Game 2 - Jaguar vs Stop Out McCready

Result - Draw - 1 - 1

Player of the day - Vinnie, for excellent passing and forward thinking.

Strengths - Strong defence, busy mid-field, well placed strikers.

Areas to develop - Build on progress with positional play.

The game

This was the team's first away game. It was played in wet, but calm conditions in Naenae against a formidable Stop Out side.

Much of the action was in the opposition half as the team played positively and with direction.

With players finding their preferred positions in the team and understanding the roles they play on the field there appeared to be a more cohesive flow to the play.

Some of the highlights in the game for me were:

Josh putting pressure through the middle in the first 5 minutes, enabling Vinnie to have a shot that glanced off the bar.

In the 10th minute when Aaron forced a corner which resulted in Vinnie scoring our first goal and the subsequent celebrations.

In the 12th minute when Stop Out pushed hard and Andy defended well and Cody handled the ball confidently.

Again Stop Out put pressure on, and Captain Caleb diffused the attack with an upfield clearance, turning defence to attack, allowing Vinnie to have another shot, shortly followed by AJ shooting at their goal.

We handled the late first half pressure well with strong combinations in defence and midfield.

The second half saw a re-energised Stop Out who were intent on scoring, which they did in the 31st minute. However we had 3 shots at their goal first. AJ did well to stop another shot in the 33rd minute and we had 2 more good attempts that were saved.

Sam used his energy to good effect and tackled well.

Liam's positional play gave the team structure when we needed it and he was able to direct play and look for opportunities.

Amanda was able to put pressure on their strikers who looked threatening at times.

Joshua (who has been nick-named Charlie) had some excellent touches in the mid-field and began to look threatening around the opposition goal.

I enjoyed watching Vincent attack the ball, moving up the field and being back on defence quickly to diffuse any threats.

If the team keeps up this rate of improvement they will have a strong season.

As their coach, I felt proud of the way they are starting to put their training to good effect in the game.

Thanks to the supporters who are doing a fantastic job!

Positional play at practice

Today's practice also involved a lesson on positional play.

I was struggling for the best way to do this, so used an old board game. The kids seemed interested and attentive & a couple couldn't keep their hands off which was fine.

I think it's starting to sink in.

We also played 4 vs 4 (8 players at practice) and practiced ball, tackling and shooting skills.

Game 1 - Jaguars vs Eastbourne

Result - Loss - 6 - 0

Player of the day - Caleb, for great defence and communication

Strengths - Communication, 1 touches

Areas to develop - Positional play

The game

It was a sunny morning in Totara Park and the coach was there early to set up.

The team arrived and warmed up, thinking about their positions and how the game might unfold. The team is made up of a variety of players, some with positional preferences and different skill levels.

The positions were:

Forwards - Joshua - Vincent

Midfield - Andy - Josh - Amanda - Bosco

Defence - Sam - Caleb - Vinnie - Cody

Goalie - AJ

Our goalie, AJ was required to make a save after only 1 minute due to some defensive disorganisation and Eastbourne's first goal was scored after 2 1/2 minutes due to an excellent break down the middle.

Our defence strengthened and became more cohesive with some great work between Vinnie & Caleb in the middle.

We were looking like scoring with Josh and Joshua both having attempts but Eastbourne were able to turn around quickly and score again in the 13th minute. With their tails up, they looked like they were going to score again in the 14th minute, but scrambling defence saved a goal. In the 20th minute Eastbourne came close again but Cody and Caleb combined to clear the danger.

Just before half-time Eastbourne had another shot on goal which AJ saved and cleared to the wing.

The team looked close to exhaustion at half time, but a banana and water re-energised them.

Some half time changes to positions:

Forwards - AJ -Josh- Bosco
Midfield - Amanda- Vincent- Andy- Sam
Defence - Caleb - Vinnie - Cody
Goalie - Joshua

With fewer defenders there was always the risk of more goals, but without strikers we were never going to score goals. With mid-field getting tired there was no surprise that Eastbourne scored 4 more times in the second half at the 35, 38, 44 & 49 minute marks.

Our highlights in the second half were AJ's attacking runs, Cody's strong defence, Sam's relentless energy, Joshua's penalty save and other saves, Bosco's strong boot, Josh's control in midfield, Andy's ball skills, Amanda's passing and Vinnie's powerful tackling.

I felt disappointed about the result but proud of the many examples of good soccer skills that the team displayed. Having seen each player's strengths I have a better idea about which position they are best suited to that will ensure the best coverage on the field.

One idea I have is to take my subbuteo game to the next practice to illustrate some examples of positional play.

I will prepare well for the next practice, focusing on positional play and tackling so we can maximise the opportunity to improve for the next game.

Practice reflection

My goals for today's practice were:

1. To have fun
2. Learn new skills
3. Display team work

The activities (and success rating) were:

1. Ball Rush - Where players dribble the ball from one end of a grid to the other without getting the ball taken off them (8/10)
2. Suicide Dribbling - Where the players dribble the ball to a point and back, extending the point each time (9/10)
3. Goal Practice - Players pass, then shoot at the goal in pairs (9/10)
4. 1 Touch Soccer Game - Players are split in 2 teams with the challenge of only being able to touch the ball once to encourage passing and thinking ahead (2/10)
5. After a few minutes I changed the above game to unlimited touches, but encouraged passing (7/10)

We reviewed the strengths, areas to work on and basic rules before letting them know each players position for Saturdays game. I think this is important so they come to the game ready for the position they will play.

The team are at various skill levels but I think we have a good core and should score some goals on Saturday. I'm a little nervous about their tackling skills, but with strategic player placement we should be able to counter this.

Welcome!

Thanks for calling by.

I've decided to put my hand up and coach my son's soccer team. They're playing on a full size field, with full size goals. At 11 years old they will need to step up.

I've already been to my coaching clinic and received my basic coaching certificate.

We've had 3 practice sessions, combining fun, skill development and game preparedness.

Tomorrow will be the last practice before our first game on Saturday.

For new coaches, I recommend having a plan for the training session and evaluating the session afterwards to ensure it met your objectives.