Another good effort by our players today! It was a bit scrappy and we did not string together as many passes as last match, but I enjoyed watching the team work things out for themselves on the field. I want the players to be autonomous with only general comments on positioning and "options" coming from the coaches. A great example was Nick selecting not to kick the ball as keeper and roll it out to Kyler who took the ball nicely and moved it up the field. Likewise on set plays (free kicks, corner kicks) we like to see how the players set it up on their own. I liked how Dylan gestured emphatically with his head and eyes where he wanted a player to go when he was throwing the ball into play. It is great to see the kids make these kind of decisions. Everyone is playing with much more confidence and we rotated them through at all positions and they responded well.
So now on to a couple "plays of the game!" The follow up goal by Gideon was a great example of how second efforts and follow ups are rewarded. Nice shot! Daniel also started the game "on fire" and was chasing down balls and put one across the face of the goal. In the second half Tate had a "firecracker" of a shot that tested their keeper. And it needs to be emphasized that none of these opportunities on goal would arise unless the whole team works to move the ball forward. This game was a strong team effort, which was most evident when the players backed each other up to stop some very good ball handlers on the opposition. I really enjoyed this game! We'll work on not standing flat footed or "poking" at the ball when a good dribbler is attacking. I appreciate and take notice of the effort the kids put in at practice. Please also work with them at home for 15 to 20 minutes on fundamentals (toe taps, pendulums, juggling). All of these exercises help the players maintain possession of the ball.
Thanks for supporting a great group of kids! See you tomorrow at 5:30.
Coach Dave
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