Observations from the
weekend
One of
the great things about soccer (and why kids love it) is that it is a
free-flowing game with very little stoppages. Players are free
to roam all over the field and make decisions for themselves.
As coaches - please allow the players to enjoy
these aspects of the game. Remember these points as we help
our players develop:
- Give players the freedom to run the field.
Nobody should be locked into a set position, where they HAVE to
stay in a certain spot on the field.
- Let players figure out the game on their own.
Yes, we as coaches may have to 'guide' them in the right
direction, but if the players make their own decisions, they will
enjoy the game more.
- Players learn from making mistakes - allow for them
to happen (because they will) and help players to learn what they
could have done better.
- Children are not little adults. They think,
move and act differently than adults. Try to see the game
from their eyes.
- Youth soccer should teach our children all the best
that sports have to offer. Remember, we are developing the
citizens of the future. What sort of values and ethics do we
want these children to take away from their soccer
experience?
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Team of the
Week
I did see many teams that were having fun and playing
some great soccer over this opening weekend. One team stood
out:
On Saturday, I observed the
u12 Boys Falls
Church team playing at Swanson MS. Decked out in
their red Hummel uniforms, they reminded me of the great Danish
teams of the '80's.
This team played a very nice passing game and
controled the ball well as they moved it up field, but what
impressed me most was how all players attacked when their team had
the ball - and all players defended when they lost the ball.
They really played well as a group.
I was also impressed with the honest and friendly way
this team played the game. The boys were having fun, they
showed respect to the referee and they played with true
sportsmanship.
Congratulations to the u12 Boys Falls
Church team - and their coach,
Marc
Hinson. Well done!
You are my first selection as the
ASA Team
of the
Week. |
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Activity of the Week
Coaches - here's a simple game I think your
players will love.
-
Divide your squad into 2 teams.
-
In the middle of your playing area, place 3
cones in a triangle.
For added fun,
place a big trash can in the middle of the triangle.
-
Each side of the triangle is a goal.
Coach can be the GK.
-
Both teams are trying to score in any goal.
-
The team that doesn't have the ball defends -
and then tries to go for goal. Both teams are shooting for
the triangle.
-
Nobody is allowed to run through the
triangle!
-
The game should go all around the
triangle. If one goal is crowded with defenders, the team
with the ball should try to switch it over to another side of the
triangle that is open.
Key coaching points:
*Passing and
moving to get the ball to an open space;
*As a team, deciding
which goal to attack;
*Good shooting
technique |
|
Arlington Soccer Association |
4918 North 28th Street | Arlington | VA |
22207-2712 | | |
Thanks
for all you do to help the ASA and youth soccer.
