The Challenges of Youth Soccer

We had quite a challenge this past weekend, playing with only one substitute instead of our normal 6. This is always hard because it takes a lot of stamina and energy to play a whole 50 minutes of U-10 soccer. So our challenge was how to manage our energy, while keeping our defense strong.

We focused our efforts on possessing the ball. In practice we have been working on this very skill, and it sure paid off. The team really managed ball possession, dominating the middle-third, and creating plenty of opportunities to score. And our boys, although exhausted, played really hard throughout the game.

Everyone played great, but Michael really had a breakthrough game. It wasn't just that he scored a lot of goals, he was also dishing off to Rafael and Richie, feeding a beautiful lead pass to Rafael who one touched it in the goal.

Next Saturday, we'll have a similar challenge, as I know that at least 3 of our team will not be there. But as Charlie has told me, it's no fun if it isn't a challenge (actually, he said "it's no fun if you know you're going to win" but it's the same message).

Playing like a team

Our game against the BR Troopers was truly outstanding. Not only were we playing hard against a fast and physical team, but for the first time this season, the Stingrays played as a team. Everyone contributed their best game. Players were passing to each other and setting up amazing scoring opportunities. I even saw our team dish the ball off to each other to maintain control rather than attempt a risky penetration.

Our defenders and mid-fielders were really working together to move the ball forward and to control the middle third. Some of our scores were down-right ugly (go John), and some were jaw-droppingly beautiful (go Charlie). But it doesn't matter whether the goals were pretty or ugly. All of our scores were well earned and happened because we created great opportunities. And our defenders completely shut down their attack for our third shutout of the season.

As you know, my coaching style does not emphasize the importance of winning. In fact, we don't really talk about that at all during practice or during the games. Rather we emphasize execution of the basics: first/second defender, short touches on the ball, passing, creating opportunities. When we do the basics right, the right things begin to happen.

I was very pleased and impressed with our boys this weekend. Great job, Stingrays!

Team Unity and Respecting the Game

Occasionally, a situation arises which provides an opportunity for teaching the team about respecting the game. Earlier in the season, we had our blowout game, where we had a chance to talk about sportsmanship and respecting the other team.

We now have another opportunity to learn and grow as a team. I have noticed a tendency by team members to be overly critical of one another, both in practice and in games. Whenever I have actually heard the comments, I immediately address the issue, telling the kids that they should be supportive of one another, and try to help each other, rather than criticize or insult one another. I have noticed that I have had to do this more and more, and I'm sure that it happens when I'm not there to hear it.

It's possible that this is happening because our team, as a whole, is improving, and the boys are able to discern the various skill levels of each other. This is a good thing. But taking a negative approach to dealing with one another is not a good thing and this is what I plan to address in the next couple of weeks.

Over the next few practices and games, I will be stressing how we need to help and support one another with positive comments, attaboys and high fives. I have always talked about "respecting the game" and that means playing fairly, not arguing with the referee, and not
trash talking the other team. It also means not trash talking with ourselves.

Hopefully, my words of encouragement will nip this in the bud. But I am prepared to sit players down who continue to engage in this behavior because it is unacceptable and disruptive. I hope that you also take a moment to talk with your child about this issue and
encourage them to keep a positive attitude on and off the pitch.

Busy Weekend

We had quite the busy weekend. Two games, hot conditions, and a light sprinkle of rain to boot. I thought we played very well in both games. The Saturday game (v Gators International) was a very tight game. We played tough the whole game against a strong team with some very fast forwards. We had a strong offensive push, and several great opportunities to score. And though we fell short in the final score, I was very pleased with how well the team played.

Sunday's game was also tough, but our defense was better at keeping the ball wide, and our goalies (Austin and Pablo) both made excellent saves. Our offense was firing on all cylinders, and we had great execution on getting the ball into the middle. Trevor made some great defensive tackles, Richie really improved playing off the ball, Michael and Rafael made great penetrating drives, and Charlie had some great assists, setting up two of our three goals.

At the half-way point, I must say that I like our two-line system. The boys are playing longer on the field (12-13 minutes a half) and their stamina is getting better. Each line really seems to have its own personality and dynamics, and they are really starting to gel as a team. The team keeps improving with every game. I'm really looking forward to the second half of the season.

Geaux Stingrays!