenas. Female witches are hired to sniff out and neutralize spells cast by others.
The most effective antidote to a rival's juju is believed by many to be baboon urine, either on the soccer field, near the gates to the ground, at the players' tunnel or behind the goal. Coarse salt can also be scattered to ward off perceived evil spirits and spells and a player's feet and hands can also be rubbed with animal or human urine or herbal potions, the administrator said, leading to a reluctance between opposing players to shake hands before a match.
Saturday
Tryouts begin tomorrow
Final tryouts for 2014 Spring teams begin tomorrow. Our U17 Men's team had a very successful season this spring and I am anxious to see how this will impact tryouts for next years team. Will most of the team want to return? I do not actively recruit players to tryout for our teams so I just have no idea.
What I am going to touch upon today is what I will be looking for at tryouts.
1) Decision making skills. Soccer is a game played with the brain as much, if not more so than with physical ability. There is a misconception that "big, fast, strong" athletes equates to the ability to play fast soccer. This just isn't so. The ability to play fast is based in the player's ability to make good decisions in a timely manner. The faster one thinks the game the faster one is capable of playing the game.
2) Is the player coachable? I don't want know it alls who are stuck in their ways. I want open minded young men eager to learn. I am looking for Great Enthusiastic Attitude.
3) Intelligent workers. Yes, back to the brain, again. The overwhelming majority of players will give good to great effort. What I am looking for is intelligent effort. Ball watchers tend to waste effort whereas game watchers tend to maximize the effort they give. Intelligent workers play simply.
4) Leadership. I believe the game requires 11 captains present on the field all working together to achieve a common goal. The result - win / lose / draw - will be a common result so I want a team that will work with one another as equals with shared accountability and responsibility. Once again, Attitude.
5) Passion for the game. Love the game. Respect the game. Honor the game and all its participants.
What I am going to touch upon today is what I will be looking for at tryouts.
1) Decision making skills. Soccer is a game played with the brain as much, if not more so than with physical ability. There is a misconception that "big, fast, strong" athletes equates to the ability to play fast soccer. This just isn't so. The ability to play fast is based in the player's ability to make good decisions in a timely manner. The faster one thinks the game the faster one is capable of playing the game.
2) Is the player coachable? I don't want know it alls who are stuck in their ways. I want open minded young men eager to learn. I am looking for Great Enthusiastic Attitude.
3) Intelligent workers. Yes, back to the brain, again. The overwhelming majority of players will give good to great effort. What I am looking for is intelligent effort. Ball watchers tend to waste effort whereas game watchers tend to maximize the effort they give. Intelligent workers play simply.
4) Leadership. I believe the game requires 11 captains present on the field all working together to achieve a common goal. The result - win / lose / draw - will be a common result so I want a team that will work with one another as equals with shared accountability and responsibility. Once again, Attitude.
5) Passion for the game. Love the game. Respect the game. Honor the game and all its participants.
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