Game 2 comments

It's always difficult to play in a game where the two teams are completely mismatched. We have certainly been on the wrong side of those games before, and it is no fun for either team.

Still, these games can be very useful, and Coach Andy and I tried hard to make the most of it without running up the score. As soon as we realized what was happening, we started requiring our boys to pass the ball a lot (after 2 touches), and control the flow of play (at least 4 passes before shooting). We asked our defenders to stay back, and we worked hard on keeping our players spread across the field. Finally, we reversed roles and had our defenders play forward, with our midfielders playing defense.

We also had a great opportunity to teach about fair play, sportsmanship and the beautiful game. It took a while, but I think the boys really did well to play with grace and respect. Moreover, the referee appreciated our effort and worked with us to make sure the other team remained engaged in the game.

Overall, I was pleased with the way we played. We did have some issues that we'll work on in practice. But I'm glad everyone had a chance to get out front.

Congrats to Rafael who showed remarkable sportsmanship, and will be our team captain next week. REMINDER: We have both a Saturday and Sunday game next weekend. See you then.

Week 3 update

We had a great practice on Wednesday. Everybody hustled, lots of good passing, and our skills are getting better. Good work everyone.

A reminder for tomorrow's game. Saturday is team picture day at BRSA. Please meet at the Main Entrance (the one closer to Siegen Lane) at 11 AM. Our game is at 12:15 on field 1B (same as last game), and we are the away team so wear red jerseys.

See you then.

No Game This Saturday

We do not have a game this weekend! However, I would like to have an extra practice on Sunday, at 3 PM, at BRCVPA (weather permitting). I look forward to seeing the kids at practice.

Suggestions

Hi all,

Thanks, Steve, for creating this blog. I've never used one before so it's kind of fun... I have a couple of suggestions:

1. Substitution. Instead of randomly subbing our kids in and out, I suggest that we divide them into 2 teams, each will play 1/4 of the game. This way, the kids and parents will know in advance their playing time; they can practice together as a unit to improve teamwork; and also during the games, they don't loose their rythm and continuity. About the composition of each team, I suggest we divided them evenly (e.g. John, Mike, Khoi, Ben O, Trevor, & Austin and Charlie, Richie, Rafael, Ben V., Chris, and Pablo).

2. Team formation. I've noticed that many of the goals scored against were due to what I called "a defensive breakdown", which typically happened when attackers were stronger and faster than our defense. Over the years, we have always let the slower players play on defense. I suggest that we consider another formation: let one of the faster players play defense. Teach them that whenever attackers come, it's the job of the faster player to chase him down while the other defensive player runs back to help the goalie and/or clear the ball away. This strategy can be used in our current formation (3-2) or in a new one (3-1-1). The current formation is fine when the team is equal or weaker than us but if they are beating us in the first half, we need to consider switching to 3-1-1 to play more defense.

Just my $0.02.

Nhan

First Game of the Season

Stingrays FC v Lions: 1 - 1

WOW! What a great game to start of the season. I am so proud of our team for working hard, hustling, and being IN the game.

During our pre-season practices, we worked on a couple of key defensive elements: controlling the middle third, first & second defenders, slowing down the opponents attack, and keeping yourself between the ball and the goal. I'm so pleased that the team really excelled in all of these areas. When we controlled the middle third, we had lots of pressure on their defense. Our defenders really kept their offense at bay. We kept pushing their attack to the wings, and kept them out of the front of the goal. The only time we let them in, they scored.

Our offense was also strong. We had GREAT hustle from everyone up front. And we had a good interaction between our defenders and midfielders, so that our transitions were strong. Great passing and great pressure all around. And kudos for Richie for his first Stingrays goal, and John for his beautiful assist.

The Lions are a very good team, and I'm glad we had such a good test of our skills for the first game of the season. They showed us what our strengths are, as well as what we need to focus at practice. We need to work on some fundamentals (throw-ins, corner kicks) as well as some general concepts (helping out, calling for the ball, passing to open space).

But the best part about our first game was how well the team played together. It was an exciting, well played game on both sides, and we held our own against a strong opponent.

Booyahs!

I wanted to discuss booyahs for a moment. For the past few seasons, we have been giving booyahs to the player who showed the most hustle in the game. For the new parents, those soccer ball stick-ons on some of the jerseys are booyahs. They were great motivators for the team when the kids were in 2nd and 3rd grade. But Coach Kathy and I felt that the kids were at a point where they were self-motivated. So we've decided to no longer give out booyahs.

Instead, we're going to award the "Captain" arm-band. Every major team has a team captain that is designated with a special arm-band. The player who shows the most hustle, team leadership and is self-less on the field will be our captain for the next game, and will wear our captain's band.

We'll reveal who will be Captain for our next game at Wednesday's practice. Great job everyone.

Geaux Stingrays!

Welcome to the Coach's Blog

Welcome to my coach's blog for the Stingrays FC. I plan on using the blog to document our progress over the season, as well as provide families with on-line information that could be of use to them.

I've decided that the best way for me to communicate with the families of our team is through a blog. The only thing I hate more than reading lengthy e-mails is writing them. But the blog also gives us a sense of persistence to this information, in case you need to look up the team schedule, get directions to the games, or to simply want to revisit earlier matches.

I'll try to write once or twice a week, and you can subscribe to the blog with your web browser or RSS feed reader. I'm looking forward to having a great season.